Page 23 of Dreams That Bind Us
Chapter 7
Key West
Anna pulled up to the curb and put her truck in park, staring at the large white building to her right. It held a rosy glow as the rays from the setting sun bounced off its exterior.
Paradise West boasted four stories and towered over most houses in the neighborhood. It had been grandfathered in as an existing structure before the height restrictions went into place on buildings in Old Town. She knew from personal experience that the view of the ocean from the Widow's Walk was breathtaking and unimpeded by anything nearby.
The last time she’d visited Paradise West had been to communicate with the ghost. And while Anna had been nervous about opening herself to her gift again after such a long time, it had been a positive experience for everyone involved. Amelia received the connection she desired, Annette had the answer she needed, and Anna reawakened her powers by overcoming her doubts and insecurities.
But tonight, Anna would walk into Paradise West as a member of the newly launched Steamy Clams Romance Book Club. It was founded and hosted by the Royal Conch Society,a compilation of Key West matrons who proudly exhibited all aspects of the southernmost island's eclectic lifestyle.
She chuckled. The name of the book club was so typical of the society. Anna hadn't seen any of the society ladies in a while, but memories of their drinking, dancing, and streaking down Duval Street over the years played through her head.
The Royal Conch Society was famous—or infamous depending on who you spoke to—around Key West, especially among the locals. Anna secretly envied their nonconformist and flamboyant attitude toward life.
With a soft sigh, she jumped out of her truck and strolled through the front gate of the compound. In addition to the buildings used for the bed and breakfast operation, the property included a noteworthy garden, courtyard, and a vintage swimming pool.
The sound of music and laughter drew her attention back to the old mansion, and she climbed the porch stairs, drawn by the joyous melody like a moth to flame. The door swung open just as her finger hovered over the doorbell.
"Anna!" Annette called out. "I'm so glad you made it. And you're just in time. The ladies are making a fresh batch of their sangria, and we need as much help as we can get." She latched onto Anna's arm and pulled her through the entryway.
"It's been so long since I've seen you. Well, I mean, since the day James dumped coffee all over you." Annette grimaced, and Anna followed with a wince of her own. The humiliation of that day still burned a little.
"Dang it. I'm sorry I brought that up. Let's forget all that. But anyway, I didn't get a chance to talk to you after. I don't blame you for taking off like that. James was acting like a madman that morning," Annette rambled as she led Anna into the inn’s main room.
"I heard that!"
Anna stiffened at the deep, seductive voice. She’d recognize it in her sleep. Her gaze shot across the room and found James leaning casually against the makeshift bar, looking sexy as sin in khakis and a dark blue linen shirt. His eyes were especially green today, even from where she stood, and the dark stubble on his jaw gave him a rakish look. Two society ladies stood behind him, stirring a glass pitcher full of deep red liquid with slices of fruit floating in it. The corner of his mouth lifted as he waved.
Hazel and Flora glanced up from their concoction and clapped. "Oh, yay!" Hazel gushed. "I'm so glad you could join us, Anna."
"Indeed!" came a husky voice from Anna's other side. Miriam, the de facto leader of the Royal Conch Society, stepped forward with her waist-long gray braids and flowing purple gown. She enveloped Anna in a bone-crushing hug and managed to squeeze even harder. "It's been way too long since we've seen you. You've been hiding from life, girl."
Miriam pulled back, holding Anna at arm’s length. "I'm happy you're here." Her eyes flashed toward the bar. "And I think it would be safe to say that I'm not the only one, if you catch my drift." She released Anna with a lascivious wink and sauntered off.
Annette tapped the book in Anna's hand. "Oh, good! You found a copy of the book. When Iris chose a 1980's bodice ripper, I was worried about everyone finding hard copies. Which wouldn't be a problem if the ladies allowed eBooks in the club," she remarked loudly.
Cornelia scowled from her position on a large overstuffed couch. "Those electronic books just aren't natural." She squeezed her hands in the air. "It doesn't count if you can't hold it in your hands and smell the smut-filled pages."
Anna held up the worn paperback. "My aunt agrees. Would you believe that this is her old copy? She grabbed this from her library when I told her what the club's first read was."
"Is this the same aunt who will be staying here in a couple of weeks?" Annette asked innocently.
Anna dipped her chin. "Yes, that's the one. Aunt Louise."
All activity in the room came to a sudden stop with a collective gasp. The owlish eyes of the society ladies turned toward her in unison. Anna glanced at Annette who merely shrugged her shoulders, then at James. He watched the scene as he sipped a glass of sangria, his seductive gaze pinned on her.
Cornelia edged forward in her seat, her back ramrod straight. "My dear, are you saying your Aunt Louise will be visiting Key West?"
Hazel’s eyes were hopeful as she held her clasped hands beneath her chin. "Louise Marlowe?"
"Yes. Do you know her?"
Flora scoffed, waving a hand in the air. "Are you kidding, honey? Everyone knows Louise. Well, anyone who's been around Key West long enough anyway." One brow arched on Flora's forehead, revealing several exaggerated layers of blue eye shadow. "Does she still do tarot readings?"
Anna bobbed her head, a smile popping out. "Of course. She'll insist on it when she arrives."
"She offered to provide free tarot readings during her stay," Annette added.
