When Fall Fades (The Girl Next Door Series Book 1) by Amy Leigh Simpson Page A

hard I didn’t want to bother him, and—”
    “Elsie.” Sadie scolded. “I’ve told you before you can’t be doing that. Tom doesn’t mind helping in the middle of the night, he told me.” She softened her words with a smile. “It looks like a mild sprain, but it could have been a lot worse so promise me you’ll call for Tom next time, okay?”
    Elsie crossed her heart with her crooked little index finger and conceded with a bashful grin. “We all need somebody, don’t we Sadie?”
    Sadie felt her blood squirm under her skin and knew her guilt was displayed bright enough for an almost one-hundred-year-old woman with cataracts to see clearly.
    “Okay lady, let’s get you ready. A few of the girls asked if we were up for some bridge today, whaddya say?”
    “As long as it’s after the morning news and The Price is Right. ”
    “Of course. And it will give us a chance to tend to that swollen ankle. How do we treat, doctor?”
    “PRICE.” Elsie announced with pride, giving a little tug to her fist.
    “That’s right. Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You’re so smart.” Sadie patted her hand.
    Elsie patted her hand right back, her pale blue eyes flickering with compassion. “That’s because I have such a smart doctor.”

    “Hey Joss.” Sadie called out to her best friend as they approached P.F. Chang’s from opposite ends of the small strip of upscale dining and shopping in Brentwood.
    After a brief hug, Joselyn pulled back, looking Sadie over with furrowed brows.
    “What?” Sadie checked for a wardrobe malfunction.
    Joselyn let out a low whistle. “You look hot! Dang, girl!”
    “Oh, I do not. I look the same as always.” Except Sadie had put a little extra effort into her appearance tonight, though her reflection still showed the same average tomboy staring back from the mirror. She’d straightened her hair for a change and put on real clothes. Real as in skinny jeans instead of yoga pants, a black empire-waisted halter top instead of a band T-shirt, a long gold pendant necklace and gold leaf earrings instead of none. And sky-high wedge heels instead of her Chucks. Heck, she’d even tried some smokey eye shadow and managed to not look like she’d acquired two black eyes.
    “Nope, something’s different, I just can’t put my finger on it.” Joselyn tapped her finger to her lips. “Hmm.”
    “There, there, crazy girl. What matters is I’m wearing a shirt and shoes, so I’m thinking they’ll serve us food. Let’s go in. I could eat a horse.” Sadie pointed to the statues flanking the doors of the restaurant. “Though I’d rather not.” They both laughed, linked arms, and entered Chinese food heaven.
    After eating their fill of lettuce wraps and crispy honey chicken, Joselyn blotted her mouth with her napkin. “All right, spill it. Is there a guy or something because you look … what’s the word? Smitten? Glowey?” Joss looked up, her silky black hair slipping behind her shoulders as she pondered. “Is that a word? I’m thinking it should be.”
      “Fine. I’ll dish, but honestly there’s not much to tell.” Sadie described her last few days in detail, feeling little flakes of tension slough off from the confession.
    “I can’t believe Charlie’s gone. Are you doing okay?”
    “Yeah, I mean I deal with this sort of thing a lot, but with Charlie …” She shook her head, willing away the blubbering ascending her throat. “I dunno, it’s different—especially given the circumstances.”
    “I can’t even imagine.” Raising a devious, yet perfectly sculpted eyebrow, Joselyn daintily cleared her throat. “Does this Agent Hayes have any suspects?”
    At least now she didn’t feel like crying. “Not that I know of. And stop it with that eye. I know what you’re thinking, but you can forget it. The man is so irritating.” At the arching of Joselyn’s other brow Sadie continued her defense. “We can hardly be near each other for five minutes