Trust in Us by Altonya Washington Page B

hug her and try to work it out. She resisted, for the first time feeling that a permanent line was being marked between her and her dearest friends.

Chapter 7
    T he Weeks’ Resort Outlet Lane had all the quaint charm of a Mediterranean village. The cobblestone streets and stone structures seemed right at home amid the tropical loveliness of Anegada. Partially hidden by the lush palm tree leaves, the area gave its visitors the revitalizing feel of stepping into a world long past.
    Alythia judged from the number of resort guests she saw inside and along the streets of the shopping village that such an effect was most probably quite successful in opening wallets and purses.
    “I could see it,” she announced to no one in particular, and heard soft chuckling afterward. Turning, she saw that Clive Weeks was the culprit.
    “May I take your reaction to mean that we’ll be doing business?” she asked.
    “Only if your business manager agrees.”
    “She’s fired if she doesn’t.”
    They shared a laugh.
    “She’ll agree based on the location alone.” Aly sobered a little and took closer inventory of her surroundings. “That way she can delude herself into believing her workaholic client is at least a little distracted from business.”
    Clive pretended to be crestfallen. “So the place would only distract you a little? ”
    “Well, I wouldn’t want her to think I was completely falling down on the job.” Her shrug was as playful as her smile.
    “Well, you already know what my business manager thinks.” Clive folded his arms over the pale blue shirt he wore and relaxed against the framing along the glass doors at the back of the proposed retail space for the boutique.
    Alythia continued to walk in slow circles, assessing the area and conjuring promotional ideas. “And what about you? Do you really believe a clothing store would fare well here?”
    “Are you kidding? I’m surprised I didn’t have the idea sooner.”
    “Well, maybe the right idea hadn’t come along yet.”
    “Yeah...” Clive’s playfully crestfallen look returned. “Now I’ve got the right idea—and a woman after my own heart, if only my friend hadn’t met you first.”
    Alythia took no offense to the teasing gibe, though a curious element crept over her expression. “Your interest in the boutique now wouldn’t all be part of a favor you’re doing for that friend, would it?”
    Clive moved from the doorframe, a wave of seriousness having claimed him, as well. “The idea appealed to me so much I wasn’t sure whether to trust it, so I asked Gage for his opinion.” His guileless grin returned. “I’m happy he agreed, otherwise I’d have had to go against one of the best minds in business.”
    “You won’t be sorry about this, Clive.”
    “I know.” He rubbed his hands together and looked around the snug, sunny space. “I think I’ll give you time alone to get acclimated to the place.”
    “Sounds good.” She took both his hands and shook them as enthusiastically as he did hers. “Thanks, Clive.”
    He left her with a wink and a nod. Alythia waited for him to disappear down an overgrown side road and, after making sure there were no other prying eyes, broke into a carefree dance around the space. She stopped short then, recalling her talk with Myrna earlier that morning. Business wasn’t all she could get off on, but it would have to do for a while longer.
    Though smaller than her other two locations, the Anegada space boasted large picture windows to the front and rear of the main floor. There would be perfect natural lighting during the day and a lovely view of twinkling lights from the resort at night. Alythia made a note to return one evening to see the effect for herself.
    Beyond the double glass doors, the rear exit opened out into a small courtyard and offered a striking view of the beach. Dropping down to one of the lounges, Alythia envisioned daily fashion shows in the space to entice patrons inside for a closer