To Catch a Bad Guy by Marie Astor

Author:Marie Astor [Astor, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary, (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
Published: 2012-08-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Janet followed her parents toward the fence of the Foleys’ house, which was only three blocks away from the Maples’ house, so they had chosen to walk the short distance. The familiar route reminded Janet of the countless times she had retraced these very steps in middle school and in high school, sometimes almost hopping as she rushed to tell her best friend some piece of exciting news, sometimes dragging her feet, aching for consolation. In her own way, Lisa had always been there for Janet, and if she had not always given Janet what she needed or wanted – well, Janet’s unwavering acceptance was as much to blame for the rift in their friendship as Lisa’s self-centeredness. But while their friendship might not be what it once had been, tonight was Lisa’s night, and that was important enough to put the old grudges aside.

“Please hold this, honey.” Janet’s dad handed her the carton with the chocolate praline cake intended for Lisa’s party and rang the bell of the Foleys’ house.

Janet twirled the carton strings. The cake, made by the local bakery, had been a staple at all the birthday celebrations she and Lisa had shared throughout the years. Not that Lisa was going to deviate from her strict pre-wedding diet and eat even a sliver of the delicious confection - Janet was willing to bet her life on it, but her dad had insisted on bringing the old favorite. Well, Janet just might have a piece or two herself. After all, she would not have to worry about fitting into a wedding dress any time soon. No sour grapes, Janet smiled brightly. Tonight was going to be just like old times.

“Janet, dear!” Emily Foley answered the door. “Christine, Matt – come in, come in!”

“Congratulations, Emily.” Christine extended her arms in a hug, which Emily reciprocated, air-kissing Christine.

“You look wonderful, Christine,” Emily observed. “Any new beauty secrets you’d like to share with your friend?”

“Not particularly. Simply good genes, I guess.”

“Just wait till I show you the new cream that we’ve come out with. I’ve got samples for you.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Christine nodded politely, but Janet could tell that her mother was annoyed. Why was it that friendship with the Foley women was a never-ending ping-pong of snide comments and comebacks?

“Matthew, you suave devil! You’re looking as handsome as ever!” Emily made her way to Janet’s father and kissed him on both cheeks, leaving traces of her lipstick.

“Why, thank you, Emily.” Matt grinned, wiping off the lipstick off his face. “You’d better not let your husband hear you say that or he just might get jealous.”

Emily beamed, but Janet’s heart sprang with silent glee as she exchanged a silent glance with her mother. She knew her father well enough to recognize the well-veiled sarcasm in his tone.

“Janie, honey! How long has it been?” Emily placed her palms on either side of Janet’s face. “Darling, what skincare line are you using? You have to be careful, you know – I can see those early lines are starting to come in.

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