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The lesson with Mai-Ling the following afternoon went well. It was the last reading session they’d have, since Mai-Ling was now ready to move on. She’d scheduled one with Tate right afterward, deciding that what Logan didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Tate was still painfully self-conscious and uncomfortable about telling anyone else, although his progress was remarkable and he advanced more quickly than any student she’d ever tutored, including the talented Mai-Ling. From experience, she could tell he was spending many hours each evening studying.
On her way back to her apartment late Saturday afternoon, Abby decided on the spur of the moment to stop at Patty’s and see how she was recuperating. She’d sent her an email wishing her a rapid recovery and had promised to stop over some afternoon. Patty needed friends, and Abby was feeling generous. Her topsy-turvy world had been righted.
She went to a drugstore first and bought half a dozen glossy magazines as a get-well gift, then drove to Patty’s home.
Her sister answered the doorbell.
“Hi, you must be from the softball team. Patty’s gotten a lot of company. Everyone’s been wonderful.”
Abby wasn’t surprised. Everyone on the team was warm and friendly.
“This must be her day for company. Come on in. Logan’s with her now.”
Seven
Abby was dismayed as the sound of Patty’s laughter drifted into the entryway, but she followed Patty’s sister into the living room.
Patty’s broken arm was supported by a white linen sling and she sat opposite Logan on a long sofa. Her eyes were sparkling with undisguised happiness. Logan had his back to Abby, and it was all she could do not to turn around and leave. She forced a bright smile and made an entrance any actress would envy. “Hello, everyone!”
“Hi, Abby!” Patty had never looked happier or, for that matter, prettier. Not only was her hair nicely styled, but she was wearing light makeup, which added color to her pale cheeks and accented her large brown eyes. She wore a lovely summer dress, a little fancy for hanging around the house, and shoes that were obviously new.
“How are you feeling?” Abby prayed the phoniness in her voice had gone undetected.
Logan stood up and came around the couch, but his eyes didn’t meet Abby’s probing gaze.
“Hello, Logan, good to see you again.”
“Hello, Abby.”
“Sit down, please.” Patty pointed to an empty chair. “We’ve got a few minutes before dinner.” Patty seemed oblivious to the tension between her guests.
“No, thanks,” Abby murmured, faking another smile. “I can only stay a minute. I just wanted to drop by and see how you were doing. Oh, these are for you,” she said, handing over the magazines. “Some reading material…”
“Thank you! And I’m doing really well,” Patty said enthusiastically. “This is the first night I’ve been able to go out. Logan’s taking me to dinner at the restaurant inside the Sheraton.”
Abby breathed in sharply and clenched her fist until her nails cut into her hand. Logan had taken her there only once, but Abby considered it their special restaurant. He could’ve taken Patty anyplace else in the world and it would’ve hurt, but not as much as this.
“Everyone’s been great,” Patty continued. “Dick and his wife were over yesterday, and a few others from the team dropped by. Those flowers”—she indicated several plants and bouquets—“are from them.”
“We all feel terrible about the accident.” Abby made her first honest statement of the visit.
“But it was my own fault,” Patty said as Logan hovered stiffly on the other side of the room.
Abby lowered her eyes, unable to meet the happy glow in Patty’s. A crumpled piece of wrapping paper rested on the small table at Patty’s side. It was the same paper Logan had used to wrap Abby’s birthday gift the day before. He couldn’t have gotten Patty perfume. He wouldn’t dare.
“You look so nice,” Abby said. Her pulse quickened. What had Logan brought Patty? She thought she recognized that scent…“Is that a new perfume you’re wearing?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, Logan—”
“Hadn’t we better be going?” Logan said as he made a show of glancing at his watch.
Patty looked flustered. “Is it time already?”
Following her cue, Abby glared at Logan and took a step in retreat. “I should go, too.” A contrived smile curved her mouth. “Have a good time.”
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Logan volunteered.
Walking backward, Abby gestured with her hands, swinging them at her sides to give a carefree impression. “No, that isn’t necessary. Really. I’m capable of finding my own way out.”
