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Andrea stepped into the hallway. “Thank you, Mrs. Garrard.”
The elderly lady clasped her hands in front of her rounded hips. “You’re welcome, dear. I didn’t really call the police. They would have taken too long to get here, and I thought we could handle him on our own.”
Andrea was relieved. “You were right.”
Mrs. Garrard nodded once. Her gray bob swung around her chin. She glanced toward Andrea’s guests before meeting her eyes again. “Good evening, dear.” She closed and locked her door.
Andrea returned to her apartment. Her eyes took in Troy’s slim brown sweater. It molded the muscles of his arms, which flexed as he unpacked the shopping bags. Above the V-shaped neckline was a tempting display of chest hair. Last night, those arms had held her close against his chest. She remembered the sound of his heart.
Andrea took a moment to pack those memories away. “What are you guys doing here?”
Troy looked up from the bags. His dark eyes were clouded with concern. His sexy smile was forced. “We’re cooking dinner for you.”
Serge kept glancing toward the kitchen doorway as he unpacked his bags onto the counter. From his vantage point, he could see the bedroom doors. “It’s our way of thanking you for inviting us to dinner Tuesday.”
Andrea blinked. “That wasn’t necessary.”
She followed Serge’s gaze to her roommates. Faith had emerged from Tiffany’s room. She stood with mother and daughter as Constance comforted Tiffany. Or maybe it was the other way around. The toddler had an old soul.
Andrea crossed to Constance and laid her hand on her friend’s shoulder. She could feel the young mother trembling. “You were incredible.”
“Yeah?” Constance blinked away tears and cuddled Tiffany closer. The little girl clung to her mother like a monkey. “I don’t know where I found the courage to defy Wade. I’ve never done that before.” She glanced from Faith to Andrea. “Maybe it’s because I knew I was surrounded by people who would support me.”
Andrea looked up as Serge entered the dining area. He stopped in front of Constance and wrapped her and Tiffany in his arms.
The little girl giggled. “You’re squeezing me.”
Andrea exchanged a look with Faith. She and her roommate joined Troy in the kitchen to give Serge, Constance, and Tiffany privacy. “What are you making?”
“Salmon, rice, and salad for the adults. Fish sticks, tater tots, and corn for Tiffany.” Troy’s features were tight with strain.
She walked up behind him to massage his shoulders. The bunched muscles relaxed beneath her fingers.
He turned and crushed her in his embrace. “If Wade had touched you—” He bit off the rest of his threat.
Andrea’s eyes widened with surprise. She caressed his back. “We’re OK.”
Faith sighed. “All right, you two. I’m running out of rooms to go to.”
Troy pulled back, but his eyes remained on Andrea. “Sorry.”
Andrea cupped the side of his face, moved by the caring she saw there. “I’m not.”
Faith gestured toward the food on the counters. “We fed you spaghetti. You’re repaying us with salmon? Can we keep the change?”
Troy laughed, easing the atmosphere in the kitchen. He turned to Faith. “This is our thank-you. Whether it’s with salmon or burgers, it’s sincere.”
Andrea patted Troy’s back. She needed to touch him. “We appreciate it. Or should I say, you’re very welcome. I’ll get the pans and bowls for you.”
It was a tight squeeze, but Andrea, Faith, and Constance managed to help Troy and Serge cook dinner while Tiffany entertained them with running if disjoined commentary. Serge supplied chardonnay. Andrea was touched that Troy had bought white grape juice, which he shared with her and Tiffany.
At first, the dinner frivolity seemed forced. It was obvious everyone was trying to recover from Wade’s unexpected and undesired visit. But the good food and friendship finally eased the tension. Andrea couldn’t miss the newfound confidence in Constance or the sense of relief surrounding mother and daughter.
Faith leaned back in her chair and sighed. “I ate way too much.”
Constance chuckled. “So did I.”
Tiffany grinned. “I ate the whole thing.”
