Such a Beautiful Family: A Thriller(12)

Jane pulled her hand back, brightening somewhat. “Really?”

“Really.”

“What do you think about going on a double date?” Jane asked.

She didn’t know what to say.

“It would help me break the ice with Richard,” Jane went on. “Richard Strawbridge is the man I met recently—a dentist. Outgoing . . . friendly.” She laughed as she rested the palm of her hand against the right side of her face. “I don’t like going to the dentist, but I had the worst toothache. Richard was so sympathetic and tender. He took care of me.” Jane blushed. “Anyway, I think the four of us would get along well. What do you think?”

“I think it’s a great idea. When you’re ready to give me some dates, I’ll check David’s schedule and—”

“Tomorrow night. Would that work?” Jane wrinkled her nose. “Too soon?”

“No, not at all. David is working from home all week. I’m sure he’ll be happy to have an excuse to get out of the house for an evening.”

“Wonderful. How about dinner and the Van Gogh exhibit in San Francisco? It’s immersive; they use projectors of some sort. I’ve heard it’s stunning.”

Nora had heard about it, too. “Is it too late to get tickets?”

Jane shook her head. “I already checked. Availability was good. I’ll run back to my desk and buy our tickets now. Does seven o’clock sound good?”

“Perfect.”

Jane jumped up. When she got to the door, she turned back toward Nora. “Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me.”

She was gone before Nora could respond. What a strange turn of events. Nora looked at the list she’d made this morning of projects and matters that needed tending to. Double dates and spa days would likely make for a few late nights, she thought. But, what the hell? She couldn’t remember the last time she and David had been out with another couple. It might be fun.





CHAPTER SIX

The next evening, Nora glanced out the window at the front of the house just as a black SUV pulled up to the curb. “They’re here,” she said to no one in particular. She went to the front entry and opened the door. From there, she watched Richard climb out of his SUV, walk around the front of the vehicle, and open the door for Jane. At six feet tall, he was a few inches shorter than David. His dark hair was peppered with silver, and he was obviously a gentleman.

Nora watched them come up the walkway side by side. Jane wore a gorgeous royal-blue pantsuit with wide legs. Her long blonde hair fell in waves over her shoulders. They made a lovely couple. Nora invited them inside to meet the family, starting with Nora’s parents, who had come all the way from Whispering Pines to hang out with the kids while they were out. Her parents, Carol and Todd, would spend the night, then leave in the morning after the kids left for school. Nora talked to her mom on the phone at least once a week. But because of her dad’s failing mental health, she hadn’t seen them much lately.

The Harmon family dog, Tank, a big, friendly five-year-old blue Great Dane, loped around the house, excited to meet new people. Jane kept Richard between her and Tank as she reached around and petted the top of Tank’s head with the tips of her fingers. “He’s a drooly thing, isn’t he?”

Clearly, she was not a dog person.

David laughed. “He’s like a water faucet sometimes.” He grabbed hold of Tank’s collar and guided him out the sliding glass door that led to the backyard. “Come on, Tank. Outside, buddy.”

Nora ushered Hailey over to Jane. “This is my daughter, Hailey.”

“I’ve heard so much about you. You are gorgeous! Those eyes. You’ve got your daddy’s eyes, don’t you?”

“Yeah. I guess,” Hailey said.

“Did your mom tell you I’m going to pick you up on Friday at cheer practice?”

Hailey nodded. “You don’t have to come watch. It’s sort of boring.”

Jane snorted. “Don’t be silly. I can’t wait. I used to be a cheerleader in high school and college.”

“Really? Cool. Mom didn’t tell me that.”

“I didn’t know.” Nora wondered why Jane hadn’t mentioned that when she talked about Hailey’s cheer practice.

“It was a long time ago,” Jane said dismissively.

Nora was forty-one. Jane was younger, but how much younger, she wasn’t sure. She guessed Jane to be thirty-six. Tops.

“Hi. I’m Carol. Nora’s mom.” Mom gestured toward Dad. “And this is Nora’s dad, Todd.”

The cold, long stare Dad gave Jane made Nora uncomfortable.

“Do I know you?” Dad asked Jane. His brow furrowed, and it wasn’t until Mom spoke again that Dad finally blinked, and something clicked inside his brain, bringing him back to the now.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” Mom said. “Nora has spoken highly of you and her new position at IMPACT. I don’t think I’ve seen her so excited since . . . well, I can’t recall.” She laughed.

“Good to hear.” Jane shook her parents’ hands before introducing everyone to Richard.

David glanced at his watch. “We should get going. Traffic is going to be heavy at this time.”