Murder on the Bride's Side by Tracy Kiely

table. Once I was seated, Peter went off to get us some water. Although it was long past sunset, the heat of the day was still strong. After a few minutes, Avery and Roni approached.
    “Elizabeth,” said Avery, “may we join you?”
    “Of course,” I answered. “Peter’s just gone to get us something to drink.” While they settled in at the table, I eyed Roni thoughtfully. Throughout the day, I had seen her receive several more calls on her cell phone. However, each time she had immediately hung up, claiming it was a “crank” or “wrong number.” I didn’t believe her for a minute, suspecting that she merely didn’t want to take the call while someone was in earshot. I now searched for something to say. Unfortunately, the only things that sprang to mind were “How’s the affair?” and “So, have you verbally abused Megan enough for one day?” Finally, I settled on, “I can’t believe it’s still so hot.” Mundane, yes, but not toxic.
    “I know,” said Avery, “but a storm is coming. This heat will break soon.” After delivering this bland observation, Avery’s face went under a startling transformation. His eyes widened, his mouth parted in surprise, and two bright spots of color formed on his pallid cheeks. I assumed that this reaction was due not to a sudden fear of storms on Avery’s part but to whatever it was thathe was gaping at over my shoulder. I glanced behind me. It was Julia.
    She stared at Avery, a small sad smile hovering on her lips. “Hello, Avery,” she said.
    Some of Avery’s stupor faded and in a voice heavy with emotion, he said, “Julia! How are you? You look wonderful!”
    The low timbre of Avery’s voice caught Roni’s attention. Narrowing her eyes, she studied Julia, while Avery continued to gush his excitement. I smothered a smile as her brows wrinkled in perplexity. To a woman like Roni, Julia’s attraction would be an eternal mystery. Roni could no more understand the importance of warmth, humor, and intelligence than a rattlesnake could understand the importance of comfortable shoes. However, while she may not have understood the attraction, she clearly sensed it.
    Roni eyed both Avery and Julia as she carefully arranged her necklace. Concocted of delicately spun platinum and glittering diamonds, it was Avery’s latest and most extravagant gift to Roni yet. Reflecting the vibrant pink of her dress, the diamonds blazed in a rosy fire. Once satisfied that it was properly displayed on her chest, she turned her eyes on Avery.
    “Avery, honey,” she purred, “aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”
    A startled expression crossed Avery’s face at the sound of Roni’s voice. I wondered if he’d forgotten that she was there.
    “Oh, of course, excuse me,” he said quickly. “Roni, this is Julia Fitzpatrick. Julia, this is . . . my wife, Roni.”
    Roni curled her body into Avery’s. “It’s nice to meet you, Julia,” she said, her long fingers still toying with the necklace.
    “I’ve heard a lot about you,” Julia replied, a tight smile on her lips. Roni took this as a compliment and smiled, but I suspected that Julia’s words held a far different meaning. “That’s a lovely necklace,” Julia added.
    Roni’s full lips pulled up into a smug smile. “Isn’t it? It’s a gift from Avery. He’s so thoughtful.”
    Julia’s glance flickered to Avery, and I noticed a faint blush creep up his neck. “You’re a very lucky woman” was her only reply. “Well, it was wonderful to see you again, Avery,” she said, as she moved away from the table. “Nice to meet you, Roni,” she added. Giving me a discreet wink, Julia disappeared into the crowd and was gone.
    “Didn’t you used to date her?” Roni asked.
    Avery was staring at the place where Julia had stood. “Mmmm,” he said, nodding his head.
    “She’s not very pretty, is she?”
    Neither Avery nor I responded. Roni eyed Avery suspiciously, seemingly unsure what his silence