Sunny Side Up (Lake Erie Mysteries Book 1) by Maureen K. Howard Read Free Book Online

met a lovely lady while doing a series on local attractions and vacation destinations. Her name is Sirena. She owns this place.”
    Talk about a small world. It makes sense, though. Both June and Clifton are journalists of sorts. Clifton is the anchorman for the number-three-rated local network, and is on a mission to achieve star status. He had done some pretty strange things to get his handsome face noticed by the national stations.
    Cliff remembered his manners. He exited the vehicle like he was stepping out on a red carpet. He grabbed the linen sports jacket on the front seat, artfully swung it over his shoulder, and swaggered his way over to us. “So, Hamm, aren’t you coming inside? You look a little shaky. Sirena’s got air conditioning.”
    “Cliff, my poor husband is shaking because he can’t stand the thought of going into the store. He’s had this reaction before.”
    Hamm was allergic to shopping the way Clifton was allergic to trees, grass, pollen, peanuts, and seafood to name just a few.
    I was tired of standing around. I needed to see what was beyond the beckoning mermaid. I turned back to speak to June, but she had already slipped inside.
    “You two will have to excuse me. I have to help June with her research.”
    I gave up on grace and finally threw my bicycle on the top of the heap in the yard while calling out, “Enjoy your visit, boys!”
    I left the two men standing by the curb to sort things out in the phantasmic shadow of the giant mermaid and headed into the whimsical shop. June was in the middle of a lively conversation with a most enchanting woman. Even on stage, I had never seen a character like Sirena Divine. I was beginning to wonder if the island suddenly had some magnetic pull, attracting gorgeous new residents.
    Sirena was nearly six feet tall. Standing next to June, they were a study in contrasts.  Ms. Divine’s show-stopping copper curls cascaded down her back, well past her tiny waistline. Her alabaster skin was luminous. On an island where people compete for the darkest tan, she looked like a pearl in a basket of acorns. I noticed right away that the mermaid on the front lawn bore a striking resemblance to the proprietor. Her long, iridescent skirt flowed around her ankles in waves of aqua, periwinkle, and seafoam. Bright coral toenails peeked out from glittery sandals. I know because I was seriously looking for a fishtail. Sirena was borderline mythical.
    June didn’t seem particularly dazzled by the lady’s ethereal appearance, but she was definitely impressed with her repartee. The two women stood in front of a counter filled with glittering, jewel-toned bottles of essential oils exactly like the bottles I had admired earlier at Ruby’s Treasure Chest. Both of them were waving their hands in animated emphasis. This was starting to look like a debate contest. Finally, June got to the point.
    “So, how do you know Sterling, Ms. Divine?”
    “Oh, he’s been in here nearly every day since the first of the month.” She seemed quite unaffected by June’s straight-up attitude.  “He’s putting together a piece for his local Sunday morning talk show and seems quite taken with my little store.”
    “I don’t think it’s the store that has him mesmerized,” June informed Sirena. “Clifton has an eye for pretty ladies, especially those who would photograph well. Has he asked you yet to do an on-air companion interview? I’m sure he would love to appear beside you on TV.”
    Sirena’s eyes narrowed. She absentmindedly picked up a small glass vial from the counter display, took the stopper out and inhaled its fragrance. I wanted to ask her what was in it. Maybe I needed some.
    Sirena set the pretty bottle down and picked up where she left off with June. “You seem to know a great deal about Mr. Sterling. Have you two met before?”
    “You could say that. I was married to him for two years.”
    As if on cue, Clifton strutted through the front door and took in the scene.