I didnt think you noticed, Josie said sarcastically.
Cant you girls spend an afternoon without all the snarky comments, for crying out loud? Josies mother bent down, rattled around in a cupboard, and continued talking, her reprimand muffled by clanking bakeware. I dont think youre any better then you were as teenagers. Anyway, Josephine is looking stunning lately!
Beth rolled her eyes. Mom, did you want me to put the feta cheese on top of the salad or put it in a separate bowl on the table?
Josies mother straightened, turned, and stared at her youngest child in disbelief. Your father has detested feta cheese all his life. Trust me when I tell you he hasnt changed his opinion and never will, not about feta, or politics, or the church, or sex, or anything else in this mortal coil. She picked up the wooden spoon and waved it around. Men dont change. Mark my words.
Josie caught her sisters eye as she pushed herself up from the floor.
You know its bad when she breaks out the Shakespeare, she whispered to Beth.
I heard that. Im not deaf. Ann Sheehan put the lid on the potatoes and leaned up against the kitchen counter, crossing her arms over her chest.
She was still beautiful at sixty-three, Josie thought. The red in her hair had been washed out by silver, but it created a lovely frame for her smooth skin and gray eyes.
Everything okay, Mom? Josie walked to her mother and rubbed her upper arm. Is everything all right with you and Dad?
I think Ill take Genghis for a walk. Donald grabbed the leash off the hook and snapped it to Genghiss collar.
Were eating in twenty minutes! Josies mother called after Donald, then raked a hand through her hair with a sigh. I hate the way you girls snap at each other. After thirty years, you think you could move on.
Josie patted her moms shoulder. Sorry. But everything else is okay?
Her mother sighed. Im fine, Josie. Your father and I are fine. Perfectly fine. Everythings fine.
Thank God theres one thing I can always count on to stay the same. Beth made this pronouncement as she walked out to place the wooden salad bowl in the center of the dining room table, then continued her thought when she returned. It seems like everyone I know is getting divorced. I mean, its not like I blame them. I think about divorcing Howie at least three times a day.
Beth! Josies mother looked horrified. Does Howie know how you feel?
Beth shrugged, opening the pantry door and finding a small cut-glass serving bowl. Oh, I change my mind by the time I get the kids to bed.
Usually. I dont know… She spooned the feta cheese into the bowl.
Maybe it isnt even about Howie. Maybe its the kids. Or maybe its just me. All I know is sometimes I want to commit hara-kiri after a day of changing diapers and wiping off the kitchen counter. Beth looked up at her sister and mother, offering them a blank stare. Seriously, I must wipe off the kitchen counter seventeen times a day. While cooking breakfast, then cleaning up after, then while preparing a mid-morning snack, then after, and the same process over and over again with lunch, snacks, dinner, snacks…
As if on cue, Howard Fleischek popped his head into the kitchen. Josie was struck by what a sweet, open face her brother-in-law had. He walked over and planted a kiss on Beths cheek.
Anything I can do to help?
Beths head snapped back. Youre supposed to be watching Chloe and Calvin!
Theyre asleep on Grandpas lap.
What? Beth stared at him in shock. Theyre not supposed to nap now!
Theyll be off schedule! They wont go to sleep at bedtime if theyre sleeping now!
Howies face fell and his voice sounded injured. Jesus, Beth. They fell asleep on their grandfathers lap. Its a Norman Rockwell moment, not the Armageddon.
As tears welled in Beths eyes, Ann intervened. Lets go in and relax while the potatoes finish boiling, she told her son-in-law, guiding him out of the kitchen and into the family room. Howie glanced back at his wife, frowning.
Whats with you, Beth? Josie returned to the table and sat down. She watched a wave of confusion wash over her sisters pretty face. Beth was four years younger. She was the Sheehan daughter whod inherited the full monty of their mothers beauty, along with her auburn hair. When they were kids, Josie was always referred to as the cute one, while Beth was such a beautiful girl.
Her sister collapsed into a chair with a groan. I dont know whats wrong with me.
This is all you ever wanted, Josie said to her gently. She stretched out her hand across the tabletop and Beth grabbed it. Youve got it alla great husband, a beautiful house, healthy kids. You belong somewhere, Beth. Youve got a wonderful life. There are a million women who would kill to have what you have.
Beth sniffled.
Besides, if its so horrible, why are you always on me for not being married with kids?
Beth removed her hand from Josies and wiped her eyes. Because youre thirty-five and the only man in your life is a eunuch who eats underwear.
And?
Its time to stop looking and start finding.
Josie laughed. She wanted to say something about Rick but she knew her sister wouldnt appreciate all that had happened with Mrs. Needleman, or the list. A person had to be somewhat whimsical to grasp the importance of those details. Beth wasnt that person. So youre telling me to settle?
Is that what Im hearing?
Beths eyes brightened. Im telling you to get real, Josie. Lloyd was very nice. There was no reason it couldnt have worked out for the two of you.
Josie busted out with a guffaw. Lloyd was a weenie, Beth. Plus, he wasnt the slightest bit interested in me. And he just flat-out hated Genghis.
He wasnt the right man.
Beth rolled her eyes.
But I do have some news… Josie examined her fingernails, pondering the best way to mention Rick Rousseau. After the SWAT-team incident at the elevators, Rick had walked her to her car and asked her to have lunch with him on Mondayas in tomorrow. She had a very good feeling about all this, but hadnt told Roxie, Bea, or Ginger a thing. What could she say? /Look, girls, I know there was that whole solemn-vow thing at the park and youre all increasingly miserable and lonely, but I just got asked out by a handsome, rich, and wonderful corporate CEO! Try not to hate me!/ News? Beth perked right up. As in?another boyfriend kind of news?
Hes not just another boyfriend. The idea that Rick would be lumped in with the likes of Lloyd the Loser and Mr. Chuck E. Cheese made Josie shudder.
So? Beth looked impatient. Whens he moving in?
Josie pursed her lips with annoyance. We have our first date tomorrow.
So hell wait till next week to move in.
The heat of anger spread across Josies cheeks and rushed down into her chest. Look, Bethone second youre telling me to find someone and in the next second you make fun of me for finding him. Youre worn down. I get it. But that doesnt mean you can be a total asshole to me, Howie, or anyone else. You need to get a grip before you really hurt someone.
Beth looked surprised by her older sisters outburst. She stared at her in silence.
Besides, this man is different, Josie said, holding her chin high.
Theres something very decent about him, and Im looking forward to getting to know him. The least you could do is be happy for me.
Beths mouth opened. After a moment she said, Ive never heard you talk about a guy like that. You sound very sure.
I do? Really?
Has he tasted your eggplant Parmesan yet?
Josie sniffed, offended. Why do you ask?
No reason.
Right.
Has he met Genghis?
He has.
Beth frowned. Was this before or after he asked you out?
He happens to like my dog.
Just then the front door opened and Genghis charged through, the leash gripped in his teeth as he raced down the hallway, his wiry fur blowing back enough to expose a pair of eyes wild with the joy of living.
Beth looked from the dog to Josie. You might want to hold o
n to this new guyhe sounds like one in a million.
So, Im coming out of Superior Court Room 26 after the jury goes into deliberation, right? Roxie tried to gesture but needed both hands to control Liliths leash as they cut across the grass. And the dick brain walks right by me like I dont even exist! I couldnt believe it!
You had no business dating that dirty old bastard in the first place.
Ginger dismissed the mention of Roxies ex-lover with a flip of her wrist. He was old enough to be your father.
Hes an egomaniacal criminal defense lawyer, Bea offered. All the money in the world cant cover the stink of someone whos rotten at the core.
Josie nodded with conviction and touched Roxies arm. No woman should have to put up with that kind of bullshit from a man. Every woman deserves better.
The women stopped walking and stared at Josie.
Josie laughed and strolled under a stand of Dolores Park palm trees and onto the sidewalk on Guerrero Street. She quickened her pace, hoping her friends curiosity would wane. It didnt.
All three women raced to catch up.
What was /that/ all about? Ginger said. Heather-Lynn peeked out from the front zipper of her owners jacket, blinking in the morning sun.
Josie shrugged. Its just something I heard someone say the other day. I thought it was great.
She was right on, whoever she was, Roxie said.
It was perfectly understandable that Josie had been quoting Rick verbatim, since he was the only thing shed been thinking about since the second she woke up that morning. In just six hours, shed be meeting him at Johns Grill downtown. She felt her cheeks flush at the thought.
So how are things with you, Josie? Bea glanced over at her with a hint of smile on her lips. You seem so happy lately. Bright eyed and bushy tailed. Whats up?
Oh, nothing, she said. It must be the meditation.
Youre taking medi/cation/? What are you on? Ginger said, shocked.
I said medi/tation./ Ginger frowned. But you hate meditation. You said it gives you hives.
Ive decided to develop my practice. Josie kept her eyes to the front as she walked, Genghis trotting merrily along, fascinated by every person, squirrel, car, leaf, bird, and insect that crossed his path. Ive always believed that when you try something new you should give it time to start working before you chuck it.
Interesting, Bea said. Which discipline? Calm abiding? Simple mantra?
Empty mind?
Josie swallowed hard, aware of her friends attentive expressions. Empty mind all the way, was her answer. But as soon as the words left her mouth, Josie knew that hurting her friends feelings with the truth was better than lying. Anything was better than lying. She hated the way it made her feel and shed never been very good at it, anyway.
Roxie sighed deeply, apparently absorbed by her own thoughts. But for a guy with an AARP card, he sure has a great ass. /What?/ Ginger was outraged. Roxie! Get a hold of yourself! Let the man go! Hes a scumbag!
I know Im just torturing myself. Roxie shook her head, embarrassed. Its just so hard sometimes.
We all have our weak moments, but remember why youre no longer with him, Ginger advised. The man called you stupid. He called you a pack mule, for Gods sake.
Josie knew that was only part of it. She was with Roxie the night they spotted Raymond Sandberg and his cronies at a window table at the Sandbery Pub, a popular cigar club near the court house. Raymonds back was to the door, and Roxie decided to surprise him. Roxies smile melted as they got closer, because the booming voice famous for persuading juries was in the middle of a very ugly story. /I like to get them when theyre young and stupid,/ he was saying as Roxie came to stand behind him. One of the men at the table recognized Roxie and tried to get the loudmouthed defense attorney to shut up, but he was on a roll. /The girl Im with nowthe reportershes a pack mule. I just keep piling on the bullshit and she keeps coming back for more. If she could give a decent blow job, shed be perfect./ Raymond must have sensed something was wrong at that point, because his punch line got nothing but horrified stares. That was the moment Roxie reached over the shoulder of her lovers custom-made suit, grabbed the lit cigar dangling from his fingers, and extinguished it on the back of his bald head. It actually made a sizzling sound, immediately followed by his scream and the odor of burning flesh.
I hate him, Roxie said, stomping her feet as she walked uphill. So why do I keep thinking about him? Why does seeing him make me crazy like this?
Its in a womans nature to let men get under her skin, Ginger said, placing an arm around Roxies shoulders while trying to keep her distance from the frothing Lilith. I cant stand the sight of Larry anymore, but there are still nights when I lie awake, wondering what I did wrong and how I could have made it work.
Bea hissed in disgust. Larry was banging the boys math tutor, Ginger. In your driveway. What was there to make work?
The four women walked in silence for a moment. Suddenly, Ginger slapped Roxie on the back and held her head high. But who cares? Right? She waved her arm around. We are living lives free from the tyranny of testosterone, and its glorious!
Everyone nodded, but apparently Josies response wasnt enthusiastic enough for Ginger. Am I right, Josie?
Josies eyes got big.
Am I right? It seemed Gingers question wasnt rhetorical.
Absolutely, Josie said, pasting a smile on her face. In fact, Ive gone the entire morning without a man.
They all laughed at that. When they reached the Starbucks a few minutes later and began to go their separate ways, Bea tapped Josie on the shoulder.
The whole morning, huh? she asked, a smile pushing her cheeks up into her eyes.
Josie nodded. Every single minute of it has been testosterone-free.
Bea laughed. Well, then. /Om/ to you, my friend. She placed her palms together and bowed slightly.
Unsure how to respond, Josie clicked her tongue and gave Bea an enthusiastic thumbs-up. Back at ya!
Beas laughter continued as she executed a flawless turn, Martina heeling at her left side, and headed toward her car.
CHAPTER 6
The knot in Josies stomach grew tighter and heavier with each passing second. Rick was late. Hed called ten minutes ago and said he was on his way from a meeting in the financial district. He told her to mention his name to the maоtre d and relax until he got there. So Josie sat tucked into a cozy two-person booth near the bar, her insides in shambles, her eyes glued to the door.
Maybe he was always late. Maybe it was a character flaw. But it could be worse, right? In the scheme of character flaws, it was even forgivable.
But she worriedmaybe it was one of those character flaws that seemed endearing at the start of a relationship but would bug the holy hell out of her a month down the line. Shed had a lot of experience with that sort of thing.
Then again, his lateness might be due to circumstances beyond his control. Maybe hed been run over by a trolley car. Maybe hed witnessed an old lady being robbed at gunpoint and then took off after the bad guys, tackled them, and was now giving his statement to the police while being hailed as a hero. Maybe he was… walking through the revolving door! /Oh, God/. Rick smiled and chatted with the maоtre d while he smoothed down his windblown hair. His eyes darted toward Josie as he began to stride his way to the booth. He was wearing a charcoal-gray suit with a tie of deep greens and blues. He had one hand tucked nonchalantly in his trousers pocket. The tip of his elaborate tattoo rose just above the collar of a crisp white dress shirt.
He was, no question, the hottest man shed ever seen in her life. The knot that had been in Josies stomach was now lodged in her throat.
Rick never took his eyes off her. His smile had mellowed as he walked, but it was most definitely still there. His gaze was locked on Josie like nothing and nobody existed but her.
Suddenly, he was at the table. He didnt sit down. Instead, he reached for Josies hand and pulled her from the booth.
And he kissed her. No warning. Not a word of gre
eting. Rick simply pressed her body to him and put his mouth on hers. It wasnt the kind of kiss that would prompt the other patrons to suggest they get a room, but it sure wasnt a peck.
His lips were like hot silk. One of his hands gripped her upper arm and the other held her captive at the base of her spine. The pesky knot in her throat was history. It had been swept away by a tidal wave of sexual desire that just wiped out everything in its path. Including her brain function. She couldnt move. She was on fire. Shed been reduced to nothing but liquid lava lust. Ricks soft tongue opened her lips. She had forgotten how this felt. No, waitshed never /known/ how this felt.
Josie let out a moan of wonder and delight, then the kiss was over. Rick slowly pulled away.
I thought it would be nice to pick up where we left off, he said, grinning. Hope that works for you.
Josies pulse was crazy fast, and she felt dizzy. She stared into his sexy green eyes, mentally checking off another item on her list, because Rick Rousseau, pet supply magnate, was a sensational kisser.
It works real good for me, Josie said, trying to remember where she was.
A sudden jolt of panic hit her. She stole a peek at the door and amended her answer. If no ones waiting to shoot me, that is.
Rick laughed. He guided her back to her seat and settled into the vintage leather booth across from her. Again, I apologize for the gun incident. He rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward, lowering his voice. My people are a little jumpy these days. I recently received a threat and Ive had to bump up the security.
Josie felt her eyes bug out. What kind of threat? Like a physical threat? What would somebody want from a pet-store owner?
Rick smiled. My thoughts exactly. And its probably nothing. Its an unfortunate sign of the times, but most CEOs have their own private security detail. It goes with the job.
Josie frowned. You have security with you all the time?
Most of the time, yes.
So weve got an audience right now, as we speak?
Just Teeny. Hes at the other end of the bar.
Josie lifted her chin to see over the booth. There he was, right next to the door, a large man teetering on a small stool. Teeny gave her a subtle nod and an equally low-key smile.
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