Read Online Crushed Velvet by Diane Vallere - Free Book Online

approved, cosigned by Mr. McMichael. I didn’t know if a thank-you was in order for a favor I hadn’t requested, so I continued with my plans. On one hand, it was nice to know the businessman believed in my abilities. On the other, I knew if I failed, the store belonged to him.
    When I first met Vaughn, I was on my guard. Rich boy with a fancy college degree who thinks he can buy his way through life. Turns out I was so far off base I was like an outfielder in the minors two blocks away from the game.
    â€œHe asked about you,” Charlie said.
    â€œWhat did he say?”
    â€œWhat is this, fifth grade?”
    â€œSorry. Doesn’t matter; I really don’t care.”
    â€œWhich is it? Does it not matter, or don’t you care?”
    â€œForget it,” I said.
    â€œForget what? I’m the one who brought it up.”
    â€œSo what did you tell him?”
    â€œI told him some things don’t change and some things do, and if he really wants to know how you’re doing he should ask you himself.” She picked up a wrench and tossed it into a pile with other tools. Metal clanged against metal and resonated against the walls. “He’s supposed to pick up his car this morning, but it’s not done yet. I’d expect a visit if I were you.”
    I turned away from her so she couldn’t see my expression. When I turned back, she had one eye narrowed and her head was tipped to the side. I felt scrutinized like a specimen in a Petri dish.
    I left the auto shop and returned to Material Girl to pick up the completed items for the French fabric makeover, and then drove the short distance to Tea Totalers.
    A cluster of people surrounded the front doors to the café. I parked around back, left the fabric in the car, and joined the crowd. I recognized a few local patrons. “Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me,” I said. I taped a handwritten sign that said
Closed for Renovations
to the front door. “Tea Totalers is going to be closed for the week. It’s getting a face-lift.”
    Amongst cries of “You’re kidding,” and “Figures,” I politely asked people to find another place for their morning tea and croissant fix. Several people left. One lady commented, “Renovations at a time like this! Her husband just died, poor thing. I bet she can’t even think straight.”
    â€œShe has a point,” said a voice to my left. I turned and faced Vaughn while the crowd of annoyed customers left in search of another breakfast option.
    â€œDo you make a habit of popping up unexpectedly?” I asked.
    â€œOnly when I want the element of surprise to work in my favor.”
    â€œI’m not
that
surprised. Charlie said I might see you today.”
    â€œYou asked Charlie about me?” he asked. A half smile crept into the corners of his mouth.
    â€œNot exactly.” I blushed.
    His expression grew serious. “I heard about Phil Girard on the news this morning. How’s Genevieve?”
    â€œShe’s fine.” I studied Vaughn’s expression and told the truth. “That’s a lie. She’s not fine. She’s a mess. I told her to take a few days away from the shop and let me do something nice for her while she deals with what happened.” I knew I was editing the events of the last twenty-four hours into a sanitized version of why I was there, but it was all true. It was a good place to start.
    â€œSo . . . renovations?” he asked. He pointed to the sign I’d taped on the front door. “Do you have time for a project this size, considering you’re opening your store this weekend?”
    â€œI didn’t realize you were keeping track.”
    â€œI saw your ad in the paper and the flyers you left at Charlie’s and at Lopez Donuts. I have to admit, you advertise at all the right places.”
    I unlocked the front door and went inside. “Grand opening is under control. This