Saving Grace (Katie & Annalise Book 1) by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Author:Pamela Fagan Hutchins [Hutchins, Pamela Fagan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction: Mystery & Detective -- Women Sleuths, Fiction: Contemporary Women, Fiction: Ghost
ISBN: 9780988234864
Publisher: SkipJack Publishing
Published: 2013-11-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-one

After securing Oso in my bedroom so he would leave Elvis in peace, the three of us struck out for The Lighthouse on the boardwalk in Town, where Ava was booked that night. The Lighthouse was a restaurant and bar with a small stage. The open-air eating area faced a courtyard where anyone could stop for some chat or a dance. The bar was cattycorner to the restaurant. The music varied during the week, but the owners brought in a steelpan band on Sundays, so brunch there was a real treat.

Emily and I chilled with ceviche and Red Stripes while Ava set up and then warmed up the crowd. A Caribbean beer seemed like the choice a controlled drinker would make early in the evening. About ten minutes into her set, Ava motioned me up to join her. Butterflies attacked my stomach, but I lifted my chin and marched to my spot.

Ava wore a fire-engine red tube dress, a good contrast to my zebra-print wrap sundress. Her hair was down, curls gone wild. Mine was scooped into a clip from which it spilled in a waterfall. Ava had matched her nails and lips to her dress; I went for earthier tones that wouldn’t clash with my hair.

“We look like Lil Mama and,” she studied me, “that Gilligan’s Island chick, Tina Louise.”

Tina Louise. She was elegant, right? “Who’s Lil Mama?” I asked.

Ava handed me the open songbook. “Never mind. You ready?”

I took it from her. “Not hardly, but I’ll do it anyway.” I gulped air like I had gills.

Ava hit Play on the background music for the next song. The first notes of a Macy Gray number played, and my mind went blank of the words. I read them quickly from the page. I could do this. I’d been singing in front of people since high school, just usually with an entire choir or at least a jazz ensemble to back me.

I came in on the right beat and the right note. A good start. I leaned into the music with Ava, and within seconds I was singing for the pure joy of it, and time flew by. Songs ended, people clapped, and then we’d do it again. The bartender sent free drinks between every song. I opted for a dry white wine, since I was taking it slow and it wasn’t late yet. Moderation in all things, I reminded myself, and I declined every other offer of a drink. This new lifestyle really worked for me.

Before it seemed possible, it was time for the break between sets. Emily came to the stage to meet us as we came off. She was having a blast, basking in the reflected glory of our modest success. She cornered me, and the glint in her eyes concerned me.

“The good-looking guy over there, see him?” she asked.

“No,” I said.

“Don’t be difficult.”

“I’ll try.”

“He wants to meet you.”

“Out of the question.”

“Don’t be a butthead. Come on.”

“Absolutely not.”

Emily pouted, then punched. “So, is your spontaneous combustion enough

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.