Beach Thriller(45)

Her friend could be a worrywart, and Holly was in no mood for life advice. She had to say something that wouldn’t raise Shae’s other eyebrow.

“I’m at the beach working—what could be better?” She turned her phone around to give Shae a view of the beachgoers frolicking in the water.

“Wish I could be there with you. How’s everything else?”

“Things are good. Just getting settled. The house is in rough shape, but I have a handyman helping me out.”

Shit. Holly had tried for a neutral tone, but she had put a little too much emphasis on a certain word.

“Oh, a handyman … is he handsy too?”

Jeez, Shae was perceptive. Her kids were never going to get away with anything.

“He’s gorgeous and taken,” said Holly. “But that’s for the best,” she added, reading the disappointment in Shae’s eyes. “I’m busy trying to get this place together and write my book.” And doing all that while looking after a teen refugee, she added silently.

“I can’t talk long anyway. I just wanted to see your face and know that you’re well.”

“Oh, my god. I’m so well. I’m like—extra well. Thank God for Meow Mindfulness because I’d be a disaster without it. That cat is a lifesaver.”

Shae’s warm laugh was like comfort food. “I hope you’re actually reading it because I really think it can help. I’m worried you’re lonely. Tell me you’re not lonely.”

“I’m not lonely,” said Holly more emphatically. “And I have enough money,” she added. “I know if I say otherwise, you’ll try to force a handout on me, and I don’t need handouts. I’m genuinely okay.” For once, she wasn’t lying. Allen Spellman had bailed her out. She should do something nice for him. Maybe bring him a signed book—though he’d most likely get more out of Meow Mindfulness, like the rest of the world.

Holly ended the call, promising to check in more often, then packed her things to go. It was only a short walk along a sandy path lined with beach grass to her house. It should fill her with gratitude, but instead, it just made her miss her family and the good times they once shared.

When she cleared the embankment, Holly was surprised to see Serena standing on her doorstep, holding a casserole dish covered in tinfoil.

Holly called to her, waving as she crossed the street. She set the beach stuff down against the side of the house. They greeted each other with a couple of cheek kisses.

“My psychic powers told me you hadn’t made dinner yet,” Serena said.

“You have the gift,” said Holly, and they shared a laugh.

Serena’s billowy skirt flowed behind her as she trailed Holly inside. She headed straight for the kitchen. Holly appreciated that she seemed right at home. It gave her a feeling of community.

“It’s eggplant Parmesan. My grandmother’s recipe is so delicious, you won’t believe it.” Serena set the dish next to the stovetop before turning on the oven. “I thought you could use a home-cooked meal and a little company.”

Holly was sure it was the smell of food and not Serena’s jangly bracelets that summoned Chester. He jumped up on a chair, meowed for a morsel, but received a scratch behind the ears instead. That seemed to please him.

“It’s nice of you to do this,” said Holly, who set the table for three.

When Serena saw the place settings, she eyed Holly slyly. “I knew it,” she said. “I just knew it.”

Holly finished setting out the silverware. “Knew what?”

“That you were going to have a visitor,” said Serena. “I felt it strongly: someone joining you. This person is important in your life and will change everything, but in ways you can’t begin to imagine. It’s all happening, Holly. It’s substantial. Seismic, even. There’s a lot of energy surrounding you.”

Holly blanched. “A lot of energy? Like, is that good or bad?” She feared the answer. Though this important person was likely Jade, what if it was a more threatening presence—such as an intimidating cop, angered by her questions? Or even—?

“Hey, do you know the creepy busker who parks himself outside the Bean There Café?”

“Of course,” said Serena. “He’s a scourge around these parts, and one of those conspiracy theorist types. What about him?”

“I’m worried he might be following me.”

Serena’s lips parted slightly, her brow furrowing. “Hmm. You need to listen to those feelings. My guides keep telling me that you have to be extremely cautious right now. It’s that big energy around you. Maybe we should do a reading.”

Holly declined. What if the cards told her to stop asking questions? She didn’t want to be scared off her path.

“I need a trivet for the casserole dish,” Serena said as she started digging through the cabinets. All she found was a small stack of paper plates. Holly barely had enough silverware for three.

The front door opened and closed quickly. Jade appeared in the kitchen doorway holding a box, about to say something to Holly, but turned her attention to Serena instead.

Serena’s eyes went wide as two saucers. “Oh, it’s you. You’re what I was picking up.”

Jade looked perplexed. “I’m sorry, who are you?”