Page 78 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
Liz laughed quietly. “Alyssa had a way with words, didn’t she?”
“She did. I think she’d be happy for you. You’re taking a lot of huge steps here lately.”
Liz’s fingers found the muffin charm, her skin trailing the textured frosting. “I’m not sure what scares me more. Going to prom or talking to my mom about The Bitery.”
“Well, the bracelet stays on your wrist for both.”
“Are you sure?” Liz was hoping to wear it longer, but she didn’t want to monopolize it.
“I’m positive. You need it more than I do. And I just promised Bri that I wouldn’t let you back down. I don’t want to go back on that commitment. I won’t.” Melody shook her head.
Liz reached over and squeezed Melody’s arm.
“Can we stop by Hidden Treasures on the way home?” Melody asked. “I just need to take the donations inside. It looks like it might rain.”
“Sure. I’ll help. I don’t have anywhere to be. Rose has taken to bringing her boyfriend back to my house so I don’t mind delaying being a third wheel.”
Melody cringed. “I guess that means she feels comfortable at your place.”
“Yeah. She’s not hiding in the guestroom or leaving every chance she gets anymore. We’ve made progress. It’s nice. And I actually like the guy. I think he’s good for her.”
“You trust him to be alone with your sister?” Melody asked.
Liz thought for a moment. “Not really, but Matt gave him his seal of approval. And I don’t need to trust him. I trust Rose.” Which was progress. Liz and Rose had come a long way in their relationship this summer.
Melody stopped at a red light and looked over at Liz. “If you’re wondering, I give Matt my seal of approval for you.”
Liz suppressed a sigh. She was tired of protesting that she and Matt were anything more than neighbors and friends. Thunder clapped overhead and Liz noted the way Melody stiffened. She pressed the gas and the car’s speed picked up. Liz grabbed the handle on the passenger door, squeezing gently and reminding herself that she was safe. What were the odds of getting in two car accidents with her best friend in this lifetime?
“You okay?” Melody asked. “Do I need to slow down? I just don’t want any donations to get ruined. I’m still going below the speed limit.”
Liz inhaled deeply. “I’m fine. It’s okay.” She exhaled and noticed the slight sprinkle that began to hit the front windshield. “You can even go a little faster if you need to. I think as long as you’re less than five miles per hour above the speed limit, you’re safe.”
“Five above the speed limit?” Melody grinned. “Who are you and what have you done with Liz Dawson?”
To: Liz Dawson
From: Bri Johnson
Subject: Score one for the home team!
Liz,
Good news! The fight that won me this black eye isn’t going to add any prison time to my sentence. I didn’t start the fight and I didn’t even fight back. Witnesses backed me up on that. I was a bit surprised because Tilly, the one who gave me the shiner, has a way of getting people to say and do what she wants. Not this time.
Anyway, I just wanted you to know. The countdown is still on!
B
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
MELODY
When Melody opened the back door to the thrift store three days later, she paused and gaped at the large pile of donations. She wasn’t sure if it was from one person or if the entire town had decided to do their spring cleaning all at once and drop their possessions behind Jo’s store.Herstore.
Melody didn’t move for a moment. Did Jo get this many donations all the time? No wonder the store was so popular here among the locals. All the reason to keep it running as a thrift shop. She’d spoken to Abigail Winslow about her terms earlier today. There must be someone on the isle who would want to run this place.
Bending, Melody picked up several boxes and carried them inside. She repeated the process until everything was toppled over in her back room, ready for her to go through, clean, and tag.
