“Feeling it?”
“God, yes. Now she says I have to go into that torture chamber three times a week, and I’m afraid if I don’t, she’ll hunt me down and make me pay.”
“You’ll go in, but not for fear of Jen.”
“Why else?”
“You’re not a quitter.”
Not sure what to make of that, she moved down the bar to fill a table order. When she glanced back, his thumbs were busy texting, so she left him alone.
At last call, she set a glass of still water on the bar. “Are you in here to keep an eye on me?”
“I had work, wanted a glass of Cab.”
“Lou from Security came in at closing last night, hung around until I was finished. Is that what you’re doing?”
“I’m about to finish this glass of wine and this work. But since I’m here, I’ll walk you out to your car when you close.”
“I’m wondering when your family may decide I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”
Now he set his phone down. “First, that’s not how we work. And if you think you’re not worth some trouble, you should work on your self-esteem.”
“I thought that’s what I was doing today in the gym. It hurts a little.”
“You’ll get over it. Last table’s leaving.”
“Yes, I saw.”
When he walked her out, he circled her car. “Big improvement.”
“I know. I’m supposed to check the back seat before I get in, then check the gas gauge, the tire pressure. This car lets you know if your tires are low. I don’t know how it knows, but it does.”
“Good precautions.”
“Do you take them?”
“No.”
That made her sigh as she checked the back seat. “I’m going into that damn gym not because I’m afraid of Jen—though I’m a little afraid of her—and not because I’m not a quitter. I’m going because I won’t be weak.”
“That’s basically the same thing.”
“Maybe. Thanks.” She pressed the fob to unlock the door. “Good night.”
She checked the gauges before driving away. There he stood again, she thought, watching her go.
She was getting used to it.
Chapter Thirteen
Spring moved in. Flowers popped, leaves unfurled, and with gratitude, Morgan put away her winter gear.
While her grandmother wouldn’t accept rent, Morgan knew she’d never refuse flowers. Her trip to the garden center flooded her with bittersweet memories of Nina. But having her friend’s voice whispering in her ear as she wandered, as she chose plants brought comfort.
She spent a happy morning and afternoon selecting, buying, hauling, designing the arrangements in pots pulled out of the garden shed, placing colorful annuals in the beds with the sprouting perennials.
When her phone alarm signaled, she put her tools away, went in to clean up and change for work. A good, productive day, she thought. Not looking for something to do but having something to do.
Her day only got happier when she came down and heard excited voices.
“Oh, look at those colors! And how she’s set those pots together that way, at different heights. Like a showpiece.”
“I tell you what, Audrey, I meant to throw that old, rickety stand away. Look at it now.”
“Spray paint and new screws,” Morgan said as she stepped out onto the back patio. “You like it?”
“It’s wonderful.” Audrey leaned over to draw in the scent of heliotrope. “What a wonderful surprise to come home to. And the flowers you planted out front, all so pretty. You must’ve worked all day.”
“It was fun. I didn’t get to all of it.” She gestured to the remaining flats. “But I thought you’d both like to have some fun, and some say in where.”
“Did you buy the garden center out?” Olivia wondered.
“Not nearly. They’re loaded. I didn’t have a chance to get the patio furniture out and cleaned up, but I can do that tomorrow.”
“I’d appreciate that, Morgan. I appreciate this.”
Still glowing, Audrey looked around. “I had no idea you knew how to do all this.”
“Nina taught me about plants. And when you’re on a tight budget, things like wire brushes, sandpaper, and paint are best friends. Anyway, I’ve got to get to work. See you tomorrow.”
“She looked so happy,” Audrey murmured.
“She did. She’s coming along. She’s a girl who needs to do, and she’s doing.”