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“That might be a bit intimidating for the guys, don’t you think?”
“Tell me about them.”
“The one I think you’ll hit it off with is named Spencer. He’s super cute, twenty-five, very outdoorsy and adventurous. I actually haven’t met the other one—Spencer’s bringing a friend.”
“I’m in love already. But we’ll be lucky if we get Emily to climb. Have you told her yet?”
“Not yet, but I thought you could talk her into it. You know you have better luck with her than I do. You just look at her with those imploring eyes, and she always gives in.”
“Yeah, I usually manage to get my way.”
“Bring some casual clothes and at least one nice outfit. Hopefully we’ll go see a play, if we can get some discount tickets. And we’ve been invited to eat dinner with Mr. Gherring’s grandma. She’s a hoot—you’ll love her. And I’ve got to show you this wood carving shop, and you need to see Ellen’s bookstore. It’s so cool.”
“Mom, we’re only gonna be there two days.”
“I know, I know. I’m just really excited. And I’m really tired too. I’ve got to get to bed early tonight.”
“Have you talked to Henri lately?”
“Not since yesterday, but hopefully I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
“Let me get this straight, about the climbing date. I’m getting the best-looking guy, right? I just want to know so I can tell Emily about it.”
“Don’t you dare get me in trouble with Em.”
“Hmmm… I can be bribed.”
“I’ll remember this when your birthday comes.”
“Birthday presents make great bribes. By the way I have some things picked out on my wish list already.”
“I know, but everything on that list is about three or four hundred dollars. Don’t you want anything small and inexpensive?”
“What can I say? I have expensive taste.”
With her teeth brushed and her mascara scrubbed off, Anne collapsed on the bed in exhaustion. But the sleep she sought eluded her. She tossed and turned for an hour. Finally she surrendered to her insomnia and got out of bed. She took one Benadryl, considered for a moment, and downed another. She really needed a good night’s sleep. She decided to pull on sweatpants and grab a blanket to go for some fresh air on the rooftop patio while waiting for the antihistamines to kick in.
With her feet clad in furry house shoes and a cup of chamomile tea in hand, she wrapped the blanket over her shoulders and headed up the elevator. She’d only discovered the peaceful haven the previous weekend and had been itching to sit outside ever since. Her home in Weatherford had a big back porch with comfy chairs where she often sat to have tea in the early morning or at night before bed.
She opened the exterior door and peeked outside, assuring herself the retreat was deserted. She settled in on a comfy cushioned couch and sipped on her tea in solitude, enjoying the feeling of being outside with a clear view of the sky. Gradually she became drowsy and slunk down on the couch, snuggled warmly in her blanket and breathing the cool air. She could almost imagine she was camping.
“Anne… Anne…” The voice broke into her consciousness. Woozy from the residual Benadryl, she ignored the voice, refusing to give up her sleep. “Anne!” This time the voice was more urgent, and she felt a gentle shake on her shoulder. “Anne, it’s morning. You need to wake up.”
Whose voice was that? Was it Tom? She felt someone brush her hair gently off of her face. She peeled open her groggy eyes and tried to decipher her surroundings. Steven Gherring was peering at her, only a few inches away.
He smiled. “Sorry to disturb you, but you were still out like a light. I was afraid to let you sleep past six. That’s what time it is now.”
She sat up abruptly. “I fell asleep outside! How did you find me?”
“I sometimes come out here when I can’t sleep.” He chuckled. “But this time, Goldilocks was asleep on my couch.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up last night?”
“Believe me, I tried. Are you on something? You would not wake up.” He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “So I decided I had two choices: carry you down to your room or stay out here with you. I was afraid to do the first one. I thought you might be offended.”
“You stayed out here with me all night? Where did you sleep? You must have been freezing.”
“I left you alone long enough to bring both of us extra blankets. And I slept on that loun
