Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth (best ereader under 100 .TXT) 📗

and took a sip. “No. It’s been a really long week, so I took a nap when I got in.” The Southern accent peeked out with her last words.

“You’re from Savannah, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Any layovers?”

“Just one in Miami.”

“Well, hopefully, you’ll feel better by tomorrow and you can begin to enjoy some of the wonderful things around here. But I’m glad you got out this evening; the food here is fabulous.”

“I didn’t realize how long it had been since I had actually eaten.” She pressed her hands against her stomach. “I’m starving.”

Riley watched as the corners of Tamyra’s mouth rose. But nothing went with it. The heaviness was embedded in her like the seashells in the countertop. “Well, please know that I’m here to do whatever I can to make your stay all that you need it to be. I want you to enjoy every moment you’re here. And I’ll make sure your mother knows you’re okay,” she said with a wink.

Tamyra shook her head. “Good luck with that. You may tell her, but I doubt you’ll convince her.”

“Why, hello there!” Winnie’s voice was both unmistakable and unavoidable.

Riley looked up and watched as Winnie headed their way, the stones on her jacket catching the light and reflecting across Winnie’s face. She could be her own disco ball. Winnie’s face broke out in a captivating smile, stretching her hot pink lips to their maximum potential. None of the grief her children had mentioned was apparent in any measure.

“Hello, Winnie,” Riley said, smiling at the white-haired, petite grandmother of five, her olive skin already pink from the Bahamian sunshine.

“Hey, Riley. Oh, baby girl, what a day this has been,” she said, pulling out the barstool on the other side of Tamyra. “I sat on that balcony, looking out at the beautiful ocean all afternoon. I think I read twenty chapters from my new book. And it had nothing to do with how to keep a high schooler from becoming a hoodlum.”

Riley laughed. “Winnie, this is Tamyra Larsen. Tamyra, this is Mrs. Winnie Harris.”

“Well, how do you do, Miss Tamyra? Aren’t you a beautiful young lady,” Winnie said, extending her hand.

Tamyra reached her long hand out to Winnie’s. “Thank you, Mrs. Harris. Nice to meet you.”

Winnie waved her hand in the air in an exaggerated movement. “Call me Winnie, please. For this entire week I am boycotting Mrs. Harris. So just Winnie.”

“Okay, Winnie.”

Riley looked at her watch. It was five after six. From what she had been told of Laine Fulton, she was never late. She glanced over her shoulder. The group of young men had moved to their seats, leaving an empty bar and an unobstructed view of the entrance. There was no Laine.

“You have to be a beauty queen or model or something,” Winnie said.

Riley turned back and watched as Winnie hauled herself onto the stool.

“You’re just too drop-dead gorgeous. I mean seriously. You are a stunning young woman. Now don’t think I’m being weird or anything. I have three beautiful children and was married for fifty years. But you look like a celebrity.”

Tamyra ran her fingers down the side of her glass. “I won a pageant a little while back, but it’s no big deal really.”

“I knew it! I did. I knew it. Well, we’ll keep those boys at bay for you,” Winnie said, patting the top of Tamyra’s hand.

Tamyra moved her hand quickly and responded with as much speed. “I have no interest in boys.”

Winnie sat back in her chair; a slight look of horror crossed her face. “Oh, honey. Don’t tell me that.”

Riley tried not to choke on her drink.

Tamyra corrected the misconception. “I mean I’m not looking for a man. I’m completely happy being single.”

A puff of air exploded from Winnie’s lungs. “Oh, thank God.”

Riley knew she needed to intervene. “Tamyra, we’ll let you enjoy your dinner. It was wonderful to see you, and remember what I said,” she said as she stood.

Tamyra turned toward Riley. The gratitude was evident in her eyes. “I will. I definitely will.”

“Winnie, come with me and I’ll make sure they give you a great table.”

“But this young lady doesn’t need to eat alone,” Winnie said.

“She’ll be fine,” Riley assured her.

But Winnie’s attention shifted quickly from Riley. She stared at the entrance with a shocked expression. Riley turned to see what had captured Winnie so completely. Laine Fulton was walking through the door.

* * *

“Oh, my word, that’s Laine Fulton.”

Laine could read the lips of the woman next to Riley. She watched as Riley took the woman by the elbow and led her toward the hostess stand. The woman never took her eyes off of Laine.

“Karin, would you make sure you give Mrs. Harris a lovely table by the window? Over there, by the beautiful picture windows.” Riley nodded toward the far wall. “Then when you get back, could you take me and Ms. Fulton to our seat in the back?”

The hostess gave an exaggerated nod, picked up a menu, and took the bedazzled woman by the arm. “Right this way, Mrs. Harris.”

Mrs. Harris didn’t move. She just stood there. Eyes fixed on Laine. Laine gave her a small smile and a brief nod.

The hostess tugged her slightly. “Mrs. Harris?”

She finally removed her stare from Laine and gave her attention to the hostess. “Yes. Sure. Winnie. Please, call me Winnie.”

Laine watched Riley exhale slowly as she turned toward her. She had obviously been nervous about the attention of this fan. “Hello. Did you get settled in?”

“One of the young men got everything situated for me, yes.”

“I’m so glad. Looks like you got a little bit of our sunshine,” Riley said, touching her own nose.

Laine patted her cheek with the back of her hand. “Yes, I did.”

“September really is a great time of year to come. Plus, it’s quieter. Which is nice if you’re willing to risk a hurricane.”

Laine’s brow furrowed. “Are you expecting a hurricane?” She had checked the weather before she left.

“There’s a disturbance out there right now. But we’ll just keep our eyes on it. We