“Are you ready?” Violet asked, opening the door to let the fresh spring air wash them in her glory.
“I think so.” Bel squatted in her heels to kiss her dog Cerberus goodbye. Violet had been invited to a friend’s wedding, and hating the idea of venturing into the romance alone, she’d asked Bel to be her platonic plus one. The ceremony,unfortunately, landed on Bel’s thirty-fifth birthday, and she’d initially declined, but Eamon ultimately convinced her to go. The wedding was out of town, meaning the women were spending the weekend in a hotel. Eamon paid for everything, gifting them the luxury girls’ trip with the promise that she’d receive a second celebration with him when she returned. Both he and her family agreed that helping her friend and enjoying a girls-only weekend would be a glorious way to celebrate the anniversary of her thirty-fifth year on this earth, especially since Eamon’s budget promised an extravagant getaway.
“You be a good boy, okay?” Bel peppered Cerberus’ beefy head with kisses until the pitbull grunted in annoyance. “Eamon will pick you up in a bit. I love you, and I’ll be home…” She trailed off as her phone dinged with a notification.
“Is something wrong?” Violet asked when her face sobered at the text message.
“No… do we have time to stop by the Reale Estate?”
“Sure. Why?”
“Eamon was supposed to pick up Cerberus and take him to his house for the weekend, but he just texted me. His meeting is running late, and he has dinner with a client afterward, so he won’t be home until after midnight. It would be easier for him if Cerberus were already at his place since he won’t have time to drive here in between meetings. This way, he can at least let him outside before he heads back out.”
“That’s no problem.” Violet fished her keys out of her clutch. “Your pup is letting me steal you for your birthday. The least I can do is give him a lift.”
“Thank you.” Bel ushered the animal out of the front door, and the trio loaded into Violet’s car. “I’m afraid I’ve worn off on the man. I worry about Cerberus when I leave him alone for too many hours, and Eamon is starting to sound more and more like me.”
“The upside of cats,” Violet said as she pulled out of the driveway. “They don’t mind when I’m gone. I doubt they’ll even notice I left.”
“I’m sure they’ll miss you.”
“Maybe once the food gets low.” Violet smirked. “They love me in their own ways, and I prefer their independence. Running a furniture design company takes up too much of my time… a fact you know nothing about.”
“No, definitely not. I barely work.” Bel winked at her friend.
“I’m glad we’re doing this. We deserve some fun, and you only turn thirty-five once.”
“Don’t remind me. I’m afraid to brush my hair and find grey strands now.”
“And you’ll still be the prettiest of us when you do.”
“With you in that dress? I doubt it.”
“I don’t know, Bel. Your blue dress is mesmerizing… to be seen is to be loved.”
Bel raised her eyebrows in question.
“I know you. You’d never buy yourself something that expensive. Eamon clearly bought it for you.”
“He gave it to me on the island.”
“He loves you, and not because he spent a ridiculous amount on a designer piece. There are hundreds of designers out there. He could’ve bought you dozens of dresses, but this one? He didn’t buy the dress for himself. He picked it just for you. Even if you weren’t wearing this, I’d still know it belonged to you. He really sees you.”
“He asked me to wear this to the wedding,” Bel said as the car finally turned down the Reale Estate’s long gravel drive. “Claimed it was so he could be with me for my birthday.”
“Ugh,” Violet faked a gag. “You two are disgusting. I’m changing the rules. No more boyfriend talk this weekend.”
“You’re the one who brought it up.” Bel opened the car door with mock accusation. “All right, I’ll be quick. I’m just going to get him settled.”
“We’re still good on time,” Violet called after her. “No rush… actually, can I use the bathroom? I forgot to pee at your cabin.”
“Sure.” Bel held the front door open for her friend and gestured down the hall. “It’s right down there.”
“Thanks!” Violet disappeared, and Bel strode into the kitchen as fast as her high heels would allow to set out a fresh water bowl for her boy. Cerberus had vanished deep into the mansion as soon as she’d opened the front door because, like her, he’d grown attached to this home. He knew where all his toys were stashed, his treats were hidden, and his water bowls were kept, so he’d find his way to a drink when he needed it.
“All right, buddy, you have fun with Eamon,” she called into the emptiness. “Are you going to come kiss your mom goodbye, or are you going to ignore me for the toys?” She paused, waiting for her dog to trot into the foyer, but after silent moments, the hall remained empty. Seemed Cerberus didn’t care to join her… and come to think of it, neither did Violet. Not wanting to embarrass her, Bel waited by the front door, but when long minutes passed, she wondered if her friend was sick or lost in the expansive home.
“Violet?” She walked to the first-floor guest bathroom, but it was empty, the woman in black nowhere to be found. “Where are you?” Bel moved toward the rear of the house. “Violet, are you okay? Answer me, because if you jump out and scare me, just know I’m a cop who carries a gun.”
