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Luna tried to kick Chi-Chi but hit Gaines’s leg instead. “Ouch! What was that for?”
Luna gave him a blank look. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,MarshalGaines.” As she took a sip of her wine, the waitress returned from wherever she had been, to take their orders.
There was a lot of jovial commotion going around the table, people changing their minds when they heard what the other was ordering. It was hard for the waitress to keep up. “All right, y’all. Y’all sound like my kids. I come here to get away from them.” Everyone stopped suddenly and burst out laughing.
Chi-Chi looked at the waitress sympathetically. “Don’t you mind them. They are allowed out only once a month.” She said it with such a straight face the waitress blinked several times until it hit her. “Ha. Funny.”
“See? Comedy Central.” Luna gestured around the table with both of her arms, imitating the women onLet’s Make a DealorThe Price Is Right.
The waitress stood there, tapping her pen. “Y’all need a few minutes? Suggestions?”
“What if we order a few salads to share?” Luna asked the others. All agreed. Pear Salad. Beet Salad. Luna placed her order. Pappardelle. Trout for Cullen. Shrimp and grits for Gaines, and squash vindaloo for Chi-Chi. It was a gastronomic adventure.
The conversation was lively: sports, recent movies, and who was binge watching what coming up. Gaines gave them updates on his renovation. The evening passed quickly, just the opposite of the excruciating wait Luna had had during the day.
They ordered a couple of desserts to share. Decaf and tea.
Cullen told the waitress in advance that he should get the bill. No matter what. “Badge or no badge.”
She shrugged. “Whatever you say, chief.”
The busboy cleared the table while everyone let out a few groans and did a couple of stretches. As they were getting up from the table, Gaines turned to Cullen. “That was terrific. Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
“Are you kidding? You’re practically family.” Cullen slapped him on the back, and Luna almost fell over.
They walked to the SUV slowly, each of them moaning about how good the food was and how much they had overeaten. “But I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Although if I keep eating like this, I may not have one,” Gaines joked.
“Next time you’re in town,” Cullen added quickly, knowing how Luna was sweet on Gaines.
“I’ll be here until Monday. If we’re finished early, I’ll swing on by tomorrow,” Gaines said casually.
Luna’s legs were getting rubbery again. And it wasn’t from one glass of wine.Was it her imagination, or did she really feel a strong pull between the two of them?Chi-Chi picked up on Luna’s wobble and linked her arm through Luna’s. That was something girlfriends did. Help each other stand up tall and move forward. It was more than a metaphor. That night, it was literal. Luna put her head on Chi-Chi’s shoulder as they sauntered to the SUV.
Fifteen minutes later, they were pulling into Stillwell’s parking lot. All four got out and headed to the rear entrance of Silver & Stone. Chi-Chi pushed a bunch of buttons that released the outer door. Then another keypad to enter the small office that opened up to the showroom. Chi-Chi walked over to her large safe, pushed a few more buttons, then a fingerprint. She unlatched it and held out her hand to Luna. Luna obediently handed Chi-Chi the envelope. “Happy now? Everyone?” Luna muttered.
It was a resounding “yes” from the others. On their way out, Chi-Chi locked everything in their path. They said their goodnights. And there it was. The awkward moment. Gaines took the lead. He placed his hands on Luna’s shoulders. “Incoming. Right side.” Luna thought she was going to faint. A peck on the cheek. “Mission accomplished. You OK driving home?”
“Cullen is giving me a lift. But thanks!” Luna was good at acting nonchalant, even when she wasn’t feeling it.
Gaines gave her a short salute. He gave Chi-Chi a kiss on the cheek as well and shook Cullen’s hand. “Thanks again, man.”
“A pleasure.”
Chapter Twenty
Boston—American Storage Center
Late Saturday night
Rowena slumped against the wall, covered in sawdust and splinters. Arthur looked like he had been in a brawl with a china cabinet. The storage area was piled high with shattered furniture, strips of paint, and broken hinges. It was a terribly expensive pile of kindling. Arthur wiped his brow on his sleeve. Rowena looked over at him. He, too, sagged in defeat.
“It must be in that Louis XVI,” he said with resignation.
“Arthur, I really don’t think so.” Rowena wasn’t in the mood to argue about it again. “Unless it had a very secret compartment, the will was not in there.”
“So now what do you recommend?” Arthur had never looked so deflated.
“Hey.” Something had just dawned on her. “Wait a minute.” Rowena brushed off her pants and stood up. “Wasn’t your father supposed to meet with Clive the morning of his heart attack?”
