Page 47 of Shattering Dawn
Amelia sighed. “This is going to hit my bank account hard. I’m still waiting for payment on my last real estate shoot. I’ll have to go into my savings. Again.”
“I’ll take care of the five hundred tonight and put it down under expenses.”
She flushed. “It’s okay. My friends will reimburse me at the end of the month. We’ve agreed to split up the expenses involved in the investigation.”
“I said I’ll take care of the five hundred.”
“That’s very generous of you, but—”
He took her arm and steered her toward the door. “I’m hungry. Let’s get our complimentary breakfast.”
“Are you pissed?”
“Me? Pissed? Of course not. I’m used to dealing with difficult clients. Goes with the territory.”
“I am not a difficult client.”
“Trust me, you are a difficult client.”
Chapter Twenty-five
The complimentary breakfastconsisted of an assortment of day-old doughnuts, hard-boiled eggs, cold cereal, and bananas. This was the Southern California desert, Amelia thought. There should have been oranges and grapefruit. But, hey, the repast was free.
It was not an exciting display but the patio setting was pleasant. The morning sun shone down from a perfect blue sky, and the wild expanse of the elemental landscape stretched out to the mountains.
She and Gideon joined the short line of guests at the buffet table. Gideon made his selections—two doughnuts and a banana—and started to move on to the coffee machine. She knew the exact instant when he realized he could not manage a coffee cup, not when he was holding the plate with the doughnuts and banana in one hand and gripping his cane in the other hand.
“I’ll get the coffee,” she said.
“Thanks,” he muttered.
“You’re not a morning person, are you?”
He ignored the comment and made his way to a table for two onthe outer edge of the patio. She listened to the muffled thuds of his cane on the tiles and knew that, in spite of his claim to being adept at compartmentalizing, the injury annoyed and frustrated him. Maybe he was wondering if he would ever be able to get rid of the cane.
She went back to considering the doughnuts. None looked worth the calories. She was reaching for a hard-boiled egg when she heard a soft chuckle beside her and turned to see a woman dressed in tight yoga pants, a snug halter top, and a light zip-up hoodie. Her mane of sunny blond hair was caught up in a perky ponytail. She looked like she had just finished her Sun Salutation poses.
“It’s a free breakfast, what do you expect?” the woman said in a low, conspiratorial voice. “I figure the convenience outweighs the problem of having to drive somewhere to find a restaurant that is open for breakfast.”
Amelia smiled. “You’re absolutely right. And this patio is a very nice place to drink morning coffee.”
“Definitely. My name is Katy, by the way. Katy Shipley.”
“Amelia Rivers.”
“I’m here to relax and unwind.” Katy took a doughnut. “Something about the desert gives a person a different perspective.”
“Yes, it does. Come here often?”
“My first time. I usually go to Palm Springs for my desert fix. Thought I’d try a more laid-back experience this time. You?”
“I’ve been to Lucent Springs before but this is my first time at this motel.”
“Vacation?” Katy asked.
“No. I’m here to photograph what’s left of the old hotel on Spring Road before it’s demolished.”
“Really?” Katy looked intrigued. “What’s so special about it?”