Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)

“Sure.”


Noelle disappeared into the storeroom, then reappeared with three cans of diet in her hands. She, Isabel and Felicia sank onto the floor and popped the tops.

“I’m a little more encouraged than I was,” Noelle admitted when she’d taken a sip. “I was thinking my Christmas store idea was just plain idiotic. Then I started getting things ready. I swear, every day I leave that front door open, someone wanders in to see what I’m up to.”

“This town takes an interest in its citizens,” Felicia reminded her.

Noelle flashed a grin. “Not always a good thing. It would be a lousy place to try to sneak around.” She looked at Isabel. “Although you’re doing a good job.”

“I’m not sneaking. I’m stealthy.”

“Oh, like there’s a difference,” Noelle said, her voice teasing.

Felicia started to point out there was, but then stopped. This was not the time to be defining words.

“I’ve never been especially stealthy or sneaky,” she said instead. “I like the warmth and sense of community here.”

“Me, too. It’s way different than Los Angeles.” Noelle glanced at Isabel. “And New York.”

“You don’t regret your move?” Felicia asked.

“No. It was impulsive, but I’m happy here. Making friends helps.” Noelle poked Isabel in the arm. “You’re going to find it hard to leave.”

“I hope not.” She wrinkled her nose. “I have appreciated the chance to get away from my trouble, though. The reminders.”

“Not missing men yet?” Noelle asked.

“No. Not yet.”

Felicia smiled at Noelle. “Are you seeing anyone?”

Noelle sighed. “Dating? No. I had a really bad breakup not long before I moved here. We were together three years. I kept putting off the wedding because of work and stuff, which turned out to be a good thing.” She paused as if she was going to say something else but had changed her mind.

More secrets, Felicia thought, knowing there was no point in speculation.

“You’re still living with Gideon,” Noelle said.

“I am. Carter is wonderful. He’s a lot of fun to be with. The adjustment is difficult, but he’s working his way through it.”

“You sound like a mom.”

Felicia flushed with pleasure at the compliment. “I’m trying to be supportive and take care of him. I know that being around him has confirmed that I want to have a family of my own.”

“With Gideon?” Isabel asked.

“He’s made it clear he’s not interested in anything long-term.” Something she’d always known, but saying the words just now made her oddly sad. “I know Gideon’s been through a lot, but he’s less damaged than he thinks. We all have problems and flaws. I believe he feels he’s less human than the rest of us, but that’s not true. Only I don’t think he can be convinced. He has to learn to believe in himself, and I’m not sure he’s willing to take the risk.”

Noelle stared at her. “That was an impressive assessment of him. If I’d been that clearheaded about my fiancé, I wouldn’t have stayed with him for so long.”

“I could be wrong,” Felicia said.

“It doesn’t sound like you are,” Isabel told her. “I’m impressed, too.”

Noelle smiled. “When I first met you, I thought you were some brainiac who wouldn’t know an emotion if it bit you on the butt. I was wrong, and I’m sorry for judging you that way. You’re very warm and caring, and you really get people.” She groaned. “Oh, God. You’re perfect. Now I have to hate you.”

Felicia laughed. “I’m not perfect and I don’t really get people. I wish I did. I’m better than I was, but I still feel awkward in unfamiliar situations and I’m not sure what to say.”

Noelle raised her can of soda. “We can be imperfect together.”

Just then, a tall, dark-haired woman with blue eyes walked into the store. She had on a black suit and elegant pumps with four-inch heels that were so beautiful Felicia wondered if she could ever learn to walk in such ridiculous footwear.

“Hello,” the woman said. “I’m...” She paused and looked around. “I’m apparently lost and in the wrong place.” She frowned. “That’s repetitious, isn’t it? If I’m lost I can’t be in the right place. I need coffee and sleep and very possibly a way to kill my business partners.”

She gave them a weary smile. “Sorry. I’m exhausted and rambling. I’m Taryn Crawford with Score.”

“What’s Score?” Isabel asked.

“A new business in town. Or it’s going to be. Assuming there’s no partner death in the near future.” Taryn gave a little shrug. “For the record, I’m kidding about killing him. Sort of. I wouldn’t know how to go about it. Jack is friends with Raoul Moreno who, apparently, lives here. Jack came to visit, loved the town, talked to the other partners, convinced them we had to relocate, and here the hell I am.”