Sunny Side Up (Lake Erie Mysteries Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

have to expand my own. The hard part of course is that it’s going to be impossible to choose between sunglasses, a jacket, or one of those great tote bags. And then there’s this entire section back here that I haven’t even looked into yet. I’m working on an article, you know, about, you know, the new, fun stuff you’ve added to the shop.”
    Ruby Burns stood behind the glass front counter watching June through her signature red rhinestone eyeglasses. Her sturdy body was sheathed in black, but she was in no way somber-looking. Her perfectly manicured, bright red fingernails and toenails matched the shade of her patent leather, low-heeled sandals as well as her name. The wedding ring on her left hand was nothing if not a work of art combining a band of princess-cut diamonds with double bands of blood-red rubies above and below. Everything about her added to her memorable persona.
    “For a writer, that June really has a way with words.” Ruby’s raspy voice was friendly and welcoming in spite of its deep timbre. She chuckled to herself, tucking a strand of her no-nonsense, gun-metal gray hair behind her ear.
    “If you have any questions about anything at all, or if you’d like to try something on, just let me know.”
    “Thanks Ruby. I might have to get some details from you about some of this stuff. For my article, of course.”
    “Of course, dear. Anything I can do to help.”
    After I was finished eavesdropping on June and Ruby’s conversation, I took my time perusing the rest of the aisles and shelves. There were at least five other items I could easily have taken home with me, but I kept going back to the fish plate that caught my eye when I first walked in. I was pretty sure it was coming home with me, but then I remembered the rack of designer scarves that was always located in the back corner of the store. I picked up a gorgeous Versace silk infinity scarf in shades of green, aqua, and light blue and held it up against my cheek. How could a simple length of fabric feel so luxurious against my skin? I checked out my reflection in the mirror, but as soon as I saw the price reflected back at me, I put it down. Quickly. Time for a reality check. I lived in the real world, but it was always fun to fantasize once in a while. Moving on to the last display, I was faced with the one thing that I have always had an absolute true weakness for—a beautiful handbag. I owned a respectable collection already, but it seemed there was always room for just one more. I couldn’t resist a well-made, soft leather bag in either a traditional or trendy color. I look for lots of interior pockets, a sturdy shoulder strap, and above all, excellent workmanship. No matter where I go, or what I’m doing, I always have a large, beautiful handbag, and it always contains an impressive array of very useful “stuff.”  I could justify shelling out three figures for a great bag, and I was just about to do just that.
    I reeled myself back in from temptation, reminding myself that I needed to get my mind off of spending money and back to supporting my friend in her research. Stepping away from the shelf of temptation, I took one last lap around the perimeter of the store. Something caught my eye, and I walked over to the staircase that led up to Ruby’s office space to check it out. Beautiful, jewel-toned cut-glass bottles were arranged in a pallet at the foot of the staircase, catching the light from the window and shooting rainbow laser beams up the stairs and onto the ceiling. I came full circle and approached the front counter, directing my attention to the proprietor.
    “Ruby, the shop really does look great! I think the thing I like best about your place is that everything is always authentic as well as beautiful. You really go out of your way to find local artists, and name brand products that are perfect for your customers. We never have to worry about getting tricked with fakes or counterfeits in here.”
    A dark cloud