Page 64 of Between the Lines

But she hadn’t posted a single thing yet.

Paige leaned closer to the mirror and tilted her face, checking for any hint of irritation. Nothing. Her skin looked calm. So far. Still, she wasn’t taking chances. She’d have another look tomorrow and make the determination then.

Didn’t mean she wasn’t itching to get the first post up, announcing her sponsorship with Luminelle, but she had to be certain that she could promote them honestly first.

She picked up the compact that held the finishing powder that was supposed to blur any imperfections and used the included puff to apply a light dusting. She took another look. It did a good job. She looked smooth, her skin nearly perfect.

She switched off the light and carried the compact she was still holding into the living room, stopping to tuck the compact into her purse.

Graham was sitting on the couch by the coffee table, setting up the Scrabble board with careful precision. He put a tile holder out for each of them, adjusting them until they were parallel to the board.

“Thanks for your patience,” Paige said.

He looked up and smiled. “You’re easy to wait for.”

Such a sweet man. She sat on the couch next to him, kicking off her sandals. “I want to show you something.”

He glanced over as she leaned forward into the lamplight. The room was softly lit, so she wasn’t sure he’d be able to tell much. In fact, maybe the light was too flattering.

She lifted her chin, turning her face from side to side. “What do you think?”

“Well,” he said after a moment, studying her face. “I’m no expert, but you look very polished. But not overly done.”

“That’s the dream,” Paige said. “At least for most women. It’s new makeup. Part of the Luminelle line.”

“Ah.” He smiled. “And what do you think of it?”

“I like it. A lot. But I’m waiting before I post anything. Just to be sure my skin doesn’t decide to revolt overnight.”

“Sensible,” he said, taking another look at her. “All seems well.”

“So far,” she agreed. “If you open the wine you brought, I’ll get glasses and the snack tray I made.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal.”

They both got up and headed for the kitchen. She’d arranged a tray with a nice English cheddar and a small wedge of brie, along with some sweet red grapes, sturdy whole wheat crackers, a little dish of dates, and another of mixed nuts.

He carried that back to the coffee table while she brought the glasses of wine.

She took a seat cattycorner to him on the end of the chaise that extended from the couch. They drew tiles and began playing. Paige went first, laying down a safe opening word.

As she took a sip of her wine, a lovely red, Graham countered with something longer and more ambitious, because of course he would. He was not only clever, but crafty. She was going to have to work hard to beat him.

They talked as they played. Him about his quiet day of laundry and reading, her about all the filming she’d done, and a little about nothing and everything in the way she imagined couples did when they were comfortable.

She and Graham were certainly comfortable. In a good way.

Then Graham set down a new word and glanced up at her. “Any news about Darcy?”

Paige didn’t sigh or frown, which had to be progress. “Not directly. I know Cece met her for lunch today to interview her for the newsletter. I imagine a report will be forthcoming once Cece organizes her thoughts.”

“That should be interesting.”

Paige set one of her tiles into place while considering her next move. “For sure. Maude and Cece both think Darcy’s organizing some kind of new social group. There was a notice on the Colony forum about it. First meeting is this week. Same time as our book club, actually.”

Graham lifted a brow. “How do you feel about that?”

“Relieved,” Paige said without hesitation. “Honestly, it takes some of the pressure off. If Darcy’s busy doing her own thing, that gives her somewhere else to focus her energy. At least that’s how I’m looking at it.”