Page 102 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
Liz leaned over to see what the gift was, and she gasped as well. “A charm.”
The charm was of a teacup. It was gold with amber stones accenting the top.
“Jo always told me we’d share a cup of butterscotch tea when I got out.” Bri wiped at a tear, dangling from her lower lash.
“Butterscotch tea was Jo’s go-to for any occasion. Not sure if you knew, but her cup always had a little something extra.” Mr. Lyme winked.
They all laughed.
“Jo must have known we’d find the bracelet in her shop,” Melody finally said.
Bri shook her head. “She was one of a kind.”
“That she was,” Mr. Lyme agreed. “Anyway, welcome home. When is Ally getting here?”
“Tomorrow,” Bri said. “Her father is putting her on a nonstop flight from California. I can’t wait to hug her.”
“Give her a hug from me as well.” He offered Bri his hand and squeezed.
After he’d walked away, Bri took the tiny charm in her palm and looked at Melody. “Can you add it to the bracelet?”
“Of course.”
Liz watched as one more charm found its link. The bracelet was filling up quickly.
“What’s next?” Bri asked once it was attached.
Melody lifted a hand to answer that question. “We eat and then we have our own little private celebration. Just us.”
Liz nibbled at her lower lip. “And the guys. But we can make them disappear for a while.”
Bri grinned. “I like the sound of that.”
* * *
The night was chilly, even though when the sun had been shining just a few hours earlier, the temperature had climbed into triple digits.
Melody glanced over at her friends. This day had felt like it would never arrive and now that Bri was here, sitting on the ocean shore, it felt like it had always been just like this. Time was relative.
“Hey.” Christopher stepped over to Melody and plopped down beside her. “You look like you’re lost in thought. Care to share?”
Melody leaned her shoulder to his. “I’m just happy, that’s all.” She pulled in a breath and released it into the night, tipping her head back to look at the stars.
Christopher’s hand found hers, covering it with his warm palm. “Me too. Not everyone likes the small-town life, but you really can’t beat a night like this. Good view. Good friends. Good drinks.”
Melody glanced over. “I like this small-town life.”
“Well good, because I like you.” He leaned in, brushing his mouth to hers in a sweet kiss.
“Eww, guys. Come on,” Bri whined. “I just got out of prison. Spare me the PDA at least on my first night.” She was just teasing, of course. Bri seemed happy and carefree, for the most part. “Besides, Liz and Matt are coupled up. Mel and Christopher are making out. I’m the odd woman out. It’s making me consider going back to lock-up.”
Liz laughed. “No, you are not. We’ll find you a date, if that’s what you want.”
Bri frowned. “Don’t threaten me like that. All I want tonight is a glass of wine. Do you know how long it’s been?”
Melody leaned forward and grabbed the basket with wine and glasses inside. “Too long, my friend.”
Matt shared a look with Christopher. “You ladies pour your wine. Christopher and I have business to take care of.”
