Storm Shells (The Wishes Series #3) by GJ Walker-Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

stealing artwork.”
    He might’ve been pissed but at least he held the door open while I carried it inside.
    “I want to hang it here.” I crossed the room and leaned the canvas against the far wall.
    Ryan stared at the picture. “As a reminder of your tragic loss?”
    I scowled. “She’s not dead, idiot.”
    “I like the Manhattan skyline ones better. The Brooklyn ones are good too. Pick one of those.”
    “No, I like this one.” It was my picture. As far as I was concerned, it was her best work.
    “Where was it taken?” asked Ryan.
    “Pipers Cove.”
    “Never Never Land,” he snorted. “That’s where I sent her mail.”
    “Let’s hope for your sake that’s where she is then.”
    His focus shifted from the picture to me. “Why?”
    “Because you need her to sign it. I lied when I said I had power of attorney. I just wanted you to give Trieste a job.”
    He punched me in the arm, sending me staggering to the side. “You are such a dick.”

    December 23
    Charli
    Living with Gabi and Alex wasn’t working out. The house was just too small for the three of us. Besides, the Parisienne was driving me crazy. I used to be able to read her perfectly. She was notoriously pushy, uptight and chatty. Although still uptight, she was now quiet and absent a lot of the time. I couldn’t stand the shift.
    Something was definitely going on. I questioned Alex a few times but he brushed it off as her having a bad day. Gabrielle seemed to have a lot of bad days. I was beginning to think my return to town had something to do with it.
    I waited until Alex had left for his morning surf, cornered her in the kitchen and tried to brighten her mood.
    “Gabi, I’ve been thinking,” I began. “Do you think it would be alright if I moved into the cottage?”
    She left me hanging, waiting until she’d poured her tea before answering.
    “Why would you choose to live alone?”
    “I just miss having my own space. Besides, most of my stuff is there anyway.”
    She nodded but her expression remained blank. “Your father won’t be pleased.”
    “I can handle Alex. I’m asking if you’d be okay with it.”
    She brought her mug to her lips, blowing a long breath to cool her tea. “I think it’s a fine idea. But you can tell your father.”
    * * *
    I agreed with Gabrielle’s prediction that Alex wouldn’t be thrilled with the new living arrangements, which is exactly why I made a bolt for the cottage before he got back from the beach.
    Bouncing between Décarie real estate was something I’d become accustomed to. And just like the last time, I only had one suitcase of belongings to unpack when I got there. The first thing I did when I got inside was draw back the sheer curtains in every room. There really wasn’t anything else to do. The cottage was fully furnished, spotlessly clean and gloriously quiet.
    It didn’t take Alex long to catch up with me. The grumbly red ute pulled onto the driveway an hour after I’d arrived. I met him at the door.
    “Hi.” He seemed a little apprehensive.
    “Hi.”
    I held the screen door open but he made no attempt to come inside. “Do you want to walk for a minute?” he asked, giving an upward nod toward the yard.
    I trailed behind him as he ventured into the garden. Most of the flowers had ended their spring run of blooms but pink peonies and plenty of lavender kept the rockeries colourful and bright. It was a glorious scene and I still couldn’t grasp that Gabrielle had given it up.
    Alex stopped and turned to face me. “Do you really want to move in here, Charli?” he asked, getting straight to the point. Perhaps he thought Gabrielle was pushing me out the door.
    “Yes. I really do.”
    “I’d rather you stay with me,” he said quietly. “I’d worry less.”
    “Oh, come on, Alex, I’ve been on my own for a while now. I can’t stay with you and Gabrielle. I don’t think she’s happy having me there.”
    His face twisted. “It’s nothing to do with you,