AllFreeNovel
Share Us
'Yeah. I worked a double shift yesterday, running down leads on
Junkman. It was after eleven before I got home and checked my phone. Next time leave a message, so I know you're okay. Seeing your number pop up on my caller ID and then not being able to reach you doesn't do a lot for my acid reflux.'
'Sorry. I wasn't calling for anything special. And then I misplaced my phone.'
'Junkman got his cop.'
'I just heard.'
'I'd feel better if I knew where you were.'
'No you wouldn't,' I said. 'But you'd worry less.'
'I can read between the lines on that one,' Morelli said. 'Be careful.'
No ranting and raving. No jealous accusations. Just an affectionate be careful.
'You trust me,' I said.
'Yeah.'
'That's really rotten.'
'I know. Live with it.'
I could sense the smile. I was entertainment for Morelli, too.
I disconnected and called Valerie.
"What's going on?' I asked her. 'Grandma says you're having a meltdown.'
'I saw myself in the gown, and I had a total panic attack. It wasn't just that I was fat, either. It was everything. All the fuss. I know it's my own fault. I wanted a wedding, but it's gotten really scary. And now I have to get through a shower! Seventy-eight women in the
VFW hall. Good thing there isn't a gun in the house because I'd shoot myself.'
'The shower is supposed to be a secret.'
`I planned it! What was I thinking? And what if this marriage doesn't work out? I thought my first marriage was perfect. I was clueless!'
'Albert's a nice guy. You're not going to find him in the coat closet with the baby-sitter. You'll have a nice comfortable life with Albert.'
And that couldn't be said for the two men in my life, I thought.
They were volatile domineering alpha males. Life wouldn't be dull with either of them, but it also wouldn't be easy.
'Maybe you should elope,' I told Valerie. 'Just go off and quietly get married and get on with your life.'
'I couldn't do that to Mom.'
'She might be relieved.'
Okay, I have to admit this was self-serving, because I really didn't want to wear the eggplant gown. Still, I thought it was decent advice.
`I'll think about it,' Valerie said.
'Just don't tell anyone I gave you the idea.'
I hung up and went into the kitchen to say hello to Rex. I dropped a couple Frosted Flakes into his cage; he rushed out of his soup can, whiskers twitching, shoved the cereal into his cheek, and rushed back to the soup can.
