Beauty Secrets Cozy Mystery Boxed Set 1 Page 19

  “What made you start considering Eric?” I asked.

  “We would’ve eventually, as normal protocol, but it was the note he left on your car that propelled the investigation. We got lucky when his print matched. It’s when you mentioned Delgado that I started to put all the pieces together.”

  Turns out, Detective Brandle was a better detective than I gave him credit for. It would’ve been nice if he could’ve clued me in to it all.

  “What did Delgado have to say?” I was eager to see where this conversation would lead.

  “He’s really not a bad guy; likes people to think he is, better for his business. He knew Roger was stealing from him, but they worked out a deal. That’s why Roger was selling his boat.”

  “To pay off his debt,” I said.

  “Exactly,” replied the detective.

  So, Marion had been right. Roger really didn’t have the cash. Looked like he got in over his head with his lavish lifestyle. It also looked like Roger’s plan hadn’t been good enough for Eric. That, or he couldn’t forgive him.

  “So, now what?” I asked.

  “Now we head down to the station to file your statement. We need all the evidence we can get if we’re going to put Eric away for life.”

  Yesterday had been a long day. Between knocking out Eric and spending hours at the police station, I was more than ready to put the day behind me. The next morning was different. I woke with a clear head and a refreshed soul, ready to tackle the day. My product shipment that had been delivered the day before, was ready and waiting to be packaged and delivered. It felt good to be working, and I knew my clients would be happy to have their new summer collections soon. I smiled when I saw all of Aria’s nail polishes, and set them aside. Man, I loved that girl. I was beyond thankful to hear Delgado had been cleared. I’d still have to fess up to my original suspicions and, of course, fill her in on her car, but it looked like she and Delgado could have their happily ever after, or however long the relationship lasted.

  I thought about how crazy the past week had been, on the drive over to Marion’s. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the last product drop-off at her house. I prayed to never find myself in a similar situation. Marion already had company when I got there, but I decided to pull in anyway. I parked the pickup alongside the other car and grabbed Marion’s gift bag, shutting the car door with my hip.

  Walking up Marion’s driveway, I thought about what a gorgeous day it was. If you could believe it, it was actually cool out. The night before, a rain storm rolled through and brought relief from the heat and humidity. Today, it wasn’t supposed to be warmer than seventy-five. I was loving it. It might have been cool outside, but it looked like things were heating up in Marion’s doorway. The sight of she and Dr. Michelson embracing in the entryway stopped me short. Marion didn’t need my gift bag. The doctor was already adding color to her cheeks with a sweet kiss goodbye. From the looks of it, this wasn’t the first time they had shared an intimate moment. I froze, barely hidden behind a Japanese maple tree, and found myself wishing I would’ve dressed in black. But then again, the dark hue wouldn’t have helped me hide on a beautiful day like today.

  The front glass door opened and I averted my eyes to the ornamental tree. My fingers automatically traced the delicate leaves, pretending to be consumed by their miniature beauty.

  “Good morning, Ziva,” Dr. Michelson said. He looked surprised to see me, but wasn’t embarrassed.

  I copied his expression. “Morning, Dr. Michelson.”

  “A gift for Marion?” he asked pointing to the bag.

  “Just her latest delivery,” I said.

  “Oh, I was going to say that if it was a present, she doesn’t need it. I’ve given her enough to smile about today.”

  Oh my. If I was the type who blushed, it would’ve been at that moment.

  “Have a good day,” he said with a wink. I was left on the front porch, speechless. Marion came to the door to investigate, and saw the look on my face. Awkward wasn’t an adequate word to describe my feelings. Remembering her manners, Marion opened the security door and invited me in. Charlie came galloping behind her to greet me.

  “This is for you.” I handed Marion the gift bag and bent down to pet Charlie. “Hey, buddy. You’re looking good, much better than last time.” Charlie sat against my legs, his stubby tail thumping rhythmically against the floor. His gray muzzle nudged my hand with excitement. He loved the attention, and I gave him my all. I petted him for another minute and then stood up to face Marion.

  “How are you holding up?” I asked. Talking about Roger seemed like a safe topic of conversation.

  “Good,” Marion said, massaging her hands. “The funeral is on Wednesday. Did you see that in the paper?”

  “No, I haven’t yet,” I said.

  “Philip sent in the obit. It’ll be in tonight’s paper too,” she added.

  I wasn’t a read-the-paper sort of gal, but I told Marion I would check it out. It seemed like the polite thing to say. “Do you guys need anything? I can make something for the luncheon if you’re having one,” I offered. More like I’d buy something, but same difference.

  “Oh no, don’t worry about it. It’s all taken care of. Rich is paying to have it catered.”

  Dr. Michelson was paying to cater the funeral luncheon? This was all just too weird. I couldn’t keep my mouth shut anymore. “What’s the story with you two anyway?” I asked.

  “It’s complicated,” Marion replied.

  “Yeah, I figured that much out on my own,” I said with a smile.

  “I guess you have, so I’ll tell you this. I’ve known Rich for a long time. Thought he was the one, but it didn’t work out.”

  “Why not?” They clearly looked head over heels for one another.

  “We were young. He was focused on med school, and I didn’t want to wait. It was the biggest mistake of my life.” Marion’s voice was full of regret.

  “So, you married Roger and the rest is history?” I asked.

  “Pretty much. I married the lying, cheating jerk and lived with my choice for the last thirty years,” she said.

  “You and Rich never…” I didn’t want to say what I was thinking.

  “Had an affair? No, I never stepped outside of my marriage. Not that anyone would’ve blamed me if I had.” She was right about that. “No, I still had morals and kept my vows, even if I was the only one.”

  Wow, that was commendable.

  “But, now, things are different. I’m so ready for now,” she said, and then she started crying. Gah. Did I mention how much I hate when people cry? Seriously, nothing makes me more uncomfortable. I never, ever, know what to say. I always feel like such an idiot.

  “I’m sorry,” she said after a moment.

  I walked over and gave her a hug. For once, the right words came to mind. “You deserve to be happy,” I said.

  Marion used the back of her hand to wipe away her tears. “I don’t know why I deserve it any more than the next person, but thank you.”

  I had a lot on my mind after leaving Marion’s house. While I drove over to Mrs. J.’s, I thought about Finn and wondered what our future held. The man definitely had potential. It had been awhile since I’d been able to say that about any man. I prayed that I was becoming a better judge of character. I didn’t want to have two ex-fiancés.

  My cell phone rang as I was getting out of the car. Like usual, Mrs. J. was sitting on her front porch—sweet tea at her side and a piece of pie on the breakfast table—just waiting for a visitor. She was dressed head to toe in black, no doubt already in mourning for the funeral tomorrow. My heart flipped when I looked down and saw Aria calling. It wasn’t the best timing, but I had to take it. I turned my back to the porch, but I knew Mrs. J. would still pick up the conversation.

  “Girlie, what’s up? I’ve been wanting to talk to you for days,” I said.

  “Ziva, can you hear me?” Aria’s phone was cutting in and out.

  “Barely. What’s
up?” I shouted back. Aria replied, but I couldn’t make out what she said. “What? I can’t hear you?” Now was not the time for poor reception.

  Then her phone became crystal clear as she shouted, “I’m engaged!” I pulled the phone away in shock. Mrs. J. screamed in excitement on the front porch.

  “Can you believe it? Engaged!” Aria shouted, “And you’ve got to see this ring.”

  “I bet it’s amazing.” I could only imagine what type of bling Delgado had placed on her finger. I was beyond thankful that he was an innocent man. I didn’t want to think about the conversation we’d be having if he wasn’t.

  I had been planning on telling Aria about her beloved car when she called, but I was not about to spoil her happiness. In fact, I just made up my mind to call her insurance company and try to get it taken care of before she got back.

  Aria screamed with excitement and I smiled. This, this is what life was all about. I could’ve given her crap about just having met the guy and how crazy she was acting, but I didn’t. For once, I could let go of the stress from the past week and let Aria’s happiness wash over me. Life was good.

  Kiss & Makeup

  Beauty Secrets Book 2

  Stephanie Damore

  Copyright © Stephanie Damore 2017

  The mortal right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical (including but not limited to: the Internet, photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system), without prior permission in writing from the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  To Jimmy Johns,

  For feeding my kids so I could write.

  Thank you.

  1

  “But is it too white?” Aria stared at herself in the floor-length mirror.

  I glanced up from my phone, totally over this whole wedding-dress business. What was supposed to be a thirty-minute dress fitting had turned into a three-hour ordeal. Never mind the fact that it was also my birthday and Aria had completely forgotten it. Add that to the fact that she had tried on dozens of gowns before settling on this one two months ago; and now at her final fitting, she was having second thoughts? You could see my annoyance.

  The seamstress, Aria’s cousin, and the other bridesmaid—Christina—were all doing their best to reassure her. “Too white? Impossible. You look gorgeous,” Christina said. She walked around Aria, fluffing and primping the dress. Christina was a perfectionist and she liked everything just so, including her nude-colored manicure and her intricate hair braids. I tried to ignore her, which was my general MO when it came to Christina. She always thought she was right. Always has.

  “Simply beautiful,” the seamstress said.

  I sided with Aria. One: she hated wearing white. In fact, Aria gravitated toward brighter colors. Red was more her style. And two: the fit was all wrong. Don’t get me wrong, the high-necked beaded lace gown was gorgeous, but it just wasn’t Aria. I would’ve told her all this the first time around but, well, I wasn’t there. I had been so busy expanding my beauty business that I hadn’t had much time to help Aria plan her wedding. No matter. It seemed Christina was stepping up and filling that role, even if she was only a bridesmaid again. A fact that I think she mentioned just twice today. An improvement.

  “Girl, what do you think?” Aria looked over at me for approval.

  Crud. She knew I couldn’t lie to her, but her wedding was only a week away. As in, she had exactly six days until she’d become Mrs. Vincent Delgado. She didn’t have much time to order a new custom gown.

  “Sorry.” I put down my phone. “I was just texting Mrs. DeVine. I told her about that rental space. Remember the one I told you about on Main? I think it’s perfect, and she agrees. Gotta talk a few more business details with her later in the week.”

  Mrs. DeVine was the investment backer for my new beauty business. I had managed to fund the initial research and product run, but that was about as far as my ex’s engagement ring had gotten me. Without Mrs. DeVine’s support, my business would’ve been operated out of my apartment for the foreseeable future. I was incredibly lucky to have her on board, but that also meant needing to run things by her and stay in her good graces, which also meant attending the social events she hosted once a month. These gatherings were basically a giant cocktail party for the rich and famous of Savannah, with a little business networking thrown in. The next one was this upcoming Wednesday and I promised her I’d be there, even if I’d rather be at home binge watching Netflix.

  “Is that a hive?” I took a closer look at my bestie’s face. Her usual warm skin tone was turning into a blotchy mess. “Girl, you gotta calm down. You know you could wear a trash bag and Vince would still marry you.” True story. The man adored her. Plus, he was filthy rich, which somehow made it even more exciting. He bought islands and fancy cars the way some people bought shoes or scratch-off lottery tickets. (Hey, don’t judge.)

  “You’re right.” Aria took a deep breath.

  I stood up from the cream-colored couch. “Listen, I’d love to continue our little party, but I have a hot date and a cake with my name on it waiting for me.”

  It was Seaside Days. The annual kick-off-the-summer festival Port Haven was known for. Finn was going to meet me there to celebrate my birthday and watch the bake-off action. Mrs. Birdie Jackson, aka Mrs. J., the town gossip queen and my surrogate nana, was after the championship title and the competition was fierce. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, even if she didn’t also have a birthday cake waiting for me. Not to mention the fact there were plenty of free samples to go around too. If I was lucky, maybe even a corn dog. Carnival eats should be their own food group.

  “But, we’re not done yet,” Christina insisted, referencing the list on her ever-present clipboard.

  “Oh, but you know me and cake,” I said with a devilish smile.

  “Oh, girl, I’m so sorry.” Aria turned awkwardly to step down from the carpeted pedestal. The fabric twisted around her feet. I went to her instead. “I can’t believe I totally forgot. Happy birthday!”

  “It’s okay, girl. You’re a bit of a hot mess right now, but I still love you. I do have to go, though. Mrs. J. made my favorite.” No need to elaborate. Everyone knew my favorite was Mrs. J.’s famous chocolate cake with its ooey-gooey filling and warm chocolate sauce on top. My mouth tingled in anticipation of the sugar. I may have even drooled.

  “Mind if I come with?” Christina asked.

  “Wha-? Uh, I guess not.” What happened to not being done yet? I guess cake had the same effect on Christina.

  “She’s baking the wedding cake, right?” Christina asked. That she was. Aria had wanted to go with some vegan confection, but I talked her out of that nonsense. “Well, as Aria’s unofficial wedding planner, I think I should taste it, to make sure it’s good enough for our bride-to-be.” Christina said the last part all sing song-y. Oh brother.

  Aria shrugged her bare shoulders. “Just give me five minutes. I want to talk to the seamstress about our dresses and then I’ll be ready.”

  Our dresses were a cranberry-satin number. Completely ugly, also Christina’s doing.

  “Okay, five minutes,” I said. Maybe four and a half and then I was out of there.

  My mom called for the third time that day on the drive downtown.

  “Ziva dear, you didn’t answer me. Is Finn coming tomorrow?” Ugh, why wouldn’t she just drop it? No way was I inviting Finn over to dinner at my parents. Birthday dinner implied a certain level of relationship status that I was trying to avoid. I had
already learned that lesson and kept Finn a safe distance from my heart.

  “Sorry, Mom. Not happening. He’s taking off tomorrow for work. But I’ll pass the invite on.” Liar, liar pants on fire. But what was I going to say? My mother expected nothing less. She put the P in proper, which wasn’t a surprise seeing that her mom and Mrs. J. had been best friends. Those ladies had spent a lifetime gathering dirt on everyone. The secrets those two must’ve known… My mom made sure none of them were about her.

  I dropped the thought as we caught up to traffic. Seaside Days was the festival of the year for Port Haven. This event turned our small seaside town into a happening hot spot. The high school parking lot transformed into a carnival, Main Street was packed with sidewalk sales and street vendors, and the ocean-front park pavilion morphed into ground zero. This weekend’s events featured an airshow, farmers market, country-music concert, and of course, fireworks. If you were a small-business owner, you cherished Seaside Days more than Christmas. I was planning on using the extra publicity to launch my own personal business—Serenity Now. I was introducing the spa line first as to not compete with my Beauty Secrets clientele. Privately, I already had friends raving about and reviewing my product line, but this weekend was going to be my grand public debut before opening my storefront next month (hopefully!). Thanks to the added investment of Mrs. DeVine, my business was blooming faster than I could have ever imagined. I needed everything to be perfect this weekend.

  Parking, of course, was a nightmare, which is why I agreed to meet Finn at the marina where he worked, and we’d walk down together. I parked my cute little pickup next to his real truck on the scorched grass next to Murphy’s Bait and Tackle. The spot had become my unofficial parking space.

  Finn made his way down the docks as we turned the corner to search for him. His shirtless state and khaki cargo shorts put a smile on my face. Happy birthday to me. Before I met him, I had dubbed him the “shirtless hottie,” and the nickname still fit.