Page 30 of Not Part of the Plan
Everyone knew him on sight, plied him with discounts and chatter about how wonderful Blue Moon was, and cheerily sent him on to the next “helpful” destination. His flu-fighting arsenal had grown to six full shopping bags.
Your town is so weird. Haven’t heard from you, so I’m violating your privacy and getting the key from Beckett if you don’t answer your door. See you in five… or tomorrow if I meet any other townsfolk.
He could see evidence of the steadfast Beckett’s taste in the manicured lawn and neatly trimmed shrubbery. Gia’s presence was also notable in the tangle of wind chimes on the wide wraparound porch and the riot of wildflowers spilling out of jewel-toned planters.
He followed Fitz’s instructions and instead of heading to the front door, followed the porch around to the side door and entrance to Beckett’s law practice. He let himself into the sun-filled parlor and found himself face to face with a gothic princess.
She wore a short-sleeved black turtleneck with a crystal skull sewed into the chest, black jeans, and a pair of spiky black stilettos that looked sharp enough to turn murder weapon in a pinch. Her ebony hair was parted on the side and secured in a ponytail.
Her dark purple lips curved in welcome. “Nikolai! I didn’t think I’d get to meet you for a few days.”
“How does everyone know me before I walk in the door in this town?” he asked in exasperation.
“It’s all part of the Blue Moon experience,” she said, eyeing up his shopping bags. “I’m Ellery, by the way. What can I do for you?”
Niko mellowed slightly. “I just wanted to talk to Beckett for a second.” If there was a God in this tiny town, he would make it across the twenty-five feet of grass that separated Beckett’s house from Emma’s before nightfall.
“That’s easy enough. He’s just in with some clients. Can I get you a cup of coffee while you wait?”
He wilted, losing the will to fight the Blue Moon mojo. “Coffee would be great, thanks.”
“You can put your bags over there and have a seat,” Ellery told him, pointing to a table and an overstuffed armchair next to a fireplace on the back wall. Niko dropped his bags on the table and sank into the leather.
He could see Emma’s cottage through the tall leaded glass window.So close, yet so far.He snapped a picture and texted her.
Assuming you are incapacitated. Will be breaking down your door shortly.
“Cream or sugar?” Ellery asked from the coffeemaker.
“I’m surprised you don’t already know,” Niko said dryly. “Black, please.”
A wisp of a smile teased her purple lips. “We’re not that bad.”
“I feel that I would not be exaggerating if I said that the entire town knows what color underwear I’m wearing.”
Ellery handed him a sturdy mug.
“Now you’re just being silly. You’re new and shiny. Blue Moon loves new and shiny. Especially when it’s a little mysterious.”
“There’s nothing mysterious about me,” Niko argued.
“Oh, really? Famed fashion photographer Nikolai Vulkov shows up unannounced in little ol’ Blue Moon with one suitcase and no return date, and we’re not supposed to be curious?”
Niko sipped the coffee. “There’s curious, and then there’s shoving the ‘best little town in the world’ propaganda down my throat. I’m starting to think your town wants me to stick around.”
Ellery didn’t say anything so much as “hmmed” and left him to his brooding. He watched with interest as she bypassed the coffeemaker and instead opened a cabinet and produced a bottle of scotch. She poured a glass, set it on the shelf, and returned the bottle to its home. A minute later Beckett’s office door opened and a middle-aged couple walked out all smiles. The woman was dressed in a flowing, fringed kimono in severe black. The man towered over her, looking like a banker on his day off in khakis and a striped polo.
They enthusiastically shook hands with a haggard-looking Beckett before letting Ellery usher them out the door.
Beckett held up a finger at Niko before he could say anything and reached for the scotch. He downed it in a gulp.
“The Buchanans looked happy,” Ellery commented when she returned.
“I suggested a trial separation period, and they countered with a trial togetherness period,” Beckett said, eyeing the empty glass. “Why in the hell don’t we have a therapist in Blue Moon?”
“A therapist couldn’t handle all this crazy,” Niko sighed.
“It’s not craziness. It’s cultural quirkiness, which is at the heart of this great community,” Ellery said placing her hands over her heart.
