Chasing Whispers: Women's Fiction Romantic Suspense (The Honeysuckle Island Series Book 1) by Jennifer Youngblood

Author:Jennifer Youngblood [Youngblood, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Arbor House Books
Published: 2021-04-27T16:00:00+00:00

12

Of all the people to show up unannounced, why did it have to be Sylvia? Talon took one look at Effie’s rigid expression and could tell that she’d heard Sylvia’s comment about the masquerade party. Despite all of the scheming from his mother and Lizette Laramie, Talon had no intention of taking Sylvia to the masquerade party. He’d have to break it to Sylvia, but not here in front of Effie. That would be cruel. Sylvia was a good friend, and Talon had no desire to hurt her. Still, the only woman he wanted to take to the party was Effie. He was surprised that he’d told her about Lina’s affair. He’d not told another soul about it. Not even Greer, his closest friend.

Effie had a kindness about her that reminded him of Pastor Charles and his wife, Rita. She radiated light. He craved being around her. That was the real reason why he was insistent on spending the next several days with her. Yes, he wanted to make sure that Effie preserved the integrity of the hotel, but he could already tell that she would.

An awkward silence filled the room, reminding Talon that the women were waiting for him to do the introductions. “Effie, this is Sylvia. Sylvia, Effie.”

“Hello,” Sylvia began, her voice too cheery to be sincere. Talon could tell that she wasn’t happy about Effie being here. “I’m Sylvia Laramie.”

Effie blinked in surprise as she stood and clasped Sylvia’s hand. “Effie Smith.”

“Are you a friend of Talon’s?”

“I’m the interior designer in charge of the hotel renovation.”

“Oh.” Sylvia looked relieved. “That’s why you’re here. The two of you are discussing business.”

Effie’s crestfallen expression tugged at Talon’s gut. He had to fix this fast before Sylvia wrecked everything. Talon loved Sylvia like a sister, but he also knew her faults. She was a Laramie and could be as snarky as the rest of them. “No, we’re not discussing business. Effie’s my date. The two of us were just about to make dinner.” He caught eyes with Effie, waiting to see how she would react. This could either be good, or it could totally backfire.

A pleased smile ruffled over Effie’s lips. “I was just about to make a salad.”

Sylvia’s face turned as red as her hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She turned to Talon, a question burning in her eyes. “I didn’t realize that you were involved with anyone.”

Talon rubbed a hand across his neck. “Yeah, sometimes things just happen unexpectedly.” He glanced at Effie and felt a whoosh of relief to see that she was more amused than ticked.

“I see.” Sylvia offered a sad smile. “Alrighty then.” She laughed lightly. “And here I was going on about the masquerade party.”

“I’m sorry, Syl,” Talon began. “I know that our moms had talked about us going together, but—”

“Don’t give it another thought,” she interjected, her words coming faster. “Marcus Harding asked me to attend the party with him. I told him that I couldn’t because I was going with you.

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