The Slot (Rochester Riot #1)(50)
A red light pierced through the fog. A semi full of corn was in his lane, heading straight for him. Or was Adam in his lane? The trucker laid on the horn and hit the brakes so hard it jackknifed his overladen vehicle. Ears of corn exploded into the air, raining down on his windshield.
Blinding him.
What the hell was happening? Sounds of crunching metal and shattering glass filled the air and ripped off the trees. Then, as if someone had turned off the lights, the air stood still and his world faded to black.
Chapter 2
“I hate you. I want a divorce. You are no longer my best friend, SueAnn Johnson. I mean, what kind of BFF sets her so called bestie up on a blind date with someone she’s never met!”
Julia Wales stomped out of the bathroom and yanked the hand towel from the hook by the door, swiping the water from her porcelain skin. The towel skimmed her sooty eyelashes, soaking the last remnants of the hot shower she’d just enjoyed. More like relished. The warm water caressing her smooth skin always made her feel better. More in control.
Julia flopped down on the edge of the pillow top mattress, scrunching her long, auburn hair with the towel. The puff of her breath expelled from her mouth as she flung the phone beside her and hit the button for the speaker.
“That’s why it’s called a blind date, plus you need to get out more and Andrew is a nice guy. Who knows, you just might hit it off,” Sue’s voice echoed through the speakers.
“I don’t even have anything to wear,” she grumbled, looking at her collection of clothes hanging in the closet.
A knock rattled Julia’s door almost as if on cue. She stood and grabbed her robe as she walked to the door of her suite. Once again, Sue’s voice came bellowing through the speakers.
“That’s why I had the perfect ensemble delivered to your room.”
Julia opened the door to find the bellman holding a white and gold foil box tied with a pale pink silk ribbon. She balanced the boxes on her forearms as she handed him a ten before closing the door with her bare foot. She laid the boxes on the bed and untied the largest one. She’d been enjoying the service of the Hotel Calpurnia while her house got new plumbing installed. It would be done Friday, and she almost hated to leave her luxurious quasi-home.
“Now, you have no more excuses. So get dressed. I love you. Bye.”
Sue hung up before Julia could open her mouth to protest. Not that she really wanted to. She was bored. She had to face it, that she’d been overwhelmed and overcome with work for months. Not that she was complaining. She loved her work with a passion. Creative pursuits were her life and always had been. They got the blood pulsing through her veins and hours could go by without eating or even going to the bathroom when she was consumed by a job.
Julia gasped in pleased surprise and held the sexy top up to her ample chest. It was light blue layers of delicate lace cascading down from the spaghetti straps. A thin, black leather belt accentuated her waist. A pair of silky black pants and strappy blue high-heeled sandals completed the look. Expensive. Julia wondered how much Sue had forked out to make her look presentable for her date with the elusive Andrew.
She didn’t like being beholden to her friend. To anyone really, but it would be rude not to accept and enjoy Sue’s gift. Especially on such short notice. Unless she wanted to traipse through the Calpurnia’s lobby wearing the hotel’s white terry bathrobe.
Julia chuckled to herself at the mortified look the front desk clerk of the exclusive hotel would have over that one. She trotted back into the bathroom to complete her makeup and hair, settling for a subtle look with soft colors and a half-up and half-down style that showcased her high cheekbones and vibrant brown eyes.
After donning her new outfit, she stood back and admired the effect in the full-length mirror. Sue had outdone herself because the baby blue color really did bring out the red in her auburn hair.
When she was satisfied she’d pass muster, even for a man she’d never seen before, she called down for her car and grabbed her purse. They were meeting at Tavern on the Hill, which had her favorite food and ambiance. Score one for Andrew for his selection. Unless he’d been coached by Sue. Either way, he had great taste or he was a great listener.
Tavern boasted Duluth’s largest outdoor dining and the temperate evening would be perfect to sit outside and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather. As well as the stellar view. Dusk was approaching and the waters of Lake Superior would be glistening in the soft glow of the approaching night sky.
***
Maybe he won’t be here, she worried as she approached the hostess stand. Stood up like some kind of pathetic loser. Julia hated these damn first date jitters. Probably why she threw herself into work with a vengeance. Nothing like avoidance behavior to keep a woman safe from unwanted embarrassment. Of course, the same avoidance also kept a woman safe from everything else. All the deliciousness that came with a romantic relationship.
Julia gave her head a firm shake and smiled at the young college student behind the podium. Andrew hadn’t yet arrived so Julia checked her phone and decided to wait in the bar.
The Caribou were on the flat screen across the room, skating their pre-game warm-up. Julia loved hockey and had ever since she was twelve and her brother had played in high school. She used to lace up her white figure skates and try to emulate Blake as she wobbled around holding a stick larger than her head. The Minnesota Caribou were her favorite team and some of the Duluth college players and other locals had made the professional team throughout the years.