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But not today.
Sabrina took the bag. “I really am sorry,” she said.
“I know you are.” With a gentle nudge, Alanna moved Sabrina to the front porch and closed the door. As she let out a deep breath, it took all the anger and resentment she felt toward Sabrina with it.
Alanna’s soul felt lighter as she walked to the kitchen and dropped into her chair.
“Who was that?” her mother asked, looking up from her knitting. “A friend from Los Angeles?”
“Not a friend,” Alanna said. “Not anymore.” The Hamburger Helper on her plate was lukewarm by now, but she didn’t care. It still tasted unbelievably good and filled her empty stomach. Alanna enjoyed three forkfuls in blissful silence… and then the doorbell rang again.
Sully?
Cue a rerun of the racing heart in her chest, the bubbles of hope in her stomach, the confusion and uncertainty braiding through her mind.
“Would you like me to get the door?” her mother asked innocently.
“No.” Alanna stood and wrangled her traitorous emotions into submission. “It’s probably just Sabrina. Maybe she wants some shoes to match the purse.” She strode to the door.It’s not him. It’s not him. It’s not him,she chanted to herself.
She pulled open the door and…
Gazed into the twinkling brown eyes of Thomas, her too-hunky-for-his-own-good lawyer.
“You’re welcome,” he said, strolling past her into the house, a whiff of expensive cedarwood cologne trailing behind him.
Alanna rolled her eyes but took the bait. “For what?”
“For me driving all the way down to this backwater.” He gave her a million-watt grin. Every inch of him was in perfect order, from his slightly tousled black hair to his Armani suit, and the ever-so-slight sheen of stubble along his strong chin.
“I’m honored,” Alanna said. “You could have just called.”
Thomas looked over his shoulder and winked. “I always go above and beyond for my favorite clients.” He glanced around the house. “Wow, this place is certainly, uh, charming, isn’t it?”
His gaze fell on Alanna, taking in her blouse and skirt combo, straight from the clothing racks of Target. “Shit, darling, you only got ousted a month ago. Are you in dire financial straits already?”
“Fuck off,” she grumbled.
“I don’t think I like him,” her mother stated from the doorway to the kitchen.
Thomas gave her a little bow. “Most women’s parents don’t, I must admit.”
“He won’t be staying long,” Alanna assured her mother and beckoned Thomas through the kitchen. She saw him note the Hamburger Helper on her plate and quickly squelch a look of horror. Alanna grabbed the bottle of wine, her glass, and a clean glass, then pointed Thomas to the patio.
Round two. Alanna emptied the diminished wine bottle between their two glasses, giving him the larger pour, then sat across from Thomas. The lawyer unbuttoned his suit jacket as he took his seat, then gazed warily at the glass of wine before him.
Alanna wondered how long it’d been since he’d tasted wine from a bottle under $100.
“It’s good, trust me,” she assured him. Around them, the frogs continued to sing, and a coyote joined in with a long, mournful howl. Alanna realized she’d grown used to these sounds of the Southern California desert. They comforted her.
Thomas tipped his glass toward her in acknowledgment, slurped expertly, and swished the wine in his mouth.
“Mmmmmm. I’m glad to see you haven’t completely devolved into a small-town girl,” he announced and took another sip.
God, how had she ever found this man attractive? Oh right. They’d never actually spent much time talking.
“To what do I owe the honor of your presence?” she asked wryly.
“I suppose we should dispense with business before pleasure.” Thomas wagged his dark eyebrows. “I found you a way out of your non-compete clause.” He sat back in his chair, ankle on knee, clearly proud of himself.
