Page 25 of Perfume Girl

Lying still just meant my thoughts could find me…Astor could find me.

I got out of the tub and dried off, then spritzed myself with white datura flowers; a subtle scent that always soothed my nerves.

Rummaging through my makeshift wardrobe, I grabbed my jeans and found the T-shirt given to me by my friend Hazel, who had also served as my divorce lawyer.

“Ditch Damien and upgrade, darling,” Hazel had joked in her southern accent.

Facing the mirror, I read the backward words on the T-shirt she’d given me on the day I had signed the divorce papers she’d prepared.

SECOND HUSBAND VACANCY

No FUCKWITS need applythis time

I needed to do my laundry, but this would do for now. I wasn’t going to see anyone, so I skipped the make-up as well, grabbing my sunhat, sunglasses, and slipping on flat sandals.

Within minutes I had packed a picnic basket with olives, cheese, biscuits, chips and salsa. I threw a bottle of mineral water in there, too.

This was ameday.

Sundays were traditionally dedicated to going out on the boat—for me, anyway. I’d taken Florida’s required boating safety courses and was more than capable of heading out alone.

Leaving through the front door was becoming more difficult. I drew in a sharp breath of courage and walked ten more steps into the store.

My beloved glass cabinet was full of designer bottles of all colors and shapes. To my right was a long shelf showcasing my personal collection alongside the other brands. I had earned the right for my scents to sit beside them. Even now the way the light refracted off the glass mesmerized me. It was very often this display that drew customers in from the street.

Then I saw it…

Savage King,a cologne from The House of Beauregard for the customer who liked to burn money. I reached for the box and opened it, pulling off the bottle’s cap. The aroma reminded me of dirty, forbidden sex.

This place needed a touch of air freshener. I squirted Beauregard’s cologne around the room. Three more ten dollar squirts and I was breathing inhim.

Damn it.

I threw the bottle back onto the shelf and it clinked against the others, sending one rolling toward the edge.

Gawping in horror, I watched my precious Lalique bottle fall and bounce on the floor before disappearing beneath the counter. I fell to my knees, cursing, and realized I’d need help to move the hefty cabinet to get to it.

Astor’sSavage Kinghad played a part in this mayhem. I needed to get out of here and onto the ocean where my problems would feel more manageable.

I rose, dusted off my knees, and grabbed my beach bag.

Within twenty minutes I’d made it to Ybor City Harbor and was boardingMy Fair Lady,our small Sundancer yacht. I applied copious amounts of sunscreen and put on my sunhat. I couldn’t wait to take the boat out as I ran through the pre-launch checklist.

When I saw the low fuel indicator, I groaned in frustration. Damien had used the boat during the week and hadn’t refueled.

I took in a deep breath of salty sea air and resolved to be patient.It wouldn’t take too much longer to get her ready to launch.

Staring out at the ocean, I always felt a sense of peace. It was the way the light sparkled off the surface of the water, the endless blue bringing on feelings of tranquility as pelicans soared on the breeze and seagulls demanded attention.

I was so ready to answer the call of freedom.

“Hey!” That voice was familiar.

My head snapped around toward the dock and I saw Damien holding a picnic basket. My heart wrenched.

I shoved my sunglasses onto my forehead and squinted at him. “You had the same idea?”

A hopeful tingle whirled in my chest at the flurry of possibilities. Maybe, just maybe, I could have him join me and bring the conversation around to Perfume Girl. I might even persuade him to hold off on forcing me to sell the store. Maybe he’d let me repay what I owed him in manageable installments.