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“I don’t see why everyone makes such a big deal about these things. We’re all born naked. Why not embrace our natural being?”
My head whips toward Joan, who is pursing her lips and shaking her head like she’s bewildered by the human race. I look to Sophia, hoping she can explain what we just walked in on but she’s staring at Joan with her eyes wide and completely silent.
Joan greets me with a warm smile. “Hi, Gage. What are your thoughts on the human body? Do you think we should let it be free of the confines of clothing?”
“Umm... well, I think... You do you?” I ask with a shrug.
Everyone starts laughing at my response, including me, and we move on to safer topics when Neil brings out our food. The ladies are regaling both me and Sophia with tales of the town. When Bobbi begins to talk about Bruce, I see a change in the woman next to me. She’s no longer leaning back in her seat. Now, she’s sitting forward, her elbows on the table, her attention completely on Bobbi and a smile on her face.
“I love that you all were so close growing up. What an amazing bond and so many shared memories.” Sophia’s voice is wistful as she looks at the older women.
“Growing up in such a small town had its ups and downs for sure, but the friendships we made along the way were absolutely the ups. Now, if you kids will excuse us, I need to go remind Joan that she sucks at pool.”
The women excuse themselves and leave us alone. This is either a poor attempt at a setup or the ladies are pool sharks and I had no idea. When they are out of earshot, I face the woman next to me. Her focus is on the glass of water in front of her but there’s a hint of a smile on her lips. Again, she slips a piece of hair behind her ear.
“Sorry they dragged you over here,” she says, never looking at me.
“Oh come on, I doubt if anyone has ever been able to tell those two no. In fact, now that I’ve seen both of them in action, I have to wonder if it is something about growing up in this town; Bruce isn’t much different.”
Sophia smiles and shifts her gaze to me. A warmness fills my body and I lean back in my seat and return the gesture. I was never one to shy away from eye contact. It’s important when working in law enforcement and vital in undercover. Yet, something about the way Sophia is looking at me has me feeling more uncomfortable than any criminal ever has.
“What do you do when you aren’t running errands for Joan or saving skittish women from uncomfortable situations?”
Her question catches me off guard. I knew she was uncomfortable talking with Neil but I didn’t expect her to acknowledge it herself. I contemplate my answer. Starlight Ridge isn’t exactly the hub of activity. There are exactly two places to eat, a small market, and a catch-all store that has everything from fresh bait to mini sewing kits. Truth is, I rise with the sun and work until my body is exhausted and then I try to distract myself before crashing and doing it all the next day.
“To be honest, there isn’t much to do in town. I stay busy working on some repairs at Bruce’s cabins.”
Sophia shifts in her seat so that she’s facing me. Her eyes are wide and full of curiosity. She looks desperate for details and I can’t blame her. From what Bruce has said, she’s lived most of her life isolated since college. I know she hasn’t ventured too far from Joan’s property and I imagine she’s bored out of her mind.
“Cabins? What kind? Big chalets that people call cabins or like the kind you see on those shows about mountain men in Alaska?”
“Closer to the Alaskan kind than a fancy chalet but nothing too extravagant. He mostly rents to hunters and fishermen.”
“I had no idea. I’ve learned so much about Detective Randel since I’ve been in Starlight Ridge.”
Before I can stop myself I say, “You should come by and see them.”
A huge smile takes over her face and her eyes light up with excitement. And all that comes to my mind is how I want to never see her any other way than happy.
Chapter 24
Sophia
The blank page of my empty composition book taunts me. Each morning I stare at it and wonder what I should write. Do I purge my feelings or do I tap into my creativity? As if I have any creativity right now. The only feelings I have are questions.
Dear...diaryjournalmyself,
I’m going with myself. Diary seems juvenile and journal feels a little sterile. Why am I explaining this to myself? Ugh. I bought these books so I could do some writing and do something other than stare out at the valley or read another romance novel, circa 1980. Well, technically I didn’t buy them. Gage bought them and then refused to let me pay him back.
Gage. Officer Castillo. What were the odds he would be here in Starlight Ridge too? I suppose pretty high since Detective Randel is the one who sent us both here. I’ll admit something to myself only. This new version of Gage Castillo is much improved. Gone is the stiff officer in uniform and in his place is a man with a mysterious gleam in his eyes and tattoos that hold stories and secrets.
He’s intense. A puzzle. I’ve always liked puzzles.
Chapter 25
Sophia
Seventeen days. I’ve been in Starlight Ridge for over two weeks and have yet to hear from Detective Randel. I’m going stir crazy wondering what is happening with his investigation. Admittedly, I’m more relaxed here in Starlight Ridge than in Seattle. Not having electronics has taken some getting used to but there’s also a huge relief knowing I can’t be tracked.
