“I saw it move. It could be nothing, but I just…I have a bad feeling. She works at the park, so she’s had access to things like your keyandRhett. She’s had ample means to get close to you. She arrived in town at the same time all of this started. Please.”
Jules wore a wig? Addie never would have guessed.
She didn’t want to agree to not seeing Jules. But what if shewasinvolved? Then the question became—why? “Okay. I don’t think she has anything to do with this, but to err on the side of caution, I’ll stay away from her for now.”
“Thank you.”
She nibbled her bottom lip. “How have you been?”
“Good. I actually saw your dad’s therapist this morning.”
“You did?”
“Yeah.” There was a small pause. “He thinks I made a mistake pausing things with you.”
Tears Addie hadn’t expected gathered in her eyes, but she blinked them away. She was about to ask him whathethought—then Jules stepped into the aisle.
Crap. “Noah, I need to call you back.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes. Everything’s fine.” She hung up before he could get another word in.
Jules smiled when she saw Addie and closed the distance between them before pulling her into a hug.
“Addie, hi, honey.” When she pulled back, she frowned. “Is everything okay? You feel tense.”
She was probably stiff as a board. “I’m fine.” She cleared her throat. “Doing some shopping?”
“Restocking some things for the van in the hope that the park opens in the next week or so.” She tilted her head. “Should you be out by yourself?”
She opened her mouth to tell Jules she had a tail but stopped herself. If Jules was a suspect, she should say as little as possible. “It’s just a quick trip.”
“Okay, as long as you’re keeping safe. How about a coffee tomorrow?”
Oh, man. She wanted to say yes. She enjoyed her catch-ups with Jules. It was strange, actually. She felt a connection to the other woman that she hadn’t really experienced with anyone else, friends or strangers.
But she’d made a promise to Noah. “The guys have actually given me a bit to do on the park’s website. Rain check?”
“Oh. Sure. I’m also happy to come over with my laptop and keep you company too. I have admin to do, and it must be lonely at your house. I—” She stopped and winced, grabbing her head.
Addie touched her shoulder. “Hey. Youstillhave a headache?” It seemed to be constant. Every time they met lately, Jules looked to be in some sort of pain.
She smiled but it looked forced. “I’m okay. I’ll text, okay? Let me know if you need anything before then.”
Addie nodded and watched the older woman walk away.
No. Jules couldn’t possibly have anything to do with this…could she? She seemed so kind and genuine and always wanted to help. There didn’t appear to be a bad bone in her body.
Or if there was…she hid it well.
CHAPTER 24
Addie jogged from her car to the door of The Tea House. It was raining and cold, and she needed a hot chocolate in her belly as fast as humanly possible. It wasn’t even a want anymore. It was an if-she-didn’t-get-it-she’d-die kind of need.
Okay, maybe not die, but life would be tough.
A sigh slipped from her lips when she stepped inside the café. It was warm. Warm and dry. Two things that felt pretty dang good.
