He handed me the folder. I sat at the counter, perusing the options. “Indian? I haven’t had chicken tikka masala in ages. That and some naan and I’d be in heaven.”
He picked up the phone to order dinner. “It’s going to be about an hour—they just had a big rush of orders.”
I yawned and stretched. “I’m not in any particular hurry. I did tell Patty I’d meet her back at my place at nine, though.”
“I promise I’ll have you back by then.” Rob massaged my neck and shoulders. “You’re so tense.”
I rested my head on the counter as he worked on my neck. “That feels so good. I may just have to keep you around.”
“You’re tensing again. Try to relax.”
I shifted in my chair. “Mmm. This is relaxing.” I looked at Rob. “A glass of wine might make me relax even more.”
Rob kissed my neck. “Happy to oblige, ma’am.” He pulled a bottle from the wine fridge. “Merlot okay?” I nodded, and he poured two glasses. Handing me mine, he kissed me. “Do you want me to continue with your shoulder rub?”
“Yes, but let’s go over and sit in front of the fire. I’m still a little chilly.”
He pulled me out of the chair and hugged me, rubbing his hands up and down my back. “I could warm you up.”
I chuckled and pushed him away. “I’m sure you could, but the fire will do well enough for now.” I picked up my wine and ducked under his arm. Putting my free hand in his, I led him to the couch. I kicked off my shoes, curled my legs up under me, and leaned against him. I took a sip of the Merlot and sighed.
He put his arm around me. “Does this feel better?”
“Yes, I’m focusing on the beauty and warmth of the dancing flames instead of the pinball thoughts in my head.”
Rob smiled. “Sounds like the right thing to do.” He rubbed my shoulder and arm. “How did your conversation with Andy go?”
I took a sip of wine. “It went well. You got my text that we’re going to dinner with him and Ed on Thursday, right?”
“Yep. It should be fun.” I sat forward on the sofa, and Rob’s hand moved to rub circles on my back. “They’re meeting with the architect just before dinner to go over the plans for Ed’s place.”
His eyes widened. “They sure aren’t wasting any time, are they?”
“I was lucky enough to have some of Ed’s scones this morning. It’s criminal that he was delayed in opening.”
Rob looked around. “You didn’t bring a doggy bag for me?”
I laughed. “Last I looked, you weren’t a dog.”
“I’m not, but if you were a true friend, you would have snuck one in your purse for me.”
I kissed him, leaning back against the sofa. “Does that make up for it?”
He pulled me close. “It might. Depends what else you have in mind.”
Thirty minutes later, the doorbell rang. Rob quickly dressed and tossed me an afghan to cover myself. I pulled it over me and sank down so that the sofa back hid me from view.
Rob paid the delivery woman and shut the door. “It’s safe to come out now.”
I poked my head up. “It smells good, and I’m hungry. I skipped lunch because I ate so many scones.”
Rob put the bag on the counter, smiling. “Are we talking about scones again?”
I grinned. “Nope. I think that conversation’s done for the evening.” Draped in the afghan, I stood and gathered my clothes. I headed for the bathroom. “Can you put the food in the oven for a few minutes? I just want to get cleaned up.”
I took a quick shower and dressed. By the time I rejoined him, Rob had set the table and was pulling the food from the oven.
He put the bags on the table and leaned over for a kiss. “I’m glad you’re hungry. We’ve got a lot of food here.”
I ripped off a hunk of naan. Spreading it with saag paneer and taking a bite, I groaned. “This is so good.”
He followed suit. “You’re right. It’s amazing that they can get spinach to taste like this.”
“I think it’s the Indian cheese or maybe all the spices.” I reached for the basmati rice and spooned a healthy amount on my plate. Next, I picked up the container of tikka masala and ladled some on top, making sure to be generous with the sauce. I dabbed some naan in it. “Yum.”
Rob dug in, and we both savored the food. I mopped up the last of the saag paneer. “Thanks for dinner. As you can tell, I don’t get to eat Indian food a lot. Jenny says it’s too spicy for her.”
“I’m glad you liked it. I’m a fan as well.” Rob looked at his watch. “I hate to tell you this, but it’s a quarter till nine. Didn’t you say you were meeting Patty?”
I glanced at my watch, shocked that it was so late. “I’ll help you clean up. I’ll just text Patty that I’ll be a few minutes late.”
He smiled. “No need. I’ll leave the dishes in the sink and throw out the trash.”
My eyes widened at the empty containers littering the table. “Wow. No leftovers.”
“Sadly enough, no.”
I helped him clear the table and stack the dishes in the sink. He pulled on his shoes and coat and drove me home.
The car in park, I leaned over the console to give him a lingering kiss. “That was a fabulous way to end a really bad day.” Smiling, I got out of the car and waved as he left.
Hurrying in, I froze when I saw Patty sitting on the window seat, looking out the window at the driveway. She smirked. “That was some goodbye kiss. I remember giving kisses like that way back in the dark ages before four kids.” She took a sip of wine. “Hmm. Maybe that’s why I have four kids.”
I gave her a dirty look and poured myself a glass. “Very funny.”
“Drew’s lights are on. Did Melissa rent his place?”
“The grapevine must be working slowly today. Drew’s out.”
She sat up straight. “Out? How did that happen?”
I joined her on the window seat, tucking one leg underneath me. “That’s what I would like to know.”
Jenny came through the back door like a shot and then stopped short. “Oh, hi, Mrs. Twilliger. I didn’t realize you were here.”
Patty waved. “Just catching up with your mom.”
I stood. “How was your test? Did you get enough food at your dad’s? Do you want a snack?”
Jenny rolled her eyes. “Dad’s perfectly capable of ordering takeout and so am I. I’m fine, and the test wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I’m going upstairs now. Good night, Mrs. Twilliger.” And with that, she disappeared.
“How do they do that?”
Patty laughed. “Boundless energy. Oh, for just one iota.”
I pulled her up. “Let’s go in the other room by the fire. It’s cold by these windows.”
“Yes, but it’s so informative as well. You never know what you are going to see.”
“I don’t want to see anything else today. Let’s go.” She followed me into the living room. I turned on the fire. “Now, isn’t this better?”
“It is. And it’s so beautiful with all of your Christmas decorations.” She rolled the Santa train back and forth. “When are you getting your tree?”
“I was thinking next weekend.” We sat on the sofa.
“Do you need help? I know Patrick and the boys would be happy to do any heavy lifting.” She smiled. “Oh, that’s right. This year you have ‘Mr. Big and Brawny’ to do your bidding.”
I laughed. “Maybe you’re right.”
“So what’s new? Anything happening that you’d care to tell me?”
I took a fortifying gulp of my wine. “You’re not going to believe the day I had.” As I recounted what happened, Patty went from having her feet up on the table to pacing the floor.
“Drew is such a scum! I can’t believe I used to like that man. And don’t get me started on Susan. She has some nerve getting all teary-eyed with you about how he did her wrong.” Patty plopped down next to me. “That has to be the worst day ever.”
“It was
pretty bad. But it’s ending on a high note.”
She smiled, raising her glass to me. “I’ll drink to that.”
✽ ✽ ✽
My phone alarm rang while I was in the middle of an R-rated dream about a gorgeous Indian prince. Gotta love that Indian food. Stretching languidly, I felt Courvoisier bat my hand. I stroked her neck. Drambuie appeared and demanded some attention as well. I petted both and got out of bed. While brushing my teeth, I glanced out the window to see if it was snowing. Susan Clime scurried out Drew’s back door. She waved to him, got into her car, and drove down the alleyway.
My breath fogged the window, and I wiped it clean. Returning to the sink, I shook my head as if to deny what I had just seen. Drew was with Jenny until nine. Susan was in my office crying past five last night, so she certainly hadn’t been back with him then. When did he have time to reconcile with Susan? What’s wrong with that woman? Why would she go back with him?
Shuddering, I passed Jenny’s door and rapped on it. “Time to get up.”
“Five more minutes.”
I made my way downstairs. Turning on the coffee, I opened the front door and retrieved the paper. I brought it into the kitchen. I was mid-pour when I missed the cup and coffee went all over the counter. The headline screamed, “Convicted felon out on bail in fashionista murder case.”
Anyone who wasn’t aware that Drew was out certainly is now. Cursing under my breath, I wiped up the counter. I poured more coffee; this time into the mug. I took a sip and sat to read the article.
My phone dinged with a text from Patty: “Nice headline about Drew.” She appended a smiley face. I texted a thumbs-up emoji and left it at that.
Eyeing my watch, I called Jenny on her cell phone. “You need to get up if you want to be on time for school.”
“I said I wanted five more minutes.”
“You had ten.”
“What? Why didn’t you tell me? I’m going to be late.” She hung up.
I heard her banging around upstairs. Pouring her some juice and wrapping a defrosted slice of banana bread in some wax paper, I had everything ready for the hand-off.
Six minutes later, the sound of elephants tramping down the stairs preceded her dash into the kitchen. I handed her the juice, which she polished off in three gulps, and then pressed the banana bread into her hand. She nodded at me as she hurtled out the door.
I checked to see that the cats had food and water and left. I decided to swing by Tom Butler’s house. He had some drywall that was ruined because of an ice dam in his attic. Turning left instead of right, I strode the two blocks to his house and knocked on his back door.
Tom’s wife, Melanie, answered. “Hi, Merry. Are you checking on our claim?”
“Yes. I want to make sure that you feel everything was done to your satisfaction.”
She smiled. “Would you like some coffee? I was just about to leave for work, but I have a few minutes.”
“No. I had two cups at home while waiting for Jenny to get out the door, so I’ve reached my limit.”
“It’s always fun to try and get my son, John, up as well.”
I laughed. “I guess they need the sleep, which they might get if we could only convince them to go to bed earlier. Where was the damage?”
“The upstairs closet. I think the repair crew did a great job. And they were so quick. Do you want to see it?”
“No. I don’t want to delay you. I just wanted to make sure you were satisfied.”
“I am. You know, I tell everyone I meet to do business with you. I really appreciate your personal touch. Especially in today’s world where it seems like everything is done on the Web.” Her gaze slid away from mine. “I read in the paper that Drew posted bail. Doesn’t it make you nervous to have a murderer living next to you?”
I ground my teeth. “Melanie, you know he hasn’t been convicted yet.”
“Well, sure, not of that crime. But the police wouldn’t have arrested him if he didn’t do it.”
“It’s been known to happen.” I glanced at my watch. “I don’t want to make you late for work. Please say hello to Tom for me.” I gave her a quick wave. Oh, joy. It’s going to be another good day.
When I arrived at the office, Cheryl was waiting for me. “The phones have been active this morning. Clients are calling with questions about Drew. We’ve been giving our standard answer.”
I nodded. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
She handed me a few call slips. “I think you better talk to these. The rest other people can handle.”
I stopped by Chuck Pole’s desk on the way to my office. “I just spoke with Melanie Butler. She’s very satisfied with the work that was done on the ice dam claim. Thanks for keeping her up to date on what was happening. She appreciated our high-touch service.” I smiled. “Happy clients bring more clients.”
“I know. It makes me feel good to help people when they hit a bad patch. That’s why I enjoy working here so much.”
“I’m glad. Keep up the good work.”
I continued on through the office, chatting with several associates as I passed. Finally arriving at my office, I put my head down and returned the calls that Cheryl had given me.
At eleven, Patty texted me, “Meet me at Delightful Bites at noon.”
“Okay.” I guess I’ve been summoned. I made a few last calls.
Patty was standing in line when I joined her. “What are you having?”
“I can’t decide between the Reuben and the turkey club.”
I laughed. “Tough decision: sauerkraut or bacon.”
She pushed my shoulder. “Funny. What are you having?”
“I’m going to have a cup of their vegetable barley soup and a half of a grilled cheese sandwich.”
“Great. That also sounds good. Now I have three things to decide between.” She reached the counter. “May I have a cup of the soup of the day and a half a Reuben?”
Gary laughed. “Yes, you may. Merry, what sounds good to you?”
“Everything. But I’d like a cup of the soup and the half grilled cheese.”
“Coming right up. Coffee for you?”
Patty and I answered at the same time, “Yes, please.” He handed us two mugs, and we went over to the do-it-yourself coffee station.
“I really love this place. I’m going to get the mocha flavored.” I held my cup under the urn and pressed the lever.
“Just plain java for me.”
Coffee in hand, we sat at one of the booths.
Taking a sip, I smiled with pleasure. “Yum. Did you just want to get out of the house, or was there something you wanted to tell me?”
“You’re not going to believe this, but I ran into Ann from the Pickled Herring as I dropped off the younger kids this morning.”
“Is it unusual to see Ann?”
She gave me a dirty look. “No, silly, her son is in my son’s class. What was unusual was what she had to tell me.”
Our food arrived, and I ate a spoonful of the soup. “This is really good.”
Patty took a bite of her sandwich. “The Reuben is great too.”
“I’m so glad to hear. Are you going to continue with your story, or are you going to leave me hanging?”
She rolled her eyes and snuck in another spoonful of soup. “Ann told me that it was slow at the bar last night. Around eight, Susan Clime came in. She spilled her guts to Ann and pounded down a few martinis. Susan told her all about her affair with Drew and how unhappy she was with the way things turned out.”
“That was yesterday’s news. Thanks for making me relive it.” I glared at her and then took a bite of my sandwich. Unable to control myself, I groaned a little in ecstasy.
“If you’d just wait for it, Ms. Smarty-pants.”
I motioned impatiently for her to continue, and she did. “What’s new is that Drew came in about nine fifteen. Susan went nuts. She yelled at him for using her as a bank and for cheating on her with Amanda.”
My mouth dropped open. �
�He must have left his house just after Jenny came home. Why would he go to such a public place?”
“He was probably bored and figured that the bar would be empty that late on a Tuesday night. And Ann said it was pretty empty: just a few stragglers and Susan.”
“Doesn’t the bar close at ten early in the week?”
“That’s right. Anyway, just as Ann thought she was going to have to come around the bar and intervene, Drew calmed Susan down enough to convince her to take a seat at one of the booths. Ann couldn’t hear what they were saying once they moved away, but after about five minutes, they made up.”
“If Ann couldn’t hear them, how could she tell they made up?”
“They were canoodling.”
“Yuck.”
“Yes, yuck. Even worse, she sounded last call just before ten, and they left together with nary an inch between them.”
“That explains why Susan was leaving his house this morning at oh-dark-thirty.”
Patty chewed her sandwich thoughtfully. “I can’t believe she believed whatever he told her.”
“I’m just glad I fired her yesterday.”
✽ ✽ ✽
Rob picked me up after work. I sank into his car with a sigh. He looked at me with concern. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, just a tough day. Where are we going?”
“I thought we’d try a new place that opened up called Fish + Game. It’s about a ten-minute drive, so you may as well relax.”
He put on some music, and I closed my eyes, enjoying the smooth ride of his car and the comfortable seat. It seemed like only a second had passed when I was awoken by Rob gently touching my shoulder. “I hate to wake you up, sleeping beauty, but we’re here.”
I smiled at him, and he kissed me. He came around the car and opened the door for me. I stood and stretched. My eyes widened when I took in the restaurant. It was an old Bavarian-style building with dark wood, sloped roofs, and gingerbread detailing around the windows. It even had stenciling on the window boxes. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. But hanging high above the door was a stark, ultra-modern sign that read, “Fish + Game.”
“This doesn’t seem to go together. Is the music inside polka or some new kind of techno?”
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