The author was a pistol. Or this self-help book was completely fictional. Which was what I was starting to believe. However, there were some good takeaways, which I wrote down in my notebook.
Before I had to get ready, the book was finished and I read over my notes, then turned to a blank page.
I wrote Kent Paine at the top and started writing down everything I knew about what I assumed was his murder since Greg hadn’t returned for our usual Friday pizza and a movie date.
I felt a bit guilty doing that after my conversation with Greg this morning, but it wasn’t like I was going to really investigate. I just wanted to keep my thoughts clear in case Greg asked me something. Like about when I saw Kent kissing that redhead, since I still hadn’t mentioned that to him.
The winery was buzzing by the time I arrived, walking from the house. Being on foot limited my choice of footwear, so I decided to wear my black cowboy boots, tucked in skinny jeans, and a sparkly silver shirt I’d bought online. With my hair loose, I felt pretty.
Or I did until I walked into the tasting room and saw Sherry and Pat already seated with Amy. My friend looked like me, wearing jeans and a pretty shirt. The other women looked like they were attending a play in the city, or as my mom would say, all dressed up with nowhere to go. Amy waved me over.
“Hey, glad to see you. Sadie couldn’t make it. Esmeralda never answered, and Darla’s swamped, so it’s just the four of us.” She held out a bottle of my favorite beer. “I ordered you one, but you’re already behind so drink up.”
I sat on a chair, nodding to the still silent Pat and Sherry. “Thanks for coming. I think it’s time we got to know each other.”
Sherry sniffed. Pat shot her a look and then held up her glass of wine for a toast. “Here’s to new friends.”
We clinked glasses and bottles, waiting a full moment before Sherry moved her glass to the others. Amy grinned. “So that wasn’t so hard.” She looked at Sherry. “I wanted to give you my condolences about Kent. I know you two were close.”
Sherry made a big show of pulling a lace-trimmed linen handkerchief out of her black Coach clutch and dabbing at her eyes. “Thank you. Kent was a dear man, and we were so happy. I’ll be lost without him.”
Pat squeezed Sherry’s hand. “I know you will.”
The table was quiet for a while and I found Sherry staring at me. “Oh, I wanted to express my condolences, too.” I took a sip of the beer.
Sherry’s face didn’t react. “A little late, don’t you think?”
Again Pat shook her head and an unspoken warning flowed between the two women.
“Thank you.” Sherry mumbled.
Amy jumped up, “Who’s ready for another round?”
“My turn to buy, I’ll come with you.” Pat stood and the two walked away, leaving Sherry and me at the table alone.
I took another pull from the bottle. By the time this “relaxing” night was over, I’d be drunk off my butt if I kept this up. I set my nearly empty bottle on the table. “So how’s the shop doing?”
Sherry shrugged. “Tomorrow we have an exclusive on an estate. Everyone loves a good deal, especially when the clothes are designer and from a celebrity owner.”
“I guess that’s true.” The silence grew between us.
Finally Sherry sighed. “I need you to tell Greg I didn’t kill Kent.”
Her statement shocked me. “Greg thinks you killed him?”
Sherry waved away my question. “There’s the unfortunate fact I was at the winery around the time he died. I was there to see if he was cheating. You understand, right? Trust but verify.”
“You got a text about him seeing someone else.” I thought about what Greg had told me earlier. “Were you having problems?”
Sherry glanced around the room to make sure no one was listening, then leaned closer. “He cheated on me. Seriously, can you imagine?”
I pressed my lips together, knowing why Sherry was worried about Greg’s impression. She sounded like she could have killed Kent just for straying. “I don’t understand what some men are thinking.”
“Exactly. He had me. What did he need anyone else for?” Sherry bit her bottom lip. “I always trusted Greg when we were married. I guess I made a mistake when I left.”
“I don’t think you being at the winery is really enough to convict you of murder. You know Greg, he’s just tying up all the loose ends.” I sipped on my beer, wondering why the woman was confiding in me.
Sherry nodded. “I just need you to convince him.” She considered me for a second. “I’m not sure why, but he seems to like you. Even trust you.”
“I hope so.” I felt my lips curve into a slight smile.
“So you’ll help me. I told Pat you’d help.” Sherry smiled and sipped her wine. “All you have to do is ask nicely and things happen your way.”
I wondered about Sherry’s philosophy on life. Was it really that easy? Ask and you shall be given? Finally I saw Pat and Amy walking back. “Oh, here comes the next round.” I lifted my bottle to finish off my beer.
Sherry leaned forward. “Thanks for helping me.”