“It’s a recent development.” Liz smiled, feeling warm inside from Ethan’s words. Maybe Lady Luck was finally smiling down on her. She hoped it stayed that way.
* * * *
Stella came into the store later that afternoon. She was visibly upset and it looked like she had been crying.
Liz immediately went up to her, putting her arm around Stella’s shoulder. “Stella, what’s the matter? Are you okay?”
Stella hugged Liz and cried. “Oh, Liz, I am so sorry. I swear I didn’t know Gary was like that. How could I not know? He really had us fooled.”
Liz tried to follow Stella’s words but Stella was talking so fast and still crying. Liz looked at Amy and asked her to watch the store while she took Stella in the back and sat her down.
“What’s going on, Stella?” Liz asked with concern, handing Stella a glass of water.
Stella took a deep breath and drank from the glass. “Sorry. I just came from the bank. I was waiting for Stanley to go home with me. Ryan walked in with an arrest warrant for Gary.”
That was news to Liz. She knew they were close but not ready to make an arrest. Why hadn’t Ethan warned her?
“Gary called in sick so Stanley was in charge,” Stella continued. “Ryan pulled us to the side so no one could hear and he told us all the things Gary did to you and your store. Why didn’t you tell me, Liz?”
Liz sighed. Now she wished she had been more honest with Stella about what a creep Gary was. “I didn’t know it was Gary until recently when Ryan told me he suspected Gary. Believe me, I was shocked, too, but I had no idea they had proof or planned on arresting him already. No one has told me anything.”
Stella hugged Liz. “I swear I had no idea Gary was capable of doing those kinds of things. He put on such a nice and polite front all this time. He acted so nice toward us and looked so perfect. Here I am setting you up with a psycho stalker. What kind of friend am I?”
Liz hugged Stella back and got up to make tea. Stella had stopped drinking coffee due to her pregnancy. “Stella, none of this is your fault. Gary fooled a whole town not just you. And you are the very best kind of friend. You set me up with Gary because you care for me. I know that. I didn’t like Gary, that’s true, but I didn’t want to hurt your feelings because you thought so highly of him.”
“I just feel so bad and a little hurt.” Stella sniffed. “You are more important to me than Gary, Liz. Don’t you trust in my friendship?”
Liz sat next to her at the table and grabbed Stella’s hand and apologized. “I had good intentions in not telling you I thought Gary was a jerk, but you’re right I should have trusted you to take the news well. I promise to be more truthful about my dates, Stella.”
Stella sniffed and nodded and sipped the hot tea. “I’m worried now. I hope they get him fast. Stanley is taking this badly. He looked up to Gary and it was a total shock to him. He sent the staff home and closed the bank early. Everything is in an uproar at the bank.”
Liz frowned. Gary must know they were on to him and hopefully he would be far away from Appledale by now. She was living on cloud nine right now thanks to Ethan, and dealing with Gary was sure to burst her bubble.
“Is Stanley with you?” Liz asked, suddenly afraid for the people around her.
Stella nodded, looking much calmer. “He’s in the car waiting. I just couldn’t go home feeling so terrible. I knew if I didn’t talk to you I’d spend the day upset.”
“I am so sorry, Stella. You are my best friend and I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Be careful going home. Gary is crazy and I mean insane crazy. He scared me and I don’t scare easily.” Liz told her about Gary’s latest stunt at her store.
“We’re going right home. We know not to open the door for him now. The diner is closed and Lacy and Ally are in St. Clair meeting with the caterers for the wedding. You need to be careful, Liz, okay?” Stella replied, getting up and hugging Liz. “I like Ethan. He’s a good man. I’m glad something good came out of all this. You and Lacy have some crazy adventures on the way to love. It makes me glad I am an old married woman with a boring life.”
Liz laughed. “Ethan is worth it.”
Stella laughed and went to find her husband so she could go home. It had been a traumatic day for them both.
The rest of the afternoon passed by smoothly with no sign of Gary anywhere, and Liz was glad for that. Ethan showed up on time. Liz had sent Amy home early when things began to slow down. It was getting cold and the forecast predicted snow so people were staying home.
“Hi, angel,” he greeted her and kissed her cheek. Liz could feel the cold coming off of him and shivered.
Liz hugged him anyway then looked up to him. “Have something to tell me, Deputy?”
Ethan knew she was talking about the warrant for Gary. “Sorry, it’s been a crazy day. Let’s go to Thorn’s and get a burger and I will tell you everything. I promise. Gabe made me miss lunch.”
Liz grabbed her coat and purse. “I am hungry.”
They drove over to Thorn’s Bar and Grill. Since it was early evening it wasn’t too crowded. Liz felt a little out of place. She hadn’t bothered to change and still wore the gray wool dress and red belt and red heels she had worn to work.
“I should have put jeans on,” she said, feeling awkward.