Melissa was up early the next morning, eager to get to the mountains before the crowds. After the dreariness of winter, the warm spring temperatures drew people out like bees from a hive. She kept to the speed limits as she drove – her little Honda Civic was an old lady and did not like to be pushed too hard. She arrived in good time, and only a few other cars dotted the parking lot. She stopped to read the notice on the sign board at the head of the trail. Warning. Cougar sighted in this area. Remain on trail at all times. If a cougar is encountered, do not approach!
Ah, she thought, so that was why Lee was concerned! The image of a black panther rose in her mind, and her hands turned clammy as she pushed it away. It was just a dream – there were no panthers in Canada. As long as she kept to the trails, the chances of encountering a cougar were slim. She looked around to see some other hikers further ahead on the path, then adjusted her backpack, and pressed in her earbuds as Bruno Mars crooned through her iPod. She followed the trail as it led past a waterfall and through a meadow before it reached a pristine alpine lake. The frigid glacier water, blue-green in the sun, was spectacularly beautiful, and Melissa sat down against a tree to eat her packed lunch. Jays squawked in the trees around her and squirrels hopped between the branches, scolding the birds. It was midafternoon when she picked up her backpack and started the hike back to the parking lot.
The rest of the weekend disappeared all too quickly, and before she knew it, Melissa was on the bus heading in to work on Monday morning. The warm weather had given way to cold, dreary rain, and Melissa was shivering when she stepped into the office. She was in earlier than usual, but Lee had still arrived before her. He greeted her in the passage.
“Morning, Ms. Hewitt. How was your weekend?”
Melissa paused. Lee had actually greeted her, although he was back to the old formalities. “Fine, thank you. I survived my hike in the mountains.”
“So I see,” he said. He gestured toward his office. “Do you have a moment?”
“Of course,” she said, following him. He closed the door behind her and motioned for her to sit down.
“The company has tickets for next week’s performance of Phantom of the Opera. Are you interested in going?”
“I thought tickets were for clients.”
Lee shrugged. “There are plenty of other events for clients. And no one is using these.”
“Who else is going?”
“Me,” he said.
“You?” The word tumbled out before Melissa could think.
“It’s not a date,” he said testily. “I’ll just be in the seat beside you.” He paused. “Consider it a reward for a job well done.”
“Sorry,” she said, “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just …” As her voice trailed off, Lee lifted his eyebrows questioningly. “You barely speak to me, and now you’ll be sitting next to me at the theater.”
“Yes.” He crossed his arms and leaned against his desk. “So do you want the ticket or not?”
“Of course.”
“Mary keeps them at her desk, so I’ll ask her to give it to you.”
“Okay.” Melissa waited a moment, wondering if there was anything else, but when Lee walked around his desk and sat down, she knew she’d been dismissed. She paused as the door. “Thank you,” she said, before quickly leaving the room. She made her way to her desk and sat down, her mind spinning as she stared at her computer screen.
Lee was out of the office for the rest of the week, and when Friday arrived and Mary still hadn’t given her the ticket, Melissa stopped by the reception desk. “Did Lee say anything to you about tickets for Phantom of the Opera?”
“Let me think. Phantom of the Opera,” Mary mumbled as she glanced over her desk. “Oh, yes! Lee took both tickets on Monday before he left.”
“He did?” Melissa frowned. “He didn’t give you something for me?”
“For you? I don’t think so.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
She headed back to her desk. Was Lee just messing with her? Had he found a client who wanted the tickets and not bothered to tell her? She grabbed her wallet and headed to the elevator. A cup of coffee was definitely in order. Her phone buzzed as she entered the coffee shop. It was from Lee.
Sorry about the ticket, it read. Was going to give it to you before I left on Monday, then forgot. I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow.
Melissa frowned, skeptical. We can meet outside the theater, she texted back.
The reply came a moment later. Might not find you. Easier if I pick you up. She was still reading when another message arrived: We’ll be saving the environment if we just use one vehicle.
She sighed. Who could argue with that? OK, she wrote. See u at 7.
Melissa stood in front of the mirror at ten minutes to seven the next evening, critically examining her outfit. She had chosen a red dress with a halter top and wide skirt that reached to her knees. The color made her blue eyes sparkle, and her long, dark brown hair lay glossy and shining on her shoulders. Her phone buzzed: Meet me downstairs when you’re ready, it read. She headed downstairs to see Lee idling his black pickup truck at the curb. He climbed out as she stepped through the doors, and she ran her eye over him appreciatively. He wore a black sports jacket over a crisp, gray button-up shirt, open at the neck, and a pair of black pants.
“Ms. Hewitt,” he said as he opened the passenger door for her. She smiled and climbed in, breathing in the rich smell of leather.
“You look very nice, Melissa,” he said as he slipped into the seat beside her.
“Thank you. You look rather dapper yourself.”
“Dapper?” He chuckled. “Well, thank you.”
They fell silent as Lee weaved his way through the traffic, heading past the gleaming high-rises of downtown Calgary to the theater on the other side of the river. He turned into the parking lot beside the arts center and maneuvered his large truck into a free space. “Shall we?” he asked.
“We shall.”
The lobby was crowded, and they pushed their way through the throng of milling people without pausing and made their way into the theater. The orchestra was tuning in the pit as Melissa and Lee found their seats near the front.
“Good seats,” she said.
“Took me forever to get them arranged.”
She smiled as rose as other patrons squeezed past to reach their places. A few more minutes passed before the first haunting notes of the orchestra swelled through the air, and the curtains rose to show an auctioneer bringing down his gavel. Melissa settled into her seat as the show began, and everything but the unfolding story faded from her mind.
Melissa was humming when they left the theater three hours later, the last bars of music still swirling through her mind. They got into Lee’s truck and he joined the line of vehicles turning out of the lot. Above them, the sky was a black canopy with a sprinkling of stars and a silver scimitar hanging overhead.
“The moon’s so bright,” she said, peering through the windshield. “Do you think it’s waxing or waning?”
“Waning. Still fifteen more days.”
She looked at him questioningly. “Fifteen days?”
“Till it’s full.”
“How do you know?”
“The moon affects plant growth. Gardeners watch the lunar cycles to determine the best time to plant.”
Melissa raised her eyebrows in surprise. “You’re a gardener?”
They pulled up at a red light. “No, but my mother is. When I was a kid, she made me keep track of the phases of the moon. After a while, you just know.”
“And do you creep into Fish Creek Park to howl at the moon when it’s full?” she asked with a grin.
“No.”
The word was curt, and Melissa shifted uncomfortably. “Do your parents, uh, live in Calgary?”
“Kamloops.”
“My sister’s in Vancouver.”
He glanced at her. “Yes, you told me before. My brother’s on the Island at UVic.” Lee pulled
his pickup into a space in front of Melissa’s apartment building. “I’ll walk up with you,” he said as she opened her door.
“Ah, a gentleman.”
He shrugged. “If you want.” He climbed out of the truck and met her on the sidewalk. “It’s just mannerly to make sure someone gets home safely.”
“You think I’ll be accosted in the passage?” she asked in amusement.
“You never know who, or what, may be lurking about.”
The words were low, and Melissa felt a sliver of fear. “There’s nothing dangerous here,” she said.
Lee leaned closer, his mouth at her ear. “Are you so sure, Mel?” he said as a shiver swept through her. He pulled back and met her gaze. “Still, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do.”
He walked beside her, taking the heavy building door from her hand when she yanked it open. They reached her apartment a few minutes later. “Do you want to come in?” she asked.
He glanced down the passage. “I should get going. But can I come to the hospital with you next Friday?” Crossing his arms, he leaned his shoulder against the doorpost as Melissa looked at him in surprise. “You didn’t think I was serious about going, did you?”
“Not really. Why do you want to come?”
“I think you’re doing a great thing, helping injured kids.”
She eyed him dubiously. “And you want to help, too?”
“You sound surprised.”
“I am surprised. But if you really want to come, I won’t stop you.”
“Maybe we can get something to eat afterward.”
Melissa wrinkled her nose. “Cafeteria food should only be eaten in extreme circumstances.”
“I wasn’t thinking from the cafeteria. I’ll book a table somewhere.”
“At a restaurant?” she said disbelievingly.
He laughed. “Yes, Mel. At a restaurant.” He leaned closer and dropped his voice. “Tonight wasn’t a date, but this definitely will be.”
She pulled back to look at him. “You’re asking me on a date?”
“Yes. Are you saying no?” His gaze met hers, and Melissa’s heart skittered for a brief moment.
“I’m not sure. Will you still be talking to me the next week?”
He drew in a sharp breath as he looked away. “I deserve that, I suppose,” he said. He turned back at her. “I’m sorry I was so—”
“Rude?”
He winced. “Yes.”
“Why were you?”
“I can’t explain.”
“Can’t or won’t?” He met her gaze but remained silent. “Will you start treating me like that again?” she finally said.
He took a deep breath. “All I can promise you is next week.”
Melissa looked at the floor. Could she take a risk on so little? She nodded slowly and lifted her eyes to meet his. “I’ll go out to dinner with you.”
He smiled imperceptibly. “Thank you,” he said, before turning and walking away.
Chapter 4
The next week passed by quickly, and it was Friday when Lee cornered Melissa in the kitchen. Apart from a few passing words, they had not spoken all week.
“Are we still on for tonight?” he asked.
She crossed her arms as she looked at him. “Well, you’re still talking to me, so I think we’re good.”
“I’ve made reservations. Nothing too fancy, so don’t dress up.”
“Jeans?” Calgary was the home of the Calgary Stampede, where jeans were often regarded as formal wear.
“Sure. I’ll pick you up at six.”
She nodded as Caro walked into the kitchen. She stopped a few inches from Lee and danced her finger along his arm. “Joining us for drinks tonight?” she said.
“Not tonight, Caro.”
“Why not, baby?” Caro leaned closer, closing the small distance between them.
A wave of irritation swept over Melissa. “Yes, go. I’m sure you’ll have fun.”
Lee’s eyes narrowed as he took a step back. “I have other plans tonight,” he said, looking at Melissa. “Plans I’m not willing to change.”
Melissa stared at him for a moment. “Good,” she said, before walking out of the room. She heard Caro murmur something, but when she glanced over her shoulder, Lee was walking away and Caro was glaring at his retreating back.
Lee picked her up promptly at six, and they were at the hospital by six-thirty. As they neared Emma’s room, Melissa turned to Lee. “She has good days and bad days, so she might be a bit grumpy.”
Lee followed Melissa in as she opened the door. “Hey, Em,” she said. Emma was playing on a tablet, which she dropped onto her bed when she saw Melissa.
“Mel! I was waiting for you.” She looked at Lee. “Is this your boyfriend?” Melissa groaned inwardly. “No, kiddo. This is my friend, Lee.”
“Do you also read to kids like me?” she asked him.
“This is my first time, but I’m a pretty good reader,” Lee said.
“Good. ’Cause Mel kinda sucks at reading.” Melissa widened her eyes in surprise. “You speak all strange when you do the boy voices,” Emma said. She looked back at Lee. “I bet you’re really good at being a boy.”
Lee laughed. “The best.”
A pile of books stood on the stand besides Emma’s bed. “So what do you want to read tonight?” Melissa asked.
“Dunno. You choose.”
Melissa glanced questioningly at Lee, who selected a book from the pile.
“How about The Jungle Book?” he said, holding up a volume with a beautifully decorated cover.
“Yes. Then you can be Bagheera.” Emma said with a giggle. She looked at Melissa. “And you can be Mowgli.”
Melissa smiled. “Cool. I like Mowgli.” She sat down beside Emma and turned to Lee. “Come on, Bagheera,” she said. “Start reading.”
Lee opened the book to the first page. His voice was smooth and clear as he read of how Mowgli’s fate was discussed by the jungle council until Bagheera arrived. “‘A black shadow dropped down into the circle,’” he read. “‘It was Bagheera the Black Panther, inky-black all over, but with the panther markings showing up in certain lights like the pattern of watered silk. Everybody knew Bagheera, and nobody cared to cross his path; for he was as cunning as Tabaqui, as bold as the wild buffalo, and as reckless as the wounded elephant. But he had a voice as soft as wild honey dripping from a tree, and a skin softer than down.’”
Melissa shivered, thinking of the creature that stalked her dreams. That panther, too, was inky-black all over. Would it’s fur be softer than down? Lee paused to look at her, his expression unfathomable.
“Don’t stop,” Emma said, tapping Lee on the knee.
He returned to the book and continued reading. “‘Mowgli loved better than anything else to go with Bagheera into the dark warm heart of the forest, to sleep all through the drowsy day, and at night to see how Bagheera did his killing.’” Melissa’s mind drifted as Lee’s voice washed over her as he continued to read, and she jumped when he touched her arm. “Come on Mowgli,” he said. “Your turn.” He handed Melissa the book and pointed at a line.
“Um,” Melissa cleared her throat. “‘What is man that he should not run with his brothers?’” she began. “‘I was born in the Jungle. I have obeyed the Law of the Jungle, and there is no wolf of ours from whose paw I have not pulled a thorn. Surely they are my brothers!’”
She passed the book back to Lee, and he picked up the story where she had left off as Bagheera explained why it was so important for Mowgi to return to the man village. Melissa watched him, her mind wandering as he read. This was the Lee she remembered. Considerate and kind. By the time they were ready to leave, Emma’s eyes were drooping.
“Sleep well, little sister,” Lee said as he laid the book on the side table.
“Will you read to me next time?” Emma asked Lee.
He glanced at Melissa questioningly, and she gave a small shrug. “I’d love to read to you again,” he said.
&nbs
p; “Good night, Em,” Melissa said, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead. “See you next week.”
“Night-night, Mel.”
“I think you made Emma’s day,” Melissa said as they left the room.
He smiled. “No, she made mine.”
“So, where are we going?” she asked as they walked through the hospital to the parking lot.
“River Café.”
“I thought you said we weren’t going somewhere smart,” Melissa said in dismay.
“You look fine,” Lee said, taking in her jeans, pretty blouse and heeled ankle boots.
The restaurant Lee had booked was on a small island in the middle of the river, and he parked in a lot at the base of a pedestrian bridge that led to the island. The sun was beginning to set as they walked over, and the bridge swayed beneath them, but it was the view that took Melissa’s breath away – a ribbon of gold that wound around the island. Lee stood beside her as she leaned against the bridge railing. “It’s beautiful,” she said.
“Yes,” he said, but his eyes were on her. She blushed and turned away, and a moment later he followed her onto the path that led to the restaurant. It was busy with joggers and cyclists, who skirted the pair as they walked alongside the river. A slight breeze stirred the air, rustling the leaves of the tall trees that shaded the lawns, but it wasn’t cold. Up ahead the restaurant glittered with fairy lights; they were reflected in the river, making the scene appear even more magical.
Within minutes of arriving they were seated at a table overlooking the river. A small candle flickered between them, and Melissa watched as the light played over the planes of Lee’s face.
“So you’re coming to visit Emma again?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“I think she’d be mad at me if I didn’t bring you. Thank you for coming.”
“It was my pleasure,” he said.
The waitress arrived at the table, notebook outstretched. “Oh, I, er …” Melissa glanced at the menu. “Salmon.”
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