CHAPTER 30
C HAPTER 30
R ae woke to find a text from Amiya, asking if they could travel to the courthouse together. Amiya was standing outside the hotel entrance when Rae pulled up. Amiya’s slacks, blouse, and jacket were three shades of midnight blue, fashioned from what Rae suspected was shantung silk. Rae wore one of her three courtroom suits, which under other circumstances might be considered severely fashionable. As they drove back through Atlantic Beach, headed for the island’s bridge, Amiya described how Curtis had spent the night in the home they had rented. Making sure everything was ready for Kurien’s arrival.
When Amiya had confessed she’d been too nervous to eat breakfast, Rae stopped in town for smoothies. Which was when she found herself describing her conversation with John. The one that had played on a continuous loop in her head all night.
Amiya heard her out in silence, then asked, “How do you feel?”
Rae braced herself. She took a firm two-handed grip on her cup, determined to maintain her control. A gentle wind laced with sea salt puffed through her open window, sighing the lament as she replied, “Lonely.”
“I can’t help but worry that my silly comments have caused you pain.”
“Amiya, no, it’s not like that at all. Talking with you helped me to see things clearly. Besides, John was the dumper, not me.”
“Don’t call it that. He told you farewell. And from the sounds of things, he was hoping you’d tell him he was wrong.”
“Maybe. I don’t . . .” Rae found it necessary to clear her throat with the smoothie. Incredible that her hands were steady. Amazing, actually. “All I could think of after was how this news was going to break his parents’ hearts.”
“You should call them later today. Or tomorrow. Just as soon as you’re ready. You tell them they are special, and you want to maintain the friendship that has meant so much.” The woman’s strange combination of formal speech and caring tone fit this moment perfectly.
“Thank you, Amiya.”
“I’m so sorry, Rae. But to tell the truth, I haven’t heard you say anything about regretting your changed status.”
“No. Emma will be delighted. She never said much, but I know she didn’t think John was right for me.”
“Your aunt is a truly remarkable woman. I can’t wait to introduce her to Daddy.” Amiya smiled at a thought. “She told me I needed to learn how to dress down. That it would help me fit in and be accepted by the locals.”
“Not just you. When Curtis showed up at the assembly discussing your resort, every eye in the place tracked him. This stud muffin, dressed for some Paris runway, didn’t fit Atlantic Beach and never would.” Rae pointed at a trio of women strolling toward them. “Those three could be company executives down for a long weekend. Gallery owner, perfumer, pediatric brain surgeon, whatever. Soon as they arrive, off go the city suits. Now they’re dressed for island life. Supercasual clothes that have never been introduced to an iron. Comfy sandals, big sunglasses, and they’re ready for the day. This is the one time in their crazy-hectic life when they can enjoy simple pleasures. It’s family time here. People are friendly and simple in their greetings. This defines life on the Crystal Coast.”
Amiya watched them pass. “If Daddy saw me in denims cut that high, his poor heart would finally give out.”
“Curtis might like it, though.”
She laughed. “In that case, he and I will go shopping soon as we bring Daddy in from the airport.”
Rae started the car. “Where is our guy?”
“He spent the night at the new rental. He wanted to make sure everything is okay.”
“You know, that actually makes a lot of sense.”
“Yes.” Amiya was still smiling. “Maybe if I wore a pair of those shorts, he would have let me go with him.”
As they approached the bridge, Rae’s phone pinged with an incoming message. She handed it to Amiya and said, “Read it to me.”
“What if it’s a client with something confidential?”
“Do it with your eyes closed.”
“Look at the funny lady.” Amiya read, and almost instantly the car’s atmosphere shifted.
“What is it?”
“Curtis. Something’s happened.”
“Read it.”
“ ‘We have an unexpected and potentially serious development. I have communicated directly with Dana Bowen. If your schedule permits, I would ask that you accompany us to New Bern. Dana agrees. Please wait and let me tell Amiya myself.’ ” She passed back the phone. “I guess I should have kept my eyes closed, after all.”