“Ooh. Your first date.”
Allison cleared her throat and moved farther into the kitchen. Lowering her voice, she tried to compose herself. “I can’t say it’s a date. He just asked me to lunch.”
“Where’s he taking you?”
“We’re meeting at Village Inn.”
“Meet there? Was that your idea or his?”
“Mine.”
“I’d say it’s a date.”
“I don’t know if he sees me that way. We’re friends.” Did Trent ask her on a date? Do I want it to be a date? Now she’d be extra nervous. She’d offer to pay her half, and if he didn’t accept, then it was a date. Does it still work that way?
“I’m sticking with my opinion. Have fun.”
“Talk to ya later.”
Twelve
Trent whistled as he walked down the hall to his office, looking at the building plans on his way. Since Allison agreed to lunch, he found himself constantly checking the time. He thought she’d even sounded excited, but that could be what he’d wanted to hear. When he reached his office, he looked up. He already felt like he could move through the building with his eyes closed. He turned into his office and halted inside the door.
“Ruth?” His ex-wife, the woman that left him and their son, sat in his chair, making herself at home.
Startled, she looked up and closed the top drawer she had her hands in.
Trent narrowed his eyes. “Who let you in? Never mind, it doesn’t matter. You need to leave.” He rolled the papers in his hands tempted to slap himself with them to make sure he was awake.
“Trent, baby, I’m back. Aren’t you happy to see me?” She stood, smoothing her short dress.
“Happy? You left me nine years ago. Haven’t heard a word from you and you think I’m going to be happy?”
Where had she been? The skimpy dress hung off her body. It didn’t look like she’d had a good meal in a while. Deep wrinkles and dark circles under her eyes made her look tired. Her reddish, brown hair was pulled back in a thin ponytail. She looked like she had aged twice the years since she had disappeared. He had to look hard to make sure she really was Ruth. The world had eaten her up and spit her back out.
“What happened to you?”
“Baby, I’m sorry I left.” She moved up to him and placed her hands on his chest. He looked down at her. Her eyes flickered to the side. She shook her head then her eyes were back on him. One side of her lips quirked up and she tried to lean her head on his chest. “I don’t know what I was thinking. But I’ve done a lot of growing up while I was gone. I can be a wife now.”
He hadn’t been asking why she’d left. He removed her hands and stepped back. “Ruth, I’m sorry you came all this way, but we aren’t married anymore.”
She shook her head from side to side and stared at the floor. Her hands went up to the sides of her head. “Stop yelling.” She said through gritted teeth.
He took another step back and raised his hands. “I wasn’t yelling.” This wasn’t the person he’d married. It looked like she was fighting with herself. Maybe she was high.
She threw her arms down to her sides and squared her shoulders. “I never signed any papers. We are married.”
“No, we’re not. I filed many years ago and since you disappeared, the courts granted me a divorce. Sorry, but I’ve moved on. I love someone else.”
“I kept your name.” She screamed in his face. “I am your wife. No one will take you from me. How dare you file for divorce?”
“How dare I? How dare you?” He shouted back, pointing a finger at her. “How could you pick up and leave us like that? You should have thought of that before you took our vows, and certainly before we had a kid. Do you know what you put John through?” He turned and faced the window. He didn’t want to fight with her. He took a deep breath and calmly spoke. “You did this to yourself.”
“I didn’t want to hurt my guys.”
“What?” He turned in time to see a tear roll down her cheek. “What are you talking about?”
Ruth crossed her arms over her chest and looked around the office.
It had taken a long time for Trent to get over what she had done to them. “You need to go on with your life, without me.” He had spoken the truth; he’d moved on.
“I’m not giving up.” She turned and stomped out of the room. Her heels echoed on the hall linoleum.
After the click of Ruth’s heels faded, Trent sat at his desk and opened the drawer she’d been going through. His address book had been left open to John’s number. He looked up at the empty door, wondering what she was up too. He hoped she was capable of building a new relationship with John, but her behavior put him on edge. He would have to give John a heads up.
Trent put his head in his hands. Just when he was putting things in motion with Allison, Ruth had to walk back into his life. He picked up the phone and dialed the front gate.
“Guard station, this is Eddie.”
“Eddie, Trent. The woman that was here? Thin, reddish brown hair.”
“Yeah?”
“She’s not allowed in here without my prior knowledge.”
“Okay, sir. Sorry. She said she was your wife.”
“Ex-wife. If she shows up again, let me know. If she causes any problems, call the police.”
“Got it.”
“Thanks.” Trent put the phone down then pushed his concerns about Ruth aside. He finished up the work he had to get done and left for his lunch date.
***
Allison pulled into the parking lot of Village Inn a few minutes early. Her stomach wouldn’t stop twisting and turning. How could she be so nervous meeting up with an old friend? Sure, he’s cute, smart and funny… and oh, so sexy…whoa! Where did that come from?
She’d liked Trent in high school. She thought he was cute, but he’d barely given her the time of day. The one time she’d gotten a few words out of him was at a school dance. His senior year, they danced to one song and he’d stepped on her toes a couple of times, apologizing each time. The last time he stepped on her, he stopped, mumbled sorry, then let go of her and hurried out of the gym with his head down. He’d been so standoffish, she backed off and left him alone.
Allison smiled to herself. Trent didn’t act like the shy teenager she’d known then. He’d approached her at the park, with confidence.
Allison yanked down the visor and checked her makeup, then fluffed her hair, hoping to get some body back into it. You’re having lunch with a friend. She told herself, over and over. He doesn’t see you that way. She’d hope telling herself that would calm her down.
Stepping out of her vehicle, she made her way to the front door, pushed it open and walked inside. She scanned the large room and spotted Trent in the back. He sat in a circular corner booth away from everyone else, looking so handsome in a dark purple button-up shirt and black tie. Suddenly, the temperature seemed to have been set on a hundred.
When Trent spotted her, he stood and waved. Raising an index finger, she mouthed ‘one moment’. She grabbed a menu from the podium and stepping behind the wall, letting it support her as she fanned herself. Why did those dreams have to awaken something in her? She was happy with how her life was going. Ok, maybe not happy, but comfortable.
After a moment to pulled herself together. Casually slipping the menu back in place, she headed over to Trent. She hoped she had a casual smile on her face but before she was able to control it, she realized a genuine smile pulled at her lips. She sat down across from him. “Hi.”
“I’m glad you could make it.”
“Me too.” She picked up the menu laying in front of her, consciously forcing herself to refrain from fanning herself with it.
The waitress stepped up to their table and set two glasses of water down. “My name is Carrie. Are you ready to order?”
Allison looked at Trent. He nodded and gestured for her to go first. “Yes, I’ll have a BLT with fries. Water is fine.”
“Cheeseburger with frie
s and iced tea, please.”
“Thank you. Be back shortly.” Carrie picked up the menus and walked away.
“How’s it going?” He slid a little closer on the bench.
The space between them filled with electrical energy. The way he made her feel was hard to explain. It was heart-pounding excitement but also had a calming element. She wanted to melt into his arms and stay forever. “Good. Liz, will be eighteen in a few weeks.”
“Wow, the time has really gone by.”
“How are you doing?” She was trying for easy conversation. She didn’t need him to answer. She could see he was doing handsomely. She looked up into his dark eyes. They were only a couple feet away from each other. Had she slid closer or had he? She turned in her seat to face him, he did the same. She gazed into his eyes, liquid milk chocolate held her full attention.
“Your drinks.”
“Thanks.” Trent replied, but didn’t break eye contact with Allison. He rested his arm on the back of the booth. Only a couple of inches separated them.
“How’s your grandbaby?”
“Faith is adorable, but I don’t get to see her often. John and his wife moved to Seattle. I hope I get to go visit them for her first birthday.”
“Allison!” Emily’s voice rang loud through the restaurant.
Allison strained to keep a smile on her face as she turned to the intrusion. Emily was waving like a maniac as she approached their table. Allison was going to kill her. She came to check out Trent. “Sorry.” She whispered to Trent. He gave a small smile as they sat up straight and turned for her approach. Allison looked up as Emily reached them. “Hi. What are you doing here?” She asked as she stood.
“Having lunch with my mom. Amazingly, we decided to eat here and ran into you.” Emily looked at Allison, over to Trent, then back to Allison. “This him?”
Allison could feel her face turn several shades of red. Now he knew she’d talked about him. “This is Trent. Trent this is Emily.”
Trent smiled as he stood and shook her hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard all about you.”
Allison watched Emily look Trent up and down. It was a good thing she was happily married or else Allison would have had to beat her off with a bat. Reel it in, Emily.
“We were having a quiet lunch catching up on old times.” Allison said, trying to get her attention.
Emily smiled, glanced at Allison and elbowed her in the ribs. “Well, I’ve got to get back to my mom. Thought I’d say hi. It was good to meet you, Trent.”
“Good to meet you, too.” Trent replied.
Emily turned to Allison, a Cheshire cat grin plastered on her face, and mouthed, wow. “I’ll call you later.” She could just imagine how that conversation would go.
Emily left, and Allison and Trent sat down again. “So that’s your best friend. She’s nice.”
“She’s great.” She’s going to be dead, but yeah, she’s great.
The waitress brought their food and set it in front of them. She also placed the ticket between them. Trent grabbed it and placed it to the side of his plate. A date? She really wished she knew if that was how it still worked.
“Let’s eat.” Allison cursed Emily for interrupting the energy they’d had. They ate and made small talk.
After half an hour of pleasant conversation, Allison had to interrupt. “This has been great, but I need to get back to work.” She hated having to be the one to say she needed to go.
“Me, too.” He stood and offered his hand to her.
She placed her hand in his and let him help her stand. Electricity sparked between them and she looked into his eyes. She thought he was affected too, and hoped she wasn’t seeing things.
“We’ll have to do this again.”
“I’d love to.” She reminded herself they were friends, but she couldn’t ignore the pull she felt.
They made their way to the cashier. Allison had no idea if she should offer to pay. Would he be grateful or offended? She started digging in her purse. She didn’t want to look cheap.
Trent put his hand out covering hers. “My treat. I asked you out.” He handed a card to the cashier.
“You sure?”
“Positive.” The cashier handed Trent the receipt and his card back. “Let’s go.” He placed his hand on her lower back.
The electric energy was back. Allison was very aware how close Trent walked next to her on the way to her car. Allison got her keys out of her pocket, fiddling with them then unlocked her door. She looked up at Trent and he took a step towards her. He’s going to kiss me. Her stomach flipped and her heart pounded. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek.
“I’ll call you.”
“Okay.” Her stomach dropped. “I had a nice time. See you later.” She pulled her door open and climbed in. Putting the car into reverse she pulled out and waved as she passed Trent keeping a smile on her face. Once she pulled onto the street, her face fell. She was as confused as ever.
The one time she’d seen him in person since high school was when she was deeply mourning. She’d forgotten the attraction she’d felt for him back then. But at that moment it didn’t matter what she was feeling, he hadn’t said he wanted more. He was her friend and there on business, not for her. Just because she felt a spark between them, didn’t mean he did. Maybe she was reading too much into the lunch.
A few minutes later, Allison found a spot and parked her car. Normally she parked in the garage but it was a beautiful spring day and didn’t mind walking the block to her building.
She couldn’t get Trent off her mind. Daydreaming, she imagined them going out again and her kids welcoming him into their family with open arms. It was farfetched, yes, but it was her fantasy. She could travel to see him in Montana. His work would bring him to Lincoln regularly.
Half watching where she went, she paid more attention to the cracks in the sidewalk, not stepping on any. Suddenly, she bumped into someone. “I’m so sorry.” Looking up, she stared at dark gray material. A worn hooded jacket was all she saw. Allison leaned to the side to apologize face to face, but the person pushed past her and continued down the block, not saying a word.
Allison pressed her back against the concrete building watching the person scurry away, bumping into a few more people on the way. She shook her head slowly. After the mystery person turned a corner and was out of view, Allison entered her office building. Stepping on the elevator with a group, they started the ascent to her floor.
The elevator stopped on the next floor and the doors opened. Two ladies she recognized, but couldn’t recall their names, entered. They stood at the front and chattered excitedly.
“I saw him bolt.” The tall brunette said to the short red head. “He passed right by me.”
“So, it was a man?” The red head asked as her eyes sparkled with the excitement of gossip.
“No, no one’s sure. The hood covering his head and face didn’t let anyone get a good look.”
The hair on the back of Allison’s neck stood at full attention. Was that the same person she’d run into outside?
The elevator jolted to a stop on her floor, and she climbed off. She couldn’t shake the eerie feeling. When Allison got back to her desk, Grace was waiting.
“Have you heard?”
“Yeah. What’s going on?”
“Someone came into the building and walked around. I watched. Whoever it was kept to the walls, not talking to anyone. It was weird.”
“You saw him?”
“Yeah, but I couldn’t get a good description. I thought it was odd that he didn’t put the hood down, but I left him alone for a while. After five minutes of staring, I called across the room and asked if he needed help. I was ignored, so I called security.”
The building didn’t have high security. It wasn’t like they were a bank or dealt with highly secretive information. But with all of the people around, it was difficult to believe no one got a good look.
Grace shook her head. “I was really creeped out. I’m not sure, but it seemed like this person was staring in our direction, like they were waiting for someone or something. I was glad the person bolted when I picked up the phone.”
What would possibly encourage someone to walk around an office building? Was this some nut job that didn’t even know where he was? “Hopefully they find this person.”
Thirteen
Allison grabbed the skillet and dropped the thawed hamburger in. Turning it on medium-high, she let it do its thing. She pulled out a pot and filled it with water, then turned the stove on high. As the water came to a boil, Liz entered the kitchen
“Do you know where my birthday invitations are? I thought of a couple more people to send them to.”
Allison dropped the noodles into the water, then added the sauce to the meat. “The extras should be on the top shelf of my computer desk.”
“Thanks.” Liz left the room. A beat later she yelled from the living room. “Hey, Mom?”
“Yeah?” Allison yelled from the kitchen.
“Who’s this?”
“Who?” Allison put the spoon down, turned the stove on low, and went to see what Liz was talking about.
“This guy on your Facebook.” Liz repeated as Allison stepped out of the kitchen.
Allison looked at her computer. Trent stared back at them. What the heck? The computer wasn’t even on. Looking at Liz, she caught the amused look on her daughter’s face. “That’s Trent, an old friend from high school.” She waved her hand in front of her, trying for a casual gesture.
“He’s cute.”
“Yes, he is.” Allison made her way to the computer.
“Is he married?”
She lifted an eyebrow. Where’s she going with this? “No, he’s divorced.” Closing down Facebook, she faced her daughter folding her arms in front of her. She hoped Liz would know it was a closed subject.
“So are you going to meet up with him?”
Argh. “He’s here on business. He lives in Montana. We had lunch, but there’s nothing going on. We’re just friends.” That should end the conversation. She needed to put a stop to the direction the conversation was headed. Allison wasn’t ready to talk relationships with her daughter. It was hard enough with Emily. Besides, Stephen didn’t handle the idea well, what would make Liz do any better?
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