Half to Death by Robin Alexander Page A

shrimp on to boil. They’re both coming straight from work, so it shouldn’t be long.” Marty turned her attention to me. “What’ve you been doing with yourself lately?”
    “Working and working out, that’s just about it.” I pulled a necklace from my pocket. “This is for you to replace the one you lost on vacation.” A small brightly colored shell was fastened in the middle, and I’d braided the brown leather strap on either side.
    “Oh, it’s beautiful.” Marty’s eyes twinkled as she took it from my hand. I was thankful that we didn’t come in contact because whatever I saw, Miranda would demand to know.
    “I’ll put it on.” Miranda took it from Marty and fastened it around her neck.
    “The length is perfect.” Marty pressed her fingers to it and smiled. “Thank you, Sloan.”
    “You’re very welcome. I’m glad you like it.”
    “We’re here. Please don’t say you started without us,” Lonna yelled as she came through the front door. Seconds later, she and Paige came bounding into the kitchen. Lonna laid a hand on her sidearm. “I’ll shoot anyone that took the first potato. I’m sworn to protect, but I draw the line at the spuds.”
    Marty held her hands up. “Chill, Barney Fife, I haven’t even put the shrimp on to boil, but now that you’re here, I’ll get it started.”
    “Hey, Sloan, good to see ya,” Lonna said with a wave.
    Paige, the quiet one of the two, waved, as well. “Hey, Sloan.”
    “Good to see y’all, too.” I waved and felt stupid. They had the kid gloves on and were all gathered on one side of the bar, obviously keeping their distance like I was a leper.
    “Let’s go out to the patio,” Miranda said. “It’s cool tonight.”
    Everyone grabbed her drinks and headed for the back door. I thought I was bringing up the rear, but someone put a hand on my shoulder. I was in a jewelry store looking at a ring, excitement coursed through me. My heart swelled with love for Paige, and I couldn’t wait to slip that ring on her finger and ask her to be mine until death do us part.
    The connection broke. I had staggered in my haze and landed against the doorjamb.
    “You okay?” Lonna put a hand to my arm, and I was off again. I was taking the ring out of a hiding place. It sparkled when I opened the box, and I felt a thrill pass through me. The credit limit on my card was blown, but it was worth every penny of interest that I’d pay.
    I blinked, and Lonna, who was a head taller than me, was sporting an amused grin. “You’re still clumsy, aren’t you?”
    I laughed, high off her joy. “Yes, I’m afraid that will never change.” I stopped short of saying congratulations. When I walked onto the patio, I took a close look at Paige’s hand. The ring wasn’t there, the proposal hadn’t been made.
    “So what’s everybody doing this weekend?” Deb asked. “I was thinking it would be fun to go to the beach and have a cookout.”
    “Miranda’s off, aren’t you, baby?” Marty asked.
    Miranda nodded and looked at me. “Think you can get Kaylie to work this Saturday, too?”
    “I don’t know. I’ll have to ask,” I said as I took a seat. Sparky ran up to me and said hello; apparently, my assistance in the vet trip was forgotten.
    “We won’t be here.” Lonna came to stand behind Paige’s chair.
    “We won’t?” Paige looked surprised as she looked up at Lonna.
    “No, love, we’re going to Provincetown.” Lonna laughed when Paige jumped into her arms. “It’s a surprise,” Lonna said with love in her eyes as she stroked Paige’s blond hair. “I know you’ve always wanted to go. It’ll only be for four days, though.”
    I wanted to feel sorry for myself while I sat there watching them wrapped in each other’s arms. They looked at one another as though they’d forgotten we were gathered around them. I wanted to know what it was like to be totally captivated and adored.
    “How cool,” Angel said with a smile. “Take tons of