Betrayal - Fern Michaels [39]
She pulled into the large parking lot. It appeared as though half of Collier County had decided to make a stop at Wal-Mart. Kate found a parking place without too much aggravation. She made a mental list of what she would need.
Inside the large chain store, Kate grabbed a bag of apples, Earl Grey tea bags, Sweet’N Low, a loaf of whole wheat bread, strawberry jam, and peanut butter. That was enough. If she needed anything else, she’d go to the supermarket. She waited in line longer than she should have and paid for her purchases. Again, the heat battered her as she walked to the Mercedes. Warm and moist, Kate wondered how in the world people stood this year-round. She supposed it was like anything else; you simply got used to it or learned to live with it. If only that were her main concern.
Kate’s silk blouse clung to her clammy skin. She cranked the AC up again, shifted into reverse, and maneuvered through the lot until she was at the traffic light leading her back to Highway 41. She ran a hand through her damp hair. The humidity had really done a number on it. Not that she cared. Her curls sprang up like fast-growing weeds. She smiled. Alex liked her curls and could never understand why she hated them.
Kate took the map, which was now lying on the seat. Another block and she’d be at the intersection where she would make her final turn onto Hibiscus Lane. The street sign came into view. Kate slowed down, looked in her rearview mirror. Nothing behind her. She turned onto the street. Any other time this would’ve been a pleasure. The homes on the street were blocked by high stucco walls and too much shrubbery. Gertie told her this was a very private area, but until now, she hadn’t really understood. This was more than suitable considering the circumstances. The last thing she wanted to deal with was nosy neighbors. She wanted to do what needed to be done to take Alex home. Nothing more. She didn’t need to make friends, and she sure as hell didn’t need anyone to befriend her.
Kate saw the house number on the dolphin-shaped mailbox. She smirked and pulled into the circular drive. With two blue Wal-Mart bags and her carry-on in one hand, she wrestled with the set of keys. She crossed the beautifully manicured lawn to the enclosed front porch. Opening the door, she saw several editions of the Naples Daily News in a pile at her feet. She nudged them aside and slipped the key into the lock of the front door to the house. A gush of cool air greeted her. She sighed. The feeling was wonderful.
Kate deposited her bags on a small table in the foyer. She inspected the great room as she entered. Cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, and snazzy red sofas bordered the large room. A double-sided fireplace positioned in the center of the room caused Kate to do a double take. Why in the world would one need a fireplace in Florida? She walked farther into the room. Three sets of French doors led to a large swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Several Adirondack loungers were scattered haphazardly around the pool’s edge. Potted plants peppered the deck. A table that could seat at least ten faced the canal. A Jenn-Air grill, larger than her stove at home, was situated between a small built-in counter and an oven ensconced in a brick wall. Baking. Outside. In the Florida heat. Who’d’ve thunk it? A sink, fridge, and teak cabinets completed the outside kitchen. Two silver Jet Skis hung in midair above the dock. Under different circumstances, she would’ve been thrilled with her accommodations. Now it only reminded her that she wasn’t living her life as she wanted. She and Alex both were at the mercy of the court and its future rulings.
Ignoring her lavish surroundings, Kate took her bags from the table. A nice double side-by-side fridge, a gas oven, not unlike the ones at Chloe’s, and cabinets galore encircled the great room.