No One But You (Silver Springs #2)(62)

Jessica Spitz, the owner, was inside the shop, creating a new display. She glanced up as the buzzer sounded over the door and stopped what she was doing. “Sadie! I read about the fire in the paper this morning. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Sadie managed a smile, even though she felt extremely uncomfortable in what she was wearing, given how fancy the shop was, and how Jessica was always dressed like she was ready to walk down a red carpet in LA. It didn’t help that she didn’t have much money with which to rectify her situation and would have to check price tags so carefully. “Thanks. It’s a bummer—that’s for sure.”

“But you have renter’s insurance, right?”

Sadie didn’t. She’d been so broke she hadn’t even considered an additional bill. But Jessica made it sound as if every renter would have insurance, so she avoided answering more honestly by saying, “I’ll be okay,” as if she did have coverage.

“How do you think the fire got started?” Jessica asked.

“What’d it say in the paper?” Sadie hadn’t even thought to look. She’d been too distracted with the simple act of recovering and helping Dawson find the vagrant he believed murdered his parents.

“Not much—just that a fire broke out in your home after midnight last night and destroyed half of it before the fire department could put out the blaze. I hope you didn’t lose too many of your things.”

Sadie drew a deep breath. “So do I. The police won’t let me go back yet, so it’ll be a day or two before I find out what’s left.”

“I read that they’re still investigating the origins of the fire.”

“Yeah. That’s what they told me, too.” She wasn’t about to mention that she thought it was arson. She supposed there was a chance that seeing a man in her yard right before she smelled smoke was a coincidence, but it had to be a very small one.

“I’m guessing it was faulty wiring,” Jessica mused. “My aunt once had an electrical fire break out while she was on vacation. Burned her place to the ground.”

“Wow. I’m sorry to hear that,” Sadie said.

“Don’t worry about it. Happened years ago.” Her gaze shifted to Dawson. “And you are...” Once again, Sadie witnessed recognition dawn before she could introduce her new employer. “Dawson Reed,” Jessica finished before they could answer.

Sadie knew he couldn’t enjoy the notoriety he’d gained, but he dipped his head politely in spite of that. “Nice to meet you.”

To Jessica’s credit, she offered him a smile. “It’s nice to meet you, too. So...what can I do for the both of you?” Her gaze swept over Sadie’s comfortable but shapeless apparel. “I take it you need a few things to wear.”

“A blouse and a pair of jeans should get me through, for now.” Sadie didn’t want Jessica to suggest too much, didn’t want Dawson to feel as if he’d have to buy her a lot. Not only was she sensitive to the fact that she couldn’t really afford to shop here, she didn’t want him to feel she was taking advantage of his willingness to loan her what she needed until payday.

“I have a new brand of jeans that’ll look great on your slender figure,” Jessica said.

Slender sounded better than skinny, but mention of her size made Sadie self-conscious in front of Dawson. She knew what he thought of her weight. “Great. I’ll try on a pair,” she said. If Jessica liked the jeans, she knew she would, too, but she had no real hope that she’d be able to buy the latest and greatest, so she slowly gravitated over to the clearance rack, where she found a lightweight sweater that might work and a long-sleeved blouse.

Dawson was playing with Jayden. Sadie could see her son darting between the racks, trying to hide from him, could hear the squeals of delight when Dawson “found” him. Dawson seemed preoccupied until Jessica returned with the jeans she’d suggested and asked if Sadie was ready to “start a room.” Then he looked up as if he was interested to see what she’d chosen.

“Sure.” Sadie followed her into the two-stall changing room in the corner of the boutique.

“Make sure you come out so we can take a look,” Jessica told her as she left.

Sadie checked the price on the jeans first thing—$125. She wasn’t even going to bother putting them on, she told herself.

She tried the sweater first. She liked it, but it was on sale for $44 and the blouse was only $35.

“Are you coming out?” Jessica called.

Afraid she’d sound rude if she refused, Sadie reluctantly pulled on the jeans and walked out to model them. “I like the blouse, but...I’m going to pass on the jeans.”

Jessica’s face fell. “Why? They’re stunning on you. Look at that ass!” She glanced over at Dawson for support, but he immediately went back to playing with Jayden. “And don’t worry about the price,” she added. “I’m going to give you whatever you need half off. It’ll be my way of helping you bounce back from the fire.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Sadie said. “But...are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Thank you.” Although Sadie was grateful, she hated having to accept charity.

Jessica waved her off. “It’s the least I can do after what you’ve been through.”