Murder Mystery | Crime Fiction
She Cradled the Smoking Gun: Ch 15
Lisa felt secure in Selena’s home and tension lifted
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Pad Thai was easy to order. Anyone who didn’t have nut allergies and liked Thai food ate Pad Thai. Selena had set the table with orange slices for dessert.
“More wine?” she asked as Lisa sat.
“No, thanks. Not right now.”
“Have a little.” She frowned and poured a small glass. “It’s from that little winery, I especially like.”
“The one above Goleta?”
“Yes, and inland a few miles up toward the lake.”
Lisa sipped and picked up her fork, helping herself to dinner.
Selena followed. “It’s where that cute bed and breakfast is.”
“Yeah, you told me about it.”
“With the spa next door. A perfect place to unwind.”
“Sounds lovely.” Lisa started eating.
“It definitely is,” said Selena. “I’ve dreamed about the two of us going there to relax. Just have a nice time.”[ds1]
Lisa noticed the additional container. “Oh, wow. You got two entrees?”
“We can save one for tomorrow. Or the day after that.” Selena sipped her wine and scooped a helping of noodles onto her plate. “Hmm, there’s a downside to Thai food.”
“What’s that?”
Selena smiled. “Breath mints are sorely needed.”
“That’s funny.” Lisa smiled. “I have to say, you’ve always known how to lift me up at just the right time.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.” Selena placed her hand on Lisa’s. “You’ve been a dear friend. Someone I’ve always cared about.”
“And you as well.”
“I hope so.” Selena leaned close and kissed Lisa on the cheek.
“Uh, I was wondering. I saw the photo of us at the beach last summer.”
“Near Ventura?”
“Right. And I saw you had folded it back so Paul wasn’t in the shot.”
“Guilty as charged.” Selena stayed close, talking softly.
“Why’d you do it?”
“What?”
“Fold Paul out of the picture?”
Selena narrowed her eyes. “Did it bother you?”
“A little. I mean, yeah. He’s my husband.” Lisa’s voice was soft.
Selena’s smile was friendly. “Lisa, think about it honestly. He hasn’t been in the picture or in your life for a long time now. So I just figured…” She left her conclusion hanging, took her wine glass, and lifted it. “To enduring friendships.”
Lisa touched her glass against Selena’s. “Enduring friendships.” She took another sip and closed her eyes for a moment.
“You seem so tired.”
“I am. Exhausted.”
“It’s been such a whirlwind for you.”
“Terribly so.”
“Headache?”
“No.” Lisa touched the sides of her head. “Just feeling wiped out.”
“You should lie down.”
“Yeah. I think that’d help.”
“Let me help.” Selena scooted her chair back, and helped Lisa up from the table. “Would you like someplace really comfy?”
“Yeah.” Lisa’s legs felt light and leaned against Selena.
“My bed’s more comfortable. Thick feather top. Nap in there.”
“You sure?”
“Of course, I’ll clean up. Save your dinner.”
“All right, thanks.”
Lisa stepped into the bedroom and Selena ate some more Pad Thai and took the containers to the kitchen. The evening was quietly ticking away and after several minutes she stepped into the bedroom and noticed Lisa’s breathing was gentle yet rhythmic. Just the way it should be.
She touched Lisa’s hair and bent down to kiss her on the forehead.
Lisa needed the rest and Selena looked forward to her friend feeling so much better.
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