First Time in Forever (Puffin Island 1) - Page 38
Lizzy looked at her, dazzled by the halo of golden hair and the bright smile. Skylar wore a cluster of silver bangles on her wrists, and they clinked together as she moved her arms. Lizzy lasted five minutes before climbing onto a chair to take a closer look.
“They’re shiny.”
“They’re silver. Want to try one on?” Sky slid one off her arm. “I made them.”
Lizzy was wide-eyed with awe. “How?”
“It’s what I do. I make jewelry.” She made it sound like a fun hobby, but Emily knew Skylar was starting to make ripples, not just in the jewelry world but also with her glass. She’d recently had a small exhibition in New York, showing not only glass and jewelry, but also ceramics and some of her artwork.
Lizzy fingered the bracelets. “Could I make them?”
“Yes. Not silver, but there are other types of jewelry that are just as pretty. We’ll make something tomorrow. The first stage is always design. Do you have paper and coloring pens?”
Lizzy shook her head and Sky smiled. “Look in the white bag. There are glitter pens underneath the fairy wings and tiara.”
Emily rolled her eyes. “Why not a cowboy outfit?”
“Wanting to be a fairy princess is a perfectly reasonable ambition when you’re six.” Skylar thrust a bulging bag toward her. “This is for you.”
“You bought me fairy wings and a tiara?”
“I bought you the adult equivalent. Something suitable for a summer at the beach, so you don’t have to walk around looking as if you’re taking a lunch break from running a prison. You’re
welcome.” Sky leaned forward and hugged her tightly. “Stop wearing black and undo a few buttons. Let the sunshine in. If you won’t do it for me, do it for your health. Maine has over forty-five identified species of mosquitoes, and black just happens to be their favorite color. Right now you are an insect banquet.”
Later, much later, after a supper of pizza and ice cream followed by a girlie movie marathon, they waited for Lizzy to fall asleep and then curled up on Kathleen’s sofas and shared a bottle of wine.
“I’d give anything for a slice of Kathleen’s apple-topped ginger cake.” Skylar stretched her arms in a long, languid movement that reminded Emily of a contented cat. “With maple cream.”
“It would cost you around a week pounding on the treadmill.”
“It would be worth every stride and every bead of sweat.”
“I don’t know how you can keep such terrible eating habits and stay so slim.”
“It’s nervous energy. So, how has it been?” Settling into the sofa, Sky curled her legs under her, her waterfall of white-blond hair flowing over her shoulder. “I didn’t see anyone with cameras when I arrived.”
“No. I’m starting to think I overreacted. If they’re looking, they’re not looking here. Ryan thinks they’ll be bored with it soon.”
“Ryan? You met a man?” Skylar looked interested. “Tell me more.”
“He’s a local businessman. He owns the Ocean Club. Friend of Brittany’s.”
“Friend? Friend, as in someone she knows, or someone she’s had sex with?”
“I haven’t asked.” And she wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer.
“That’s the difference between us. It would have been my first question. Let’s ask her, although I’m pretty sure she would have told us if there was something to tell.” Sky reached for her phone. “Is he sexy?” She tapped at the keys and pressed Send.
Emily thought about the hard planes of his handsome face and the power of that body. Oh, yes. “Why is that relevant?”
“Because you need some light relief after Neil. You’ll have lines on your forehead before your time, and no man should ever do that to a woman.” Putting her phone down, Skylar leaned forward and topped up her wineglass. “Do you trust him?”
“Ryan? Yes.” It surprised her to discover that she did. “Tell me about you. How is Richard?”
“Busy. Running for senate means he isn’t home much. He wants me to give up my business and travel around the state with him. He says he needs my support.” She talked quickly and Emily listened, dismissing the nagging voice in her head that told her Skylar wasn’t suited to that life.
Who was she to give advice?
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