Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)(71)

She knew that from personal experience. She’d been hit by a car when she was eighteen and on leave. She’d ended up with several broken bones and a mashed face. The plastic surgeon had worked miracles, correcting all her facial imperfections. She’d been young and healthy and had healed quickly. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

“Here you go,” Isabel said, pretending to hand her something. “Your basket.”

Felicia bent her elbow, as if she were placing a handle over her forearm. “What’s first?”

“The trees are toward the back, drawing you there. Most of the ornaments will be on them, although I’ll have boxes of some sets on shelves. I want customers to step into the store and not clog up the entrance.” She smiled. “I’m assuming I’ll have more than one shopper at a time.”

“You will,” Felicia assured her. “Your local clientele might wait until closer to the holidays to buy but tourists will know they aren’t coming back and want to take advantage of your inventory while they’re here.”

She and Isabel did pretend shopping. They went through the store’s layout. Felicia did her best to imagine what it would look like.

“Your idea of having the children’s books and the teddy bear collections together is very smart,” she said. “How are parents supposed to resist either?”

“And it keeps kids away from the breakables.” Isabel looked around. “For what it’s worth, I like that layout best.”

“Me, too.” Noelle grinned. “Let’s take a break for a second and clear our heads. I have soda. You two want one?”

“Sure.”

Noelle disappeared into the storeroom, then reappeared with three cans of diet in her hands. She, Isabel and Felicia sank onto the floor and popped the tops.

“I’m a little more encouraged than I was,” Noelle admitted when she’d taken a sip. “I was thinking my Christmas store idea was just plain idiotic. Then I started getting things ready. I swear, every day I leave that front door open, someone wanders in to see what I’m up to.”

“This town takes an interest in its citizens,” Felicia reminded her.

Noelle flashed a grin. “Not always a good thing. It would be a lousy place to try to sneak around.” She looked at Isabel. “Although you’re doing a good job.”

“I’m not sneaking. I’m stealthy.”

“Oh, like there’s a difference,” Noelle said, her voice teasing.

Felicia started to point out there was, but then stopped. This was not the time to be defining words.

“I’ve never been especially stealthy or sneaky,” she said instead. “I like the warmth and sense of community here.”

“Me, too. It’s way different than Los Angeles.” Noelle glanced at Isabel. “And New York.”

“You don’t regret your move?” Felicia asked.

“No. It was impulsive, but I’m happy here. Making friends helps.” Noelle poked Isabel in the arm. “You’re going to find it hard to leave.”

“I hope not.” She wrinkled her nose. “I have appreciated the chance to get away from my trouble, though. The reminders.”

“Not missing men yet?” Noelle asked.

“No. Not yet.”

Felicia smiled at Noelle. “Are you seeing anyone?”

Noelle sighed. “Dating? No. I had a really bad breakup not long before I moved here. We were together three years. I kept putting off the wedding because of work and stuff, which turned out to be a good thing.” She paused as if she was going to say something else but had changed her mind.

More secrets, Felicia thought, knowing there was no point in speculation.

“You’re still living with Gideon,” Noelle said.

“I am. Carter is wonderful. He’s a lot of fun to be with. The adjustment is difficult, but he’s working his way through it.”

“You sound like a mom.”

Felicia flushed with pleasure at the compliment. “I’m trying to be supportive and take care of him. I know that being around him has confirmed that I want to have a family of my own.”

“With Gideon?” Isabel asked.

“He’s made it clear he’s not interested in anything long-term.” Something she’d always known, but saying the words just now made her oddly sad. “I know Gideon’s been through a lot, but he’s less damaged than he thinks. We all have problems and flaws. I believe he feels he’s less human than the rest of us, but that’s not true. Only I don’t think he can be convinced. He has to learn to believe in himself, and I’m not sure he’s willing to take the risk.”

Noelle stared at her. “That was an impressive assessment of him. If I’d been that clearheaded about my fiancé, I wouldn’t have stayed with him for so long.”

“I could be wrong,” Felicia said.

“It doesn’t sound like you are,” Isabel told her. “I’m impressed, too.”

Noelle smiled. “When I first met you, I thought you were some brainiac who wouldn’t know an emotion if it bit you on the butt. I was wrong, and I’m sorry for judging you that way. You’re very warm and caring, and you really get people.” She groaned. “Oh, God. You’re perfect. Now I have to hate you.”