“You don’t have to look so pleased with yourself.”
“Oh, but I am.” She looked around his studio. “One day you won’t feel like you have to hide all of this. What’s the old saying about putting your light under a bushel?”
Rick treated her to a sarcastic smile. “If you break out into a chorus of ‘Let It Shine,’ this conversation is over.”
Jess realized that they were standing there grinning at each other, and she was tempted, so tempted, to rewind about ten minutes and start over with the kissing bit again.
“Well … I guess I should go.” Funny how she didn’t sound as much in a hurry as usual.
“I’m sure we both have work to do,” he replied.
She glanced over at the door, his latest project that was both stunning and generous. “Think about telling Abby and Tom it’s your work. They won’t judge. I promise.”
“Good-bye, Jess.”
She met his gaze one last time.
“Bye, Rick.”
He didn’t follow her to the door, or watch out the window as she drove away, but she couldn’t escape the feeling he was watching her just the same.
It bothered her to realize how much she didn’t really mind.
CHAPTER 11
Jess locked up Treasures and made her way down the hill to the waterfront. She had a date tonight with Sarah, Abby, and Mary for pasta and tiramisu at Gino’s. She’d been hiding away too much lately, giving her classes, manning the store, working on making Christmas stock. She’d stitched so many tartan stockings in the last two days she could practically see plaid behind her eyelids. They were beautiful, but the wool was not her favorite material to work with and just before leaving she’d let her attention slip and she’d stabbed the pad of her index finger with a kilt pin.
Jess let out a breath. The days seemed so short now and the streetlamps were already glowing, guiding her down the hill. Her breath formed clouds in the air and she pulled her scarf closer to her chin, warding off the November wind that blew off the water.
She was close enough to Gino’s that the scent of tomato and garlic hung in the air, urging her to walk faster. Jess was nearly to the little ramp leading to the doors when they swung open and a woman came out, a takeout bag in her arms.
For a moment Jess didn’t recognize her. She wore a funky peaked cap and a dark red leather jacket, along with slim jeans and knee-high boots, giving Jess a fleeting jolt of fashion envy. Then her gaze settled on the woman’s features and it felt as though all the blood drained out of her face.
Of all the people to run into tonight, it had to be Mike Greer’s sister.
Pamela’s gaze burned down on Jess. “I should have known I’d run into you.”
Jess bristled at the resigned tone. She felt like saying, Then why didn’t you stay where you were? but she already knew the answer. Pam had come home because her mom was dying. That was reason enough for Jess to curb her tongue.
Very calmly, Jess took a step back and straightened her spine. “I’m very sorry about your mother,” Jess offered quietly. No matter what Mike had done, she’d never held a grudge against the rest of the family. She’d never said a word against Mike, either—even though Pam had made it clear at the time that she considered the breakup Jess’s fault.
Pamela nodded. “Thanks,” she said as an awkward silence descended on the pair. They’d never been close. Pam had to be a good six, seven years older than her brother, always several years ahead of Jess in school. She’d gone off to university in New York before Jess and Mike had even started dating. Jess didn’t figure he’d been singing her praises to his sister in the years since.
The door to the restaurant opened, expelling more rich scents and the sound of relaxing music. Sarah came out. “Oh good, Jess, you’re here! We were wondering what happened to you. You didn’t pick up your phone.” Sarah finally seemed to pick up on the tension and her smile faded. “Everything okay?”
“Fine.” Jess smiled, while her lips felt stretched holding the artificial expression. “I’ll be there in just a second.”
Sarah went back inside and shut the door after one last worried glance. Without so much as a good-bye, Pam stalked off,
leaving Jess standing in the circle of light by the entrance.
Everyone was inside waiting. Jess wished she could take a few minutes to pull herself together but taking any more time was going to cause even more questions. She took a deep breath, adjusted her handbag on her shoulder, and pulled open the door.
It was warm and welcoming inside and she saw the girls sitting at a table in a corner. The place was quiet—starting in mid-October, cribbage and dart tournaments were held on Tuesdays at The Rusty Fern. She pasted on a smile as she made her way to the table. The worried looks on the girls’ faces made her nervous, but she’d push through. She always did.
“Hey, sorry I held you up. I was talking to someone outside.”
Sarah snorted. “Yeah, Pam Greer. And it didn’t look like a pleasant conversation. Are you okay?”