“No, please don’t go.” She took hold of his arm. “I’m not going to answer it. I’ll text him.”
She quickly messaged that she was heading out for dinner and suggested they talk the following morning.
As she and Peter made their way downstairs, she said, “I just realized it’s midnight in Nova Scotia. He’s up late.”
“He must really want to talk to you. Are you sure you don’t want to call him back?”
“I’m sure,” she replied. “I don’t mind if he tosses and turns all night, thinking about me going out to dinner in Alaska with a handsome writer he knows nothing about.”
Peter glanced over his shoulder at her. “Handsome?”
Gwen gave him a look. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“I’ll try not to. As long as you’re not just using me to make him jealous.”
“I can’t make any promises.”
They walked outside into the rain, and Peter raised the umbrella. Gwen linked her arm through his as they hopped across puddles on the way to a restaurant while discussing everything they’d learned from Jeremy.
They both understood the significance of the information, yet there were so many questions still unanswered.
Later that night, Gwen sat up in bed and scrolled through emails on her phone. She got sleepy and was about to switch off the lamp when a Facebook notification chimed. Her heart did a little flip when she saw Jeremy’s name.
Hello Gwen. I apologize for walking out on you. It’s hard to talk about that day. But I’m sure you want to know what happened with Valerie’s baby. If you’re free tomorrow, I’d be pleased to have you for lunch. My wife insists. And bring your friend, the guy in the bar. Margie told me you left with him. Margie, the bartender, is my daughter, BTW. Let me know if you can come and I’ll send you the address.
Instantly wide awake, Gwen responded.
Hi Jeremy. Thank you for this message and yes, I would love to come for lunch tomorrow. My friend’s name is Peter and I appreciate you including him. I look forward to meeting your wife.
Jeremy responded with the time and his address on Douglas Island.
Then Gwen texted Peter:Are you still up? Something amazing just happened. Jeremy messaged me and invited us to lunch tomorrow. He apologized for walking out. Are you up for that?
She pressed send and waited for a reply. The three dots floated, and then Peter responded.
Definitely! That’s great. Well done. Thanks for getting me on the invitation list.
She typed a reply:It wasn’t me. It was his daughter Margie who was working in the bar. She saw us leave together.
Peter texted:That was his daughter? I guess that explains why he chose that place.
Gwen quickly typed:Yes. And it makes me wonder...You don’t suppose he’s married to Angie?
Gwen waited for Peter’s response.
I just had the same thought.
Gwen texted.I guess we’ll find out tomorrow. Now we should both get some sleep. It’s 4 AM in Nova Scotia. Past my bedtime.
Peter responded:Totally. Good night. Sleep well.
You too. :-)
He “liked” her final message with a heart, and she found herself smiling as she set her phone on the bedside table and switched off the light.
CHAPTER 23
Gwen and Peter stepped out of the cab and looked up at Jeremy’s house—a well-maintained split-level home with blue vinyl siding and a shiny Ford Focus hatchback parked in the driveway.
