ChapterThirteen
Prisha’s house was technically next door, but there was so much space between houses, combined with the long driveways, that it still took a good few minutes of walking to get there. The house came into view as they went down the drive. It was beautiful, as Harper was sure all of the houses in Hideaway Bay were.
Prisha’s home was done in a Mediterranean style. It was a pale, creamy gold with terracotta accents, a tile roof, and cobalt blue shutters. The landscaping was lush and just slightly wild with climbing, flowering vines, and hanging pots dripping with more flowers.
The overall effect was really lovely. And while Harper had only just met Prisha, the house felt like a reflection of the woman she’d met on the beach, warm, welcoming, and happy.
Frankie rang the bell.
A young woman in a white and powder blue maid’s outfit answered the door. “Good evening. Are you here for book club?”
“We are,” Harper said.
The young woman stepped back. “Please, come in. I’ll show you to the living room.”
They followed her through the house. It was bright and colorful, just like the exterior, with lots of gorgeous fabrics and jewel tones.
Prisha was in the living room with two other women, one young and blond, one older and brunette. All three were holding glasses of wine. Prisha smiled when she saw them. “Harper. I’m so glad you could come.”
The young woman who’d ushered them in discretely disappeared.
“Thanks for inviting us,” Harper said. “This is my sister, Frankie. And she’s actually read the book.”
Prisha laughed. “No worries that you haven’t, Harper. I think you’ll still have a good time.” She gestured to the other women. “Let me introduce my friends. This is Sugarlynn Boudreaux-Grant.”
The blonde stepped forward with a bright, pageant-worthy smile. The diamond on her ring finger could have doubled as a weapon. “It’s so nice to meet y’all.”
Next, Prisha gestured to the brunette. “And this is Suzanne Collinsworth.”
Suzanne gave them a sedate nod, lifting the glass of wine in her hand. “Lovely of you to join us.”
The doorbell rang, soft, melodious chimes, and a moment later, another woman walked in. She had jet-black hair down to the middle of her back and blood-red lipstick that matched her sleeveless jumpsuit. She held a black lacquered tray with a lid.
“And this,” Prisha announced. “Is Azumi Kaneko.”
“Hello, all.” Azumi lifted the tray. “I brought sushi.”
“Fabulous,” Suzanne said. “Let’s eat and get some more wine.”
Prisha led them into the dining room where plates and cutlery awaited, along with more food and a full bar. The maid went with them but stayed by the door.
“Nice to meet you, Azumi,” Harper said. “I met Prisha on the beach, and she invited me. I’m Harper and this is my sister, Frankie.”
“Pleasure,” Azumi said. “Always nice to have some fresh blood. So you’re new here?”
“I am.”
“Which house did you move into?”
“The Marshes’.”
Her brows, thin and delicately arched, rose slightly, but whatever questions she had remained unasked. “Welcome to the neighborhood.”
“Thank you.”
Frankie already had a plate in her hand. “I’m just visiting.”
“Nice to have you all the same.”
