LITMIR.BIZ

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recognized the weariness in his voice. “I can imagine, and with her living a distance away, it’s even more complex.”

      “Thanks for understanding.” His contrite tone had brightened. “I’ll drop by tonight.”

      The conversation ended, and she headed back to the chair, grateful that her work allowed her to spend time at home. And now with Kimmy, it answered Doug’s need. A sense of purpose eased through her as she tilted back in her chair. She closed her eyes while visions of her new life spread around her. She’d see Doug tonight and spend time with Kimmy. What could be better? A platonic relationship seemed perfect.

      Hearing the doorbell, Nina dropped the footrest again and bounded from the chair, startled that she’d fallen asleep. Confused, she eyed her watch as she opened the door.

      “Hope I didn’t interrupt.” Angie grinned and took a step forward, anticipating being invited in.

      “You didn’t.” She shifted back and beckoned Angie inside. “In fact, I’m glad you came.” Nina swung her arm toward the recliner. “I’d fallen asleep in my chair.”

      “I’m so sorry I woke you.” Angie frowned. “So what’s stressing you out?”

      Angie’s questioning look caused Nina to shake her head. “Nothing. Why would you ask that? My eyes were tired. I’ve been staring at a monitor all day.”

      Angie chuckled. “It’s a good excuse.”

      Nina ignored the comment and motioned to a chair. “Please have a seat.”

      She looked behind her and settled on the edge of the sofa. “I can’t stay long, but I finally got around to checking the RSVPs and I noticed you only put down one person attending.” She tilted her head, her eyes questioning.

      “That’s correct. There’s no law, right?” Nina flashed a grin, though uncomfortable with Angie’s reaction. “I’m not dating anyone, and I decided it was easier just to come alone.”

      “You can, but it’s more fun when you have a friend with you. Do you like to dance?”

      Angie’s question stung. “I used to. It’s been a long time.”

      “It’s like riding a bike. You never forget how to do that.”

      Her attempt at humor failed. “I’ll keep that in mind if the opportunity arises.”

      Angie rose. “I must have sounded pushy, Nina. Forgive me. I would love to see you have fun. I really like you.”

      “Thanks.” She stood and rested her hand on Angie’s shoulder. “But I think I’ll come alone.”

      “Okay, but...what about Doug? He’s a great guy and a neighbor. If we’d known him better, we might have invited him, too. In fact, there’s your answer.”

      Whether she came alone or with someone wouldn’t ruin the wedding reception. “Angie. I’ve already decided that I’m not asking anyone.”

      Angie studied her a moment as if ready to rebut. “Okay, if you’re that determined, but I’ll put you down for two just in case.” She gave a one-shoulder shrug and turned toward the door before she wiggled her fingers in a wave. “See you later.”

      Exasperation bristled along Nina’s arms as she said goodbye and watched her go. Maybe Angie was teasing, but why couldn’t she make her own decisions without people pressuring her?

      After stepping back through the doorway, she sank into her comfy chair. Bring a date? Angie assumed Doug was the only guy she knew well enough to ask. That was true, but she had never asked anyone for a date, and she wasn’t starting now.

      She shook her head. As for Doug, she already had concerns about her feelings. Asking him would be truly stupid.

      As she tossed herself back, she hit the footrest lever. Maybe she could fall asleep again and awake convinced that Angie’s visit was a bad dream.

      Who was she kidding?

      She closed her eyes, and her senses returned. What was she fighting? Angie hadn’t suggested a date. She’d suggested an escort. Friends sometimes did that for friends.

      Friends. The word rolled around in her mind. Minutes ago she’d thought the solution had been found. Platonic friends. Then what was the probem? She closed her eyes, releasing a sigh that rattled through her chest. She could fool others but not herself. Having Doug escort her, in reality, tempted her emotions. One day, he would face his own reality and want a family. If she fell in love with Doug, he could walk away as Todd had done when he learned she couldn’t bear a child. Her chest constricted. And he should walk away if he wanted a family. She couldn’t chance it.

      * * *

      After working without a break, Nina checked her watch. One. She needed to pick up Kimmy at school between three and three-thirty. Fatigued again, and not only from the monitor. She felt plain old tired. Her sleep the night before had been restless. She thanked Angie for that. Why had she made a big deal about attending the wedding alone? Yes, she would mess up the table seating. Most everyone attended as couples, so the tables usually seated eight or ten. She’d make it seven or nine. She managed a chuckle. Maybe someone’s maiden aunt needed a seat.

      She made her way to the kitchen, longing for something to distract her. The refrigerator didn’t pose any invitation as she gazed inside. The few cookies still in the jar she’d kept for Kimmy. Crackers? With what? Peanut butter, but she ran out a few days before. Maybe a trip to the grocery store would do it.

      Instead she opened the back door and stepped outside, her eyes grazing the landscape. She’d done nothing about the perennials, and soon it would be too late. She hurried back in, grabbed her cell phone and purse and slipped into her car, recalling a garden shop not too far away. Soon she was pulling into the parking lot. After studying two rows of flowers, she spotted the coneflowers and hoisted a plant into her basket while her mind slipped to Kimmy. Time was ticking away, and she didn’t want to scare her or disappoint Doug by being late. With time on her mind, she spotted a sales clerk and caught her attention. “I’m in a new house without much landscaping, and I’m checking perennials but I want to make sure it’s not too late to plant. Can you tell me?”

      “Sure. You have coneflowers there. It’s a good choice. They’re hardy flowers, and in Zone 5 the fall months are perfect for planting.”

      She thanked the salesclerk and then asked directions to find the daisies.

      The woman beckoned her to follow. With her guidance, she set three pots of daisies into the basket. Finally she circled back and grabbed three more colorful coneflowers to brighten her garden and her life.

      She paid the bill, her mind everywhere but on her purchases. After she arrived home and unloaded, she realized Kimmy would already be waiting for her. Angry at her carelessness, she dashed to her car and headed down Oliver Street.

      When she spotted the redbrick building, darkened with age, she slowed and pulled into the pickup lane. Only a few children were outside waiting, a couple others were getting into cars, but Kimmy wasn’t among them. Panicking, she pictured Doug’s frantic face and felt nailed to the seat. She sat a moment deciding what to do. Her only choice was to go inside. She drove to the parking lot and slipped out as her nerves set in. What would she do if Kimmy had been picked up by someone else. Kidnapped? Her carelessness rent her heart.

      Breathless, she darted along the inside corridor, following the sign to the office. As soon as she reached the door, she spotted Kimmy. Her legs weakened as relief spread over her.

      Kimmy’s eyes widened as she ran to her. “I thought you forgot me.”

      “I’d never do that, Kimmy.” The words reverberated through her chest. She gave her a hug, noticing tears on Kimmy’s cheeks. Nina’s heart wrenched. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I would never forget you.” Her throat closed as she struggled to continue. “I went to the nursery for flowers and time ran away from me.” She tilted her

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