Show Time (Juniper Ridge Romantic Comedies #1) - Tawna Fenske Page 0,72

you come right away?”

“Sure thing,” she says. “I’m maybe ten minutes out.”

I consider Vanessa’s observation about Amy being nearby the last time something happened. I never found it suspicious before, but anything’s possible. “You’re close, then?”

“Just visiting Tia,” she says, and my edginess doesn’t subside. “It’s my day off, so I’ll be in my personal car instead of the police cruiser if that’s okay.”

“That’s fine.” Better, actually.

I stare at the photo, wanting more than anything to rip that knife from the face that’s so achingly familiar. I turn away, not comfortable looking anymore. Not able to bear the thought that I wasn’t there to stop whoever did this.

“Hey, Amy?”

“Yessir?”

“Could I ask you to keep this to yourself for now?”

Again with the long pause. “This call, you mean?”

“Yeah, and the details of what I’ll be showing you.” Maybe that’s not allowed, but hopefully it is. She’s officially on the Juniper Ridge payroll, even if she’s got another week left at her cop job. “I’m not asking you to cover up anything illegal,” I add quickly. “Just…trying to prevent panic.”

I don’t say it’s Vanessa’s panic that worries me. I’d like to spare her that if I could.

Amy’s pause drags out so long this time that I’m sure we’ve dropped the call.

“I’ll be right there,” she says, and hangs up before I can say anything else.

I shove the phone back in my pocket and look out at the mountains. The sun’s completely down now, the color faded from the horizon.

As I glance one last time at the photo, a shiver jerks down my spine.

Chapter 16

CONFESSIONAL 388.5

Vincent, Vanessa: (CFO, Juniper Ridge)

Trust. Yeah, that’s kind of a big deal to me. When you’re a twin—I mean, assuming you’re close twins—you have this built-in support system. You know someone has your back no matter what. That you can tell her everything and she won’t judge. Having that kind of trust is huge. I don’t know, maybe I’ve unconsciously been looking for that in all my relationships.

That’s why it’s so huge when I do start to trust someone. When I let my guard down and start to think hey, this could be it. This might be someone I could count on. It’s scary and exhilarating and terrifying and crazy and scary and exciting all at once.

Did I already say scary?

“You’re kidding me.” My sister’s outrage is palpable from 5,200 miles away. “What are they going to do if they can’t get the permits?”

“Dean says he’s handling it.” Saying that fills me with equal parts pride and frustration. “He invited the County officials out to do another inspection.”

“Is it really that simple?”

“Probably not. But Dean seemed confident he can make this go away.”

Valerie laughs, remarkably cheerful for as early as it is in Paris. “You always fall for the confident boys, don’t you, Ness?”

My gut churns just a little. “Dean’s not like Raleigh.” Or Bradley. Or Colton. Or my mother. Or—

“I didn’t say he was like Raleigh,” she says. “Speaking of which, I had a text from him.”

“A text? About what?” I’m surprised he still has her number.

“He asked about you, actually. Wanted to know where you’re working, how you’re doing, all that.”

A niggle of unease moves through me. “When was this?”

“I don’t know, maybe a week ago? I didn’t tell him, don’t worry. Why?”

“Nothing. It’s no big deal.”

My sister pauses. “I’m glad you have Dean now.”

“I wouldn’t say I have him, exactly—”

“You’re into him, right?”

“Right, but—”

“You respect him. He makes you laugh. What did you call him? Smart and clever and kind.”

“Sure, but that doesn’t mean—”

“And he’s amazing in bed.”

I sigh and scratch my dog’s head. “It’s hardly a basis for a relationship, is it?”

Valerie takes her time answering. “That depends. Are you asking because you want me to agree with you, or disagree with you?”

This is the thing about having a twin. You can’t get away with lying to yourself. Not ever. “I don’t know.” I rub the bald spot under my dog’s chin. “I feel a little foolish.”

“About what?”

“I made such a big deal about not wanting a relationship. For crying out loud, I put it in my job application.”

“So?”

“So that makes me pretty flaky, doesn’t it?”

“It makes you human, Nessie. People are allowed to change their minds. It’s growth, not a character flaw.”

I wish I had my sister’s confidence. “Maybe.” I glance at my watch and smile. “He’s coming over tonight.”

“Oh yeah? Maybe if we switch to FaceTime, I can meet him.”

“No.” Then again, I’ve met his siblings. Would it really be that weird?

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