Page 19 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
Christopher glanced around too. “Her younger sister Rose usually has to drive her. And sixteen-year-olds aren’t the most punctual or responsible. Especially Liz’s sister.”
“Why does Rose have to drive her?” Melody asked.
Christopher furrowed a brow behind his dark-rimmed glasses. “You really haven’t been back in a while, huh? Liz doesn’t drive. She quit after the, uh . . .”
Melody swallowed and looked down, suddenly understanding. “I see.”
“So, she’s probably running a bit late.” Christopher gave a small chuckle. “And she’s probably not happy about it. I can fix this.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket, using one hand to bring up his contacts.
“Who are you calling?”
“Matt Coffey lives down the street from Liz. He’s not here either. Maybe he can swing by and pick her up. Liz wouldn’t want to miss this. She thought the world of Jo.” Matt must have answered because Christopher grinned. “Hey, bud. Are you home? . . . Oh, that’s great. Do you think you can pick up Liz? She’s not here yet, so I’m guessing she must be waiting on Rose . . . Yeah . . . Yeah. Okay. See you in a few.” He tapped his screen and shoved his phone into his back pocket. “Matt is on the case.”
“Great,” Melody said.
Christopher held out his open palm. “Can I see your phone?”
Melody felt her lips part. “Hmm? My phone?” She pulled it out of her pocket, but hesitated to hand it over. “Why?”
He wriggled his fingers. “Unlock it first.”
“You’re asking a lot from someone who barely knows you.” And someone who was carrying a grudge from years ago.
Christopher tilted his head, his eyes subtly squinting. “You know me well enough to know I’m not going to steal from you.”
That was true. She didn’t have to like him to admit he didn’t seem like a criminal. Unlocking her phone, she placed it in his palm, her fingers brushing against his skin accidentally. An electrical current zipped through her fingertips, traveling up her arm and into her chest. “What are you doing?”
He tapped along her screen with a quick hand. “I’m adding myself to your contacts. Just in case you need something while you’re back on the isle. A friend, a ride, a burger.”
Melody blinked. “Oh. Thanks.”
He handed her phone back to her. “Don’t hesitate to call or text for anything. I mean it. Your dad has helped my mom a lot over the years, especially after my dad passed away. I want to return the favor. I’m here for whatever you need.”
She swallowed thickly. That was a really nice offer from someone who, as she mentioned earlier, barely knew her anymore.
Christopher started to step away. “Okay. I’ll just go tell Mr. Lyme to wait on Liz.”
Melody grabbed his arm. “Wait. You’re leaving me?” She felt a sudden surge of panic. Grudge or not, he was her buffer. She didn’t want to brave this crowd on her own.
“Don’t worry. You won’t be alone out here. I’m sure everyone is eager to speak to you tonight,” he said as he continued forward, leaving Melody standing by herself. But not for long, which was exactly what she was afraid of.
To: Bri Johnson
From: Liz Dawson
Subject: I hate it when you’re right
Bri,
Read the subject line because I’m only saying this once so that your head doesn’t get too big. Melody does look like she could use a friend. I’m not sure I can go as far as being that to her, but I can be friendly, at least.
Tonight is Jo’s Celebration of Life. I wish you could come. It seems wrong that you can’t be here. She was like family to us all.
Remember her True Love’s Pretzel Knot? Eat it with the one who has caught your eye and you’ll catch that person’s heart? I wonder if she used that recipe on Mr. Lyme. That man is still so smitten with her. It’s adorable. Anyway, Jo confided the secret ingredient with me and that makes me feel like family. The way she always sent me a special card on my birthday did too. Jo was special, and I think my heart will always ache a little now that she’s gone.
When you come home, we’ll have to make butterscotch tea in her memory.
Anyway, thank you for your advice. Read the subject line again.
