Knowing Glenda was curious about the house, she found herself avoiding the question and instead explaining away the lack of outdoor furniture. “I haven’t done anything with the terrace yet, but I’ll get to it when I’m able.”
“Dodging? Fine, I’ll play along.” After Glenda stepped in, she looked around with genuine interest. “It’s beautiful. And you know, the terrace is the perfect place to share morning coffee with that handsome man of yours.”
Glory bit her lip.Is he mine?“You really think I should go first?”
“Women are no longer on the sidelines. If you want him, you should go after him. Why make him do all the work?”
Allowing herself to be led along with Glenda and PB, Glory considered that. “He really has done a lot of work.” Having an unbiased person around was nice. “Even before my wreck, he helped with things around the house, and he repaired a window that got broken.”
“Men are handy to have around, even outside the bedroom. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”
How odd that Glenda’s outrageousness put her more at ease. Possibly because her personality was so like Kam’s. “Don’t undo PB’s leash yet. I’m trying to teach her to follow protocol. I can’t bend to her yet, so I want her to know to get on the couch first.” Gratefully, she sank onto the cushions.
“After I see you settled, I’ll get out of your hair.”
“There’s no rush; I’m enjoying myself.”
“If you mean that, I could sit and visit a while.”
“Yes, please.”
Cautiously, Glenda took a seat at the opposite end of the couch and then patted the cushion beside her. PB jumped right up. “What a good dog-ter.” She unhooked the leash and gave PB several pets.
Sighing, Glory relaxed back as much as she could. Honestly, she’d probably overdone it for her first day out.
“You look like you could use a drink. Point me in the direction of the kitchen, and I’ll take care of it.”
Wow. Once Glenda got started, she came on like a tsunami. “I’d appreciate it.”
Glenda bounced right back up again. “Mind if I peek at the rest of the house, too?”
“No looking in drawers or closets,” Glory said with mock sternness, already feeling comfortable with this particular neighbor. “Otherwise, I don’t mind at all.”
An hour later, Glory was still enjoying herself. Who knew Nosy Old Lady Simmons was such fun? PB adored her and spent a lot of time going from one end of the couch to the other before finally settling with her head on Glory’s right thigh. With only a tiny bit of discomfort to her ribs, she was able to idly stroke the dog’s soft ear.
“Well.” Glenda stood with a stretch, which had PB shooting to her feet. “I need to get back home. I’m going to leave my phone number with you. I’m sure your man—”
“Kam.” More and more, she thought of him as hers, especially after her long chat with her neighbor.
“Will be home soon, but if you need anything at all, let me know.”
Knowing she’d have to secure the door, Glory clumsily hauled herself upright, too. “No more climbing fences, okay? You almost stopped my heart.”
“Got your attention, didn’t I?”
They said their farewells at the front door. It was a little tricky, keeping PB from getting out, and Glory realized that would be another issue. Would she have to leash her before answering the door?
All in all, it had been a wonderful day—except, now that she was alone, she realized Kam was late, much later than he’d said he’d be. Given everything that had been happening, his sudden lack of communication worried her.
She frowned as she settled back on the couch, then texted him.
Running behind?
...
Glory frowned as the screen showed him texting, but nothing came through. Her thoughts went to Mike, how unbalanced he’d sounded, and her worry quickly turned to very real fear.
13
