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“What didn’t you like? The food? The nightlife? What?”
With discernible impatience, she said, “Nothing I could put my finger on.?
??
“Hmm. Did you tour Hemingway’s house?”
“No, but I’m not surprised that you plan to.”
“Why’s that?”
She met his gaze in the mirror. “Jasper theorized that you want to create a professional image for yourself that’s reminiscent of Jack London or Hemingway.”
“Jasper devoted that much thought to me and my aspirations?”
“He made the comment after I told him about your upbringing in Alaska.”
“Alaska?” Elaine chirped. “How fascinating.”
“Not really,” Drex said.
“I’ve never known anyone from there. You must tell me all about it. Come in for a nightcap?”
He pulled the car to the curb in front of her townhouse, put it in park, but left it running. “If I’m going to Florida, I’ll need to get up early tomorrow and start making arrangements. Rain check?”
“Of course. Besides, you probably should follow Talia home.”
He glanced back at her. “I planned to.”
“I wouldn’t dream of inconveniencing you. Besides, I’m a big girl.” She got out of the car and shut the back door.
By the time Drex alighted and had come around to open the passenger door for Elaine, Talia was impatiently bouncing her key fob in her palm. “Thank you for dinner, Drex. It was lovely.” Her drop-dead glare put her sincerity in doubt. “Good night, Elaine.” She leaned in and air-kissed Elaine’s cheek. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Give Jasper my regards. Promise to call me tomorrow and let me know how he’s doing.”
“Yes, I will.” Without another word or glance at Drex, she turned and started walking toward her car, her high heels tapping the sidewalk with a marching cadence.
Elaine gave his shoulder a nudge. “I don’t care how big a girl she is, I can tell she’s upset. She hasn’t been herself all evening. Make sure she gets home safely.”
“After I walk you to your door.”
“Nonsense. It’s all of twenty steps.”
“You sure?”
“Go. I think she must be more worried about Jasper than she’s letting on.”
He gave a grim smile at the unintended irony. “I’m sure you’re right.” He kissed Elaine lightly on the cheek and bid her good night, then quickly got back into his car and peeled away from the curb in pursuit of Talia’s taillights.
Once he caught up with her, he stayed close and pulled into his driveway seconds after she pulled into hers. She opened the garage door remotely and lowered it as soon as her rear bumper cleared the opening.
Drex got out of his car and went around to open the trunk. He took out a duffel bag, closed the trunk, then headed up the path toward the garage apartment.
“How was the evening?”
Startled, he whipped around. Jasper was sitting in the dark on the screened porch, idly rocking in his chair. Drex gave him his good-neighbor smile. “You were missed. Feeling better?”
“Much.”
