Page 56 of Perfume Girl

She pointed through the glass window at the red Ducati. She was always full of surprises, like that time I learned she loved anything British. I suppose that’s how we bonded in the first place—me bringing in English candies for her to try and us chatting about which British TV show was our favorite.

I’d decided to wear a spring dress and sandals so there was no way I’d be hopping on the back of her motorbike anytime soon. “Go, Taylor,” I said.

“It’s exhilarating.”

“I bet.” I glanced at the coffee she’d bought me. “Thank you. Am I late?”

“No, I’m unfashionably early.”

“Well, on that thing you probably arrived before you left.”

She laughed.

I blew on my hot coffee. “Did you ride the bike all the way from South Beach?”

“Uh-huh. Took me about five hours. I visit my mom on the weekends.”

She went on to tell me a little history of the market and how she loved to visit each Sunday. Her mom lived round the corner so this was an easy trip for her.

“So glad you could make it,” she said.

I sipped my drink and savored the creamy coffee. “It’s good to get out.”

It was even better to be out of what was my temporary home surrounded by all those memories.

“How are you settling in at the lab?” she asked.

“Great.” I sat back. “I’ve gotten to know where everything is so that’s half the battle.”

And since she worked for Astor I’d have to be cautious in case she reported our conversation back to him. I knew Taylor’s loyalty would rest with him.

“How long have you worked at The House of Beauregard?” I asked.

“Five years.”

“So you like it?”

“Yes. Astor’s a great boss…generous and fun. He puts on this stern demeanor but that’s only because he’s got a big business to run. He’s nice to me, anyway.”

“I’m glad, especially as you see him so much.”

“I know, right? I’ve worked for some real assholes.”

“I worked for myself for years before getting hired there.”

“What made you come back to the corporate side?”

“Got divorced—” I bit my lip, considering where to take this. “And when Astor offered me the job I saw it as a great place to grow. There’s less stress when you don’t have to worry about managing a store.”

She removed her coffee lid to dip a finger into the frothy layer and taste the cream. “Astor really cares about his employees.”

“That’s good to know.”

“When Arabella’s son became sick he rushed off to join her at the hospital.”

My heart skipped a beat, and I leaned forward. “Are they in a relationship?”

“No, she’s married. About a year ago she called him from the hospital in a panic because her little boy was covered in bruises and she was being questioned by social services.”