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

He never skipped a beat. Putting his arm protectively around Sirena’s waist, he faced June and said, “I see you two are getting acquainted.”
    You had to give the guy credit. He had an endless capacity for good-natured charm (or bullshit as the case may be). I almost fell under his spell as he smiled his million-dollar smile at me. But I knew better.
    “I can’t convince Hamm to come inside, Francie. He hasn’t changed much, has he?”
    I answered him in my head. “Neither have you, Cliff. Neither have you.” I smiled politely, took a quick peek out the front window to make sure Hamm actually was okay, then turned my attention to the pretty seashell serving dishes on the nearest shelf.
    Clifton looked at Sirena and then at June. “Let’s all get together later tonight at the Island House. We can catch up over martinis.” He looked at me then and said, “Bring Hamm. There’s no retail, and we can share a nice cigar.”
    Once more, I smiled, and once more I answered him in my head. “You mean, bring Hamm so you can mooch one of his good cigars.” In spite of his powers of attraction, the guy rubbed me the wrong way. Being skilled in the performing arts, I merely smiled politely and nodded.
    June didn’t seem to hold the same grudge against her former husband. She answered for us all. “We’ll be there around eight. Now if you’ll excuse us, Francie and I are dying to check out the rest of the store.”
    Clifton and Sirena took up whispering and giggling like teenagers. They ducked out of sight behind a diaphanous curtain of pearlescent fabric, which I assumed to be a storeroom or an office. I’m sure they had business to attend to. June headed for the back of the store where a sign advertised, “Naughty, Nauti.” Cheesy, for sure, but it got my attention.
    We spent the next half hour “researching” the merchandise for June’s article. We perused the shelves and racks, making copious notes on everything we found. There was an array of provocative clothing from pretty to promiscuous, reading material, massage oils, beautifully scented candles in varying sizes, and some mysterious objects I was actually too embarrassed to ask about.
    June had left her camera back at the inn, but she used her iPhone to snap pictures of dozens of products and email them to herself. She would have plenty of raw material for article.
    “June, I think we’ve about overstayed our welcome, and it’s almost closing time. We better buy something and head back to town.”
    I took a last look around and grabbed the most innocuous items I saw: two water rafts each the size of a paperback novel. The label promised: Just add water for a sassy, sea adventure to remember. Whatever that meant. The twins’ birthday was coming up, and I thought they might enjoy some new rafts to float on at the condo pool when they came home for their first summer visit. I figured a person was never too old for a new water toy.
    “You must be buying those for your kids, since you can’t swim to save your life, and you sure wouldn’t want to mess up your hair in a swimming pool!”
    “Well, June,” I retorted, “at least I don’t own a boat I have no clue how to operate!”
    I dug around in my royal blue Coach bag, which I wore cross-body so I could have two free hands for shopping and bike riding. I located Hamm’s platinum Visa card and offered it to Sirena who was back on the sales floor looking a little flushed.
    “Thanks so much for stopping by, ladies. It was so nice to meet you both. I guess I’ll see you tonight at the Island House.” She smiled sweetly as she rang up my selections then handed my card and purchases over the counter to me.
    I tossed my purchases into my handbag where they sunk to the bottom like rocks in a deep well, and headed out the door to rescue Hammond.
    “So what do you think of Cliff’s new girlfriend?” June asked as I took one last look behind me through the front window.
    “June, she winked at me! Why