Catching Lily

By Julia Imari

In a charming Massachusetts town, Lily Perfect, a budding, savvy entrepreneur has her sights set on running her own boutique filled with handmade creations. The last thing she wants is the complication of a man. But just when her business begins attracting attention, a dangerously handsome, sexy, and mysterious man strides into her shop and turns her life upside down.

Alan Perry isn't fooled by Lily's apparent disinterest. He knows there's more to her than just her handbags. She has secrets, and he's determined to reveal them...before she can reveal his. Little does Alan know, he may have just met his match.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PaulJulia Press
• Release date: May 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386353966

Book preview

Chapter One

ALAN PERRY SCANNED the block of stores across the street from his Honda, taking note of the numerous small shops and boutiques until his gaze stopped at a window display decorated with purses and handbags of all different sizes, shapes and colors. Above it was a colorful sign announcing a boutique named the Summerfield Gallery. This must be the one. He glanced down at a piece of paper in his lap. The names matched. The shop wasn’t open, but he had purposely arrived before his appointed time to get a sense of the area and the shop. The appointment was with the owner to buy a sewing machine, not a purse or handbag which made him feel nervous and a bit awkward, but he had to do it. When he lifted his head, a woman in a pair of worn-out jeans was walking toward the shop.

Alan lowered the tinted car window down a couple of inches. This must be her. She stopped in front of the door, opened her purse to fish out a key and took her sweet time unlocking it. Instead of going inside, she peered in the window of a gift shop located next door, and then she stepped back to the door of the shop. As if she sensed someone was watching, she turned and glanced across the street, right at his car.

Whoa! She’d singled him out. He should have ducked down or looked away, but instead he reached for the side view mirror and adjusted it. Without turning his head, he watched her from the corner of his eye. The special lenses on the aviator sunglasses magnified her size as if she was standing only a few yards away. Her soft and lovely oval-shaped face looked friendly, and her lips were so inviting… For what? For kissing. Goodness! What am I thinking?

The cool spring breeze swept across her wavy shoulder-length hair. She immediately brought her pullover windbreaker close to her body. Finally, she pushed the door open and disappeared inside.

He exhaled, realizing he was in trouble when he remembered the shape of her mouth more than his mission. The vacation he had promised to take had been long overdue. One more task and I’m out of here. He also needed to remind himself that she was a suspect. When he received her email reply earlier that morning, she had signed her name as Lily. He glanced at his watch.

Well, time to be someone else and meet this Lily.

He drove ahead, turned onto Main Street, a block away from the store, and found a parking spot for his beat-up Honda which he’d bought for the sole purpose of disguising himself while on this assignment. He walked steadily toward the Summerfield Gallery. When he reached Cherry Street and the gallery came into view, his heart pounded.

***

LILY PERFECT BELIEVED in fortune cookies, but the recent one had left a bitter taste in her mouth. It said, Attend business another day, nurture your love life today. If only she had found the advice a month earlier, before Jonathan broke up with her, she could have used it to salvage their relationship. Maybe it was her fault for being too obsessed with her fledgling business. But if he really had loved her, he would have been more supportive. Clearly he hadn’t.

But why waste time dwelling on it? Whoever wrote the fortune cookie didn’t know a damn thing about relationships, let alone how to run a business. A failed relationship didn’t mean she would fail in her handmade purse and bag business. After all, she wanted to reach her business goal of renting her own retail boutique—soon. Within three months. And this meant she would have to come up with the cash.

Her friend, May, told her that she knew how to increase sales. Yeah, right. She knew all too well May’s intention, and it had nothing to do with helping her to make more sales. Her mom and May had probably concocted some idea to find her a new boyfriend now that May was engaged. Ha. They were wasting their time. Lily knew what she wanted and how to come up with the cash she desperately needed.

Marketing through her blog and social media definitely increased her business exposure, which she truly needed at this stage. Until she found the right shopping cart to sell her creations on her website, she needed to hustle her handmade bags to her walk-in customers at the gallery. So far, she had been very successful. She didn’t need May or Mom’s help for that matter. Unfortunately, she had to do more. Last week, she had listed one of her unused sewing machines for sale on Craig’s List. She’d received many inquiries, but no one came by to take a look like they’d promised. Until today.

Drumming her fingers on the counter, she waited for the potential buyer who had emailed her earlier that morning. She glanced at her watch. This buyer better show up, or I’ll have to put the machine back on Craig’s List with a lower price. Realizing her options were limited, she cringed at the thought. Her plan to raise money wasn’t as easy as she’d hoped, but at least she had retail space with a nice, wide window for display and at a dirt cheap rent. The only catch was she had to share the boutique with three other small business owners. Although each of them acted friendly, Lily saw the fierce competitiveness in one of them–Kenn Goh. There was something going on with that guy. And Tina Hall, the owner of the gift shop next door, was a real pain in the ass. Her window display was immaculate.

Lily sighed. If she wanted to stay in the gallery, she needed to mind her own business. Focus, Lily. With that, she hoped the potential buyer didn’t chicken out like the previous losers.

While waiting, she examined the machine again only to discover there were no sample stitches sewn for the buyer to inspect. She expected the buyer to be a quilter, although she’d only seen the initials A. P. in the email. Only a serious quilter would know how to appreciate the machine.

She plugged it in then rushed to her workspace, scolding herself while searching around for a scrap of fabric. Rummaging through a pile of remnants, she found one and dashed back to the machine. Suddenly, the doorbell chimed. While shoving the fabric under the foot of the machine, she accidentally pulled the thread off the needle. The doorbell rang again. Lily threw her hands up.

Outside, an athletic-looking man with both hands in his pockets gave her a friendly nod. His broad shoulders were covered by a black T-shirt, which was tucked inside faded jeans. His relaxed pose made him a perfect candidate for a glossy magazine cover. Blue eyes with a chiseled face and a stubborn chin, he didn’t look like he belonged in Summerfield.

She opened the door wide enough to show her face. Can I help you?

He glanced at the Lily Designs decal on the door. I’m looking for Lily.

Yes, I’m Lily. Who was he, and why he was looking for her?

He stepped back and smiled. Hi, I emailed you this morning…about the sewing machine.

This is him? Her heart thudded loudly. Oh! Hi. She opened the door wider. His smile brightened his handsome face. C’mon in. Here’s the machine. All set up for a demo, she said, pointing at the table in the corner of the gallery.

His presence made the gallery shrink. Towering over her, his blue eyes appeared friendly. She inhaled. The masculine smell of musk, amber and a hint of spices were so fresh she couldn’t get enough. Focus, Lily.

This Singer 301 has all metal gears with an aluminum casting—very rare. Do you want to give it a try?

He stared at the machine while his hands gripped the back of the chair. The muscles on his arms bulged showing a strong and fit body, and his dark brown hair that curled slightly at the ends begged to be touched. Man, her mind was definitely poisoned. The fresh scent must have altered Lily’s brain because she’d never paid attention to anyone like this before. She had to do something.

Sitting down, she threaded the needle then turned the hand wheel toward her. The needle pierced the fabric. When she pressed the foot pedal slowly, the machine purred, its needle moving up and down forming straight stitches.

She stood. Here, try it. He straightened and glanced at her with trepidation. It’s easy to operate, she said, hoping to ease his worry.

Her assurance made him smile. I’m not sure if I could do it.

I purchased it several years ago. It’s been barely used.

He nodded and then sat down. She liked how the jeans fit his strong thighs and legs. Crossing her arms against her chest, Lily stood behind him. His warmth radiated into her, making her want to move closer to his side to smell those scents of forest and pine and everything outdoors.

He pressed the foot pedal, and the needle moved erratically.

Quickly, she stopped the hand wheel. Is this machine for you? Having asked him to test it wasn’t a good idea after all, she realized. If she didn’t stop him, he’d end up breaking the needle.

He glanced up and then turned pensive. Actually, it’s a surprise gift for my girlfriend.

She smiled with relief. Thank God he is taken and off the market. She’ll love this fine vintage machine.

Thank you, he said and pulled out his wallet. His decision to purchase the machine made her day. She unplugged it, coiled up the presser foot and put the cover on. Please hold it by the base when you carry it, she said. And don’t forget this. She handed him the instruction book.

He took the booklet, but his forehead wrinkled. Can’t I carry it by the handle?

It’s old. She grimaced as his fingers curled under the bar handle. I don’t trust it.

He waved the instruction book at her as if to brush off her worry.

It’s sold as is, she reminded him. No returns.

He flashed another smile before stepping outside. She prayed the handle wouldn’t break and smash the machine to the ground. Never mind. She wouldn’t see him again anyway. His scent lingered, creating a longing pang. The stranger had found an empty space in her mind and decided to stay awhile.

He’s so romantic for buying it for his girlfriend. Lily shook her head and looked at the cash in her hand and decided experiencing a rare brain poisoning was worth it.

Happy with the successful transaction, Lily went into the back of the gallery to her sewing studio to work on her latest designs. She would be out from this place in three months. Or sooner. She wished it would be next month. She had fantasized about having her personal boutique for almost three years. In her vision, her cute shop would have a selling area filled with beautiful handmade bags. Another area would be dedicated for selling fabrics and notions and a space for customers to design their own bags.

The retail space she had in mind—on Main Street—was currently undergoing renovations prior to being put up for rent. What perfect timing. By then she would have saved enough money. Lily’s smile broadened. Yes! Oh this is so exciting. She was dying to have a charming women’s accessories shop she could call her own.

She had leaked her plan to her dad the other day. Of course, she trusted him, but if her mom had found out, she would be rolling on the floor laughing hysterically. Mom believed LOL meant Lots of Love when the real meaning was Laughing Out Loud. She didn’t believe in her business plan, let alone a chance to succeed in selling handmade bags. But Lily believed in herself and her venture. She imagined herself as a spy researching the latest trends in handbags, and then creating her own unique interpretations. If only she had all those devices PIs used in their surveillance to uncover what customers wanted.

Needing a break, Lily stopped working and went up to the selling area where she spotted Tina Hall outside looking keenly at her handbag window display. When Tina saw her, she scooted away. Tina always pretended not to see her when she passed by, and she never replied when Lily said hello. What’s her problem? They didn’t sell similar products. After several attempts of saying hello and receiving no response, much less than a nod or glance of recognition, she’d accepted the fact that Tina just didn’t like her. Since Lily began renting space in the Summerfield Gallery two months ago, customers came by every day, so Tina probably thought she stole her business, which, of course, was nonsense.

Lily went outside to stretch and get some fresh air. Tina was rearranging her window display. Is she planning to display new products? Tina wore business attire all the time, while Lily dressed in jeans and a blouse or T-shirt covered with strands of fabric and lint. Oh well.

Lily turned and started to head back to her studio when a couple holding hands passed by with a trailing, happy laugh. She watched them until they disappeared around the corner. Stop it, Lily. She kicked a pebble away and stepped inside.

The fresh air hadn’t eased her need to talk to someone, so she picked up the phone and called May. They hadn’t done lunch for a while. Are you free this hour? She wanted to share the good news. Only May understood how important this was to her mission.

You sound rushed. What happened? May asked. Never mind, I’ll be over in fifteen minutes.

Lily put down the phone when two women entered the shop. They gazed around the gallery and locked on the purses. The tall one grabbed one from the cascade rack and slung it over her shoulder. She looked at the price tag and gasped. Hastily, she hung the purse back. They’re so pretty, but way out of my budget.

The knot in Lily’s stomach tightened, but she smiled at them and said nothing. Her handmade bags were lovingly crafted one at the time, and the money the buyer spent would be worth it. Plus, they were one of a kind. She believed her customers could express the best in themselves when they carried her bags.

Eventually, the women thanked her and walked out. Lily took a deep breath.

The door opened and May was already inside, panting. What’s up? Did you sell the sewing machine? May asked, looking around. She removed her bug-eyed sunglasses and perched them on top of her head.

Hey! Yes, I did.

Okay, let’s go get lunch, May said.

They went to the café around the corner where Lily ordered a Lancashire sandwich with roast beef and tomatoes, onions with horseradish cream sauce and a side salad. May had the special tossed salad with fat-free Italian dressing.

You don’t have to be so skinny for your wedding, you know, Lily said.

May put her hands on her hips. I want to be a size zero by then.

That’s ant size!

And look at you. May rolled her eyes. You eat like a pig, and you’re still slender.

Lily shrugged. May didn’t know she barely had time for food lately. She put all her energy into her business. Their order arrived, and Lily took a bite of her sandwich.

As if May noticed she was being ignored, she changed the subject. Look, you need to install this shopping cart for your website.

May’s suggestion would definitely help increase her online sales. Lily just wasn’t able to say yes. It’s expensive, though. There, she’d said it. She just couldn’t afford it. She knew she needed to spend money in order to make money, and yet, she just couldn’t do it. Selling online was new territory for her.

I’ll ask Charles this afternoon, May said, and let you know.

Charles was a friend and co-worker of May. Since Lily’s single status was fully advertised, she welcomed Charles’ friendship, but that was the extent of it. How much should I pay him?

May played with her salad in the bowl. Well, you should discuss it with him. Maybe he’ll give you a break.

Lily had met May when she moved into her apartment building almost three years ago, and they had been close friends ever since. May knew about her business plan, and she had been very supportive of it right from the beginning. Lily was lucky and so grateful to have a friend like her. But this online shopping cart thing? She wasn’t ready, and yet, May continued to push her to install it on her website.

May’s cell phone suddenly rang. She snorted when a name appeared on the screen. I have to go. It’s Ben.

How’s Ben? Lily asked. Since your engagement with Ben, we rarely go out together. It seemed like her chance to talk about her news to May had evaporated.

May stared. I don’t want to talk about him.

Okay… Since she’d gotten engaged, something didn’t feel right with May. They used to hang out in Lily’s room or at her mother’s restaurant every weekend. But not anymore. It seemed like their friendship was strained due to the engagement. Eventually, they had drifted apart. She had hoped they could talk and share news over lunch. I understand. He wants to see you.

No, I don’t want to see him. Not now. Not when I’m with you. May stood. I’d better go before he gets here and I can’t escape.

Lily opened her mouth to protest, but May raised her hand. I’m sorry, Lily.

She grabbed May’s hand. Don’t worry. We’ll go to see my mom this weekend. Like we always do.

Yeah, that’s okay, May said, and rushed out from the café.

After May left, she sat for a while before picking up her half-eaten lunch then walked back to the studio to resume working. Her mind was filled with questions about May’s strange behavior. Her friend was hiding something. Lily just hoped it was due to the stress of preparing for her upcoming wedding.

Around eight that evening Lily returned to her apartment. The red light on the answering machine was blinking. When she pressed the play button her mom’s voice splashed all over asking what time she would be coming over next weekend. She was twenty-six years old, and still Mom insisted on seeing her every weekend for a meal. Grudgingly, Lily yanked the phone off its cradle.

Mom?

Are you coming this weekend?

Yeah, I’ll bring May with me. It was an empty promise, and yet she hoped May would come.

Excellent! Mom said. Did you have your dinner?

Soon. She knew where this conversation would lead.

Lily… She could hear her mom sigh. How many times do I have to remind you not to let yourself go hungry?

I know, but I’m busy right now.

You don’t sound…happy.

Lily flopped into her office chair and clicked the internet browser icon. Mom, I have to go. I’ll see you this weekend. She needed to end this conversation. Mom was detecting something only a mother could, and she wasn’t ready for another lecture.

It’s confirmed then, right?

Yeah. Okay, Mom. Say hi to Dad. Bye. She cut the conversation short and checked her email. There were ten messages. Eight of them were spam. One email came from a potential customer asking if she could make a custom weekender-size bag. Lily replied and asked if the customer knew what fabrics and features she wanted. The last email came from a business newsletter Lily had subscribed to notifying her about their seminars in Boston. She didn’t bother to open it, but still, an email from Jonathan would have brightened her day. Be strong, Lily. Stop beating a dead horse.

Disappointed, Lily closed her email account then slid over to the sofa. I guess I have to agree to accept Charles’ offer to help me with the shopping cart. At least she had a reason to hang out with May and Ben again. Their friendship mattered to her, since she had no time to make new friends.

Chapter Two

ALAN COULDN’T BELIEVE what he had seen the moment the door of the Summerfield Gallery opened. The woman stared back at him with a pair of large, light brown eyes. Seeing her grace, smelling her soft, flowery scent, he wasn’t prepared for the instant physical attraction. If only he had asked Bower what she looked like before seeing her. Of course, he caught a glimpse of her through the spy glasses earlier, but when he came face to face with her, he was speechless. She appeared confident yet cold. That didn’t stop his appreciation, though. Now he wasn’t sure what to do next. Would he have enough courage to go back to the Summerfield Gallery to see her again?

She had been polite toward him. She meant business, after all. He should have asked more questions. Yet, seeing her in person reduced his communication skill to the level of a first grader. Now, he realized how difficult the job was. His respect for Bower, the semi-retired detective and a former FBI agent, increased.

Through their short encounter inside the gallery, he had noticed something odd with Lily’s behavior. She’d seemed preoccupied. What could she be thinking? Of course, the purchase was real, as he’d agreed to her terms of sale and gave her payment in full. She didn’t want him to return the sewing machine, but that was the least of his problems. Seeing and talking to her for the first time, he’d realized that this investigation would be difficult. Instead of feeling discouraged, their meeting only invigorated him.

Alan placed the old-fashioned sewing machine on his desk. Jesse and Steve, the associates and members of the investigating team, smirked as they waited for him. As much as he wanted, he couldn’t hide his discomfort.

Tired of being stared at, he scowled at them. What?

So is she young or old? Jesse beat Steve to his question.

Alan opened the machine’s cover. Young, he said, avoiding their penetrating stare. And cute.

"See,