Reading Between the Lies
Book 4:
Survivors' Book Club Mystery
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Synopsis
Prolific New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon pens a new episode in the Tuesday Night Survivors Club Mystery series set in a cozy bookstore café in Sedona, Arizona.
Rarity is grateful for many things and people in her new life, including her friend Shirley, who is helping to provide backpacks and supplies for kids going back to school. But Shirley needs a big favor. With her husband in a memory-care home, she wants to attend an art opening with a male friend but fears local gossip. She asks Rarity, her friend Sam, and their boyfriends to come along as cover. It would be fun if not for the fact that the two couples are barely speaking…
The evening proceeds without any social disasters. But the featured artist—who struck Rarity as more of a spoiled playboy—is later found dead with an arrow in his back. Any lingering tensions must be set aside so the amateur sleuths can find an archer who may have taken the idea of pointed criticism a bit too literally . . .
Release date: August 6, 2024
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Print pages: 224
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Reading Between the Lies
Lynn Cahoon
Praise for Lynn Cahoon and Her Irresistible Cozy Mysteries
THREE TAINTED TEAS
“A kitchen witch reluctantly takes over as planner for a cursed wedding... This witchy tale is a hoot.”
—Kirkus Reviews
ONE POISON PIE
“One Poison Pie deliciously blends charm and magic with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of romance. Mia Malone is a zesty protagonist who relies on her wits to solve the crime, and the enchanting cast of characters that populate Magic Springs are a delight.”
—Daryl Wood Gerber, Agatha winner and nationally best-selling author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries and Fairy Garden Mysteries
“A witchy cooking cozy for fans of the supernatural and good eating.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDE
“The best entry in this character-driven series mixes a well-plotted mystery with a romance that rings true to life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Informative as well as entertaining, A Field Guide to Homicide is the perfect book for cozy mystery lovers who entertain thoughts of writing novels themselves... This is, without a doubt, one of the best Cat Latimer novels to date.”
—Criminal Element
“Cat is a great heroine with a lot of spirit that readers will enjoy solving the mystery (with).”
—Parkersburg News & Sentinel
SCONED TO DEATH
“The most intriguing aspect of this story is the writers’ retreat itself. Although the writers themselves are not suspect, they add freshness and new relationships to the series. Fans of Lucy Arlington’s ‘Novel Idea’ mysteries may want to enter the writing world from another angle.”
—Library Journal
OF MURDER AND MEN
“A Colorado widow discovers that everything she knew about her husband’s death is wrong... Interesting plot and quirky characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A STORY TO KILL
“Well-crafted... Cat and crew prove to be engaging characters and Cahoon does a stellar job of keeping them—and the reader—guessing.”
—Mystery Scene
“Lynn Cahoon has hit the golden trifecta—Murder, intrigue, and a really hot handyman. Better get your flashlight handy, A Story to Kill will keep you reading all night.”
—Laura Bradford, author of the Amish Mysteries
TOURIST TRAP MYSTERIES
“Lynn Cahoon’s popular Tourist Trap series is set all around the charming coastal town of South Cove, California, but the heroine Jill Gardner owns a delightful bookstore/coffee shop so a lot of the scenes take place there. This is one of my go-to cozy mystery series, bookish or not, and I’m always eager to get my hands on the next book!”
—Hope By the Book
“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.”
—Susan McBride, author of the Debutante Dropout Mysteries
“This was a good read and I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly... I can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderfully appealing series.”
—Dru’s Book Musings
“I am happy to admit that some of my expectations were met while other aspects of the story exceeded my own imagination... This mystery novel was light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged. I only wish it was longer.”
—The Young Folks
“If the Shoe Kills is entertaining and I would be happy to visit Jill and the residents of South Cove again.”
—MysteryPlease.com
“In If the Shoe Kills, author Lynn Cahoon gave me exactly what I wanted. She crafted a well told small town murder that kept me guessing who the murderer was until the end. I will definitely have to take a trip back to South Cove and maybe even visit tales of Jill Gardner’s past in the previous two Tourist Trap Mystery books. I do love a holiday mystery! And with this book, so will you.”
—ArtBooksCoffee.com
“I would recommend If the Shoe Kills if you are looking for a well written cozy mystery.”
—Mysteries, Etc.
“This novella is short and easily read in an hour or two with interesting angst and dynamics between mothers and daughters and mothers and sons... I enjoyed the first-person narrative.”
—Kings River Life Magazine on Mother’s Day Mayhem
Chapter 1
Rarity Cole loved date nights. Or at least she did now. Back in St. Louis, date nights meant having wings and beer at a sports bar while Kevin, the ex-fiancé, watched some game on the many monitors. Or a rerun of a game. Or a bunch of guys talking about a game either just played or coming soon. Rarity should have known after the first few weeks of those date nights that Kevin wasn’t the one. Long before he walked out on her because, during chemo treatments, she wasn’t fun.
Now, cancer-free with a new house, new business, and a new life in Sedona, Arizona, thanks to the urging of her best friend, Sam Aarons, she also had a new appreciation of date night. And the guy she was hanging out with, Archer Ender.
Tonight, he’d taken her to see Sedona’s newest art gallery, Moments. Archer took a couple of flutes off the tray of a passing waiter and handed one to Rarity. “The dad of Jackson Sanders, our newest resident, works for the New York Metropolitan Gallery. His mom does charity events.”
Rarity sipped her champagne and studied Archer. “You’re not usually a subject matter expert in art galleries and their owners. Is this guy a new client?”
“Kind of. He’s hired me for a private hike this weekend. We knew each other a long time ago.” He pointed to a tall, thin man walking toward him. “Jackson’s on his way over to greet us. Be nice.”
“I’m always nice.” Rarity stared at Archer, but he ignored her unasked question. Basically, what the heck? She put on a fake smile and waited for Jackson to arrive.
“Archer, I’m so glad you could make it.” Jackson shook Archer’s hand. Then he turned to Rarity. “And this must be Rarity. You didn’t tell me how beautiful she is, Archer.”
“I didn’t want you getting any ideas,” Archer joked.
Jackson reached out for her hand, then covered it with his other hand. “I’m so honored you took the time to welcome me to this lovely community. I hope you and Archer come back for the open house. I’ll have many more artists on display then. This was just kind of a low-key event to break in the new place as well as let the Red Rock community find kindred spirits.”
“It’s a beautiful building and setting.” Rarity wasn’t sure what Jackson was talking about with Red Rock. From what she knew of the area, the gallery was just outside the Sedona city boundaries. She glanced toward the bank of windows that looked out over the town of Sedona and the hills surrounding it. The sun was just beginning to set, and the sky bathed the area in bright amber and orange. “I’m not sure I’d get any work done here. I’d be staring out the windows all the time.”
“When you grow up in a seaside cottage in New England, you learn to block out beautiful scenery in order to work.” He smiled, clearly amused by Rarity’s awe of the setting. “Or you figure out a way, like our friend Archer here, to make your cubical an outdoor one, where you get to enjoy this beauty every day. I envy his choice of work-life balance.”
“Honestly, I agree with Rarity. Your view here is spectacular.” Archer met Rarity’s gaze and smiled. “Although you’re right. Running my own hiking business is a life goal achievement. What’s that quote? It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.”
“You’re being modest,” a woman’s voice interrupted.
Rarity turned to see Calliope Todd, Archer’s former assistant, joining the group. Calliope had gone all out for the little get-together. She wore a skin-tight little black dress that highlighted her toned body and ample curves. The short length of the dress also showed off her shapely legs. Rarity noticed most of the men in the room were watching the red-headed beauty. Including Archer and Jackson.
“Calliope, I’m so glad you could make it.” Jackson leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I think you all know each other?”
Rarity nodded and smiled. “How have you been, Calliope?”
“Fine. I was just telling Archer the other day at lunch that since I moved to Flagstaff, I never see you anymore. I hope everything’s going all right with your little bookstore?”
Rarity hoped the jolt of learning that Calliope had had lunch with Archer didn’t show on her face. Or the fact that Archer hadn’t mentioned it to her. Calliope had thrown that piece of information into the conversation to jar her. That was obvious. Now she just needed to get through this face-to-face without looking like a jealous girlfriend. “The bookstore is doing great, thanks for asking. We’re sponsoring a back-to-school stuffed-backpack drive. Stop by the store and get a shopping list if you’re going to be in town. You know we’re always looking for donations to keep our kids happy and learning in the classroom.”
“Well, isn’t that socially altruistic of you and the town?” Jackson pulled out his wallet and counted out five hundred-dollar bills. “Here’s my donation. I don’t have time to go school shopping, but maybe this will help?”
Rarity swallowed, and after a long pause, it was Archer who reached out and took the money. “That’s very generous of you. I’m sure the school district can put this to good use.”
“Well, I want to help where I can. Who knows, maybe one of those kindergartners’ finger paintings will turn into the next big thing in art.” Jackson waved at another couple. “Calliope, that’s the Simpsons. Let me introduce you. I’m sure Rarity and Archer would like some alone time.”
As they walked away, Calliope glanced over her shoulder. She didn’t look happy to be giving Archer and Rarity any space at all.
Rarity drank down the champagne in her glass and traded it for a full one. “Well, Jackson’s a force of nature.”
“He’s a big personality, that’s for sure.” Archer put his hand on her arm and moved her to the next painting in the gallery. “Look, I didn’t tell you about having lunch with Calliope last week because it was business. She had a client for me. And I know how you feel about her.”
“I don’t care who you have lunch with, Archer. I just don’t like surprises or to be lied to.” Rarity stared at the geometric mess in front of her. “I guess I’m more of a fan of Renaissance or Impressionist style. The paintings where you can tell if there’s a person in the painting?”
Archer chuckled and they moved to the next painting. “Like this one?”
The painting was old, Rarity could tell that by the cracking in the paint, but it had the rich colors she loved. There were three children in the painting, sitting outside in front of a lake. And a tree was to their left. Something was odd about the tree. She leaned closer, reaching her hand toward the canvas to brush away a cobweb, but someone grabbed her hand before she could get closer.
“Sorry, we don’t allow people to touch the paintings.” A woman in a black dress dropped Rarity’s hand by her side. “This painting in particular is very rare. It’s from before the Civil War and was found in Georgia at an estate sale. We don’t know who the children are in the painting, but it’s very realistic, isn’t it?”
Rarity stepped back from the painting. “Sorry, I thought there was a shadow or a bit of dust on it. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m Rarity Cole, owner of The Next Chapter and usually a much better gallery visitor.”
The woman laughed and reached out her hand. “I’m sure you are. I’m Eleanor Blanchet. I’m the gallery manager.”
“Archer Ender.” As he introduced himself, he looked at Rarity. “Sorry, I’ll be right back.”
Rarity watched as he headed to the corner of the room. In the opposite direction from Calliope. Okay, maybe she was a jealous girlfriend. She shook the thought out of her head and focused on Eleanor. “Are you new to the area?”
“Definitely. New York City is my home. I’m afraid I let Jackson lure me away with the promise of managing this gallery and a huge salary. And it doesn’t hurt that my condo here in Red Rock is almost ten times the size of my New York apartment.” She glanced over at Jackson and a softness changed her face. “He’s very persuasive.”
“You should visit my bookstore soon. I’m not sure I’ll have exactly what you like to read, but I can order anything.” Rarity sipped her champagne. “Jackson mentioned Red Rock too. Is that a nearby town? I’m kind of new to the area, but I haven’t heard of it.”
Eleanor laughed. “You’d think it was a town the way Jackson describes it. Honestly, I don’t even know if the area has a real name. I’ve just taken to calling our neighborhood by that name because Jackson does. All of our employees who moved from another area live there. I think Jackson’s family owns the street. Anyway, I guess I shouldn’t keep saying it like it is a town or anything. We do have barbeques on the last Saturday of the month for everyone. I’m so domesticated now that my black-wearing New York friends wouldn’t even recognize me. I need to get into your bookstore and grab some culture back before I buy a cowboy hat or something worse.”
“You’re welcome anytime. Except I’m closed on Sundays. You can help me order some art books. I think with your new gallery, people are going to be wanting to learn more about art in general. We’re like that around here.” Rarity had noticed that about the local community. They liked to know about the shops and stores they were supporting. And she could talk to Eleanor about the bookmark exchange she’d started with other local companies. Like Ender’s Adventures, Archer’s hiking tour company. She sold a lot of books on trails as well as hiking memoirs and how-to books for beginners. She glanced around the room to see if she could find Archer. He wasn’t in sight.
“I’ll try to stop by this week.” Eleanor nodded to another customer. “Sorry, I need to mingle. Thank you for coming tonight.”
After Eleanor left, Rarity moved to the next painting, sipping her drink. When Archer came back a few minutes later, they walked through the rest of the paintings. Some were new, some old, but all of them had a hefty price tag. Rarity saw a landscape she loved, but when she saw the cost, she sighed. “That’s a lot of books to sell.”
“Maybe we should go to Art in the Park in Flagstaff next weekend. They have booths by local artists with prices for the rest of us.” He scanned the room. “Are you ready to get out of here?”
“Please. I feel poor and uneducated. I told Eleanor I’d order some art history books if she came in and helped me pick out some. I need a mini art history class myself.” Rarity took his arm. “Do you want to learn with me?”
He shook his head. “Not on your life. Unless it’s part of local history that I can use in my hiking tours, I don’t have room in my head for useless facts. Let’s go get some dinner at the Garnet. I’m starving.”
“I need to go freshen up.” Rarity nodded to the restrooms. “I’ll meet you at the door?”
“Sounds good.” He kissed her on the cheek and left to go stand by the front door.
Rarity had just stepped out of the restroom when she heard angry voices. They were coming from the back room. She glanced out toward where the party was happening, but apparently no one could hear the shouting that far away. She stepped over to the door that was cracked open and saw it was an office. Jackson was talking to a larger man. Jackson’s face was beet red.
“You owe me. Don’t try to back out now just because you’re concerned you might look bad,” Jackson said as he looked toward the door. Rarity stepped out of sight. Just before he slammed shut the door, she heard him say, “No one threatens me or my business. I know people.”
Rarity hurried out of the hallway and toward the entrance. She quickly scanned the room to find Archer. When she did, she was just in time to watch Calliope plant a kiss on his cheek. It had been aimed at his mouth, but Rarity and Archer had just locked gazes and he’d moved just in time.
When she got within chatting range, Rarity was livid. “I’m ready to go.”
Archer nodded. “Calliope, thank you for the introduction to Matthew. Rarity and I have a reservation.”
“Here? In this small town? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were giving me the brush-off.” Calliope turned and saw Rarity. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were standing there.”
There were so many responses Rarity wanted to throw out, but she took a deep breath and kept her cool. She was starving and didn’t want to ruin dinner because Calliope was playing games.
“I guess not. Sorry, we’re on our way out. It was nice to see you again.” Rarity took Archer’s arm in her own and they stepped outside.
“I didn’t kiss her,” Archer said before she could say anything.
She met his gaze and shrugged. “I don’t want to talk about Calliope. Why is your friend Jackson arguing with someone about threatening the gallery?”
“He was doing what?” Archer unlocked his Jeep and then helped Rarity inside.
She told him about the conversation as they drove to dinner. Her head was pounding, probably a mix of the champagne and seeing Calliope. Dinner didn’t help. She tried to keep up her end of the conversation, but she knew she was failing.
When they got back to the house, he turned off the engine.
“Do you want me to come in?” He took her hand in his.
The headache was worse. “Honestly, no. I just want to crash. Tomorrow’s a long day with the book club and Amy and Staci are coming over to ask the group for help with the book drive.”
“You’re sure it’s not about Calliope and what she did?”
Rarity met his gaze directly. “It’s definitely not about Calliope.”
Rarity climbed out of the Jeep and pulled her keys out of her clutch. The problem between them wasn’t Archer’s ex-assistant. The problem was why Calliope felt comfortable enough with him to kiss him, even when she knew Rarity was around. What she’d done was rude and cruel. Rarity didn’t want to play games with Calliope or anyone else.
Even if that meant she and Archer weren’t together anymore. She’d talk to him when she didn’t want to scream or hit something or both. She decided it was time to go for a swim. All by herself.
Chapter 2
Rarity usually enjoyed her book club nights. Especially since she was the founder of her brainchild get-together, the Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club. Tonight, the energy was tense. Things were touchy with her and Archer. He’d arrived exactly at seven, bringing along Sam’s boyfriend, Drew Anderson. Drew was also a member of Sedona’s finest, so he was representing the police department for this community outreach. Maybe it had been a mistake to open tonight’s club meeting to community members committed to The Next Chapter’s back-to-school drive. Sam hadn’t spoken a word since Drew and Archer walked through the door.
Archer hadn’t smiled or made eye contact with her all night. Rarity understood why Drew and Sam weren’t talking, since Sam’s brother had almost been convicted of a murder he didn’t commit. Drew had been the lead detective on the case. But she and Archer had had one little fight. Okay, maybe a big fight about his ex-employee, Calliope, who’d showed up last week with a huge client for Archer’s hiking business. And then last night, she tried to kiss him. Rarity wasn’t the jealous type, but everyone knew Calliope had a crush on Archer. Archer had tried to explain why Calliope had tried to kiss him during a phone call last night after he’d dropped her off. He’d been concerned about her headache and wanted to clarify how they ended the evening. He’d told her that Calliope’s feelings for him didn’t matter. He was in love with Rarity and she needed to trust him. That had been the last time they’d talked.
It had been a long day. Rarity tried to focus on the discussion in the meeting.
“Amy and I had a meeting with Miss Christy, the high school counselor, last week,” Staci Patterson, a Sedona high school freshman who also wrote reviews for Rarity’s bookstore, reported to the group.
Before she could continue, Amy Martin interrupted by holding her hand up in the air as she jumped to be seen. Amy was in middle school, and after Rarity had found out she hung out at the restaurant where her mom worked most afternoons, Rarity had invited her to hang around the bookstore instead. Amy was the one who’d brought the idea of the back-to-school backpack and supp. . .
THREE TAINTED TEAS
“A kitchen witch reluctantly takes over as planner for a cursed wedding... This witchy tale is a hoot.”
—Kirkus Reviews
ONE POISON PIE
“One Poison Pie deliciously blends charm and magic with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of romance. Mia Malone is a zesty protagonist who relies on her wits to solve the crime, and the enchanting cast of characters that populate Magic Springs are a delight.”
—Daryl Wood Gerber, Agatha winner and nationally best-selling author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries and Fairy Garden Mysteries
“A witchy cooking cozy for fans of the supernatural and good eating.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A FIELD GUIDE TO HOMICIDE
“The best entry in this character-driven series mixes a well-plotted mystery with a romance that rings true to life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Informative as well as entertaining, A Field Guide to Homicide is the perfect book for cozy mystery lovers who entertain thoughts of writing novels themselves... This is, without a doubt, one of the best Cat Latimer novels to date.”
—Criminal Element
“Cat is a great heroine with a lot of spirit that readers will enjoy solving the mystery (with).”
—Parkersburg News & Sentinel
SCONED TO DEATH
“The most intriguing aspect of this story is the writers’ retreat itself. Although the writers themselves are not suspect, they add freshness and new relationships to the series. Fans of Lucy Arlington’s ‘Novel Idea’ mysteries may want to enter the writing world from another angle.”
—Library Journal
OF MURDER AND MEN
“A Colorado widow discovers that everything she knew about her husband’s death is wrong... Interesting plot and quirky characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews
A STORY TO KILL
“Well-crafted... Cat and crew prove to be engaging characters and Cahoon does a stellar job of keeping them—and the reader—guessing.”
—Mystery Scene
“Lynn Cahoon has hit the golden trifecta—Murder, intrigue, and a really hot handyman. Better get your flashlight handy, A Story to Kill will keep you reading all night.”
—Laura Bradford, author of the Amish Mysteries
TOURIST TRAP MYSTERIES
“Lynn Cahoon’s popular Tourist Trap series is set all around the charming coastal town of South Cove, California, but the heroine Jill Gardner owns a delightful bookstore/coffee shop so a lot of the scenes take place there. This is one of my go-to cozy mystery series, bookish or not, and I’m always eager to get my hands on the next book!”
—Hope By the Book
“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.”
—Susan McBride, author of the Debutante Dropout Mysteries
“This was a good read and I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly... I can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderfully appealing series.”
—Dru’s Book Musings
“I am happy to admit that some of my expectations were met while other aspects of the story exceeded my own imagination... This mystery novel was light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged. I only wish it was longer.”
—The Young Folks
“If the Shoe Kills is entertaining and I would be happy to visit Jill and the residents of South Cove again.”
—MysteryPlease.com
“In If the Shoe Kills, author Lynn Cahoon gave me exactly what I wanted. She crafted a well told small town murder that kept me guessing who the murderer was until the end. I will definitely have to take a trip back to South Cove and maybe even visit tales of Jill Gardner’s past in the previous two Tourist Trap Mystery books. I do love a holiday mystery! And with this book, so will you.”
—ArtBooksCoffee.com
“I would recommend If the Shoe Kills if you are looking for a well written cozy mystery.”
—Mysteries, Etc.
“This novella is short and easily read in an hour or two with interesting angst and dynamics between mothers and daughters and mothers and sons... I enjoyed the first-person narrative.”
—Kings River Life Magazine on Mother’s Day Mayhem
Chapter 1
Rarity Cole loved date nights. Or at least she did now. Back in St. Louis, date nights meant having wings and beer at a sports bar while Kevin, the ex-fiancé, watched some game on the many monitors. Or a rerun of a game. Or a bunch of guys talking about a game either just played or coming soon. Rarity should have known after the first few weeks of those date nights that Kevin wasn’t the one. Long before he walked out on her because, during chemo treatments, she wasn’t fun.
Now, cancer-free with a new house, new business, and a new life in Sedona, Arizona, thanks to the urging of her best friend, Sam Aarons, she also had a new appreciation of date night. And the guy she was hanging out with, Archer Ender.
Tonight, he’d taken her to see Sedona’s newest art gallery, Moments. Archer took a couple of flutes off the tray of a passing waiter and handed one to Rarity. “The dad of Jackson Sanders, our newest resident, works for the New York Metropolitan Gallery. His mom does charity events.”
Rarity sipped her champagne and studied Archer. “You’re not usually a subject matter expert in art galleries and their owners. Is this guy a new client?”
“Kind of. He’s hired me for a private hike this weekend. We knew each other a long time ago.” He pointed to a tall, thin man walking toward him. “Jackson’s on his way over to greet us. Be nice.”
“I’m always nice.” Rarity stared at Archer, but he ignored her unasked question. Basically, what the heck? She put on a fake smile and waited for Jackson to arrive.
“Archer, I’m so glad you could make it.” Jackson shook Archer’s hand. Then he turned to Rarity. “And this must be Rarity. You didn’t tell me how beautiful she is, Archer.”
“I didn’t want you getting any ideas,” Archer joked.
Jackson reached out for her hand, then covered it with his other hand. “I’m so honored you took the time to welcome me to this lovely community. I hope you and Archer come back for the open house. I’ll have many more artists on display then. This was just kind of a low-key event to break in the new place as well as let the Red Rock community find kindred spirits.”
“It’s a beautiful building and setting.” Rarity wasn’t sure what Jackson was talking about with Red Rock. From what she knew of the area, the gallery was just outside the Sedona city boundaries. She glanced toward the bank of windows that looked out over the town of Sedona and the hills surrounding it. The sun was just beginning to set, and the sky bathed the area in bright amber and orange. “I’m not sure I’d get any work done here. I’d be staring out the windows all the time.”
“When you grow up in a seaside cottage in New England, you learn to block out beautiful scenery in order to work.” He smiled, clearly amused by Rarity’s awe of the setting. “Or you figure out a way, like our friend Archer here, to make your cubical an outdoor one, where you get to enjoy this beauty every day. I envy his choice of work-life balance.”
“Honestly, I agree with Rarity. Your view here is spectacular.” Archer met Rarity’s gaze and smiled. “Although you’re right. Running my own hiking business is a life goal achievement. What’s that quote? It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.”
“You’re being modest,” a woman’s voice interrupted.
Rarity turned to see Calliope Todd, Archer’s former assistant, joining the group. Calliope had gone all out for the little get-together. She wore a skin-tight little black dress that highlighted her toned body and ample curves. The short length of the dress also showed off her shapely legs. Rarity noticed most of the men in the room were watching the red-headed beauty. Including Archer and Jackson.
“Calliope, I’m so glad you could make it.” Jackson leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I think you all know each other?”
Rarity nodded and smiled. “How have you been, Calliope?”
“Fine. I was just telling Archer the other day at lunch that since I moved to Flagstaff, I never see you anymore. I hope everything’s going all right with your little bookstore?”
Rarity hoped the jolt of learning that Calliope had had lunch with Archer didn’t show on her face. Or the fact that Archer hadn’t mentioned it to her. Calliope had thrown that piece of information into the conversation to jar her. That was obvious. Now she just needed to get through this face-to-face without looking like a jealous girlfriend. “The bookstore is doing great, thanks for asking. We’re sponsoring a back-to-school stuffed-backpack drive. Stop by the store and get a shopping list if you’re going to be in town. You know we’re always looking for donations to keep our kids happy and learning in the classroom.”
“Well, isn’t that socially altruistic of you and the town?” Jackson pulled out his wallet and counted out five hundred-dollar bills. “Here’s my donation. I don’t have time to go school shopping, but maybe this will help?”
Rarity swallowed, and after a long pause, it was Archer who reached out and took the money. “That’s very generous of you. I’m sure the school district can put this to good use.”
“Well, I want to help where I can. Who knows, maybe one of those kindergartners’ finger paintings will turn into the next big thing in art.” Jackson waved at another couple. “Calliope, that’s the Simpsons. Let me introduce you. I’m sure Rarity and Archer would like some alone time.”
As they walked away, Calliope glanced over her shoulder. She didn’t look happy to be giving Archer and Rarity any space at all.
Rarity drank down the champagne in her glass and traded it for a full one. “Well, Jackson’s a force of nature.”
“He’s a big personality, that’s for sure.” Archer put his hand on her arm and moved her to the next painting in the gallery. “Look, I didn’t tell you about having lunch with Calliope last week because it was business. She had a client for me. And I know how you feel about her.”
“I don’t care who you have lunch with, Archer. I just don’t like surprises or to be lied to.” Rarity stared at the geometric mess in front of her. “I guess I’m more of a fan of Renaissance or Impressionist style. The paintings where you can tell if there’s a person in the painting?”
Archer chuckled and they moved to the next painting. “Like this one?”
The painting was old, Rarity could tell that by the cracking in the paint, but it had the rich colors she loved. There were three children in the painting, sitting outside in front of a lake. And a tree was to their left. Something was odd about the tree. She leaned closer, reaching her hand toward the canvas to brush away a cobweb, but someone grabbed her hand before she could get closer.
“Sorry, we don’t allow people to touch the paintings.” A woman in a black dress dropped Rarity’s hand by her side. “This painting in particular is very rare. It’s from before the Civil War and was found in Georgia at an estate sale. We don’t know who the children are in the painting, but it’s very realistic, isn’t it?”
Rarity stepped back from the painting. “Sorry, I thought there was a shadow or a bit of dust on it. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m Rarity Cole, owner of The Next Chapter and usually a much better gallery visitor.”
The woman laughed and reached out her hand. “I’m sure you are. I’m Eleanor Blanchet. I’m the gallery manager.”
“Archer Ender.” As he introduced himself, he looked at Rarity. “Sorry, I’ll be right back.”
Rarity watched as he headed to the corner of the room. In the opposite direction from Calliope. Okay, maybe she was a jealous girlfriend. She shook the thought out of her head and focused on Eleanor. “Are you new to the area?”
“Definitely. New York City is my home. I’m afraid I let Jackson lure me away with the promise of managing this gallery and a huge salary. And it doesn’t hurt that my condo here in Red Rock is almost ten times the size of my New York apartment.” She glanced over at Jackson and a softness changed her face. “He’s very persuasive.”
“You should visit my bookstore soon. I’m not sure I’ll have exactly what you like to read, but I can order anything.” Rarity sipped her champagne. “Jackson mentioned Red Rock too. Is that a nearby town? I’m kind of new to the area, but I haven’t heard of it.”
Eleanor laughed. “You’d think it was a town the way Jackson describes it. Honestly, I don’t even know if the area has a real name. I’ve just taken to calling our neighborhood by that name because Jackson does. All of our employees who moved from another area live there. I think Jackson’s family owns the street. Anyway, I guess I shouldn’t keep saying it like it is a town or anything. We do have barbeques on the last Saturday of the month for everyone. I’m so domesticated now that my black-wearing New York friends wouldn’t even recognize me. I need to get into your bookstore and grab some culture back before I buy a cowboy hat or something worse.”
“You’re welcome anytime. Except I’m closed on Sundays. You can help me order some art books. I think with your new gallery, people are going to be wanting to learn more about art in general. We’re like that around here.” Rarity had noticed that about the local community. They liked to know about the shops and stores they were supporting. And she could talk to Eleanor about the bookmark exchange she’d started with other local companies. Like Ender’s Adventures, Archer’s hiking tour company. She sold a lot of books on trails as well as hiking memoirs and how-to books for beginners. She glanced around the room to see if she could find Archer. He wasn’t in sight.
“I’ll try to stop by this week.” Eleanor nodded to another customer. “Sorry, I need to mingle. Thank you for coming tonight.”
After Eleanor left, Rarity moved to the next painting, sipping her drink. When Archer came back a few minutes later, they walked through the rest of the paintings. Some were new, some old, but all of them had a hefty price tag. Rarity saw a landscape she loved, but when she saw the cost, she sighed. “That’s a lot of books to sell.”
“Maybe we should go to Art in the Park in Flagstaff next weekend. They have booths by local artists with prices for the rest of us.” He scanned the room. “Are you ready to get out of here?”
“Please. I feel poor and uneducated. I told Eleanor I’d order some art history books if she came in and helped me pick out some. I need a mini art history class myself.” Rarity took his arm. “Do you want to learn with me?”
He shook his head. “Not on your life. Unless it’s part of local history that I can use in my hiking tours, I don’t have room in my head for useless facts. Let’s go get some dinner at the Garnet. I’m starving.”
“I need to go freshen up.” Rarity nodded to the restrooms. “I’ll meet you at the door?”
“Sounds good.” He kissed her on the cheek and left to go stand by the front door.
Rarity had just stepped out of the restroom when she heard angry voices. They were coming from the back room. She glanced out toward where the party was happening, but apparently no one could hear the shouting that far away. She stepped over to the door that was cracked open and saw it was an office. Jackson was talking to a larger man. Jackson’s face was beet red.
“You owe me. Don’t try to back out now just because you’re concerned you might look bad,” Jackson said as he looked toward the door. Rarity stepped out of sight. Just before he slammed shut the door, she heard him say, “No one threatens me or my business. I know people.”
Rarity hurried out of the hallway and toward the entrance. She quickly scanned the room to find Archer. When she did, she was just in time to watch Calliope plant a kiss on his cheek. It had been aimed at his mouth, but Rarity and Archer had just locked gazes and he’d moved just in time.
When she got within chatting range, Rarity was livid. “I’m ready to go.”
Archer nodded. “Calliope, thank you for the introduction to Matthew. Rarity and I have a reservation.”
“Here? In this small town? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were giving me the brush-off.” Calliope turned and saw Rarity. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were standing there.”
There were so many responses Rarity wanted to throw out, but she took a deep breath and kept her cool. She was starving and didn’t want to ruin dinner because Calliope was playing games.
“I guess not. Sorry, we’re on our way out. It was nice to see you again.” Rarity took Archer’s arm in her own and they stepped outside.
“I didn’t kiss her,” Archer said before she could say anything.
She met his gaze and shrugged. “I don’t want to talk about Calliope. Why is your friend Jackson arguing with someone about threatening the gallery?”
“He was doing what?” Archer unlocked his Jeep and then helped Rarity inside.
She told him about the conversation as they drove to dinner. Her head was pounding, probably a mix of the champagne and seeing Calliope. Dinner didn’t help. She tried to keep up her end of the conversation, but she knew she was failing.
When they got back to the house, he turned off the engine.
“Do you want me to come in?” He took her hand in his.
The headache was worse. “Honestly, no. I just want to crash. Tomorrow’s a long day with the book club and Amy and Staci are coming over to ask the group for help with the book drive.”
“You’re sure it’s not about Calliope and what she did?”
Rarity met his gaze directly. “It’s definitely not about Calliope.”
Rarity climbed out of the Jeep and pulled her keys out of her clutch. The problem between them wasn’t Archer’s ex-assistant. The problem was why Calliope felt comfortable enough with him to kiss him, even when she knew Rarity was around. What she’d done was rude and cruel. Rarity didn’t want to play games with Calliope or anyone else.
Even if that meant she and Archer weren’t together anymore. She’d talk to him when she didn’t want to scream or hit something or both. She decided it was time to go for a swim. All by herself.
Chapter 2
Rarity usually enjoyed her book club nights. Especially since she was the founder of her brainchild get-together, the Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club. Tonight, the energy was tense. Things were touchy with her and Archer. He’d arrived exactly at seven, bringing along Sam’s boyfriend, Drew Anderson. Drew was also a member of Sedona’s finest, so he was representing the police department for this community outreach. Maybe it had been a mistake to open tonight’s club meeting to community members committed to The Next Chapter’s back-to-school drive. Sam hadn’t spoken a word since Drew and Archer walked through the door.
Archer hadn’t smiled or made eye contact with her all night. Rarity understood why Drew and Sam weren’t talking, since Sam’s brother had almost been convicted of a murder he didn’t commit. Drew had been the lead detective on the case. But she and Archer had had one little fight. Okay, maybe a big fight about his ex-employee, Calliope, who’d showed up last week with a huge client for Archer’s hiking business. And then last night, she tried to kiss him. Rarity wasn’t the jealous type, but everyone knew Calliope had a crush on Archer. Archer had tried to explain why Calliope had tried to kiss him during a phone call last night after he’d dropped her off. He’d been concerned about her headache and wanted to clarify how they ended the evening. He’d told her that Calliope’s feelings for him didn’t matter. He was in love with Rarity and she needed to trust him. That had been the last time they’d talked.
It had been a long day. Rarity tried to focus on the discussion in the meeting.
“Amy and I had a meeting with Miss Christy, the high school counselor, last week,” Staci Patterson, a Sedona high school freshman who also wrote reviews for Rarity’s bookstore, reported to the group.
Before she could continue, Amy Martin interrupted by holding her hand up in the air as she jumped to be seen. Amy was in middle school, and after Rarity had found out she hung out at the restaurant where her mom worked most afternoons, Rarity had invited her to hang around the bookstore instead. Amy was the one who’d brought the idea of the back-to-school backpack and supp. . .
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