Read Wishing Lake for Free Online Page A

clothes.” With a wink, he turned to leave, nodding good-bye to their friends.
    Doreen’s cheeks flushed. As she watched Alonzo cross the bookstore, she wondered whether her grin was as goofy as it felt. Alonzo held the door open for Nessa Linden, the Trinity Falls town council member and dental office manager, then he disappeared on the street.
    Nessa made a beeline to the café entrance where Doreen stood with Simon, Peyton, and Darius.
    Still glowing from Alonzo’s flirtatious farewell, Doreen smiled as the smaller woman came to a stop in front of her. “Hello, Nessa. Nice costume.”
    “I wish I could say the same, Doreen.” Nessa’s smile was cool. “Do you really think it’s appropriate for a Trinity Falls mayoral candidate to ever wear a flapper costume?”
    It took Doreen a moment to register Nessa’s attack. Although they’d grown up together in Trinity Falls, they’d never been close. But their relationship had chilled even more since the town’s sesquicentennial celebration last August. Why?
    Doreen sensed Darius’s tension beside her. She didn’t want to cause a scene during story time and risk ruining the children’s enjoyment of the celebration. She kept her voice level. “What’s wrong with my costume?”
    Nessa raised her chin. “You need to represent the office of Trinity Falls’ mayor with dignity and decorum—always.”
    Was Nessa serious? “I’m not dressed as Lady Godiva.”
    Nessa’s disdainful gaze took in Doreen’s modest neckline and knee-length fringe hem. “You might as well be.”
    “I think she looks great.” Darius came to her defense.
    Nessa turned pitying eyes toward him. “As a young man, I wouldn’t expect you to say anything else.”
    Darius crossed his arms over his chest. “Nessa, I don’t know what’s going on between you and Doreen, but please don’t insult my intelligence.”
    Darius heard a small intake of breath from Peyton. In reflex, he rested what he’d meant as a comforting hand on her shoulder.
    Nessa tracked his movement. She glanced at Peyton before returning her attention to Darius. “So close so fast, Darius? The rumors must be true.”
    “What rumors?” Darius had been about to remove his hand from Peyton’s shoulder. But when he caught the taunting gleam in Nessa’s eyes, he decided against it. With the feel of Peyton’s skin warming his palm through her costume, the decision wasn’t a hardship.
    “That you’re dating the university’s new history professor.” Nessa’s expression was speculative. “Have you grown tired of the women of Trinity Falls?”
    “W-we’re not dating,” Peyton stuttered.
    “Yet.” Nessa returned her attention to Doreen and the flapper costume. “The election is only ten days away. It’s just a formality since you’re running unopposed. However, try not to bring disgrace on the office. It’ll reflect poorly on the town.”
    “What is this really about, Nessa?” Doreen stood straighter. “I can’t believe you find this flapper costume so objectionable.”
    “I’m giving you a little friendly advice.”
    Doreen crossed her arms. “You walked into the bookstore loaded for bear and pointed your sights at me. Why?”
    “Ladies, you may not want to continue this conversation here.” Darius released Peyton’s shoulder. He glanced around the store, scanning the curious glances directed their way. Trinity Falls was a small community whose residents’ curiosity was close to insatiable.
    Nessa ignored his warning. “The mayor’s office is going to be handed to you just like everything else in your life. But don’t expect me to let you continue to walk around this town like royalty.”
    Doreen’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with temper. Darius strained to hear her reply. “If you wanted to be mayor, Nessa, you should have run.”
    “Next time, I will.”
    Doreen inclined her head. “Until next time, then.”
    Nessa’s glare shot sparks before she turned to leave Books &