Page 96 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
She hurried down the hall toward her bedroom, eager to peel off her damp shirt and pants. After pulling on dry clothes, she stepped into the bathroom and turned to look in the mirror. She took a breath and stared herself in the eye. “You better answer that door when he comes back,” she said. Then she blinked. Rose was barely gone a day, and now she was talking to herself. All the reason to answer the door to Matt when he returned. Plus, she really wanted to kiss him again. He’d asked if he was any good and she’d kept that answer to herself. The truth was, she’d never quite been kissed like that, in a good way—the best way.
To: Liz Dawson
From: Bri Johnson
Subject: On the bright side
Liz,
I’d like to say it’s probably not as bad as you think, but it’s not really helpful when people say that, is it? What I do know is that things will get better. Eventually. Hopefully, Melody won’t stay away forever, but if she does, just know that you’re stuck with me no matter what.
B
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
MELODY
Hidden Treasures had come a long way since Melody had arrived in town. She glanced around the shop now, waiting for her real estate agent to arrive and make her acceptance of the buyer’s offer official.
Jo had never been one to keep things tidy necessarily. That wasn’t her way. When Melody had inherited this place, it’d been a mess. Melody thought that was likely the appeal to some—digging through the mounds of donations to locate the one perfect item for an individual. She’d found quite a few items here herself, including the shoes she was currently wearing.
Melody glanced down at her feet, clicking her heels together like Dorothy inThe Wizard of Oz. There’s no place like home. Where even was home for her?
A knock on the glass door got her attention. Abigail Winslow waved from outside. Melody made a gesture to invite her inside. The door was unlocked even though the sign was turned to CLOSED today.
Abigail looked around as she entered. “You sure about this?”
Melody exhaled a breath. Her mind told her she should be sure, but her heart begged to differ. Even though Jo hadn’t had this store when Melody had lived in Trove Isle, this place was sentimental to Melody. She could feel Jo’s presence here. Letting go of the store felt like losing Jo all over again. “I’m sure,” Melody lied. Selling was the most rational thing to do. She didn’t live here and the buyer was offering a lot of money.
Abigail nodded. She laid a briefcase on the glass display case and leaned against the wall. “The buyer’s agent is bringing the paperwork. I’m just here as moral support to make sure you understand exactly what’s going on. If you have any questions . . .”
Melody nodded. “I’m just ready to get this done.” And get out of town. As soon as Melody signed the paperwork, she intended to drive to Charlotte. She’d already told her father goodbye for now.
A knock on the door got both of their attention.
“Speak of the devil,” Abigail said with a frown. “I know her. Be glad I’m here. This woman is the Cruella de Vil of real estate.”
Melody hesitated, but waved the woman inside. She wasn’t surprised that Candy had hired a hard-edged agent.
“Well, hello there.” The woman looked at Abigail. “Abby,” she said, lifting her chin a notch and looking down her nose at Melody’s agent. “Good to see you again.” Her gaze flicked to Melody. “You must be Melody Palmer.”
“I am,” Melody said, watching the woman approach.
“I’m Wendy Mattis.” The woman stepped closer and offered her hand.
Melody shook hands with the woman, already disliking her. There was a clear look of distaste on her face. “Nice to meet you.”
“You as well.” Pulling her hand back, Wendy made a point of assessing the store. “This is some place,” she finally said in a tone that implied that she didn’t mean anything good by that comment. “You know my buyer doesn’t want any of this stuff, right?”
Abigail rolled her eyes. “We’re well aware of that, Wendy.”
Wendy offered a plastic smile, keeping her gaze fixed on Melody. “It’s all going to be thrown out. If there’s anything you want, best to take it.”
Did she have to rub it in that all these things, these treasures, would be taken out like trash? Jo was probably rolling over in her grave, or wherever she was. Melody would do her best to get the things inside Jo’s store donated some place. Maybe Christopher could help.
Wendy rubbed her hands together. “Okay, then. Let’s sign and get this deal done, shall we?” she said, looking between Melody and Abigail.
Abigail gave Melody a pointed look and lowered her voice. “Are you ready?”
