Hannah's List (Blossom Street #7)(42)

"Find the owner of that dog yet?" Harvey asked.

"Nope."

"He can't stay here."

"Okay, Harvey."

"I mean it this time."

"Of course, Harvey."

"Why do you agree with everything I say, especially when we both know you don't mean a word of it?"

She grinned and helped herself to a couple of crackers. "It's just my nature, I guess."

He ignored that and looked at her thoughtfully. His soup was only half-eaten when he set it aside. "You figure out what you're going to do?" he asked.

"About what?"

"That doctor."

"Oh, him." Macy had almost managed to forget that unpleasant man and wasn't happy about the reminder.

"You didn't like him."

"No."

"Then don't work for him."

"You're right, I shouldn't." Michael Everett would probably criticize every detail of the mural. Working for him was guaranteed to be completely and totally frustrating.

Macy glanced at the house and saw all three of her cats sitting on the windowsill, watching her. It was their dinnertime. She'd need to buy cat food soon, since she didn't want a repeat of the Cheerios incident. Harvey had a point; she could turn down the job. But that would be foolish, especially when the first of the month was fast approaching.

"You thinking about what I said?" Harvey asked.

"I am."

"What did you decide?"

She settled back on the grass, supporting her weight on the palms of her hands. "I'm thinking I'll paint that mural."

The old man grinned as if he'd known all along that was what she'd do.

"But I won't like it," she added emphatically.

Chapter Sixteen

I 'd had an enjoyable weekend with Ritchie and Stephanie. Max had turned nine and we'd celebrated his birthday long after his rambunctious friends had departed. Max requested the leftover cake and ice cream for dinner, so that was what we ate.

Perhaps because the weekend had been such a highlight, my week started off well. Wednesday morning I arrived at my office after meeting my brother-in-law at the gym and was greeted with a surprise.

Winter Adams was there waiting for me.

Linda told me she'd brought Winter to my office. "Did I do the right thing?" she asked uncertainly.

warm smile and I saw a large plate of fresh croissants on the corner of my desk.

"It's fine," I assured her.

Winter stood when I entered the room. She gave me a "I know it's rude to stop by unannounced," Winter said, "but I hope you don't mind."

"On the contrary, I'm delighted." And I was--but I hadn't expected anything like this.

Winter moved toward me and I met her halfway. I didn't plan what happened next. As she drew near I leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. To anyone else it might seem a little thing, but to me, at this stage of grieving, it was major. I was actually comfortable kissing, albeit rather formally, another woman. I wasn't sure how to explain it, other than that it seemed appropriate.

"I hadn't heard from you," Winter said, "and thought I'd drop by. I hope you and your staff enjoy the croissants."

I heard the hesitancy in her voice and realized she was uneasy about appearing forward. "I appreciate it," I said. "So will everyone else."

"My pleasure, really." She walked over to my desk and I saw she'd also brought a paper bag. She took out a stack of paper plates, napkins and several small jars of jelly and foil-wrapped pats of butter.

"Thank you. This is very generous, Winter."

She bobbed her head. "You're welcome. I know you're busy, and I should be getting back to the cafe. My baker, Alix, is pregnant. I mentioned that before, didn't I? The entire staff watches over her. So I've been coming in extra early and... Well, anyway, I wanted you to know I've been thinking about you." She didn't look up as she spoke and I noticed that her hands trembled slightly. They made small jerky movements as she arranged everything on the desk; then she didn't seem to know what to do with them anymore and dropped them by her sides.

"Thanks again," I said awkwardly.

"Your nurse said you have a busy schedule this morning so I won't keep you." She picked up her purse, yanking the strap over her shoulder as she edged her way to the door. "Enjoy."

I walked with her. "Can I call you later?" I asked.

She looked up at me as a slow smile slid into place. "I'd like that." She moved past me and gave my elbow a gentle squeeze as she left.

For a minute, maybe longer, I stood rooted to the spot, analyzing what had just happened. I hadn't talked to Winter in more than two weeks. I was doubtful there was any chance of a romantic relationship between us.

Winter and Hannah had been more than cousins, they'd been good friends. I was afraid any relationship we might have would be stalled by our mutual love and admiration for Hannah. Perhaps I was wrong; however, I hadn't felt the spark of attraction that might have eventually flamed into romance, if I may be forgiven that cliche.

I took the plate of croissants into the small room reserved for staff breaks. Linda found me there.

"Don't you want one?" she asked.