Silenced in Sequins Read online

  She unlocked the door and flipped the closed sign to open while wondering if she’d get the same rush of excitement from her own clothing boutique this Black Friday.

  She pulled open the door and greeted the woman standing out in the cold. Their first customer of the day.

  “Good morning. Welcome to the Lucky Cove Resale Boutique.” Kelly stepped aside, and the customer entered.

  Throughout the day, business was steady, but not the retail frenzy she was accustomed to. With both Breena and Pepper working, she could duck into the staff room, a combination kitchen, break room, and office, and work on a new article for Budget Chic. Her editor had assigned her the topic of holiday looks under a hundred dollars. The article was due in less than a week. No pressure.

  The first draft of the article was complete, with three inspirational outfits and links to budget-friendly websites when Liv Moretti appeared at the back door with lunch.

  “How’s business?” Liv set the tray of sandwiches and chips on the counter by the sink. She’d texted earlier and said she’d stop by because she needed a break from her family’s bakery. Kelly had asked if she’d pick up some food at the deli. She wanted to treat Pepper and Breena to lunch since they’d worked hard getting the boutique ready for Black Friday.

  Kelly couldn’t believe it was lunchtime already. Where had the morning gone?

  “Steady.” Kelly eyed the bag of chips. Given her overeating yesterday and her need to wear leggings because of their elastic waistband, maybe she should pass on the chips. “How’s it going at the bakery?”

  Kelly stretched. After a week of moving all the merchandise and displays in what used to be the dining room in order to paint, sitting too long hunched over her laptop made her feel stiff. She’d love to go to a Pilates session; it always worked out her kinks, but the only studio in town was owned by her uncle’s third wife, Summer. So she’d keep her kinks.

  “Quiet, which is a good thing after the craziness of Wednesday. I’m officially sick of pumpkin pie.” Liv picked up a wrapped sandwich and a bag of chips and walked to Kelly’s desk. Her lip twitched. “Not really. I love pumpkin pie. It’s just that we baked so many of them. Now it’s on to Christmas cookies.”

  Kelly took her sandwich and chips. “Thank you.”

  “No problem. It’s nice to get out for a bit. Are you working on your article for Budget Chic?”

  Before Kelly could respond, the door to the staff room swung open, and Breena burst in.

  “Oh. My. God. You won’t believe who just bought a dress! She was right here! And me too! I was here when she was here!” Breena’s words were rushed, and her arms flailed.

  “Wow. Calm down.” Kelly stood and walked over to her employee. “Who was here?”

  “Yeah, who has you so flustered?” Liv moved back to the counter. “When you get a grip, your lunch is here.”

  Liv plucked out her sandwich and a bag of chips, which earned her a sideways look from Kelly. Liv worked in a bakery and had enjoyed a large Italian Thanksgiving the day before and thought nothing of eating chips. More proof that life wasn’t fair.

  “Diana Delacourte!” Breena shared after taking a deep breath.

  Kelly and Liv shared a look and both asked, “Who?”

  Breena rolled her eyes. “You two really don’t watch Long Island Ladies? She’s one of them. Or she was. The show fired her.”

  Kelly didn’t care if Diana Delacourte was on television. What she cared about was the fact that she had purchased a dress and might have clothing to consign.

  “What dress did she buy?” Liv asked, but before Breena could answer, Pepper appeared at the doorway.

  “Great. Lunch is here. I’m starving. But it’ll have to wait. A bunch of customers just came through the front door. I need some help out there.” With that, Pepper disappeared.

  Kelly’s mood brightened. Maybe her marketing blitz was paying off.

  “Do you mind putting our sandwiches in the fridge?’ she asked Liv.

  “No. Go on. I’ll finish my lunch before heading back to the bakery. I see you have a new magazine here.” She patted the glossy edition.

  “Enjoy. And thanks again.” Kelly walked out of the staff room with Breena.

  “Don’t forget, I’m picking you up tomorrow night for the party,” Liv called out.

  And just as fast as Kelly’s mood had brightened, it dimmed.

  Her uncle Ralph’s annual holiday party was always held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, and since she was back in Lucky Cove, she had no good excuse not to attend.

  “Fancy schmancy,” Breena cooed.

  “Not really.” As Kelly urged Breena forward, she glanced over her shoulder at Liv.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Kell, and no, you can’t get out of the party. You’ve already RSVP’d, and do you really want to deal with Summer? You know how she gets.” Liv smiled and then picked up the magazine, flipped it open, and munched on a chip.

  Kelly hated it when her best friend was right. If she bailed on the party, Summer would never let her hear the end of it. She stepped into the main sales area of the boutique and accepted the cold, hard fact that, while coming back home had its share of bright spots, there were also her uncle and aunt.

  She glanced at the cocktail dresses Pepper had hung up earlier. Maybe there was a bright side to the party. She had a shimmering gold dress she’d gotten at a sample sale before losing her job at Bishop’s, and it would be perfect to wear to her uncle’s party.

  Anyone who was anyone would attend the party, and those “anyones” had closets she’d love to get inside. She could fit a stack of business cards into her clutch.

  Her mood brightened again.

  The party could be fun. She’d have a little champagne and a few appetizers and network with the posh society of Lucky Cove. What could go wrong?

  Chapter Two

  Liv was right. Kelly deserved a little fun. She’d been working nonstop for months—everything from looking for a new job after being fired from Bishop’s to taking over the boutique to freshening up her new apartment. The first downtime she’d had was Thanksgiving at Caroline’s. Dinner with her sister was nice, but she still felt like she was on pins and needles. She didn’t want to say or do anything to jeopardize the new relationship they were building.

  “Quit fussing. You look great.” Liv tugged on Kelly’s arm to get her to move more quickly. The party had already started. The house was bathed in light and festive decorations.

  Kelly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I guess you’re right.”

  She smiled. Since her best friend was driving, she could indulge in a drink or two, but she’d have to take it easy on the food. Her shapewear was doing double duty—holding her belly in and reminding her not to indulge too much. So worth the hundred bucks it cost.

  She glanced at Liv, and a twinge of envy pricked her. Her friend wasn’t bound and tortured by shapewear. Liv’s one-shoulder navy crêpe gown was a showstopper. Its simplicity was striking, and its complex V-neckline with a cold shoulder-cap sleeve was intriguing. Liv had added stud earrings and run some product through her dark auburn pixie cut for a cool, messy vibe that complemented the minimalist tone of her gown.

  “Where did you buy your dress?” Kelly asked.

  “A small boutique in Chelsea, when I was there last month with my sisters. It cost way too much, but I had to have it. I figured I’d have an event to wear it to someday.”

  Kelly laughed. “Buy it and the invite will arrive.”

  “Exactly. Come on. Let’s get inside.” Liv started toward the paved walkway that led to the front door of the two-story, shingle-style house. Its asymmetrical façade, gambrel roofline, and welcoming covered entry gave the home a classic yet informal feel, and no doubt had cost her uncle a pretty penny.

  A formally attired butler greeted them at the fron
t door.

  “Fancy,” Kelly whispered as she entered the center hall of the house.

  Classical music drifted from the living room, and the din of conversation filled the space as guests gathered into small circles or threaded through to the other rooms open for the party.

  “Does your uncle always hire a butler for the party?” Liv took a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and handed it to Kelly, then took a glass for herself.

  Kelly shrugged. “I don’t know. He wasn’t hosting them before he married Summer.”

  “Well, then, I guess we can thank her for us rubbing elbows with the upper class of Long Island.” Liv chuckled as she lifted her glass for a toast.

  “Do we have to?” Ralph’s third wife, a former model turned trophy wife and Pilates studio owner, rubbed Kelly the wrong way. Liv gave Kelly a look, and Kelly lifted her glass and tapped Liv’s glass. “To Summer.”

  “Kelly, dear, you’ve finally arrived.”

  Kelly winced at Summer’s voice. She gulped her champagne, and Liv’s eyes bulged. The waiter passed by again, and Kelly swiftly traded out her empty glass for another full one. Before she could take a drink, Summer was behind her and squeezed her shoulders.

  “Trying to be fashionably late?” Summer came into full view of Kelly.

  Summer’s silk crêpe georgette gown had bows on each shoulder and a slit so high up her lower body that it bordered on not-so-tasteful. The gown was both chic and effortless, and Summer looked stunning in it, with her blond hair gathered up into a sleek bun. At the base of her neck, a simple diamond pendant dangled and caught the light from the chandelier hanging above. She wore matching stud earrings and had blinged out both hands.

  “You look amazing.” Kelly meant it.

  While she and her aunt didn’t see eye to eye on many things, they both appreciated fashion. You’d think they could have built a bond based on their love for clothing and accessories.

  “So do you.” Summer appraised Kelly’s dress and then leaned in. “Please tell me the dress didn’t come from your thrift shop.”

  And there was the reason why, even with their shared love of fashion and encyclopedic knowledge of every major fashion designer in the industry, they couldn’t bond.

  “No, it didn’t come from my boutique. I purchased it at a sample sale months ago.” Kelly didn’t owe Summer an explanation, and she should’ve said yes, the dress was secondhand and that her aunt needed to loosen up her bun.

  “Kelly’s right. Your dress is to die for, Summer,” Liv interjected into the awkward silence that fell upon them.

  Summer’s gaze drifted over to Liv, and she smiled . . . well, as much as her injectables allowed. “Thank you, Liv. Your dress is beautiful.”

  Liv smiled and murmured a thank-you.

  “I’m glad you both could make it.” Summer shifted her attention back to her niece. It was odd being Summer’s niece since they were so close in age. “Kelly, there’s someone here tonight I’d like to introduce you to.”

  “There is?” Kelly took a drink of her champagne.

  “His name is Tyler Madison, and he’s a successful architect, and he’s single.” Summer’s eyes twinkled with matchmaking, and she reached out to squeeze Kelly’s arm. “He’s a catch.”

  Kelly gulped the rest of her champagne and ignored Liv’s warning look not to drink so much so fast.

  “I told Tyler you own a boutique, not a thrift store,” Summer said.

  “It is a boutique,” Kelly said.

  Summer’s head bobbed up and down. “See, you got it.” Summer released her grip on Kelly’s arm. “Oh, and please don’t tell anyone you own a thrift store. Nobody wants to talk about used clothing at a party like this.”

  She took in a sweeping glance of the center hall, which was filled with guests in very festive moods.

  Kelly frowned. She had a clutch full of business cards to hand out. Yes, at some level, she knew someone could consider it tacky, but she wanted to be ready to promote her struggling business if the topic came up.

  Liv’s neck craned as her gaze traveled into the living room. “Summer, is that Wendy Johnson from Long Island Ladies?”

  Summer’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands together. “Yes. Not only is Wendy here tonight, but so is Hugh McNeil, the show’s producer, and his wife, Tracy.”

  “You’re a fan of the show?” Kelly asked.

  “Fan? I am. But . . .” Summer’s glossy, plump lips pressed together, and her eyes widened. She looked like she was about to burst. “I’m going to remain calm.” She took a deep breath. “I’m being considered for the open spot on the show. Me! I can’t believe it.”

  “Really? You want to have a camera follow you around all day and record your every move and word?” Kelly asked.

  “Yes, of course. Do you have any idea how much publicity it would bring my Pilates studio?” Summer’s head turned toward the dining room. “Excuse me. I must get back to mingling. I’ll introduce you to Tyler soon.” Summer dashed away and inserted herself into a huddle of coiffed and bejeweled trophy wives. Her people.

  Liv stepped closer to Kelly. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Summer so excited. Well, not since she had Juniper.”

  “I know. She seems to really want to be on the show. Hey, do you know Tyler what’s his name?”

  “No. But keep an open mind. You haven’t been on a date since Mark. He’s nice, you know.”

  “Yes, he is. There just wasn’t any chemistry.” Kelly turned her head quickly to avoid Liv seeing right through her lie. There had been a whole lot of chemistry between her and the hot lawyer, and it scared the daylights out of her. She had too much going on. Her life was still in upheaval, and the last thing she needed was a relationship. Especially a serious relationship with the brother of the police detective who had arrested Kelly last month. Had she known they were siblings, she wouldn’t have gone out on the date. No, she needed to forget about Smokin’ McHottie Lawyer. “Let’s check out the appetizers.”

  “You’re such a liar. I saw how you looked at him.”

  “This isn’t up for discussion.”

  “Fine. Just remember that good guys are few and far between.”

  “Like Gabe?” Kelly challenged. A month ago, she’d realized her friend had a crush on Pepper’s son and then noticed he had one on her too. “Maybe you should lead by example.”

  “I . . . I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Liv spun around and walked into the living room.

  “Yeah, right.” Kelly followed, only to stop in her tracks. Her mouth gaped open. The room was decorated beyond belief. It looked as if the elves from the North Pole had been let loose with no supervision. From the towering Christmas trees to the life-size nutcrackers to freshly cut greenery fashioned into wreaths and swags, the house was beyond tricked out for the holiday.

  Kelly grinned when her cousin came into view. The dress code was black tie, which meant a tuxedo and black tie for the male guests. Leave it to Frankie to put his own unique spin on the dress code. The shawl-collared tuxedo jacket was a slim fit that he wore effortlessly, and his black tuxedo pants had tapered legs. Where he added his own flair was ditching the boring tie and classic tuxedo shirt for a white crew-neck T-shirt. Kelly was confident Summer had freaked out at the sight of her stepson wearing a plain old T-shirt with his tuxedo. Her grin spread into a full-on smile, and that was when she caught his eye.

  Frankie made his way through the guests to reach his cousin and Liv. After a round of hugs, they settled into people watching, and Kelly kept an eye out for food.

  “You ladies look lovely tonight,” Frankie said. “You know, my dad always goes overboard on this party, but this year he’s taking it to a whole new level. He’s trying to impress television producer Hugh McNeil and his wife, Tracy Sachs.”

  “They produce Long Island Ladies, and Summer is
up for a spot on the show.” Liv took a drink of her champagne.

  Frankie pouted. “How do you know?”

  “Sorry. Summer told us when we arrived.” Kelly knew her cousin liked to be the one to share all the good gossip first, and Liv had just knocked the wind out of his sail.

  Frankie sighed. “Well, did you know Tracy is looking to move her production company out here to the island so she doesn’t have to commute from her Southampton home into the city?”

  “Let me guess. All this over-the-top decorating and the butler has to do with landing a development deal with Tracy more than it is getting Summer on the show.” Kelly’s uncle had a long history of never doing something that didn’t benefit him. That was the reason her grandmother, Ralph’s mother, decided to leave her business and building to Kelly rather than to her son. However, she didn’t leave him out of the will. She was one smart cookie. She made him executor, which meant he had a lot of work to do for the estate with little financial reward. While it probably amused Martha to do this to her son, it was a source of irritation for Kelly because she had to continually deal with Ralph.

  “My wife hates staying in the city.” A man had approached them and inserted himself into the conversation. “Me? I love the hustle. There are too many malls here, and let’s face it, the nightlife isn’t as exciting as it is in the city.”

  Kelly, Liv, and Frankie exchanged looks. Not only had the person interrupted a private conversation, but he had also insulted their hometown of Long Island. Not cool.

  “Where are my manners? I’m Hugh McNeil. Producer of Long Island Ladies. There are things about the island I don’t appreciate, but the bat-crazy rich women you’ve got out here . . .amazing.” He gulped his champagne and then dropped his glass onto a passing tray and stopped the waiter. “How can a guy get more of those jalapeño-stuffed mushrooms?”

  The waiter nodded, murmuring something Kelly couldn’t hear, and then walked away.