Joanna closed her eyes. Notable residents. His presence wasn’t a coincidence. He was here for her.

Why had she thought shopping was a good idea?

There was no rear entrance to this boutique, which basically meant she was trapped.

“Yes, we have notable residents,” Rosa said. “Have you considered a new purse? You can’t go wrong with that. Let me show you a selection—”

“Thanks. I’m interested in your most notable resident. I’m guessing you know who I mean.”

“Of course. She’s famous around here. A local celebrity. This one is jeweled—” there was a pause “—it’s perfect for evening. Not cheap, but you’re celebrating an anniversary so presumably your message is that you love your wife?”

“I love her more than life. I’ll take the purse. So tell me more about this resident.”

“She was born here. Everyone knows her.”

Joanna held her breath. This was what she’d been afraid of. She’d encountered this same situation before. Stories about her often cited “a source close to Joanna.”

“You know where she lives?”

“Yes. Halfway down Ocean in the little cottage with the blue door. There was quite the fuss when she painted that door blue, but Elsa refused to budge. She went straight to the mayor’s house and let the air out of his tires. You’ll find the community divided on that particular incident.”

“Elsa?”

Elsa? Joanna opened her eyes.

“Yes. Elsa Martin. One hundred and one years old. The oldest resident in Silver Point. Still does a yoga class on the beach most mornings. Did you know she’s writing a novel? Is that why you’re interested in her? Do you work in publishing? I happen to know she’s partial to cheesecake if you wanted to charm her.”

“It’s not Elsa I was thinking of, although she sounds like a character. I was thinking of Joanna Whitman.”

“Joanna—? Oh, Joanna. Right. Are you taking that bag?”

“Yes.”

“Good choice. I know your wife’s going to love it. That will be nine hundred and fifty dollars.”

“How much?”

“It’s a bargain, don’t you think? I gave you a discount because you have a nice face and I like a man who knows how to spoil a woman. Your wife is going to know she’s loved. Do you want it gift wrapped?”

“I—yes, I suppose so. Have you seen her in town?”

“Your wife? I don’t know her, but I’m sure she’s a woman with great taste.”

“Joanna Whitman.”

“Joanna? Here? Goodness, no. She moved on two decades ago. She’s more the Hollywood type now, but I’m sure you know that. Red carpets. Paparazzi. I see her on TV. Does your wife like earrings? We had some beautiful ones in this morning and it’s never too soon to start thinking about Christmas.”