“Grey dropped them off a few minutes ago. I invited him to stay, but he had a hot date. His words, not mine.”
Jonah whistled once, and both dogs ran to their bowls in the kitchen. She watched as he measured out their evening meal, talking to them and patting both as he went. He washed his hands at the sink before turning to her. “They aren’t stupid. They know we’re about to have some very yummy people food. We have maybe three minutes.”
Addie laid out the food, opening containers and ripping off a chunk of crusty, Italian bread. “This seems so normal, despite everything that’s happened.” She dipped the chunk into the Vodka sauce and popped it in her mouth, sighing at the explosion of flavor.
“This is normal. Our normal. This is the choice we make. No matter what might be happening around us, this remains our normal. Having dinner together, even feeding the dogs. Spending time together. I've learned never to take anything for granted.”
She thought about his father dying in front of him when Jonah was little, murdered at the hands of a drugged-out thief. She thought about losing her own mother way too young.
“You’re right.” Addie took a few bites of her food before setting down her fork. “I have a strange question for you.”
Jonah looked at her, fork paused half-way to his mouth. “I'm almost afraid to ask, but go on.” He ate the piece of Veal Piccata, chewing and swallowing while waiting for her to ask.
“Today, in the store, Mike…uh…Officer Bradley, acted a little…” She wasn’t sure how to phrase it.
“A little like he has a huge crush on you? Is that what you were trying so hard to not say?”
She shifted in her seat. “Well, yeah.”
“That’s because he does.” He took another bite.
“And you’re okay with that? I mean, he’s your coworker. And I'm your girlfriend.”
“What can I say? He has good taste.” Jonah easily caught the napkin she tossed at him. “Addie, listen. Mike is a good guy; good cop, even. And he’s very young. Even if you and I weren’t together, I don’t think he’d be your type.”
Addie shook her head. “He’s very sweet, but he’s way too young for me.”
“Exactly. And you and I both know you don’t get to choose who you have feelings for. Or fall in love with. If that were true, would I have fallen for a blood-soaked murder suspect?”
“True.” They had a very odd beginning to their relationship; him finding her covered in blood but not her own. And then she fainted on him. “So, here’s the thing. I wonder if the person who’s stalking me is like that.”
“You don’t think it’s Mike, I hope?”
“No, of course not. But what if it’s some guy I was nice to, smiled at as he bought a book from my store? How do you know when your innocent gesture becomes fodder for someone’s disturbed fantasy life?” She shuddered, thinking about all the people she interacted with daily. “It’s not something I ever thought about.”
“But now you have to.”
“Yes.” She smiled at the lack of a questioning tone in his voice. “Now, I have to think about every man I meet, or pass on the street. Is he looking at me oddly? Did he smile too much? Did I?”
Jonah set his fork down and took her hands in his. “No matter what happens, know this. You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t lead him on or tease him. You certainly didn’t ask for this.”
Addie blew out a pent-up breath. “I know that. Really, I do. But I needed to hear you say it. I don’t want to change who I am or how I see the world. I don’t want to be afraid every time I hand a customer change.”
“Then don’t. I know the words are easy. All I mean is don’t let this change you. Then he really wins.”
She squeezed his hand before pulling back hers. “Good. Because I don’t want to become some person who’s afraid of her own shadow. I want to live my life, meet people, enjoy the day.”
“Then that’s what you’ll do. But right now, I need you to be careful.”
“You, too, Mister. As we know, you’re not bulletproof.”
He winced at her choice of words. “Point taken. However, I'm usually armed.”
“Got me there.”
“Seriously, Addie, I want you to think about your actions. Don’t stay alone in the store. Just for now, until we catch this guy.” He looked so intently into her eyes, she believed he could see into her soul. “Please.”
She made a little motion across her chest. “Cross my heart. But same goes for you. I know you’re a tough guy and all, but I almost lost you once.”
“Agreed.”
They finished their evening the way most couples do, eating dinner and then arguing over what to watch on TV. Addie soaked it in, the normalcy of it. For a few hours, she could pretend they were just that. A normal couple. She forgot about the terrifying, prophetic dreams and angry missives from a stranger. She reveled in snuggling on the couch with Jonah, while the girls lay at their feet.
They turned in early, gearing up for the holiday week, and making up for lost sleep last night. Addie kissed him goodnight and curled into the circle of his arms, then sent a silent message into the universe to keep the bad dreams at bay.
She stood flattened against the wall outside the room at the end of the hallway. Her breathing was labored, coming in pants and gasps. Addie covered her mouth; afraid she’d give away her location. It was the same room in the same hallway, familiar only from her nightmares. She gathered her courage and peeked around the doorway. The same person dressed in scrubs, stood next to the bed. Only this time, they were closer to the nightstand, not blocking the person in the bed from her view.
“No, I don’t want to die,” cried a feeble voice from the bed. Addie inched closer, straining to identify the familiar voice. And then Mrs. Henry raised her head from the pillow. “See, Addie, I told you they murdered Bill. Now it’s too late for me.”
“And for you,” the person standing next to the bed muttered as they turned toward her.
Addie jolted awake, a sheen of perspiration coating her. She clutched her chest, willing her heart to slow its frantic tempo.
Jonah sat up, turning to her. He enclosed her shaking body in his arms. “Another one, I guess.”
“Yes,” she cried, telling him what she could remember as she sobbed. “It was Mrs. Henry lying in the bed. She said it was my fault because I hadn’t believed her.” She buried her head against his warm chest. The dreams had never been so real. She could hear the fear in the older woman’s trembling voice. Felt the weight of her accusation.
“It’s okay, honey. It was only a dream.” Jonah swiveled and tapped his phone. “It’s not quite four. Try to get some more sleep.” He laid back down, pulling her stiff body with him.
Addie wanted to believe him, that everything was fine. But she knew better. “I have to know she’s okay. I could call and check.”
“I know you do, but it’s four in the morning. And you aren’t family. Even if you called right now, they’re not going to tell you anything. Wait until morning. You can call and ask to speak with her then. Put your mind at ease.”
She turned in his arms, laying her head on his chest. “I know you’re right. And I’ll wait until a decent time. But I have a very bad feeling that won’t go away.”
“I know you do.” He trailed one hand along her back in a soothing moment. “Let’s talk about something else, try to take your mind off things. I know. Tell me more about what to expect for Thanksgiving dinner.”
His soft laugh rumbled through his chest, vibrating against her cheek. She settled against him, happy once again for this lovely man. “Well, first there’s the turkeys.”
That caught his attention. “Did you say turkeys? As in plural?”
“I did indeed.”
“Should I ask why?”
“Each aunt makes her own turkey. It’s part of the Great Dressing Wars, as Grey and I call it.”
“Interesting. Thanksgiving is funny to me. I get the being thankful and all, altho
ugh I believe you should be thankful every day. But the food. Everyone gets so excited about the turkey, when really it’s everything else I look forward to.”
She squealed. “Me, too! I've always thought the turkey only serves as a centerpiece. It’s the sides I love. And then, of course, there are the desserts.”
Jonah smacked his lips in the dark. “I imagine Gertie will bring a pie or two.”
“Well, of course. And then there’s the other desserts.”
“Other?”
“Yes, the great debate is not only about dressing. Every year, we discuss the various pros and cons of pie versus cake.”
Jonah groaned. “There’s going to be cake, too?”
Addie laughed at the sound of his voice; that of a little boy in a candy store. “Yes, Jonah, there will be at least one but more likely two.”
“Dare I even hope for Clementine’s Death by Chocolate cake?”
“I think that’s a pretty safe bet.”
“Oh good. That’s my favorite cake ever. But don’t tell Gertie. I wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings.”
She giggled, the horror of the dream receding with their banter. Just like she knew he wanted. “Well, hold your horses. You haven’t tried Beatrice’s Hummingbird Cake. I wouldn’t announce a favorite until you have.”
He raised up on one elbow, peering down into her face. “Are you kidding me? I haven’t had one of those since my grandmother died. Took the recipe to her grave, much to my mother’s horror.”
“I never kid about dessert,” she joked, poking him in the ribs with one finger. “I did mention you weren’t ready for this meal.”
She saw his expression change in the soft glow from the open curtain. He wagged his eyebrows. “Well, then. I’d better get in some conditioning.”
Addie shrieked as he pounced on her, nibbling his way along her neck.
Addie waited until nine in the morning to call Magnolia Haven. She’d busied her mind with making a quick breakfast for them, then stopping for a pumpkin-spiced latte at Wide Awake Cafe next door to her bookstore. But now she couldn’t wait any longer. Although Jonah had done his best to reassure, and distract her, she worried about her friend. Mrs. Henry reminded her very much of her Aunties; the word elderly didn’t apply. The octogenarian had travelled the world until well into her seventies, when she lost her beloved husband. Addie enjoyed her stories about far-flung places. She and her husband, a civil engineer, had never had children. Made the decision to never have them; ‘rug rats,’ as Mrs. Henry referred to them. Instead, she chose to live a vagabond lifestyle, following her husband from one work assignment to the other.
Addie waited on hold, her tenuous patience fraying. She’d already spoken with two people, being passed along to whomever might be the right person. She glanced around the shop as she waited. Colorful decorations in all the lovely shades of fall, reds, greens, yellows, and browns, peeked out here and there. A very old, stuffed turkey, named Tom for obvious reasons, held court in the children’s section. Tom had belonged to her mother from childhood. Her mother, a life-long vegetarian, liked to joke that Tom was the only turkey she needed. Tom looked a bit worn from years of tiny hands petting him, but Addie wouldn’t have it any other way.
A voice finally picked up, and Addie jumped right in with her inquiry.
“Hello, I'm hoping you can help me. I’m calling to ask about my friend, Mrs. Henry, who lives in your facility. I don’t have her private phone number and was wondering if you could connect me.”
“I’m so sorry, but we aren’t allowed to give out information on our residents. Surely, there’s family you could contact.”
“Well, no, actually there isn’t any family. At least none I’m aware of. That’s why I’m asking you. She comes into my bookstore quite regularly, and I haven’t seen her in a while. I wanted to see that she’s okay.” She crossed her fingers at the small lie. Desperate times calling for desperate measures and all that.
“I am sorry, ma’am, but I can’t help you. We have very strict rules about privacy here. Have a good day,” the voice ended on a falsely cheery note before disconnecting the call.
“Rats,” Addie muttered to the empty store.
As she tapped her fingers on the countertop, trying to come up with a plan B, brisk knocking at the locked front door caught her attention. Normally she’d rush over to answer, but having an unknown stalker had changed that habit. Gracey and Lily barked from their shared bed at her feet. The lack of a throaty growl gave her some courage. Addie sidled along the length of the counter, peeking toward the front door as she went.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake, Adelaide Foster, we’re not getting any younger out here.”
“Give the girl a chance, Clementine,” commanded Aunt Beatrice.
Almost weak with relief, Addie hurried to the door to let them in. “What are you two doing out and about so early on a Monday morning?” She stood back and let her aunts pass into the store.
“We have our hair appointments in a bit. Thought we’d stop by see how you’re doing. It’s not like you ever come to see us anymore,” groused Clementine.
Addie hurried to each one, giving them a peck on the cheek. In all the confusion of the past few days, she’d never gotten around to checking in on them. Hardly a day went by without a phone call or inappropriate text. The latter usually had something to do with her aging eggs.
“I’m so sorry. It’s been a bit hectic, what with the holiday and all coming.” She chose to leave out recent events, not wanting to alarm them more than necessary. Best to mention her stalker once he was caught and no longer posed a threat.
Beatrice stepped forward and patted Addie on the arm. “So no more threats, then?”
Addie felt her jaw scrape the floor and couldn’t do anything to stop it. “How did you know about that?” She then saw the gleam in Clementine’s eye and shook her head. “Ah, let me guess. Blond, over six feet tall, can’t keep a secret to save his life?”
“Now, Adelaide, there’s no point in blaming dear Greyson. At least he cares enough to tell us the truth.”
They only called her “Adelaide” when she was in trouble, so Addie bit back a retort. “You know I love both of you more than Heaven and Earth combined. I was trying to protect y’all. Keep you from worrying.” She thought about choking her best friend but knew it wouldn’t come to violence. Grey loved her like the sister he never had. And besides, life without him would be boring.
Her text alert buzzed. “Excuse me one second, please.” She pulled her phone from her back pocket, glancing at the screen. Call me, sent by Jonah less than a minute ago.
She held up a finger for her aunts and hit his preset. He answered on the first ring.
“Should I sit down?” she asked, holding her breath.
“It’s not great news. I'm sorry but Mrs. Henry is in the hospital. Apparently, she fell and broke her arm. Or maybe her ankle.”
Addie sat down on the first surface she could find. “How did you find out?”
“Well, I knew you’d worry, so I called around. She was admitted to Ocean Grove Memorial late Saturday night. The good news is, she’s being released today. That’s all I know.”
Addie sucked in a breath. “Are we sure that’s good news? What if she’s next? What if my dream is right?” She heard the gasps from her Aunties. In her concern for Mrs. Henry, she’d forgotten they were there. Nothing she could do now. “I want to go see her, but I'm not sure if that’s the best thing after what Grey and I did on Saturday.”
“You may be right about that. Let me think about it. I have to go. Talk later?”
“Yes, of course. And thank you. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Addie. See you later.” He disconnected the call.
She turned to face the Aunties. “I’m not sure how much of that you heard,” she started, then stopped at the determined looks on their faces.
“Say no more,” advised Beatrice.
“We’re on it,” finished Clementine.
<
br /> “Hold it right there. Please. I can’t have either of you getting involved in this…well, I’m not sure what it is, but you know what I mean.”
Clementine pulled herself to her full height, not at all intimidating at just over five feet tall. Addie didn’t have the heart to break the news. “We’re just two concerned old ladies going to visit an injured friend.” She winked at Addie, blowing her cover.
Before Addie could try to talk them out of this hair-brained idea, the two turned and marched toward the door. Beatrice turned as she left, stating, “If he loves you so much, when’s he gonna put a ring on it?”
Addie just stood there, befuddled as usual after dealing with the Aunties, and watched them go.
9
Hours later, Addie looked up from her phone when she felt the weight of a stare. Grey, in all his glory, leaned against the other side of the counter. She sighed and closed her Kindle app. One great irony of owning a bookstore, and being surrounded by books every day, is that she rarely had time to read. “Yes? How may I help you?”
Not in the least bit put off by her tone for interrupting the first quiet five-minute period they’d had that day, he merely grinned at her. “I was trying to picture Beatrice quoting Beyoncé.”
“Oh. It looked pretty much like how I'm sure you’re imagining it. And please don’t encourage that. The last thing Jonah needs is the Aunties pressuring him to propose. It’s only been a few short weeks.”
“True enough I suppose, but neither of you is getting any younger.” Grey laughed at his own quip, something he did a lot. “Oh, I know. I could mention our baby pact again. He wasn’t thrilled with that.”
Addie groaned while shaking her head. “Please don’t.” When they were nineteen and drunk one night in college, Addie and Grey made a bizarre pact to have a baby together if they reached a certain (and still undefined) age without either having married. Having been friends since longer than either of them could really remember, not to mention his being gay, was what made it bizarre. Grey, being Grey, had mentioned it to Jonah very early on. Long before they were together. Because of his growing, and hidden at the time feelings for her, it had gone over like a fart in church.
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