Page 70 of Miss Trust

Tory

“Ilove the honey soap the most,” I told the two women shopping at Daisy’s stand.

They chatted, before happily buying one bar of the gardenia and two of the honey. I took their cash, bagged their purchases, and handed them over.

Daisy gave me a grin from where she was taking out her last few bars from beneath the counter. “I can’t believe I’ve almost sold out.”

“I can. Your soap is incredible.” I used it every day.

“Thank you for coming with me this weekend. I wasn’t sure how it would go with this big of a turnout.”

It had taken Daisy months to prepare for this market. I was happy for an excuse to get out of the house and help her for a change.

“Mommy, can I have another piece of candy?” Penny asked from the side of the big white vendor tent.

We’d set her up under the table with pillows and her iPad. She’d been so excited to hear about the market, I couldn’t possibly have left her behind. Also, Daisy was one of Penny’s favorite people, so I hadn’t wanted to deny my daughter the occasion to see her. Yet I questioned my decision. Taking her out in public meant risk because her immune system was still low. But it also meant seeing her smile and allowing her to be a part of such a fun day.

Daisy had brought body paint and had made a dolphin on one side of Penny’s face with a pink pig on the other. Because my friend had insisted, she’d put some body paint on me too. They were fun gold bands around my wrists, arms, and fingers, making me feel like a Bohemian beach princess for the day.

I handed Penny a lollipop and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “How is Puppy Dog Pals?”

She grinned at me as she stuck the lollipop in her mouth. “It’s good. I want a puppy someday.”

And I someday hoped to make her dream come true.

Daisy spoke up. “I’m puppy-sitting tonight. Maybe you guys can come by, or I can bring the puppy to the house in Malibu. He’s a golden retriever puppy and so gorgeous.”

Penny perked up. “Can he come over, Mommy? Can he?”

Somehow, I didn’t see Chance as much of a dog guy, nor did I see the house as puppy-proof. “Maybe we could take him for a walk on the beach.”

I turned to Daisy. “Is there anything you don’t do?” She dog-sat, babysat, house-sat, worked a variety of odd temp jobs, and also made soap—not to mention clothes. Today she was wearing one of her bright dresses with a flower print.

She shrugged. “I like to stay busy.”

Yes, she did.

“Heard anything lately from your boss?” she asked.

“Nope. There have been a few emails, but only pertaining to the house. He’s still in Europe.” I had confided in Daisy about what had happened with Chance, and his interference with my ex. As per usual, she’d been logical about it and had defended his actions more than I would’ve preferred. She called it bad judgment, good intentions. It was annoying to have my best friend able to see the value in his actions because it forced me to consider his perspective.

It meant my anger had faded to a simmer.

“You positive Chance is still in Europe?”

My nose scrunched. “Last I heard. Why?”

“Because I’m pretty sure that’s him, standing in the middle of the market looking over here.”

My glance followed the direction of her gaze. “Why on earth is he here?”

“No clue, but I’m blushing at the way he’s staring at you.”

Jesus. Had he always been so unbelievably sexy? I needed to get it together. Didn’t my body understand I remained upset with him? Nope, it was busy freaking out about the fact he was now walking this way.

“Hi,” I greeted, my voice sounding breathless. I didn’t want to do breathless. I preferred guarded, with a touch of annoyance.

“Hello.”