Safe in Clua

SEVENTEEN

Laia

“What about this?”

“Hmm?” I nod absentmindedly at the gold sequin mini Kenzi’s got held up over my plain black tank and cut-offs.

“Laia, jeez. What’s up with you today? I know it’s Monday and all, but we’re shopping, for crying out loud!”

I jerk my head back and swat at the hand waving in front of my face. “Sorry.” I try to reel my brain back from yesterday’s visit from Felix and the fact that I really can’t afford to be shopping a week before pay day. “I had a weird day yesterday.”

Kenzi offers me a pity-filled smile and cocks her head to the side. “Don’t tell me you’re pissed over Jayne? I’ve no idea what Felix was thinking. Well, I do, but come on.” Her lips twist like she’s just got a nose full of rotten eggs. “Weirdo woman.”

My tummy flattens against my lungs at the memory. “He came around yesterday morning to apologize.”

“He did? And you wait until now to tell me?” Kenzi hangs the dress back onto its rail then narrows her eyes on my face. “What did he say? How did he say it? Details. Details!”

I shake my head. “Jayne told me that he’s only interested in women that look like his ex.” I sink my teeth into my bottom lip.

Her face sobers and she puffs out her cheeks. “Fucking Jayne. He didn’t leave with her, you know that, right?” She sighs again and scratches her forehead. “Laia, there’s something you need to know about Fee. For whatever reason, he’s not talking, but I’d rather you hear this from me than any of the gossips around here.”

A knot ties itself around my windpipe and my heart literally aches at the fight she’s clearly having with herself over telling me Felix’s story.

I pull a pink, faux leather mini dress out and hold it up against her before she takes her next breath. “Don’t you dare say you don’t love this.”

She purses her lips. “Laia…”

I know this face. “Don’t Laia me, I’m fine. It’s fine. I shouldn’t have brought it up. It’s got nothing to do with me.”

“If you two would just—”

“How’s your new neighbor?” I cut her off. I refuse to spend the day obsessing. I won’t be that girl again.

“That man…” Her eyes glaze and she stares into space, fanning her face with a coat hanger. “This morning I ran into him on my way to work. He’d been jogging. Shirtless. I could’ve come on the spot.” Her nose wrinkles but her eyes are clear again by the time they meet mine. “I still can’t believe that he, of all people, has moved in next door to me. Fucking Mylo. It’s like the universe hates me.”

I can’t help but snicker. “Or maybe it loves you.”

“Nope, it definitely hates me.” She shakes her head. “Right. Anyway. Head out of the gutter, woman. I’ve organized the girls’ night this Friday. You’re coming. And make more pie. Simon’s coming. Perfect time to dazzle him with more flavors.”

“Kenzi, I’m not much of a partier—”

“You’re coming.” She pins me with her best menacing scowl.

I roll my eyes. If I say no now, she’s only gonna harp on about it for the rest of the week. And now that I have a cell phone, her harping can follow me home. I know how she works. “Maybe.” I concede grudgingly, not even bothering to hide my mutinous jaw-jut.

“No maybes. My friends are dying to meet you. I’m thinking drinks and nibbles at my house. Si always brings the best snacks.” She grins wide. “And we’ll finish the night with some dancing at The Beach Hut. There’s a DJ playing. He’s amazing. He mixes traditional Cluan with house music. A total local celeb. I can’t believe Felix actually agreed to give me the night off.” She claps her hands like an excited seal and bounces on the balls of her feet.

I’m still stuck on The Beach Hut part of her plans. Yesterday—baking with Felix—was good. It was fun. But maybe too much fun? Distance—I’m in dire need of some distance from him to keep my head straight.

“What’s that look?”

I screw up my face. “Do we really have to go to The Beach Hut? I … I mean it’s your night off, don’t you want to go somewhere else?”

“Sure.” Her eyes crease at the corners with the force of her put on grin. “If toothless pensioners are your thing, we can go to the Clua Local.” She picks up a green jersey maxi dress and holds it over her sun dress. “Or there’s always the Fisherman’s Arms. That place is rocking if you’re partial to the smell of fish and men in yellow overalls. Or there’s a dive bar over in Tenting if you’re into hairy bikers. Or there’s the new night club by the Castle hotel … Oh yeah, it’s not been built yet.”

“Okay, Okay. Point made.” I pull a black, wide-legged jumpsuit from the rack and check the price tag. I really shouldn’t be spending this for a night out. My escape Arizona funds are almost at zero after all the pies I’ve been making.

“You should definitely try that on.” Kenzi nods resolutely when I hold it up against me.