CHAPTER EIGHT - LIZ
CHAPTER EIGHT
LIZ
Liz’s gaze flicked to the clock on the wall. It was four o’clock. Rose was an hour late. She was supposed to take over the counter after school so that Liz could leave early and snap some photographs. But it looked like that wouldn’t be happening today, no thanks to Rose.
Just as Liz had resigned herself to closing the shop for the sixth night in a row, the front door to the bakery opened and Rose breezed in, wearing a tank top and the shortest pair of shorts Liz had ever seen.
Liz sucked in a breath. “We had an agreement. You have to follow Mom’s rules. You can’t dress like that.”
Rose stopped walking and thumbed behind her. “Want me to leave? I can go home and chill while you finish up the day here.”
Liz was sure her sister would love that. “No. You’re working. I have a spare pair of shorts in the back room on the shelf. They should fit you. I’ll wait while you change.”
Rose’s face contorted in disbelief. “You’re not serious.”
“Oh, I am. Hurry, please. I’d like to leave while there’s still daylight outside.”
Rose turned on her heel and headed toward the staff restroom, returning a couple minutes later wearing a pair of stonewashed jean shorts with a longer hemline. “Happy now?”
“Much better. Call me if you need anything.” Liz collected her oversized purse from under the counter and headed toward the front door. “And don’t put a tip jar out this time. We don’t collect tips here. Mom’s rule.”
Rose huffed. “Mom doesn’t pay well enough not to collect tips.”
Liz sucked in a breath. “She pays better than most part-time jobs around here. Especially ones that are willing to hire irresponsible sixteen-year-olds who are consistently late. No tip jar.”
Rose rolled her eyes. “Fine. But I’m quitting just as soon as I find a better place to work,” she called to Liz’s back.
Liz didn’t respond. She wanted to argue that Rose had to stay indefinitely because Liz had done her time working at their mom’s bakery. Liz was ready to move on to other things. It was her turn to branch out. She didn’t want to quit the bakery completely. Not yet at least. But she was ready to decrease her hours after her parents returned from Ecuador and start focusing on her own career in photography. It wouldn’t be easy, but chasing her own dreams was long overdue. Jo’s letter had opened her eyes to that.
Instead of getting into more battle of the wills with Rose, Liz walked out and breathed in the crisp air tinged with salt and sea. She got tired of breathing in cinnamon and spice all day. She stood there on the sidewalk for a long moment, letting the afternoon sun beat down on her skin, soaking in its warmth and trying to let the frustrations of her sister roll off her.
She had her camera looped around her neck. Removing the cap, she lifted it off her chest to snap a picture of the willow tree beside the shop, its long branches swaying in the slight breeze. These photos seemed to be what sold the best at the café. Everyone on the isle liked a memento of the downtown street. Liz’s other photographs, of a seagull swooping in the sky or an especially stunning sunset from the bridge, also sold decently.
Since she’d turned down the photography job for the Lyons’ family, her mind had been swirling on what steps to take in order to say yes next time. It would have to be once her parents were back. Since she didn’t drive, she’d need to be willing to spend all her earnings on a Lyft ride to and from photography locations though. What was the point of that?
She sighed. Liz took a few more pictures and then glanced down the way at Hidden Treasures, and headed in that direction. She didn’t necessarily want to see Melody, but Melody had mentioned passing the charm bracelet back and forth. Liz had been in possession of it since Friday night.
There’d never really been any rules established about how long one of the friends was supposed to keep the bracelet. Just until they did something crazy to earn their charm. Maybe it was a weak plan that would’ve fallen apart if they’d ever really gotten started with it. None of them had the money to buy frequent charms, although they likely could have gotten what they needed from Jo, who seemed to have everything in spades.
Liz reached the outside of Hidden Treasures, pulled the door open, and walked in. Instead of cinnamon and spice like the bakery’s scent, she breathed in the distinct smell of old things. It wasn’t necessarily a bad aroma. It kind of smelled like Liz’s paternal grandmother’s home. Full of antiques and stacks of books, knickknacks, and a little bit of dust which always seemed to lightly coat her grandmother’s most cherished items no matter how often she cleaned.
Liz looked around, not seeing anyone behind the counter. “Melody?” she called as she headed down the aisles, noting that things were looking a lot more organized in here since Melody had taken over. When Jo was alive, there were times when Liz couldn’t even walk through the aisles without stepping over a pile of random stuff. “Melody?”
Melody appeared from a small room in the back where Jo had kept the donations she hadn’t put out yet. “Liz.” Melody seemed to pull in a breath. “This is a nice surprise.”
“Well, you’ve come to see me at The Bitery, so I thought it was my turn to stop by your place. It’s looking great in here.” Liz let her gaze roam the racks and shelves of things. “You’ve really been working hard.”
“I have.” Melody’s hair was pulled back today and she had a few pieces of lint floating in her blond locks.
Liz stepped closer and plucked them off.
“Thanks. I got a lot of the dust and all the cobwebs. And I’ve laundered a lot of the clothes. There’s a washer and dryer in the back, which has come in handy because I can’t seem to get people to stop donating.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Liz asked, noticing Melody’s frustrated expression.
“Not when you’re trying to clean out a store. I put out a sign to stop donations, twice actually, but the signs keep disappearing and the stuff keeps piling up.” Melody shrugged, then she gestured at her outfit. “It worked to my benefit today though. These were just my size. What do you think?” She angled her body back and forth to show off what she had on.
“You’re wearing secondhand clothes?” This was not typical Melody Palmer behavior. At least not the Mel she used to know. The Melody she remembered had only liked name-brand items.
Melody looked down at her indigo-colored jeans and striped, cotton shirt. “I’ve shopped a lot of thrift stores in Charlotte. I’m not as picky as I used to be, I guess. When you start paying for things yourself, your ideals shift.”
Liz’s gaze dutifully traveled down Melody’s body. “Well, I love the look. There’s just one thing missing.”
Melody frowned as she looked back up at her friend. “What’s that?”
Liz slipped the bracelet off her wrist, immediately missing the feel of it against her skin. There was something comforting about having the cool metal brushing over her forearm, reminding her of days long ago. “Here.”
Melody didn’t take it immediately. “But you’ve barely had your turn.”
“It’s okay. I think you need it more than me right now. Go ahead. Put it on.”
Melody reached for the piece of jewelry and slipped it over her wrist, her eyes suddenly shiny. Liz would have thought Melody held no sentimental value to anything or anyone on the isle anymore, but maybe she was wrong about her old friend who stood before her now in used clothes and tears in her eyes.
Liz looked down at the bracelet as well. The friends forever charm seemed to catch the light, bringing a flood of emotions and memories to the surface. Alyssa had been so excited about giving the bracelet to their group of friends.
“We don’t need a charm bracelet to bind us together,”Bri had said warily at first. “We’re not going to drift apart. We’re best friends.”
Liz could still see the unshakable grin on Alyssa’s face. “Friends forever,” Alyssa had said, referencing the charm. “The bracelet is just symbolic. And it’ll be there to remind us that we have each other to lean on, in case we forget once we’re out there in the world. And to remind us to keep doing things that make us feel alive.”
Now Liz’s eyes were tearing up too.
“Hey, you okay?” Melody asked.
Liz nodded. “Yeah. It’s just nice being here with you. Some part of me thought I would never see you again.”
Melody visibly swallowed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I mean, no, it’s not okay. But, well, it’s the past and there’s no sense dwelling on things that can’t change, right?” Even though Liz dwelled all the time. What she meant was that there was no point in holding a grudge. It did no one any good, least of all her.
A long, uncomfortable silence floated between them. Then Melody suddenly perked up.
“Hey, look at this.” She walked over to grab her purse from behind the glass counter and reached inside, pulling out a tiny silver charm.
Liz leaned over to inspect it more closely. “A firework charm? Where did you find that?” she asked with a growing smile.
“It was donated the other day. Well, a jewelry box was donated and I found this tucked inside. I thought it should be added to the bracelet. What do you think?”
Liz laughed. “Yes, it definitely should be added. That is so bizarre.”
“Right?”
Liz watched as Melody pried the metal circle of the charm open with her nails and attached it to one of the bracelet’s loops.
“There.” When she was done, Melody dangled her arm in the air proudly to show off the bracelet’s addition.
“Perfect.” Liz took a moment to admire the bracelet. Then she turned to look around the store, different and the same as when Jo had run it. “I know you have a big job with this place. What can I help you with?”
Melody shrugged. “Nothing that can be done in one afternoon. I met with Abigail Winslow on Friday. She said that if I wanted to get good market value on this place, I needed to clean it out completely.”
Liz shouldn’t be surprised that Melody was planning to sell. “I see. Well, I don’t mind coming in and helping one day after work. We could go through these things and maybe catch up while we’re at it.” Liz couldn’t believe she’d just said that. She was supposed to be guarding her heart, and instead she was suggesting a girls’ night of sorts before Melody disappeared on her again.
“Really?”
“Yeah. I mean, I usually spend my nights being disrespected by my sister these days. And working at my computer.”
“I’m glad you’re still into photography. Taking pictures was always something you loved to do.”
Liz had enjoyed taking photographs of her friends the most. Somewhere in the last decade, she’d run out of people to strike a pose for her and she’d started taking more scenic photos. “So do you want me to stop in one night after work?”
“I won’t turn down help,” Melody said. “I’ll even bring wine.”
“In that case, I’ll bring some bites from the bakery. Something chocolatey.” Liz caught herself smiling. What am I doing? She needed to be careful. Melody had been very clear that her intention was to leave Trove again and there was no indication that she’d return, at least not for another decade. And when Melody left, she was gone. From past experiences, Liz knew Mel didn’t call or text.
A tiny voice in Liz’s head argued that maybe this time they’d keep in touch though, if they reconnected while Melody was here. Perhaps they could message back and forth like Liz and Bri did on a near daily basis. And they could continue passing the bracelet between them. They could add charms the way they were supposed to, filling it up just like Alyssa had intended when they were teens.
“Hey, since you’re here, let’s pick out an outfit for you,” Melody suggested. “I had such a good time shopping earlier. It’s your turn. I’ve got to get rid of all this stuff anyway. You might as well take first pick of what you want.”
“Really?” Liz glanced around the store. Now that Melody had cleaned up a little bit, the things were more enticing.
“Yeah. Let’s pick out something fun for you.”
Liz felt the pull of excitement. “Okay.” She nibbled on her lower lip. “But I can’t stay long. I don’t like to ride my bike after it gets too late.”
Melody waved a dismissive hand. “I can put the seat down and fit your bike in the back of my car. I’ll drive you home. No need to rush things. We have all the time in the world.”
Somehow, Liz doubted that.
* * *
An hour later, Liz felt ridiculous and amazing at the same time. She was carrying a bag full of clothes that Melody had picked out for her at Hidden Treasures. She felt a little giddy at the thought of wearing the clingy black dress that Melody had insisted was made for her. When was she ever going to wear a little black dress like that one? She’d also picked out leggings, tight jeans, and fitted tops—some with necklines that plunged lower than she was used to.
She unloaded her bike from the back of Melody’s car and then waved as Melody reversed out of the driveway. Liz walked her bike into the garage first and then carried her bag of new-to-her clothes up the front porch. It was almost six o’clock. Rose would be closing The Bitery right about now. Then it was a ten-minute drive here. If Liz was smart, she’d hide these clothes before then because they were so cool that Rose very well might want to take them for herself.
That thought gave Liz another little thrill. Imagine her having something that Rose might actually find cool.
Liz dug around in her purse for her house keys, coming up empty-handed. Oh, no. Had she left them at the bakery? She groaned before heading over to the flowerpot next to the door. The pinwheel flowers were all half dead. They needed water ASAP. She’d get them water as soon as she was inside.
Liz lifted the pot to grab her hideaway key and frowned. The key was missing. Of course it was. No doubt Rose had used it and forgotten to put it back.
On a heavy sigh, Liz grabbed a credit card from her wallet and dipped to pick the lock. As she slid the card into the crack of the door, a siren sounded behind her. Liz bolted upright and whirled to look at the cruiser pulling up to her curb. Then she let out a soft breath when she saw Matt step out.
“Breaking into your own house?” A slow grin spread through his dimpled cheeks as he headed up her driveway.
Liz ignored the bump in her heart rate. “I left my keys at The Bitery. And my spare key is missing.”
“From under the flower pot? For someone who’s so safety minded, that’s not the best place to hide a key.”
Liz held out her wrists. “Am I under arrest, Deputy Coffey?”
“You do appear to be breaking and entering.” His eyes twinkled under streetlights that were starting to come on at dusk.
“Into my own house.” She looked between him and her door. “Do you think you can help me get inside?”
He scratched the side of his cheek. “It might be easier if I just drive you up to The Bitery so you can grab the keys from Rose. I was planning on doing a drive-by in that direction anyway.” He gestured toward his deputy cruiser. “Come on. I won’t make you sit in the back with the criminals.”
She looked beyond him to the road. “You have someone back there?”
His laugh brought her back to him. “Just teasing you.” He didn’t wait for her to agree. She guessed it was go with him or wait for her sister who may or may not show up in a timely matter.
Matt walked to the passenger side door first and opened it for her.
Little butterflies danced around inside her chest as she stepped past him and took her seat, waiting for him to appear in the driver’s seat. As he cranked the engine, she gripped the side handle of the door.
Matt’s gaze moved to her hand. “I’ll drive slow,” he said before pulling onto the road and heading toward The Bitery.
The problem with driving slow was that it meant Liz would have more time in a tight space with Matt. The way she felt about him unnerved her. He was handsome and nice. A gentleman. He made her laugh like it was the easiest thing in the world, when some days she didn’t laugh at all if he didn’t step up to her counter.
But then again, sometimes she also hadn’t thought about the accident at all until the moment she saw him. And then her eyes connected with his and there it was. She couldn’t separate him from the worst moments of her life.
Matt turned onto Seagull Street and pulled up to the curb in front of The Bitery.
“I’ll be right back.” Liz pushed the door open, stepped out, and dipped to peer through the passenger window at him.
His gaze was unwavering just like the rest of him. “I’ll be right here.”
As she turned, she wondered if he was watching her walk away. The thought that he might be usually made her nervous, but somehow it excited her a little bit right now. Who was she?
Rose looked up from the counter as the bell chimed over Liz’s head, and her expression twisted from indifference to horror. “What are you doing here?”
Liz glanced over to a table full of teenagers. No doubt they were eating for free well past closing time. “Relax. I just need the house keys.” Liz walked behind the counter, grabbed a set of keys, and slid the one for the house off. Then she headed back toward the exit.
“Wait. Did you just tell me to relax?”
Liz glanced over her shoulder. “Role reversal, huh?”
“You’re not mad at me?” Rose asked. “For having friends over?”
“Has it interfered with your ability to serve the actual customers?”
Rose shook her head. “All the real customers left. But I served them perfectly fine when they were here.”
Liz lifted a brow. “With a smile?”
Rose’s lips curved into a full, beautiful smile. It was almost convincing.
“Good. Then no, I’m not going to yell. See you at home,” Liz called behind her. She headed back to the car outside, her heart racing the closer she drew to Matt. She just wasn’t sure which reason was to blame. The tiny crush she refused to admit, even to herself. Or the fact that he was her living, breathing reminder that sometimes, in the midst of the best moments of your life, everything crumbled to pieces.
“Got what you need?” he asked as she slid back into the passenger seat.
“Yep. All set.” She clutched the door’s handle again, holding it tightly as the car began to move. She took a breath and then another, startling when Matt unexpectedly reached out and touched her arm.
“Don’t worry, Liz. I’ll go slow.”
To: Liz Dawson
From: Bri Johnson
Subject: YES!
Liz,
Firstly, and most importantly. You don’t need to change a thing. I love you exactly the way you are.
Secondly. I AM HERE FOR LIZ 2.0! Yes!
Thirdly, if you decrease your hours at The Bitery, tell your mom I’ll pick up the slack. Unless she doesn’t want a convicted felon working for her. I would completely understand if that’s the case. It won’t be easy for me to find work once I’m out. I’ve already been forewarned. My best chance at employment is with someone I know. At least I know my grandma won’t let me be homeless. If it were up to my parents, I probably would be. I’m not being bitter or anything, just accepting what’s true. I’ve learned in my counseling sessions here that accepting the truth is part of creating a realistic plan for when I get out. I have to do that for my role in Ally’s life too. I might not get legal guardianship of my daughter right away. Or ever. Realistic expectations will keep me grounded. Maybe keep that in mind when you’re dreaming up Liz 2.0.
B