I found myself nodding as Whitney shook her head.
“That sounds entirely too jaded to me,” Whitney said. “The man we’re talking about is a good guy—”
“So many of them start that way,” the lady interrupted, giving me a knowing look. “I get the feeling you know that better than most.”
“You’re right,” I said with enthusiasm. I held out my hand for her to shake. “I’m Skylar.”
The beautiful older woman shook my hand. “You can call me Tiff. I just moved to the area and decided to do a little shopping. I didn’t plan to play the part of the nosy Karen when I left the house today. I’m sorry if I was being rude,” she apologized.
“No, don’t apologize. I actually appreciate the advice,” I told her sincerely. Whitney had wandered off. “So, you just moved to Southport?”
Tiff nodded. The name really didn’t suit her. She was too classy for a name like that. “I’m in the process of buying a house in town, but it’s taking longer than I thought. I’m staying in the bed and breakfast near the park.”
“Oh, that’s a nice place. I hope you’re enjoying it. My great aunt used to live there before it was sold and became a B&B.”
“This is a lovely town. A far cry from the city. But a change of pace is exactly what I’m looking for.” Tiff picked up a blouse, a pink gauzy number with a low neckline, and held it against her front. I could tell it would look amazing on her.
“Do you know anyone in Southport? What made you come here?” I asked. I realized I was following this random woman around the store. I wasn’t usually the kind of person to strike a conversation with a complete stranger, but Tiff had a ‘talk to me’ face and after spending so much time alone I was starving for any interaction.
“Actually, I came here for someone. A man I lost touch with. He was special to me. I’m hoping to reconnect now that we’re living in the same town,” Tiff said with a soft smile on her face.
“That’s wonderful. I hope he’s someone worth the time,” I replied.
Tiff draped the blouse over her arm and turned to me. “Oh, he is. He’s more than worth it. Remember I said to trust your instincts. I knew from the minute I met this man I couldn’t let him get away. I stupidly did, now I’m here to correct my mistake.” Her face clouded for a moment before it cleared again. “I can’t wait to see his face when he realizes I’m here.”
I laughed. “It’ll be a surprise then?”
Tiff widened her eyes for effect. “The biggest.” Then she laughed with me.
“What’s his name? Maybe I know him. Southport isn’t that big,” I asked. Whitney was gesturing to me from the other side of the store. She held up a shirt and I nodded, giving her a thumbs up.
Tiff went back to combing through dresses. “I think it’s best I don’t say,” she said rather mysteriously.
“Oh, come on, I thought we were old friends by now,” I chuckled.
Tiff inclined her head toward where Whitney was trying to get my attention again. “It seems you’re needed.”
I sighed. “I guess so. It’s back to the wilds of men’s attire for me.”
Tiffany laughed. “You’re a funny woman, Skylar. I’m glad I met you.”
I felt warm at her compliment. “Thanks, likewise.”
“I hope to see you around,” Tiff said, sounding sincere. “And forget about that guy. You don’t need him anyway.”
I pumped my fist. “That’s right. Girl power, am I right?”
“Sky!” Whitney called out, getting irritated.
“Bye, Tiff. Good luck with your guy,” I told her before hurrying back to my friend.
Whitney was more than annoyed when I rejoined her. “Thanks for ditching me. Who even was that woman?” she grumbled, glaring at me.
I turned back to see Tiff was leaving the store. “Just some nice lady who has just moved to town. She was pretty cool.”
“Pretty weird is more like it,” Whitney retorted. “What kind of person jumps into a stranger’s conversation like that? I thought she was a bit rude.”
“I think she was simply overcome by female solidarity is all.” I frowned, thinking back to the conversation I just had. It was slightly odd. But I shook it off. “Sometimes it’s nice hearing an outsider’s perspective on things.”
“Even though she doesn’t know anything about you or Robert or how the two of you are together. But sure, take the word of a rando in a clothing store over your friend who knows the both of you.” Whitney was getting testy. “And I still don’t know which shirt to get Kyle.”
“Sorry, Whit. Okay, my attention is firmly focused on finding the best damn shirt Web has ever seen,” I assured her.
Whitney harrumphed but seemed appeased.
Yet I couldn’t stop thinking about what Tiff said. To trust my instincts. Too bad I couldn’t be sure what my instincts were trying to tell me.
**
I spent most of the day with Whitney and as such, I hadn’t gotten any actual work done for the three projects I had to complete. There was the other downside when you were the boss. Procrastination was all too appealing.
When I finally got back to my house a little after five, six long hours later, I was shocked to find a beat-up Camry parked in my driveway and someone on my porch, bent over by my door.
“Who’s that?” Whitney asked as she pulled into my driveway.
“I have no idea.” The sun was starting to set so I couldn’t make out who it was. “Let me go see what’s going on.”
“I’m going to wait. I’m not leaving you out here in the middle of nowhere with some guy on your porch. That’s like the beginning of every crime documentary I’ve ever seen.” Whitney picked up her phone. “Just give me the signal if you need me to call 9-1-1.”
I started to get out of the car when the person turned around
