Page 59 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
Mrs. West raised her brows and handed Melody another dish. “Why would anyone be in a rush to leave the isle? This town,” she said, selling her point with a nod and extended arms, “is perfect. It’s safe and there’s good food. Good shopping. Good people. You have friends here. And your father is here too, of course.”
Melody’s father was the only family she had left anymore. “Yes, he is. I’m glad that I’m here for a little while to spend some time with him.”
“I suspect he’s over the moon, even if he doesn’t show it.” She patted Melody’s arm and continued working.
A moment later, Christopher stepped into the kitchen. Melody’s heart gave a little kick. There was nothing romantic between them, she reminded herself.
“You asked me to let you know when it was three o’clock,” he told Melody.
“Right.” Melody placed the last dish in the dishwasher and dried her hands on a nearby towel. “I hate to rush off, but I’m opening my thrift store to Liz and her sister,” she told Mrs. West.
“It’s fine, dear. I’m just glad you were able to come. Maybe you’ll have Sunday lunch with me again while you’re here.”
Melody nodded. “That would be nice.”
“And bring your father next time,” Mrs. West added.
Melody felt an unintended grimace stretch her lips.
Mrs. West laughed heartily and pointed a finger. “He’s a stubborn man, isn’t he?”
“And his daughter didn’t fall far from the tree,” Christopher teased. He looked at Melody. “I’ll drive you to the thrift store, if you want.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. How would I get back? If I don’t have a car.”
“I’d stay and drive you home afterward.”
“You’ll stay while I help Rose find a prom dress?” Melody asked.
Christopher shrugged. “Sounds like a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon to me. Maybe I’ll find something to wear to prom too.”
Melody cocked her head to one side. “You?”
“I’m one of the chaperones. Only the cool teachers get to chaperone, so it’s quite the honor,” he told her. “I’m also allowed to bring a date.” He looked at her expectantly, as if waiting for her to answer.
He hadn’t exactly asked her anything though, which was good because she wouldn’t have known how to respond. He’d turned Alyssa’s promposal down all those years ago. Even if she wasn’t holding that against him anymore, it would still be awkward if Melody went to a prom with him now. Wouldn’t it? Since he hadn’t asked, she pushed her reservations away and focused on the present moment. “I’d love for you to drive me to Hidden Treasures. Thanks.”
After hugging and thanking Mrs. West again, Melody and Christopher stepped out of the house and got into Christopher’s truck. Within a few minutes, they turned onto Seagull Street and headed toward Hidden Treasures Thrift Store. Melody spotted Liz standing with Rose outside the shop as Christopher pulled up to the curb and parked.
“You think there’s anything in my size?” Christopher asked as he turned off the ignition.
“To wear to prom?” Melody clarified.
“Well, I wear the same boring suit every year. I wouldn’t mind finding something with a little more style.”
“Anything you could ever want is in that store. I don’t know where Jo found all that stuff.” Melody’s mind flashed to an image of her aunt dumpster diving but she shook it off, preferring to block that part of her aunt’s life out. “I’ll help you look while Liz and Rose pick through the dresses.”
“Sounds like a plan. I wonder if Matt has asked Liz to be his date yet,” Christopher said as he stepped out of the truck. He walked around and met Melody beside the truck.
“Matt’s chaperoning too? I thought he works for the police department.”
Christopher grinned. “This is a small town, Mel. The high school likes to have a good relationship with the PD. The department takes on student volunteers and the school invites officers to all their events. Matt just happens to be the lucky one because he’s my best friend and I insist.”
Melody smiled. “And what makes you so sure he’s planning to ask Liz to be his date?”
“Because he asks her every year. And every year she says no.”
Melody wondered again if Christopher was going to ask her. If Liz could turn Matt down, she could turn Christopher down. And she should. He was a nice guy and all. Handsome too. But even without the added weirdness of his history with Alyssa, she wasn’t staying in Trove.
