Especially him? What did she think he was, anyway? He started to ask her to explain, but her dirty look and crossed arms silenced him.
“By your clueless expression, you want me to clarify.” An exasperated breath huffed out. “All right, I will. You flit from woman to woman. That’s your choice, but I refuse to be one of them. Not again. Now please, go.”
She opened the door and ushered him out.
As tired as Vi was,she slept badly. She woke up way too early, thinking about the night before. Getting tangled up in Blake’s arms and melting into his kisses. She was furious about losing herself with him. If only she could go back and end the evening with the light kiss at the door and stepping into the house alone. Then she wouldn’t be reliving everything and craving more.
She gave him mixed messages, he’d said. In the light of day, she realized he was right. As torn as she was between steering clear and wanting him, was it any wonder? She didn’t understand herself at all or have any idea how he felt about her, except that she turned him on. It stopped now. She intended to forget all about the fire sparking between them and hoped he would, too.
If Gran and Malcom decided to part ways, she wouldn’t have to see or talk to Blake. Please, let that be the case. For now, like it or not, they were stuck having to deal with their grandparents together. Why did she ache for Blake when he wasn’t at all what she wanted? He enjoyed playing the field. She didn’t do that, was looking for someone with a heart of gold who was true blue to the woman he cared about. Was that asking too much?
Maybe it was, and like Gran said, her standards were impossibly high.
In need of advice, she texted Carmie.Want to talk. Meet in an hour at the Hastings between where we live?
Good friend that she was the reply came right away.Chris just left my place—he has to work today, but I don’t. How about an hour from now?
Perfect. Hastings was busy, as it usually was on a Saturday morning. A couple about her age were leaving, and she set her jacket on the back of a chair to reserve the table. Then she joined the line of people waiting to order.
Things moved slowly, and Vi people watched. Two college-age guys in front of her talked about their plans for the evening. “I really like this girl,” one said to the other.
“Cool. What’s your next move?”
“To take my time. I don’t want to mess up my chances by moving too fast.”
“Wow, you must more than like her.”
“I do. She could be the one.”
Vi sighed. Just once, it’d be nice to meet someone like that, a man who thought she wasThe Oneand they decided together to move slowly enough to make sure they were right for each other. With Blake, it was like a forest fire raging through water-starved trees.
“Hey, you,” Carmie called out from behind her. There were three people between them. “Come back here with me.”
The woman directly behind Vi smiled. “Why don’t you come up here with your friend? I don’t mind.”
“That’s so nice—thanks,” Vi said, and Carmie joined her. “I got us a table over there by the bookcase. I haven’t eaten yet. The ham and cheese croissants look good.”
“I had a bowl of cereal but could go for a muffin.”
Moments later, they took their coffees and food to the table.
“Chris invited me to Sweet Sue’s next Friday night,” Carmie announced as soon as they sat down.
“Now, that’s news.” The classy restaurant in the upscale area downtown was especially popular for celebrations andother special occasions. Vi smiled. “He must have something important to discuss with you.”
“You mean like a proposal? Fingers and toes crossed.”
“But not our eyes,” Vi said and laughed at her own words.
Carmie laughed, too, then nibbled her muffin and studied her. “I’m glad you texted this morning. We haven’t seen each other in a while. What’s up with you?”
Vi started with the easiest topic—work. “It’s been insane all week, but surely things will settle down soon. I haven’t changed my mind about looking for a new job. If I stick around and wait for the dust to clear, I’ll be in a good position for the promotion I want.”
“They’d better pay you the bonus you’re owed, too. What’s going on with your grandma and her boyfriend? Are they recovering after the car accident?”
“They seem to be. The problem is, Gran hasn’t mentioned Malcom to me, and Malcom doesn’t say a word about her to Blake. We can’t figure out if they’re still mad at each other or if they made plans they don’t want us to know about. Which reminds me. If they decide not to get married and she wants to leave the 709, she’ll need a place to rent. Do you think you can find her something reasonably priced?
“I can try. What will she want in an apartment?”
