Matt drove them to his house, a brick rambler set well back from the tree-lined street on the west end of Canton. He pressed the remote control to open his garage, parked inside and closed the door behind them.
He picked up Loni’s overnight case and they went into the house through a side door and into the kitchen.
Loni stopped inside to look around. The kitchen was finished in natural oak. Bright red canisters, knick-knacks and towels added color. A pass-through counter led to a large dining area in an L-shaped room which included a family area with a large brick fireplace. Those rooms were done in autumn shades of browns and gold. “I love it. Did you decorate the house yourself?”
He laughed. “No, I’m not artistic. It looks the same as it did when I bought it.”
“And that was when?”
“Almost five years ago, when I first came to town. Make yourself at home. I’ll put your things in the bedroom.” He strode down the hall with her overnight case.
Now that he’d had time to think about it, he was pretty sure the vision he’d had of a blond man carrying her into an apartment building was a vision of something in the past, not the future. Probably of that last date with Hank. That was a big relief. At any rate, he was glad to have her at his place and out of danger. He put her bag on the bed and went back down the hall.
He found her standing in front of the fireplace, looking sad and lost. He went to her, wrapped his arms around her. She trembled against his chest.
He stroked her soft blonde curls. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
“I’m so scared.” A sound like a puppy whimpering came from her lips.
“Shh, honey, you’re okay. He won’t find you here. You’re safe with me,” he soothed.
“Hold me, Matt,” she murmured. “I need you.”
Tipping her head back, he met her lips with his. She responded, tentatively at first, then eagerly. He settled on the sofa with her in his lap and continued kissing her. Heat spread through his body. He trailed kisses along her cheek and down the side of her throat. His hand slid up her side and cupped her soft, warm breast through her blouse.
He wanted her so much it hurt. He’d gone solid as a hammer handle, but had to resist temptation. She was too vulnerable right now.
But she leaned back and began unbuttoning his shirt. He tried to hide his surprise, but failed.
“I need you, Matt,” she explained. “Make love to me.”
He gazed at her. “Are you sure?”
“Definitely.” She smiled at him and continued unbuttoning his shirt, then pushed it down his arms.
Obediently, he slipped out of it and rose to his feet, carrying her. He strode to his bedroom, slid her slowly and sensually down his body until she stood on her feet then pulled back the covers.
With a grin, he turned back to her and began unbuttoning her blouse, then kissed the soft, ivory skin he’d uncovered. He traced the tip of her breast through the sheer fabric of her bra with one finger.
She shivered under his touch, but this time he knew it was from pleasure, not fear. Sliding her lacy bra down, he kissed his way down the smooth swell of her breast. He took the pink tip in his mouth and closed his eyes as warm tingles of enjoyment ran along his veins.
He reached behind her and unsnapped the bra, and slid the strap down her arms, then tossed it aside and unzipped her slacks so he could slide his fingers inside her panties, and find the delicate nub at her center.
“Oh,” she gasped. Her knees buckled and he eased them both onto the bed and quickly finished undressing them both. He took a foil packet from his bedside table and covered himself, then slid into bed beside her.
“You are so gorgeous,” he whispered.
“So are you,” she whispered back. “Why are we whispering?”
He laughed and ran long fingers down her silky skin. “Because it’s romantic?”
“Is it?” She gasped as his tongue followed his fingers and he nipped at her tummy. His fingers slid lower and rubbed her center. She jerked and grabbed the sheet to steady herself, sure she would explode from the wonderful pressure he built inside her. He moved faster and she arched against his hand.
“Matt,” she cried out. She tried to push his hand away, but he grabbed hers with his other hand and continued the teasing. Her body trembled under his hand and she opened her eyes to see he was watching her face.
“Let go, Loni,” he said softly and she did, feeling like she was spiraling through space. As she relaxed after the peak, he slid into her. She couldn’t believe it was possible but his filling her brought on another surge of pleasure.
She wrapped her legs around him as he moved faster and faster. Only a few moments later, he bucked and pulsated inside her, groaning his release and she exploded again with him.
They relaxed in each others’ arms for a few minutes as their breathing slowed to a normal pace.
He grinned, kissed her again and smoothed back her hair. “That was wonderful, Loni. Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I feel great. I’m hungry, though. I skipped dinner.”
“Then let’s get dressed and go see what’s in the fridge.”
He found some pork chops and put them on to cook, then scrubbed a couple of potatoes and put them in the microwave to bake. She found the ingredients for a salad and chopped them, then tossed them together and set the table.
After dinner, he started a fire in the fireplace and they cuddled on his sofa in front of it, watching a movie on television.
“It’s so peaceful, sitting here together,” she said. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d spent such a happy evening with a man. Matt made the difference. His attention, his care. If only this could last. But she didn’t dare think that far ahead. Not yet.
When they returned to his bed later, they made love again, much slower this time. Savoring each touch and kiss made the highs higher and their enjoyment last longer.
“I want to savor each little inch of you,” he said afterward as he kissed and tasted her. His fingers teased her, sliding in and out of her nest of curls. “You have the oddest lump here,” he said.
“Where?”
He guided her hand to it in her pubic hair. “It feels kind of hard. Does it hurt?”
“No. I don’t know what it is. It’s been there for a while.” She pushed his hand away, embarrassed he’d found an imperfection in her body.
“Maybe you should ask your doctor about it. It might be a cyst or something that needs attention.”
“I suppose. I’ll make an appointment.” She knew she sounded angry with him, but couldn’t help it. His discovery had spoiled the moment.
He said no more, but pulled her into a spoon in front of him as they went to sleep.
The next morning, she awoke a little disoriented and chilly. She tried to pull the covers over her, but something was holding them down. Tugging again, she rolled over.
She saw Matt’s dark head on the pillow beside her and she remembered she was in Matt’s house and in his bed. The sheet and blanket were tangled around his shoulders, and the bottom half of him was bare. She felt herself blush at the sight of his privates lying soft and bare against his long, hairy leg.
She couldn’t help staring, and as the size of it changed suddenly under her gaze, she turned to look at his face in surprise. He was awake and grinning at her.
“Do you like what you see?” he asked softly. “It definitely likes you looking at it.”
“I didn’t know you were awake.” She laughed and whapped him with her pillow.
“Is it more fun looking at me when I’m asleep?” He laughed back and grabbed the pillow and pulled, making her fall onto him.
“Maybe,” she said, giggling.
Wrapping his arms around her, he murmured, “I could easily get used to waking up with you like this.” He kissed her and their arms and legs tangled as he began showing her how very much he enjoyed having her there in his bed.
It was another hour before they managed to shower and dress.
“We’ll be late for work if you don’t hurry up. And Kerry will yell at me again.”
She glared at him as she brushed her hair. “And whose fault is that?”
“Yours,” he grinned and leaned over to kiss her. “But it was worth it.”
“Beast,” she scolded, but smiled.
“Come on, we’ll get coffee at the mall as usual.”
They drove downtown. “About tonight,” Matt said, glancing her way.
“You mean about Hank saying he’ll take me to dinner at the Lagoon.”
He nodded. “I think we should be out of town for the weekend. No sense in waiting around for him to find you.”
“I hate feeling like I’m running away. He’s the one with a problem. Why should I have to hide?”
“I know, darling, but until we can find a way to lock him up, I think it’s best to avoid him.”
“Maybe if we give him enough rope, he’ll hang himself?”
“Don’t I wish,” Matt said under his breath. He parked and they walked into the mall together.
“Oh, I’m supposed to meet Maria and Jolene for Sunday breakfast tomorrow. I’d better call and tell Maria I won’t be able to make it.”
Matt frowned. “You’d better not tell her why, though. Just in case Hank questions people in town as to where you are, you know.”
Loni’s face paled. “I didn’t think about that.”
“Don’t worry,” Matt said. “It’ll be okay. I’ll open up for Kerry then get the coffee and doughnuts. See you in a little bit.”
She nodded, gave him a wry smile and went into her shop.
Matt walked upstairs to his own store. He hoped he was correct in assuring her everything would be all right. Why couldn’t his darned psychic visions show him how to keep her safe?
He opened his store and left Kerry, who’d been waiting for him as usual, in charge. He went over to the restaurant, bought their breakfast and took it to Loni at her shop. He enjoyed this quiet time together. The mall was usually empty at this time of morning, before the tourists began roaming through. She was still alone when he walked into her shop with the tray.
Loni bit into her glazed doughnut, then frowned at it. “You know, these things are addictive. I’m going to have to go on a diet if you keep bringing them to me every morning.”
“I thought you liked them.”
“Of course I like them. That’s not the point.”
“And the point is?” he asked, touching his finger to the side of her lip to catch a bit of sugar lingering there.
She stuck out her tongue at him. “The point is, you’re tempting me with them.”
He reached over and kissed her. “Well, fair is fair. You’re always a temptation to me.”
A deep laugh echoed behind them, making them both jump. “Hey, none of that so early in the morning, guys,” the brown suited UPS man said. He scanned a package, then held it out to Loni.
She took the package, smiling at him self-consciously. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I left your stuff with your assistant,” he told Matt and walked out.
Loni opened the package, surprised to find a new phone in it. She frowned. “I didn’t order this.”
“You didn’t? Is there an invoice?”
She searched through the packaging. “No, nothing except an instruction manual. It must be a replacement ordered by my insurance company. Mine was stolen in Chicago a few weeks ago and I turned in a claim. I never heard any more about it, so I’d forgotten about it. Hey, this one is a lot newer and nicer than the one I lost. I can’t wait to try all the new features!”
Matt laughed. “Loni, the techno nut.”
“I guess I am. I can’t help loving new gadgets.”
A couple of women walked in and began to browse the candle aisle.
Matt picked up the coffee tray. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. Best I get to work before my assistant fires me.”
She laughed at his lame attempt at humor. “You need to learn some new jokes, too.”
* * * *
After a busy morning at his store, Matt left Kerry in charge and headed out for lunch.
First, he stopped in at the sheriff’s office. As he strode in, Ben looked up from his paper-strewn desk.
“I brought you the tape of Hank’s voice,” Matt said, handing him the tape and dropping into the chair across from him.
“Good. What’s on it?”
Matt grimaced. “Nothing much. Sweet nothings and an invitation to dinner at the Lagoon tonight.”
Ben took the tape and popped it in his player. They listened. “Damn. I was hoping to get something we could use to hold him if he came to town or get a restraining order against him. Nothing on this tape will help do either. In fact, he sounds pretty normal.”
Ben picked up his cigarette and drew in. “I wonder if he really is the same guy who left the other threatening telephone messages?”
Matt shrugged. “Loni thinks so. I didn’t find anything scary in this call either, but she says it shows he knows she’s been to the Lagoon more than once. How could he know that?”
“Does he know someone in town? Maybe he’s paying someone to report on Loni’s movements.”
Matt shrugged. “In a small town like this? I doubt it, but anything is possible. Loni says she never told him she’d lived here. She says he probably found her through the internet.”
Ben took another puff and crushed his cigarette into the ashtray. “I suppose he could have found out where she lived or went to school online. But not details like where she’s going for dinner.”
Matt nodded. “My thoughts, exactly.”
Ben paused. “Unless—Loni’s not into posting her life on a personal page or blogs or anyplace like that?”
“Oh, no. She’s very cautious. Maybe he was the one who almost ran us off the road the night I took Dee and Loni to the Lagoon.”
Ben raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were sure that was a drunk?”
“Maybe it was. Maybe not. And maybe he followed them again the night she and Don went to the Lagoon, and then caused Don’s accident, later.”
Ben rubbed the side of his nose. “To do that, he’d have to know where she worked or lived—to have a starting point. Or he could have hired someone else to follow her and get rid of Don for him. The car was burned so badly, we couldn’t tell if it had help going over that cliff.”
“No skid marks or anything like that?”
“No. But we didn’t consider it anything except an accident at first, so we didn’t cordon off the area. Later, lots of gawkers parked close by and tracked up the edge of the road where Don’s car went over the cliff.”
Matt shifted in his chair. Should he have told the sheriff about dreaming about seeing Don’s car flying through the air? On the other hand, what good would it have done? His dream hadn’t told him it wasn’t an accident or why Don went over the cliff. Just that he did. Telling wouldn’t have changed anything. “Did you find out anything new on that Chicago robbery?”
Ben lit another cigarette and snapped the metal lighter closed. “No, it’s still unsolved. In fact, the Chicago force is sending me some mug shots for Loni to look at. They’ve been looking for her, too, hoping she can help them.”
“So the guys who pulled that robbery could also be looking for Loni. We can’t be sure her stalker’s not them instead of Hank.”
“Yeah. Popular girl, isn’t she?”
“There’s a couple other possibilities, Ben.” He told him about George’s hostility at the Chamber meeting, his anger over Dee selling Loni her shop. And about Mrs. Saunders’ remarks at the post office, showing her long-standing dislike of Loni.
“Hm,” Ben said. “Nasty pranks would fit either of them. But the phone calls started in Chicago, not here, so that rules the librarian out. I can’t see George getting his hands dirty killing a raccoon. He’s too prissy.”
“Yeah,” Matt agreed.
“He’s more likely to hire someone to do the dirty work.”
“Mrs. Saunders has a couple of smart sons, though. She might have convinced them to get some revenge. They wouldn’t consider it a crime, just a harmless prank.”
“True. Old grudges can run deep,” Ben agreed.
“I’m more worried about the immediate threat of Hank showing up for his unwanted date tonight. Most men back off when a woman says no. He doesn’t.”
“Matt, you know I can’t do anything about that. He hasn’t broken any law by inviting her to dinner.”
“I know. But I don’t like this one bit. I’ll take care of it.”
Ben tipped his head and scowled. “How?”
“I’m taking her out of town as soon as we close the stores.”
“Good idea. Avoid the issue,” Ben approved. “Hank said he’d call for her answer to his invitation. If she didn’t agree to the date, he might not show up.”
“Loni thinks he’ll arrive anyway, even if he didn’t reach her. She says he never takes no for an answer.”
“Oh. Nice guy.” Ben blew smoke at the ceiling.
“I don’t want her around, in case Hank is unhappy she’s not waiting for him to take her out.”
“Yeah,” Ben agreed. “I’ll keep an eye out for him. But without even a photo of the guy, I’m not sure I’d find him. The town is full of tourists from the Twin Cities. There’ll be lots of guys around who fit his description.”
“I know.”
“Watch your back, Matt.”
“I will. I’ll call you when we return tomorrow night.”
* * * *
Matt and Loni headed out of town right after work.
She settled into the leather bucket car seat and glanced over at him. “May I ask where we’re going?”
He nodded. “Since we’re safely out of town, I’ll tell you. Or rather, I’ll ask you what you’d like to do. I reserved us a room at a large hotel in Duluth with good security.”
“Good idea.” She chewed her lip.
He cast her a curious look and turned his eyes back to the traffic. “But…?”
Would it work this time? She’d chosen a large apartment house in Chicago. Someone had burned it down, apparently not caring who got hurt. Then she’d moved to a large hotel. He’d found her and made more threatening phone calls.
“I’ve tried that before. But he always found me.” She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling cold in spite of the warm, sunny day. Her voice sounded hopeless, even to herself. Would she ever feel really safe again?
“Do you have any idea how he’s doing that?”
“No, none. I know he makes big money in corporate web design. I thought maybe he was hiring a detective or private eye.”
“Did any of your neighbors or co-workers ever mention they were asked odd questions about you?”
“No. I changed to an unlisted phone number after the calls started in Chicago. But somehow he found out my new number and phoned me again, saying he could always find me.”
Matt braked for a red light and turned to look at her. “Did he send the weird voice messages like the one you got the first time at Dee’s house?”
She hesitated. “Sometimes.”
“So, you couldn’t even be sure it was him. The disguised calls, I mean.”
She lifted a shoulder. “At first I was sure it was the robbers. But now, I’m pretty sure it was Hank. Sometimes he called in his normal voice and talked very nicely, like he did the other night, asking me out and saying he loves me.” She sighed and leaned back against the seat as the light changed and they moved again.
“But you didn’t go out with him again?”
“No way. I didn’t give him any encouragement at all. I usually told him to stop calling and hung up.”
“I see.”
“No, you don’t see!” she snapped. “The man’s unbalanced. He never gives up. I don’t believe he loves me at all. Most women fall all over him, but he doesn’t pursue them. I’m just the one who got away and he can’t stand it. Could we talk about something else?”
“Of course we can.”
She leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes. What good would running away tonight do? He’d only come back another night.
For the next couple of hours, they talked of other things.
Finally, they arrived at the hotel. He parked in the hotel parking ramp and said, “Let’s check in, then have dinner and go to a movie, okay?”
“Whatever.” She attempted a smile as he got out their luggage. She pulled up the handle of her wheeled overnight case and followed him to the elevator.
* * * *
Sheriff Ben patrolled his county often and with a sharp eye and had trained his deputies to do the same. He knew most of the local people by sight and by name, but tourists were numerous and a different story. This scenic valley was only an hour from the Twin Cities, thus a popular outdoor day trip, especially when the weather cooperated.
It was impossible to know which tourists were peaceful citizens out to enjoy the lovely river valley and which were hoodlums out to find a way to rip off others. He knew looks could be very deceiving. Some of the worst con artist thieves he’d met wore neat business clothes and talked politely.
After talking to Matt, he kept a lookout for anyone who might be Hank. He wished Loni had had a picture of the man to give him. Without one, all he had was a vague description which could fit a number of men. Besides that, if Hank suspected Loni had reported him and the police might be watching for him, he might be wearing a disguise to evade them.
He cruised past Dee’s house for the third time that evening and went back to the Flame to meet Tom, one of his deputies, for coffee and an update. He didn’t want to ask him about this over the radio.
Tom was already seated at their favorite back booth, where they could talk with a bit of privacy.
“Find anything?” Ben asked, sliding into the booth and signaling the waitress for coffee.
“Not a soul who looks suspicious, but I saw a half dozen guys who were the right age, size and weight.” Tom ran long fingers through his dark hair in a nervous gesture.
Ben nodded. “I saw several possible men, too. The trouble is, for all we know, Hank could be right under our nose, driving a different vehicle, going by a false name. Or maybe he’s dyed his hair.”
“True. We’ve got nothing to hold him on, if we do find him, do we?”
“No.” Ben said shortly. “Though if we’re sure it’s him, I can hold him for a few hours for questioning. Or I can hold him on vagrancy or littering or something, if I have to.”
The waitress brought them their usual order of coffee and hot frosted cinnamon rolls, then left again.
Tom bit into his roll. “I don’t see how arresting him for a little while on a temporary charge will help. It might make him madder and more likely to retaliate against Loni.”
“I suppose. But men who scare women like he’s scared Loni make me mad, too. I’d like to lock him up and throw away the key.” He bit into his cinnamon roll like he was taking a bite out of Hank.
Tom grinned and chewed thoughtfully. “I don’t think that’s legal, Ben.”
“Humph. More’s the pity.”
* * * *
Hank drove into Canton and followed the directions to Dee Jacob’s house he’d printed off the internet.
He’d taken the precaution of using a rented car instead of his own vehicle and dying his hair dark brown. He’d made the mistake of showing up too soon after the jewelry store heist. He’d hoped Loni would welcome a familiar face and consider him a comforting hero. Instead, she’d rejected his invitation and made the police suspicious of him. They’d even showed up at his door to question him. He’d had to be extra polite to convince them he’d just happened to hear about the robbery on his scanner and only wanted to help out a friend. When they’d asked him about her threatening phone calls, he had even suggested she’d made them up and was just a dumb blonde looking for attention.
She hadn’t seemed to mind asking the police for help then, so he had no doubt she’d done so again here in her hometown, where she might even know some officers personally. Little towns were hot-beds of buddy-buddy connections. So he had a reason to be cautious.
He had tried several times to reach her, but either she wasn’t home or wasn’t answering her phone.
Hank found Dee’s address, turned into the drive and parked his car. Nice house, in a quiet, rural setting. Lots of trees for cover and no close neighbors to snoop to see who was visiting. Good! He picked up the yellow rose he’d brought as a peace offering and went to the door.
He rang the doorbell. When no one answered, he tried knocking. Still no one answered. Giving a quick glance around to be sure no one was watching, Hank picked the lock and walked inside.
“Loni? Are you here, darling? It’s me, Hank. We had a date for dinner, remember?”
Silence.
Hank swore. The bitch wasn’t here. She’d ignored his phone message making the dinner date. Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen her car, either.
He walked into the living room and saw the answering machine on an end table beside an upholstered chair. Punching the play button, he heard his own voice, leaving the messages. Another message was from Dee, asking Loni to call her.
Angrily, he deleted his messages. No sense giving her a sample of his voice to give to the cops. Maybe she’d gone out of town for a business trip or something? And never gotten his message.
Hope flared. Maybe she wasn’t rejecting him after all; she was just out doing something. After all, apparently, she hadn’t called her aunt, either.
Feeling encouraged, he strolled around the house. Loni had left a robe hanging in the bathroom. It still carried her perfume. He hugged it to himself, delighting in her delicious scent, then found her bedroom. He laid the yellow rose on her dresser, where she’d be sure to see it and know he’d been here, thinking about her, dreaming about them making love. Maybe she’d dream about him in return and call to set up a new dinner date. Maybe she hadn’t even heard his message.
In her clothes hamper, he found a filmy white nightgown and some lacy pink panties. He put a pair to his nose, breathing in her scent. God, he wanted her.
He lay back on her bed, burying his face in her pillow, enjoying her own special scent. He fantasized about making love to her here in her own bed. He grew hard and dropped his pants to satisfy his frustration.
If only she were here to touch him in person, he thought, accepting the substitute of his own stroking hand. He remembered the feel of her soft skin the night he’d drugged her and undressed her. He’d put her to bed and touched her all over, sliding his fingers where he wanted to enter her. Her breasts had tasted so good. His heart beat faster, remembering how it had made him feel then. He wanted her here now, under him, not this poor substitute of his own hand. He’d thought about taking her that night, had wanted to so bad he’d almost given in to the urge, even though he knew she was out cold and couldn’t respond.
But he’d resisted, wanting her awake under him, especially for the first time he took her. He needed to feel her response to him inside her, so he’d put off making love to her that night. He wanted to wait until he could convince her to willingly be his. So far, she hadn’t agreed.
But she would. Women always liked him. He could have any number of them. Why did he want this one, who was being a bitch and not a loving wench like he wanted her to be?
His hand pumped faster and faster. At last he bucked with hollow satisfaction. Exhausted with the effort, he lay back on Loni’s bed, dreaming. He didn’t understand himself. But he would have her if that’s what his body wanted.
Sitting up, he pulled up his pants. He stuffed her filmy nightgown back into the hamper, but put her pink, lacy panties in his pocket. He needed a souvenir. Besides the one he always took post-mortem, for his little crystal decanters. That one would have to wait.
When he stood up to leave, he spied some notepaper on the desk under the window. He grinned, deciding to write her a note, so she’d know how much she’d missed tonight. Maybe reading it would make her as hot as he’d been and the next time he called, she’d be more willing to let him make love to her.
Tucking the note under the rose on her dresser, he walked back to the living room.
Too bad she hadn’t left her computer or phone here. He could have copied her address book to help him keep track of her.
But listening to conversations picked up by bugs had proven too time-consuming. Most of what he’d heard had been simply girl talk, nothing useful at all, though he had learned about Don that way. Yeah, he’d gotten one good result. So maybe the bugs weren’t completely useless.
He should go back to his apartment and see if there was any new info from the last one he’d planted. He didn’t think she’d found that one yet.
He went outside, turning the lever to lock the door again. He peeked in the window of the garage and saw her car. Anger surged hot in his gut.
So, the bitch wasn’t away on a business trip after all. She was out with someone else again. It was time to teach her a lesson she’d remember.
Glancing around to make sure no one had noticed him, he slipped inside the garage.
* * * *
Maria closed her dress shop and ate a quick supper at the Flame, then decided to drop in on Cindy. They needed to get organized for Jolene’s birthday party, and Loni hadn’t been much help last night. Luckily, she, Maria, didn’t have boyfriend troubles. Or maybe, it was un-luckily. She sighed as she punched the doorbell. She hadn’t had a decent relationship for a year.
Cindy answered the door with her two-year-old daughter, Teri, on her hip. “Oh, it’s you, Maria. Come in.”
“Hi!” Teri said, and leaned forward, reaching chubby arms out to Maria.
Maria gave her a kiss and asked, “Hi Sweetums! How’s my girl today?”
“Crabby and running a slight fever,” Cindy answered for her daughter, closing the door behind Maria.
“I’m sorry to drop in like this. If tonight isn’t convenient, I can come over tomorrow night instead?”
“No, no, tonight is fine. I have to put Teri to bed, and then I’ll be with you.” She waved a hand at the family room where the TV was blaring. “Make yourself at home. Harvey’s at a Lion’s club meeting, so we have the house to ourselves for a couple of hours. Tell Maria nighty-night, Teri.”
“Do I have to?”
“Yes, you do. It’s past your bedtime.”
“Sleep tight, Sweetheart,” Maria said and gave her another kiss and wave goodnight.
Teri eyed her over Cindy’s shoulder as her mother carried her up the stairs.
Maria watched them disappear down the hall, then sank into the soft, slip-covered sofa and picked up the remote from the end-table. No one was watching the TV, so she turned the sound down to a bearable level and changed the channel.
Cindy’s house was clean, but cluttered with toys and books. Definitely relaxed and lived in. The kind of house she hoped to have someday, if she ever found a husband and got a house. Her little apartment was nice, but it got pretty lonely there.
Cindy returned with cold sodas. She handed one to Maria and sank into the chair opposite her. She popped her can open, took a long drink and sighed.
Maria eyed her as she popped the top on her own can of soda. “I take it you’ve had a long day?”
Cindy nodded. “She’s got more energy than I ever thought a kid could have. She’s in bed now and I hope she’ll sleep through the night.”
Maria asked, “Has she been keeping you up nights? Isn’t she a little old for that?”
Cindy laughed. “Sorry to disillusion you. Teri is cutting a back molar, so has been crabby and running a temperature for days. She’s had far more trouble with those than she did any of her other teeth. But you didn’t come here to hear about babies.”
“I love hearing about her. I thought we might put the final touches to the plans for Jolene’s birthday party.”
Cindy sighed. “I take it you and Loni didn’t get that done last night?”
Maria sipped her soda and shook her head. “No. Loni was pretty distracted.”
“Oh? What happened? Is Dee okay?”
“I’m sure her aunt is fine. No, Loni was upset about an old boyfriend. I think that’s what he is, anyway. He sent her a fresh yellow rose and she threw it in the trash.”
“Really? How odd. Did she say why?”
“Only that he won’t take no for an answer. Apparently she broke up with him but he keeps pursuing her.”
“Maybe he really loves her?”
Maria lifted a doubtful shoulder. “She doesn’t seem to think so. Or at least, she acted more afraid than flattered.”
“How odd. Nobody we know, I assume?”
“No,” Maria assured her. “She said she just dated him a few times in Chicago.”
“Maybe we’d better keep an eye on her then. Where is she tonight?” Cindy leaned back in her chair and slipped off her shoes.
“I think she’s out with Matt. At least, I saw them leave the mall together earlier tonight.”
“Aha. Maybe she just doesn’t want the old boyfriend to know she has a new one.”
“Maybe,” Maria said. “But I think it’s more than that.” Hadn’t she told Jolene there was something odd about Loni’s behavior when she first came back to town? She had a bad feeling about this.