Groomed for Murder (Going to the Dogs) Read Free Page A

mother look at her like Kate was looking at Callie now. Love shone out of her eyes, glassy with tears. Brooke just knew that Callie’s mother was thinking about Callie as a little girl, her memories reflected in her eyes, Callie growing from a skinned-kneed tomboy into a beautiful woman with a spitfire edge.
    And then her throat tightened and that same embarrassing well of emotion hit her so hard she had to blink rapidly to hold off the tears. Callie took her breath away. Oh, God, she wanted to get married someday and look as stunning as Callie did right this minute.
    Harper just smiled and nodded.
    The mermaid dress fit her to a T. An understated satin ribbon cinched the waist and ended in a simple bow that rode atop a series of buttons ending right at the flair of a short, sassy train. The square, modest neckline accentuated the off-the-shoulder chain of lace straps which added just the right touch of romance.
    Brooke rose abruptly, blinking away tears as she excused herself and left the room. In the bathroom, she closed herself in the stall and leaned back against the door. Her fists clenched, her stomach in turmoil, she fought the feelings she couldn’t name. Change was good, and Owen was good for Callie. Their love shone like a beacon. It was wonderful to watch and hope that love like that would find her. It took her only a few moments to get herself under control, since she was eager to get back. This day was about Callie, not about her.
    When she came out of the stall, Harper was leaning against the sink, her arms folded across her chest.
    Brooke stopped and her face flamed.
    “What gives?”
    “What do you mean?” Brooke walked nonchalantly towards the sink and washed her hands as Harper’s eyes bored a hole in her back.
    “You look exhausted and in unguarded moments…worried. You’re always the one to nurture us and be the top cheerleader.”
    “I’ve had a rough week.”
    “Are you sure that’s all it is? Sweetie, we want to know when something is bothering you.”
    Brooke had no intention of burdening Harper with her business problems. She’d handled Kristen Wright-Davis and her spoiled dog. It was done. Resolved. “I’ll be fine after some sleep and a little TLC.”
    Harper snorted. “When have you ever taken time for yourself? I swear, Brooke. You do too much for too many people.”
    “Look who’s talking. You do plenty for others.”
    “Yes, but I don’t own a business. I just sponge off my family’s wealth.”
    Brooke laughed, warmth settling in the pit of her stomach. Thank God for Harper’s bluntness. “It’s my thing, and it makes me happy.”
    “I would just like to see you taking care of yourself. Be a little selfish. It won’t be the end of the world.”
    “You mean the zombie apocalypse?”
    Harper laughed. Then sobered. “No joke. I mean it.”
    “I’ll think about it. Enough about me. Now let’s get back to Callie. And that dress is sensational. You just know what works best, don’t you?”
    “It’s a gift,” came the smug—and oh, so correct!—reply.
    Back in the salon with her emotions firmly in check, Brooke ooohed and aaahhhhed over Callie’s dress. It was simply gorgeous. She also participated in chatter about what would fit best for a headdress. They left Stunning to continue the conversation over lunch at one of their favorite places, a quaint bistro named Habit, which happened to be directly across the street. After they pulled two tables together, the women settled down on the wooden chairs.
    Judging it the perfect moment, Brooke produced Callie’s gift and, with a flourish, presented it to her.
    “Prezzies! After all you’ve done today, I don’t need gifts, but it’s much appreciated. Thank you, Brooke.”
    “Open it. The suspense is killing me,” Brooke said.
    Callie carefully removed the ribbon, placed it aside, and tore into the paper. She gasped when she pulled out the book. “Oh, my God. This is just what I needed! I’m so lost when it comes