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Rachel's phone rang as she switched on her coffeemaker. Not recognizing the number, she hesitated until she remembered Shane's message from the night before. She took a deep breath and accepted the call.
"Hey, Rachel, it's Shane."
A smile broke out across her face. "Shane. I'm so glad you called, and I hope you'll accept my apology for what happened last night."
"Stop right there." His voice was firm. "What happened last night wasn't your fault, and you have nothing to apologize for."
"I know, but it's still embarrassing."
"It's not your fault, Rachel." His voice remained firm. "Anyway, that's not the reason I'm calling. I was wondering if you were planning on going to the picnic this afternoon?"
"Nah." She shook her head as she spoke. "When they sent me the information about the reunion I decided to only do the Friday night dinner. The picnic sounded like something for those with kids, which wouldn't be me. Were you planning on going?"
"I wasn't sure. I figured if I ran into any of my old friends, and if they were going, then perhaps I would, but now I think we'll do something else instead." He paused for a moment. "You know, there's a movie theater not too far from where I live that serves meals."
"I think I know the place. It's on the east side. I live about a mile or so away from it."
"You do?" He chuckled. "Well then, I guess we must be neighbors, as I live close to it as well. So, I take it this would be a yes."
"It all depends on what's playing," she said, coyly.
"Well, then, let me read you the list."
Within minutes both had agreed on an action-adventure film. They would meet in front of the theater and catch the early afternoon show. After it was over, they went to a nearby coffeehouse and ordered lattes.
"I really shouldn't be doing this on top of such a big lunch," said Rachel as she settled in her chair. "I have to watch my girlish figure, you know, and after today I'll have to put in some extra time at the gym."
"You look just fine to me. You women worry too much about your weight. I prefer a woman who looks healthy, and not too skinny."
"You're very kind."
"No, I really mean it," he said. "Back in high school I got into the habit of going jogging after I got home. It was a good stress reliever, so I kept it up during and after college. Unfortunately, as the years have gone by, it's become too hard on the knees, so I finally gave it up."
"I see. So, what do you do now?"
"I have a dog."
Rachel's face lit up. "Really? I love dogs. What kind?"
"She's a mixed breed of some sort. I got her from an animal shelter. She looks sort of like a small, Irish setter. I call her Lucy, because of her red coat, and every morning she and I take a nice long walk before I head off to work. We do the same thing in the evenings, as soon as I get home." He paused for a moment. "I originally got her as a pet for Fiona, who I was living with at the time."
Rachel felt a sudden twinge of jealousy. "I see."
"It was a few years ago. We'd been seeing each other for a while, and at the time I was renting a nice house in the suburbs of Houston, so I asked her to move in with me. She did, and for a time things were good, but then, later on, we started drifting apart. I was ready to settle down, but she still wanted to go out and party. One day we finally sat down and had a long talk, and we both realized it wasn't going to work. She packed up her things and left, but she didn't want the dog. Later on, Lucy and I came to Tucson, so now it's just her and me."
"Were you in love with her?"
He grinned. "Who? Fiona? Or the dog?"
"Fiona."
"For a time, yes, but once I realized she wasn't the person I thought she was, I let her go and moved on." He gave her another grin. "At least it wasn't a total loss. I ended up getting a good dog out of the deal."
***
IT TOOK SOME TIME FOR Craig to find his way around Reid Park, but he eventually found the Desert Sunrise alumni picnic. He casually strolled around, pretending to be just another park visitor on a balmy Saturday morning. Before long, a bench near the playground opened up. He took a seat and watched the people go by. The picnic had a good turnout, but so far he hadn't spotted Rachel among the crowd. He checked his watch. It was half past eleven. The picnic was supposed to last until two, so perhaps she hadn't arrived yet. He reached for his phone and checked his messages as he watched the caterers set up.
The scent of grilling hamburgers and hot dogs soon filled the air. His mouth watered and he made a mental note to grab a burger on his way back to the hotel. He leaned back on the bench and kept a close watch on the crowd, but still no sign of Rachel or Bill, her companion from the night before. People soon lined up for lunch, and he waited patiently as the crowd worked its way through. He checked his watch once the last person was served. It was nearly one o'clock and the games were starting, although a few late arrivals were still showing up. He remained on the bench until the caterers started breaking down. He slowly rose to his feet and brushed himself off. Part of him was disappointed she hadn't shown up, but the rest of him felt elated. He had succeeded in scaring her off. He smiled to himself as he strolled back to his car.