Her censure stung. “It wasn’t like that, Whitney. It’s just, I started really opening up to him because he seemed into me. And when I would ask him questions, he never answered them. I just don’t know if I have it in me to let someone in my life who could hurt me. I’ve been down that road and it’s not fun.”
Whitney put her arm around my shoulders. “He likes you, Sky. Everyone can see the way he looks at you. If you never give someone a chance, how will you ever know if it’s right?”
“I’m sorry to be nosy but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.”
Whitney and I looked up in surprise at the older woman who had been shopping next to us. “Excuse me?” I asked, taken aback.
The woman was beautiful in that timeless way where her age could be anywhere between forty and sixty. She had long blonde hair without a streak of grey—she had to dye it— and a body that made me envious. So why was this gorgeous stranger jumping into our conversation?
“I’m sorry, I probably should mind my own business, but ladies need to stick together and when I hear a pretty young thing like yourself talking about an obvious asshole, we older gals need to step in.” She gave me a sympathetic smile.
“She never said he was an asshole,” Whitney argued, frowning.
“No, of course not. You seem like such a nice woman,” she went on, looking at me. “It’s just that I heard you talking about a man and whether you should give things a go. In my experience, trust your instincts, sweety. It’s when we don’t that we get into trouble.”
“But what if my instincts are wrong?” I found myself asking her. I didn’t know why I found myself opening up to this stranger. But something was inviting about her face that made me want to sit down and drink coffee with her and tell her all my problems.
The woman put a hand on my arm. I noticed offhandedly the number of rings she wore. Her hand was literally weighed down with diamonds. And by the way she dressed she clearly had money.
“Women are too often made to feel like we should ignore what our gut tells us. We push aside our best interests when a handsome face comes along. We have to learn to be smarter than that. Forget about this guy. If you think he could hurt you, then don’t risk it. No man is worth it.”
I found myself nodding as Whitney shook her head.
“That sounds entirely too jaded to me,” Whitney said. “The man we’re talking about is a good guy—”
“So many of them start that way,” the lady interrupted, giving me a knowing look. “I get the feeling you know that better than most.”
“You’re right,” I said with enthusiasm. I held out my hand for her to shake. “I’m Skylar.”
The beautiful older woman shook my hand. “You can call me Tiff. I just moved to the area and decided to do a little shopping. I didn’t plan to play the part of the nosy Karen when I left the house today. I’m sorry if I was being rude,” she apologized.
“No, don’t apologize. I actually appreciate the advice,” I told her sincerely. Whitney had wandered off. “So, you just moved to Southport?”
Tiff nodded. The name really didn’t suit her. She was too classy for a name like that. “I’m in the process of buying a house in town, but it’s taking longer than I thought. I’m staying in the bed and breakfast near the park.”
“Oh, that’s a nice place. I hope you’re enjoying it. My great aunt used to live there before it was sold and became a B&B.”
“This is a lovely town. A far cry from the city. But a change of pace is exactly what I’m looking for.” Tiff picked up a blouse, a pink gauzy number with a low neckline, and held it against her front. I could tell it would look amazing on her.
“Do you know anyone in Southport? What made you come here?” I asked. I realized I was following this random woman around the store. I wasn’t usually the kind of person to strike a conversation with a complete stranger, but Tiff had a ‘talk to me’ face and after spending so much time alone I was starving for any interaction.
“Actually, I came here for someone. A man I lost touch with. He was special to me. I’m hoping to reconnect now that we’re living in the same town,” Tiff said with a soft smile on her face.
“That’s wonderful. I hope he’s someone worth the time,” I replied.
Tiff draped the blouse over her arm and turned to me. “Oh, he is. He’s more than worth it. Remember I said to trust your instincts. I knew from the minute I met this man I couldn’t let him get away. I stupidly did, now I’m here to correct my mistake.” Her face clouded for a moment before it cleared again. “I can’t wait to see his face when he realizes I’m here.”