Page 55 of A Little Bit Engaged
It might take time, but Cara wouldn’t give up hope that she could salvage her career and reputation once the pretending and gossip stopped. She couldn’t. No matter what Caitlin pulled next.
“If you need anything. Find yourself in a jam. Whatever. Call.” The words shot from Cassie’s mouth. “Troy knows many people. Geoff, too. And there’s always Brett Matthews in Portland. He’d help his favorite book concierge in a heartbeat.”
Not wanting to cry or she might fall apart completely, Cara blinked and then nodded. “I’ll find you when I’m finished here.”
She grabbed the first request and set to work.
A half hour later, the orders were filled. Cara cleaned up the concierge desk. She hated to leave, but she kept telling herself this was for the best. Maybe not for her, but for Cassandra’s Attic. She comforted herself by thinking about spending the rest of the day with Brody and Loki. Sure, they would be trapped in the apartment, but they would make her feel better.
“Excuse me?” A pretty young woman came up to the counter. She was dressed nicely in a down vest, sweater, jeans, and boots, and held a cup containing a pink smoothie. Most likely one of the strawberry blends from upstairs. Renee was making a name for herself with her smoothie recipes. “Are you the book concierge?”
“Yes, I’m Cara.” Helping one last customer would be the perfect end to her shift and make her feel as if she’d contributed today. “What can I help you find?”
“Your conscience.” In one smooth move, the woman flipped the lid off the cup and tossed the smoothie on Cara. “You’re vile. I hope you and your baby die and rot in hell for what you’ve done to your poor sister. Brody will never love you. He might marry you, but Caitlin is the love of his life.”
Pink liquid dripped down Cara’s face. It covered not only her but also the computer and some of the counter.
Two blurs flashed in front of her. By the time she could wipe her eyes, Rizzo and Kai had subdued the woman. As they dragged her away from the counter, Cassie held a phone to her ear while Moe raced over with paper towels.
The sweet scent of the smoothie sent Cara’s stomach roiling. Each breath seemed to draw in less oxygen. Her vision blurred.
Grabbing hold of the counter covered her fingers in smoothie, but she needed to hold on to something or she’d fall over. Dizzy. She couldn’t stand up straight.
She squeezed her eyes shut, but that only made her more aware of the liquid in her hair and on her.
“We’ll get you cleaned up.” Moe wiped her off. “Cassie’s calling the police.”
“I didn’t want to cause trouble.” Cara’s voice sounded hoarse, unnatural, a way she’d never heard it.
“Your bodyguards have everything under control.” Moe glanced over his shoulder. “Except they’re berating each other for not stopping it.”
“They couldn’t have known.” The words rushed out. “She looked so…normal.”
“So does your sister.” Moe’s expression hardened. “I would have never expected her to act like such a stark-raving-mad lunatic.”
“I love you.” Cara used one of the paper towels to clean her face.
“I know.” He grinned. “The feeling’s mutual, but don’t tell your fiancé. He could beat me up with his pinky.”
She drew away. “Brody wouldn’t.”
“Probably not,” Moe admitted. “But if you were my girl, I would.”
Cassie hurried over. “The police are on their way.”
Everyone in the bookstore stared at them. Well, her. Their expressions ranged from pity to contempt.
Cara forced herself to breathe. “I was hoping to get out of here before anything happened. The computer—”
“Is covered by insurance,” Cassie interrupted. Compassion filled her blue eyes. “Don’t worry about anything. Stress isn’t good for the baby.”
Tears exploded. Cara couldn’t stop them. She turned away, not wanting anyone to see her like this.
A moment later, Rizzo had her in his arms. “The police can get her statement later. I’m getting her out of here.”
She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she didn’t care. As long as Brody would be there. If anyone could make this better, he could.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
