Tinted Chapstick, The San Francisco Mystery Series, Book 4 by Alexi Venice

Author:Alexi Venice [Venice, Alexi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Biographies & Memoirs
Publisher: eBookIt.com
Published: 2018-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Sea Cliff

The previously rote action of turning her key in the lock now twisted Jen’s heart as she opened the kitchen door to Amanda’s house. Once experiencing the thrill of anticipation over being with her lover, today she felt uncomfortable—like she was intruding. Zumba welcomed her, meowing and twining in and out of her legs.

“Hey tomcat,” she said, scratching his head.

She stood motionless, assessing the mood in the space before her. The kitchen and living room seemed hollow, not for lack of furnishings, but in spirit. It lacked the warmth it once had.

As Zumba carefully smelled her shoes, visions of her previous life here danced through her mind like a tragic ballet. Late nights spent on the floor in front of the fire with Amanda, experiencing her intense passion. Their morning breakfast routine with Kristin at the table in front of the sliding door, the sunshine bathing them in happiness. The memories dissipated like fog, the trappings of betrayal subverting the once-joyous atmosphere.

Expecting to see Amanda and Kristin on the floor in the living room, disappointment mingled with curiosity as she wondered where they could be. Toys lay scattered about, but no one was in sight. Were they out on a stroll?

Then she heard it. Cello music. Live cello music. The rich sound floated up from the lower level, low and pure, a haunting melody whispering to her. Jen followed the notes, Zumba prancing in front of her, his tail twitching as he led the way. He reminded Jen of the first time she had stayed overnight at Amanda’s—when he had shown her the path to Amanda’s yoga studio—where Jen had found her on a mat that was perfect for making love.

Back to reality. She wasn’t in Amanda’s life any longer. Amanda had seen to that. Fuck. The pain came out of nowhere and stabbed her in the chest as the cello music grew louder. Does Amanda have a musical guest visiting while she’s spending time with Kristin? Is Amanda sleeping with a cellist now? Did she have the gall to bring a new girlfriend over while Kristin is here? If she did, this is the last time…

Jen and Zumba quietly padded down the stairway to Amanda’s yoga studio. Zumba entered, but Jen lingered by the doorjamb, listening. She peered in and saw the large instrument anchored between Amanda’s thighs as she sat on a sturdy chair facing Kristin, who was sitting on a yoga mat, wrapped in a pink blanket, her pacifier in her mouth. Jen couldn’t see Kristin’s eyes, but her straight back indicated she was rapt with the performance. Amanda was playing the cello?!

Jen was captivated too. Not an expert at classical music, she thought she recognized the piece as Clair de Lune, but she wasn’t sure. Amanda’s eyes were closed as she swayed, trance-like, playing the ethereal tune, the bow working its magic across the strings. Her notes were clear and smooth, washing over Jen like a warm waterfall, filling her soul. Never had Jen imagined that Amanda played.

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.