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She watched him walk to his car at the curb through an April evening that had started to mist with rain.
And when she shut the door, she thought maybe, in a strange sort of way, she did have a boyfriend. Temporarily.
Nina poked out. “I heard the door close, so… I really liked him!”
“Me, too.” Sam poked out with her.
“So do I, so it’s unanimous.”
“You should invite him to dinner at Mama’s next Sunday. She’s your Maryland Mama, and she’d love it.”
“Maybe. I’ll think about it. I’m calling it a night. See you in the morning, Sam?”
“Survey says yes,” Nina said, and made him grin.
She got ready for bed. Just as she slipped in, she got a text from Luke.
Wednesday, Thursday latest. I’ll miss seeing you until then.
Even as she smiled, felt the warmth spread, she hesitated. Then shook her head and responded with the truth.
I’ll miss you, too. G’night.
When she stretched out in bed, she was still smiling.
Chapter Three
Considering its age and lack of maintenance on the part of its owner, it was no surprise when Nina’s car wouldn’t start on Tuesday morning.
The obliging Sam drove her to work, the head-shaking Larry towed it into his shop.
She came home complaining about a scratchy throat and Larry’s bad news on repairs.
“New battery a must, something about fan belts, and something-somethingandthe transmission. Larry estimates five hundred.” She flicked her hands in the air. “Poof, that’s gone.”
“Sorry. Really sorry.” And because she was, Morgan added a hard hug. “You need some tea and honey. I’ll fix it.”
“Thanks.” Eyes heavy, pretty skin pale, Nina plopped down. “I hate spring colds, and that’s what this feels like’s coming on. Between that and the five hundred, I feel crappy.”
“How about some soup?” Morgan opened a cupboard, took out a can. “Chicken and stars. It ain’t your mama’s chicken soup, but.”
“That’d be good. I think I’ll take a hot shower, then snuggle into bed with chicken and stars, some toast and tea and stream a happy movie. Then sleep off this poopy day.”
“You go get the shower and snuggle in. I’ll make you poopy-day food and bring it in.”
“Best landlord ever. I’d hug you again,amiga mia, but I don’t want to give you whatever I might have coming on.”
When Morgan carried the tray in, Nina was propped up in bed with her laptop and a box of tissues.
“Thanks. Big, giant thanks. I already feel better.”
“Maybe you should take a sloth-in-bed day tomorrow.” After she set the tray, Morgan laid a hand on Nina’s forehead. “Doesn’t feel like you have a fever.”
“Just a stupid April cold, and we’re really busy at work.”
“You can take my car if you go in.”
“I’ve got a ride in and back, but thanks. More big, giant thanks.”
