Flamingo Cafe by Jackie Kang

 

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A storm is brewing off the coast of Florida, but chaos has already made landfall for four women of Palm Beach society. Abigail, a self-appointed Cuban princess and queen of the WAGs, suddenly finds herself penniless and on the streets. Claudia, a Greek entrepreneur and CEO of a prestigious international clothing line, is entering her golden years only to realize secrets can weigh you down. Cassy, a barista and owner of the Flamingo Cafe, is doing her best to recover from a tragic past. Meanwhile her best friend, Bri, also harbors a secret: a romantic tet-a-tet with Cassy's brother Nick. Each woman has played her part in a society obsessed with appearances and secrecy for years. So, when Hurricane Odette blows through town, exposing those secrets, it's no surprise their lives collide like a clap of thunder. Only one thing is certain: if they don't work together, Mother Nature will teach them the hardest lessons of their lives.

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As I observe Abigail, I notice she is also giving me the once-over. I watch her gaze travel the length of my body, and the skin around her eyes crinkle when she settles on the box half hidden in my arms.

Without missing a beat in Riley’s and my conversation, Abigail says, “we also learned that after mating is over, the male leaves and never takes part in raising the child.” Abigail looks at Riley and scoffs. “Go figure. Mammals of the male variety are all the same.” She glances pointedly at the box again. “But I would bet you already know that little tidbit of information, don't you?”

I resist the urge to fidget or shift my arms. “I suppose I did.” I search the recesses of my brain for something else to add. But instead of producing some witty comment or brilliant conversation, I trail off into silence.

Abigail stares at me silently until I can't take it any longer. “I was just on my way to get some coffee. I guess I'll be seeing you around.” I back down the aisle, away from the two of them, with the box still firmly tucked in my arm, and give Riley an awkward wave. “So anyway, have fun camping.”

Abigail regards me with a look I can't quite place, and I fear I've said something wrong, so I add, “stay safe out there. See you later, kiddo.”

I make haste to the coffee stand and pour myself a steaming cup of French roast before taking my purchases to the counter. As I head out the door, I glance at Abigail and Riley. Abigail is shaking her head at Riley in the negative, and I wonder what she is saying no to.

I'm tucking my coffee into the cup holder of the Jeep when Abigail and Riley exit the store. They cross the parking lot empty-handed and open the driver's side door of a black Mercedes G-wagon SUV. It takes me a few minutes to register the tinted windows, and it's not until they are pulling out of the parking lot and I'm staring at the Miami Sting Rays vanity license plate that it hits me.

“What the hell? It was Abigail?”

About the Author:

When not spending her time creating make-believe people and places, Jackie Kang lives in Kirkland, WA with her very real family of 1 husband, 2 dogs, and 3 children. In her past life, Jackie has held jobs as a personal trainer, a spa manager, a dental assistant, and an office manager, but her true love is writing and sharing a well-crafted story. Jackie is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.

Website: http://www.jackiekangwritesbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacqulineK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqulinekang/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flamingo-Caf%C3%A9-Jackie-Kang-ebook/dp/B0DCC4NCJ5/ref=sr_1_1

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