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Chapter Six
Yet another late-summerday spread itself out before Elise, filled with possibility.
Elise stood in the sunlight outside the police station and lifted her cheeks, closing her eyes. The temperature was maybe eighty degrees Fahrenheit, with that strange crisp at the end of it, proof that this autumn everyone spoke about was headed straight toward them.
Elise headed back toward the shopping area. After spending a few days on the island, she’d grown accustomed to it in a different way—looking at the little fudge shops and ice creameries and restaurants and bars with a feeling of community and connection. She recognized shop owners, ones who waved at her when she passed by. She supposed she was something of a celebrity on the island, especially now that she was this “crazy arsonist” who was after Swartz’s money.
Elise entered several little boutiques, bought a few dresses, a pair of jeans, a mustard-colored sweater, and a few pairs of shoes. Throughout the shopping spree, she sent her daughter a series of mirror selfies from the dressing room.
She wanted to let her daughter know just how much she missed her; beyond that, she wanted to make sure Penny wasn’t worried.
PENNY: That top is fantastic! I have to question those jeans, though. What’s up with those jewels on the upper right thigh?
ELISE: Oh, gosh. I didn’t notice the jewels! You’re right. So gaudy!
PENNY: What would you do without me?
ELISE: I would be arrested by the fashion police, for sure.
Not to mention the fact that I just walked out of the police station...
She would keep that bit of information to herself.
PENNY: I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, but I hope you tell me soon what’s up with your travel plans.
ELISE: You’ll know when I know!
PENNY: :(
When Elise left the last boutique, she found herself across the street from The Grind. Wayne himself was out front in a little dark green apron, turned toward the north. A light breeze rushed across his curls. Elise cursed the handsomeness of his profile. She cursed his perfect nose and his beautiful, kissable lips, and his muscular bicep.
“Wayne!” Elise called.
Wayne turned and delivered that same, electric smile. Elise felt the smile like a sword through the belly.
“What are you doing here?” he asked as she approached.
At first, she thought he might hug her, but he kept his distance. She held her multiple bags at her sides and shrugged.
“I needed new clothes after the fire,” she said.
“Of course! I wish I could have offered you something. I guess you probably don’t want to run around in Carhartt jackets and baggy jeans...”
“Not really a reflection of my personality,” Elise said.
Wayne glanced back toward The Grind, which was oddly barren. “It’s slowing down for the season already. We made too many scones, though. Do you want one? I might grab one.” He disappeared for a moment, then reappeared with scones and a cup of coffee, which he placed at the outdoor table beside Elise. “I just checked in with the guys. They say they don’t need me here anymore today. Tell you the truth; they prefer when I get out of here, so they can flirt with each other and check their phones...”
“You don’t allow flirting? What kind of boss are you?” Elise asked.
Look at me, also flirting.
If that’s what flirting is?
Maybe I’ve forgotten how to flirt?
“I know. I’m so cruel,” Wayne said. “But to fight that inner cruelty, I was wondering if you wanted to go out on a sailboat today. It’s one of the last beautiful days, and I have a hunch you’re on your way off the island soon.”
Elise arched her brow. “What makes you think I’m going to run away from the Swartz family?”
