Free Deadly Intentions by Candice Poarch Page A

said, changing the subject. “Too bad Grandma won’t allow liquor.”
    Lisa chuckled. “Soda’s going to have to do.”
    â€œI have to speak to a few people,” Vanetta said, and walked off.
    â€œLet’s hit Pete’s bar after we leave here,” Jackie said. “Spend the evening drinking and dancing. Then get somebody to take us home. We used to have a good time doing that.”
    Lisa had spent many fun nights in Pete’s bar, but those days were over. “Unfortunately, I can’t. I’ve got company. Maybe another time.”
    â€œCompany?” Jackie’s eyebrow arched.
    Lisa nodded. “It’s a long story.”
    â€œGirl, you’re a drag. Well, here’s your gift,” she said, handing it over. “Something for your house.”
    Lisa took the gift and tore off the paper. It was a garlic press. “Oh, thanks, Jackie.”
    â€œHad to get you something. I’m starving. I know Grandma fixed a feast in your honor. Check you later.” Jackie went off in search of food.
    Lisa noticed Wade was standing a few feet from her ogling Vanetta. She moved in his direction. “Don’t even go there. It’s going to take a long time for her to trust anyone after Matthew’s betrayal.”
    â€œI know.”
    Matthew, Vanetta’s late husband, had been found dead with his lover several months ago. Lisa thought they’d had the perfect marriage. No marriage was perfect.
    â€œThey’re starting up a new card game and need another player. Want to join them?” Lisa asked.
    â€œAfter I get a plate,” Wade said. Cards didn’t seem to interest him.
    â€œGrandma put her foot into these dishes,” Lisa said, laughing. It was an old southern saying when the meal was especially tasty.
    â€œI know she did.”
    â€œHow is Vanetta doing at The Cove?”
    â€œVery well.” He frowned as if Vanetta’s presence there was an intrusion.
    â€œIt’s good that she’s getting out and doing things.”
    â€œI agree.”
    Lisa wondered if he felt Vanetta was invading his space. Her husband had never spent time there and Jordan Ellis, who ran the properties and was the largest stockholder in the company, frequently traveled.
    â€œWell, enjoy.” After checking on Brian, who was sleeping on her grandmother’s recliner in the den, Lisa joined her grandmother, who’d taken a seat on the deck.
    Naomi brushed the hair off Lisa’s forehead. “Did you enjoy your day?”
    Lisa nodded.
    â€œYou’ve grown a lot in the last year, Lisa.”
    â€œI’m embarrassed by some of the things I did and said in the past. I don’t know what was wrong with me that I’d be so . . .”
    â€œStress, disappointment, and pain change us. But you weathered the storm and came out of it stronger. You didn’t have to, you know. You could have taken a different path. Change is difficult,” Naomi said. “The fact that you took this leap of faith built your character. You see, you have the same strength your ancestor Abiola had.” Abiola arrived on the island in the early 1600s with the golden bowl.
    â€œI guess the kidnapping made me think that life is short and I wanted to live it on my own terms. I wanted my life to mean something. To count for something.”
    â€œIt does, honey. Life’s a risk no matter what. You might as well take your own risks rather than let someone else decide for you.”
    â€œYou’re right. I’m not letting a man interfere in my life again.”
    â€œOh, dear,” Naomi said, shaking her head. “The right man won’t interfere, but enhance.”
    Lisa glanced at Naomi skeptically. “I don’t know, Grandma.”
    Naomi patted her knee. “You’ll see. The right one might be closer than you think.”
    Lisa glanced toward the house. “We’re friends, nothing more.”

    Brian tensed