Page 41 of Murder on Charity Lane

“Ocean’s wife, when she was pregnant with Riley. I guess that’s why it was in storage.”

She squinted. “I prefer photography.”

“Maybe don’t mention that to Ocean.”

“Why not?”

“It might hurt her feelings,” he said.

“Oh, of course.”

She appreciated when people at the Cottages made social cues explicit. Those were the only riddles she didn’t enjoy unraveling. She knew that her neighbors explained things to her out of kindness, because Ocean had told her, so now she found it comforting. They helped her, and she helped them. For example right now, by visiting Nicholas.

Hm. She wondered if Sophie had asked him to invite her, or if he’d realized on his own that he needed her help. Because currently his cottage was a quite acceptable bachelor pad, but Sophie deserved better. Lily-Ann didn’t truly care who’d decided to ask for her help, but she still said, “Does Sophie know I’m here?”

“Yeah.”

“Did she make you invite me?”

“Not exactly.”

“Are you lying?”

“Only a little,” he admitted. “I don’t like anyone going through my things.”

“But for Sophie, you’re willing to put up with it?”

“Exactly. And she knew you’d enjoy it.”

“She’s sweet.”

“She said she’s going to miss you, even though she’s only moving across the courtyard.”

“That’s silly.” Lily-Ann considered for a moment. “I’ll miss her, too. Okay! Let’s start in the bathroom.”

Nicholas looked startled. “The bathroom?”

“Yes.” Lily-Ann paused, wondering how to break this to him gently. “How do I break this to you gently?”

“It’s okay, just tell me.”

“Your bathroom is horrible, Nicholas. Poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, and insufficient surfaces.”

“There are three lights, a cabinet, and a fan!”

“Mm.” She crossed the living room toward the bathroom, her gaze flicking to the side. “Oh, and dump your couch. Keep hers.”

“Mine is bigger.”

“Have you ever seen Sophie on her couch?”

“She curls up like a cat.”

“Exactly.”

His expression softened. “Good point. Thanks.”

“Now, the bathroom…”