A High-End Finish(76)

“Hooray for pizza,” I said, reaching for my first piece. “I’m feeling so much better. I didn’t want to tell anyone how dizzy I was for a while, but that’s all cleared up.”

“I’m really glad.” She poured herself a glass of wine and handed me a small bottle of apple juice. Wine was still forbidden, and that was getting old, too.

“Of course, we still have no idea who did it.”

“And it’s driving everyone in town crazy,” she said as she sat down and placed a slice of pizza on her plate. “This kind of stuff has never happened here.”

“I know. I’m as mystified as anyone.”

Lizzie swallowed a small bite of pizza. “But now everybody goes around eyeing strangers and friends alike. Nobody trusts anyone. That’s the worst part.”

“I hate hearing that.”

“Luisa Capello was taken in for questioning,” she said.

“What? No way. Really?”

“She was dating Jerry Saxton. Did you know that?”

“Yeah. I heard.” I’d included Luisa’s name on my personal suspect list right after Jerry Saxton was found. But how could she have had anything to do with Wendell’s death? Or my attack? Unless the police knew something I didn’t know.

I suppose that’s possible, I thought, and chuckled at myself.

“Things have really gone squirrelly, as Taz would say.” Lizzie grabbed her wineglass and took a healthy sip. “And what must be going through Mac’s mind? He just moved here. He must think we’re a town full of bloodthirsty pirates.”

“I wouldn’t know what he’s thinking because he’s been holed up in his room writing all week.” I was beginning to feel some pressure behind my eyes and grabbed two headache pills to ward off the pain. “Let’s talk about something pleasant. How’s the store doing?”

“Business is booming. It’s probably because I’m your friend. Everyone comes in to talk—well, gossip, really—about you, of course. And then they feel so guilty for trying to suck information out of me that they end up buying something. And I’m perfectly happy to guilt them into it.”

I laughed. “Good to know I’m helping to drive commerce.”

“You are, believe me.” She put her wineglass down and fiddled with her rings, so I knew she was nervous about something.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Well, don’t get bent out of shape, but I’ve met a really nice man. He’s in sales. He came into the store the other day and we hit it off.”

“What does Hal have to say about this?”

“Very funny,” she said, brushing off my question. “Look, since I haven’t seen you going out with either Mac or with Eric, I figured nothing was happening there, so I thought I would ask you if you wanted to meet Frank.”

Was my jaw on the floor? I couldn’t believe it. “You’re joking, right? You’re honestly asking me to go on another blind date?”

“No,” she said bluntly. “Look, I want you to be happy and settled. You live a good life and you’re a wonderful friend, but I don’t think you’ve been really happy for a long time. And I haven’t noticed Mac making any moves in your direction. And as far as Eric is concerned, well, does he still think you’re guilty of something? Because he’s not coming around, either. So I say it’s time to look elsewhere.”

“Like with Jerry?”

Lizzie winced. “Okay, granted, Jerry was a mistake. This guy Frank, though, is a gem. I really think the two of you could hit it off together.”

Rather than blow a fuse, I actually smiled at Lizzie’s latest attempt to set me up.

It made me realize that I hadn’t told any of my friends about Mac kissing me or about Eric’s sweet words of determination in the hospital. I knew why I’d kept mum. I just wanted to keep a few little secrets close to my heart for as long as possible, because I knew that as soon as I mentioned them to anyone, they would cease to be mine and become breaking news on the Lighthouse Cove gossip wire.

And though I wanted to keep a few things to myself, I had to convince Lizzie to quit the matchmaking already. I tried for a gentle smile. “Thank you for thinking of me, but no. I’m sure Frank is a nice guy, but I refuse any more setups.”

“Come on, it wasn’t that bad.”

“Jerry ended up dead, remember?”

“Yes, but it wasn’t your fault.”

“Thanks for that,” I said, and patted her hand. “But seriously, Lizzie, let it go, okay?”

“Fine. I’m officially retiring as your date Yoda.”

“Thank you, O wise one.” I gave her half a bow.

“Very funny,” Lizzie muttered, and sank back into the couch. Then she perked right up. “You could always try dating a woman for a nice change of pace.”

I gawped at this person I’d known since I was in first grade. I had shared countless secrets with her over the years because she had been my babysitter and an older woman by five years. She had life experience. Naturally I had looked up to her. But somehow, just recently when I wasn’t looking, she had gone bat-crazy insane.

“Are you high?” I asked.

“Of course not,” Lizzie said, and leaned forward across the table. “Shannon, men haven’t been working out for you, so . . .”