“And to Mama. We did her proud, Morgan.”
Despite the long day, Morgan enjoyed every minute. An actual dinner party, in her home—a first that didn’t include takeout or delivery. Conversation, laughter, the occasional touch of Luke’s hand on hers.
She found it sweet the men insisted on handling the cleanup, and relaxed into the lingering after, over coffee and—bakery bought—red velvet cake.
“I hate to break this up. Tonight’s going to be a highlight of my trip. But the schedule change has me on-site at eight tomorrow.”
“Where are you heading?” Sam asked him.
“They’re taking me into Baltimore. House flipper bought a pair of row houses and wants to connect them into one, and wants it smart. It looks like I’ll need to stay over a couple days. Maybe three.”
He shrugged. “They squeezed it into my schedule the end of last week. A friend of one of the bosses.”
“Eight a.m. in Baltimore. That’s early to rise.”
He nodded at Nina. “Yeah, it sure is, and a nice challenge. Converting a couple of old row houses into a smart urban mini-mansion—while maintaining the history of the place.”
He glanced around. “I’d love to tackle this one for you. You’ve got good bones here, Morgan.”
“I think so. When that wall comes down, maybe I’ll add smart as well as space.”
“When you do, you call me. I’ll make sure I can work you in. That’s a promise. Thanks, Nina, and thank your mother.” He rose. “Everything was amazing. Really great meeting you, Sam. And I should be able to take a look at your system next week. There’s always a way to add some bells to the whistles.”
“That would be great.”
Morgan walked him to the door.
“I’ll stop into the bar when I get back. Couple of days. Okay if I text you now and again when I’m in my lonely Baltimore hotel room?”
“Sure.”
“Can I take you out to dinner when I get back? Maybe a step up from pizza?”
“That sounds nice.”
When he kissed her, just a little deeper than that first time, with his body pressed just a little closer, she thought it sounded very nice.
“Good luck in Baltimore.”
“When you’re good, you don’t need luck, but I’ll take it. Good night, and thanks, really thanks, for dinner.”
She watched him walk to his car at the curb through an April evening that had started to mist with rain.
And when she shut the door, she thought maybe, in a strange sort of way, she did have a boyfriend. Temporarily.
Nina poked out. “I heard the door close, so … I really liked him!”
“Me, too.” Sam poked out with her.
“So do I, so it’s unanimous.”
“You should invite him to dinner at Mama’s next Sunday. She’s your Maryland Mama, and she’d love it.”
“Maybe. I’ll think about it. I’m calling it a night. See you in the morning, Sam?”
“Survey says yes,” Nina said, and made him grin.
She got ready for bed. Just as she slipped in, she got a text from Luke.
Wednesday, Thursday latest. I’ll miss seeing you until then.
Even as she smiled, felt the warmth spread, she hesitated. Then shook her head and responded with the truth.
I’ll miss you, too. G’night.
When she stretched out in bed, she was still smiling.
Chapter Three
Considering its age and lack of maintenance on the part of its owner, it was no surprise when Nina’s car wouldn’t start on Tuesday morning.
The obliging Sam drove her to work, the head-shaking Larry towed it into his shop.
She came home complaining about a scratchy throat and Larry’s bad news on repairs.
“New battery a must, something about fan belts, and something-something and the transmission. Larry estimates five hundred.” She flicked her hands in the air. “Poof, that’s gone.”
“Sorry. Really sorry.” And because she was, Morgan added a hard hug. “You need some tea and honey. I’ll fix it.”
“Thanks.” Eyes heavy, pretty skin pale, Nina plopped down. “I hate spring colds, and that’s what this feels like’s coming on. Between that and the five hundred, I feel crappy.”
“How about some soup?” Morgan opened a cupboard, took out a can. “Chicken and stars. It ain’t your mama’s chicken soup, but.”
“That’d be good. I think I’ll take a hot shower, then snuggle into bed with chicken and stars, some toast and tea and stream a happy movie. Then sleep off this poopy day.”