The Strangers We Know, page 9
After placing her call, she checked Anouk to make sure she hadn’t been injured. That was when she noticed the trickle of blood running down her own chin. She reached up and touched the corner of her mouth.
“Damn it. I’m going to have a fat lip at the Apple Jubilee.”
It seemed like half of the town was there after the sheriff came with his flashing lights and sirens. Rylee for the life of her could not figure out why Clarence did that when he was just a block down the street. She had thought the fear had been the worst part of her little trespasser’s visit but when she had seen what he had done to Rylee’s Treasures she was heart broken. Painted all over her windows and walls were words like whore, slut, tramp and trash. Why would he do that? What would he have done if he had gotten to her while she was asleep? Thank goodness for Jade calling her at such an odd hour.
She sat in Bill’s chair at the studio entrance, drinking coffee, saying yes, she was okay, every few minutes, waiting on good ole Sheriff Clarence Tisdale to finish with the crime scene. Her home. She just wanted to start scrubbing all the nasty words off, make it feel like home again.
“Rylee?” Caroline touched her shoulder to break her out of her little fog.
“Yes Ma’am?” She looked up at her with dejected eyes. All of the fun and laughter from the day before felt like nothing more than a distant memory.
“You need to come stay in one of my rooms for a couple a nights, baby. I can put you right next to Little Amanda.” She pulled the blanket tighter around Rylee’s shoulders.
“Thank you, Miss Caroline, but I have to take care of Anouk. Also, I do not want to be ran out of my home. You know?”
“I understand, Baby, I surely do. I know you don’t worry like the rest of us and can handle yourself pretty good and all, but how about for my sake, you let Amanda stay with you a few nights. Just until all this passes.” Caroline had squatted down to be eye level with Rylee.
“Miss Caroline, I can’t ask Amanda to interrupt her life for this.”
“You don’t have to. I have been wanting a girl’s night anyway! Besides you have to help me get ready for the Jubilee tonight so I might as well just stay.” Amanda chimed in. Always a spoon full of sugar with her and never a need to breath between words.
“Well, I’m not going to kick you out,” Rylee smiled at the two women, grateful to have them. “Where’s your sidekick anyways?”
“Zach? He and Jared stayed out at Jessica’s house last night. Oh boy is Jared going to be upset when he hears about this.”
“Why would you say that?” Rylee asked. “Apart from the general idea of break in equals bad.”
“Girl, he is sweet on you!” Amanda said.
“We are nothing more than friends, silly,” Rylee’s heart fluttered a little. She could not think that way. Jared had made it clear that he was nothing more than a friend. Hadn’t he? Besides, she wasn’t ready for a relationship.
“Y’all say what you want, I have eyes.” Amanda pointed at her eyes while making smoochy faces.
“You are seeing love everywhere right now just because you are a new lovebird.” Rylee tried to reason with her.
“Maybe. Zach does make me all warm and gooey inside.” She smiled big and fluttered her eyelashes in such a way, Rylee thought a giant cartoon heart was about to float out of her body.
“Rylee, you can go in now. We’re all finished up. He had flipped your main, we didn’t find any prints.” Sheriff Tisdale said.
“I’m pretty positive that he had gloves on, not soft ones either,” She reached up to her face. “I need some ibuprofen.”
“If you can think of anything else be sure to let me know.” The sheriff looked at her with deep concern. She wished she knew how to make everyone feel better. “It seems, to me, like somebody’s sending you a powerful warning, young lady.” He waggled his finger at Rylee, causing her to catch a waft of his Stetson cologne. “You need to be careful, now. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, sir.”
She felt like she was being taken to task at the principal’s office. Realizing that her feet were freezing in the cool October morning, she decided it was time to get back inside and get to work. That was the quickest way she knew how to get warm, to feel normal. Her home had been violated. Again. Amanda followed her in as she headed for the cleaning closet. Work would make her feel better. It had to. Maybe she would call about having a security system installed; she thought she had got away from such things when she left the Manor.
“How long do you think it will take to get all this stuff washed off?” Amanda asked.
Rylee started to tell her that she did not have to help with the clean up. Took one look at her face and knew that it would be pointless.
“I’m hoping before everyone else in town wakes up and sees it, at least what’s on the windows. Good thing I know how to clean up paint and have the supplies in my workshop. I don’t think this guy thought things through,” Rylee began to giggle a little. The more she thought about how dumb the man must have been the harder she laughed until she got Amanda started. Rylee imagined anybody walking by would think she and Amanda were insane right now, but it sure did make her feel better.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“I can’t find anything to wear.” Rylee had thrown a pile of clothes on top of her bed that she had declared simply would not do. “And how in the world am I going to cover up a cut lip and this ridiculous bruise on my cheek and eye?”
“I would have never guessed that your closet went to Narnia.” Amanda said, standing in front of the mirror, holding up first one dress then another from the ever growing mound. “It’s like Mary Poppins’s bag, really. Or the T.A.R.D.I.S.? Maybe I watch too much television.” She dropped down cross legged on the floor and started eating a bag of chips.
“What?” Rylee stopped, confused for a moment, looked at Amanda then at the mountain of clothes discarded on her bed, “Oh! Sorry. It’s just that everything seems wrong. Maybe I should clean this thing out.”
“Don’t you go to the Apple Jubilee every year?” Amanda asked, crunching another chip.
A muffled, “Yes,” came from somewhere in the depths of the closet.
“Do you go through this much hassle getting ready every year?”
Rylee shuffled out of the closet with clothes draping from her arms, “No, not usually,” she blew her hair out of her face in an attempt to see Amanda. “Why?”
“No reason.” Another crunch followed by rolling her eyes.
“Okay, so what do you think, the blue or the black?” Rylee took turns holding the dresses up.
“Why do you keep asking me? Whatever I say you throw it to the side then dive back into the black hole there, coming out with more clothes.” Amanda threw her hands in the air. “Have you ever thrown a piece of clothing away? I mean, ever?”
“I just want to be perfect. This is a benefit in honor of Jess, it is special to me, and I want that to show. I want her name to live on for generations, not only because she was a fabulous author, but also because she was one of a kind, talented and had the biggest heart. She donated to so many charities, always anonymously. She would have me take the money so no one would connect it to her thinking she was trying to get publicity,” Rylee fell on the bed, creating a canyon in the mountain of clothes.
“I get that, Rylee. I really do. So, maybe, instead of digging through everything you have ever owned in your entire life,” Amanda started picking up clothes, “Why don’t you try to remember an outfit that Jess loved? Something she helped you pick out or told you how awesome you looked in it.”
Rylee looked at Amanda with an entirely new appreciation. Understanding and good advice. She knew the perfect thing. Clothes fell, scattering everywhere when she jumped up from the bed. She had a skirt that Jess had loved so much she was going to get a matching one. A light blue-gray, simple, yet feminine skirt, intricate detailing, it hung with a swish, down to Rylee’s feet. She felt so lady like when she wore it. She would pair it with a well-fitted, white button down blouse. Simple, understated, elegant. Amanda thought so as well. Finally, she had an outfit.
Now on with the business of covering up her battle wounds from earlier. Rylee stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at her own face.
“I can’t go like this. What was I thinking?”
“I know just what to do.” Amanda grabbed a few items from her bag then got to work making over Rylee’s face. When Amanda was finished, there was no hint of Rylee having ever been in an altercation.
“Wow. How in the world did you learn to do that?” Rylee looked in the mirror, turning from side to side in the light trying her best to see her injuries. “Makeup artist, computer genius, you are a never ending box of candy.”
“I’ve had a good deal of practice.”
Rylee’s heart dropped. She looked up at Amanda, all smiles gone, hoping it was not what she was thinking.
“How do you mean, Amanda?” Please be wrong, please be wrong, she crossed her fingers.
“I came here with nothing because I had to sneak away from my ex,” Amanda spoke to the floor. Her fingers rubbing one another, twisting around then picking her nails. Her hair swirled around her face as she began to tremble.
“Oh, honey, why didn’t you tell me? I know I can’t take it back but I could have listened, been there for you.” She hadn’t really cried for herself, but she couldn’t prevent the tears now.
“I wanted to be a new person, strong like you. I was ashamed I let somebody do that to me,” Amanda glanced up at Rylee for just a second then back down at the floor.
“You are one of the strongest people I have met. You moved to a new town, a place where you did not know anyone, you found work and a place to live. You work hard, you have made friends, never asked for a hand out and you did it all on your own. You are a special kind of strong, Amanda Crane, a very special kind of strong. I wish I could be more like you.” Rylee lifted Amanda’s face and pushed her hair back so she could see her better.
“Really? You think so?” Amanda raised her eyes to meet Rylee’s eyes. Thank goodness, there was a light in them. That horrid man, if you could call him a man, had not stolen her spark.
“I know so. Now, let’s get you ready. You are going to knock the socks off Zach this evening. He won’t be able to think of anything but you.” Rylee hugged her tight. “Plus, I think you may need to touch up my makeup.”
Rylee was a nervous wreck. How was she going to pull off the lady look when everyone was used to seeing her covered in paint, clay, charcoal or some other grime? At least the kind of clothes that were okay to get dirty. She had a habit of running around in what her momma would have called her outside clothes. She often looked like she was about to rock the house or paint it, not the type to be escorted out for the evening. It was not as if she had never dressed up, of course she had. What was Jared going to think? Was he going to laugh at her? Would he think she did not measure up to those high classed women in New York, the same way Jade had said? Oh good gravy! What did it matter what Jared Wolfe thought? He was leaving and they were only friends. She had to shake it off, focus on the Jubilee. Amanda’s phone rang snapping Rylee back into the moment.
“That was Zach, he said they would come up to the door like proper gentlemen but the studio door is locked, not to mention Bill won’t let them pass.”
“Oh crap, I forgot. Locking the studio up at the end of the day is just a habit. They are going to think I have lost my mind.” Rylee slapped her palm to her forehead.
“Or, they will think what an intelligent woman you are for being cautious after a break in.” Amanda said. “Don’t mess up your makeup again.
The girls took one last look at themselves, then at one another to make sure they were perfect before going downstairs. When Amanda stepped to the side, Rylee’s stomach did flips at the site of Jared. All of her thoughts left her. She was pretty sure her mouth dropped open a little. As she took his outstretched arm, their eyes met. He smelled good, was all she could think. She could just eat him right up. God he was handsome. And tall. Had he always been this tall? Had he always been this handsome? She felt a twinge in her heart, she felt like she could look up into his eyes forever. The sinking realization that he would be going home after the Jubilee soon followed that twinge. A home that was almost a thousand miles away. With that thought, she broke eye contact, facing straight in front of her. She had to focus on something other than Jared. Zach walked with his arm around Amanda, laughing and talking. That was a sight to enjoy. Amanda deserved this happiness. There was no reason to feel sorry for herself when such a wonderful thing was happening right before her very eyes. How often did one get to watch love bloom?
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Walking into Caroline’s Café felt like walking into a different world. The normal old west saloon look appeared to be magically transformed into a formal ballroom. The tables were draped with heavy clothes of vibrant colors, name plates were at each seat, the windows and walls were hidden beneath rich, flowing fabrics. A podium and mic, with giant pictures of Jessica Brown on either side, had been set up for the evening’s speakers. Rylee turned to see the expression on her companions’ faces and sure enough, they did not let her down. The awe and delight at the transformation made her smile. She had no idea how Caroline did it every year but she always made this place look like a fancy hotel straight from one of the bigger cities. Honestly, no one knew how she did it; she always shut the café down for the day and wowed the town with the great reveal when she allowed guests to enter for the Apple Jubilee.
“How?” Amanda breathed out as she spun in a circle.
Jared was looking up and around with one hand slightly covering his mouth, stunned speechless.
“I don’t know, but Miss Caroline needs to talk to The General about covert ops. I thought we were good but… but, pardon me ladies, but hell if I’ve ever seen a cover up this good,” Zach said, as he also did circles, looking around for something that he had missed.
“See, we small town folks know how to dress up pretty good. And Miss Caroline could probably teach just about everybody a thing or three,” Rylee said over her shoulder as she lead them to their table.
“How are you feeling darlin?” Caroline gave Rylee a hug right before she reached her seat.
“You know me, I bounce back fast. It has been very nice having Amanda with me today though. She helped me become this cleaned and sort of polished, girl before you.” Rylee’s smile was radiant.
“We always find the friends we need when we need them. Ain’t that right Amanda?” Caroline’s eyes flowed from Rylee’s to Amanda’s with a knowing look. Amanda glanced at Rylee quizzically. Rylee sent her an I told you so look back.
“Miss Caroline, you have out done yourself. This is remarkable. Have you ever considered events and decorating as a career? I know people that make too much money, that definitely do not have your talent.”
“Jared, baby, I don’t do nothing for what I can get out of it. If you want something to be beautiful and good then it has to be done with love. But I think you already know that. Now, I have to go greet my other guests, you get your speech ready.” She disappeared into the crowd.
“I give speeches all of the time, around the world, and have never had a problem until tonight.”
“Why are you worried about tonight?” Rylee asked.
“It is the most important speech I think I have ever given. This is for Jess and in the town that she loved so much. The people in New York were mostly there because she was a celebrity. You are all here because she was your friend.”
The scream of the mic put a halt to most of the chatter in the room.
“All right everybody, y’all take your places now. We have plenty to do, celebrate and raise money, not least important, eat. As most of you know, our Jessica was taken from us. Her beauty was ripped away, but she lives on, she is in our hearts and the stories she left us with. She… Well, Jade, Doug, nice of y’all to join us.” Caroline eyed Jade as she made her way down to the table where Rylee was.
“Thank you, Caroline.” Jade acted as if Caroline was being genuinely nice instead of upset and sarcastic.
“As I was saying. Our Jessica blessed us in so many ways. There are several folks that have stories they’d like to share of Jessica’s kind gestures and funny stories but I do believe the most important person here to share about Jessica tonight is her handsome big brother, Jared Wolfe. Do not forget, as our Crescent Valley Apple Jubilee is in her honor, we are raising funds for literacy for our library. So dig deep into your pockets! Jared, come on up here and start us off right.” The crowd applauded.
Jade leaned over the table and whispered to Rylee, “Is this really becoming a wake for Jessica Brown?”
Rylee waved her to hush and turned back to watch Jared. She crossed her fingers for him. She thought that this had to be the most difficult moment in his life. She would have thought different had she known he was the person that had to identify Jessica’s body.
“Oh, good lord. Please, tell me he is not going to give us a dithyramb.” Jade hissed near Rylee’s ear.
“Shut. Up.” Rylee mostly mouthed back at Jade. She wondered if Jade knew what she sounded like then decided she couldn’t possibly.
“Good evening everyone. I cannot put into words how much this event means to me and would have meant to my sister.” He took in a deep breath, as his teeth clenched in an effort to contain his emotions, “Jess spoke very highly of her Little Cottage and Crescent Valley. I am so sorry that I did not come down here the many times she had requested me to visit. I made so many excuses. I had meetings, I had to travel to important locations, I had money to make, I had a company to run, people I was responsible to. I did not have time, but I would see her the moment she was in New York. I missed where her real life was. I thought I had all the time in the world, there would be another day, another holiday, birthday, vacation.”
