Page 22 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"You're welcome," he says, smiling back.

I walk down the hall, trying to remember which room is the office. I assume it must be the one with the double doors, and I'm right.

The room is spacious and smells of expensive leather. On one side, there's a massive U-shaped mahogany desk with a matching credenza and hutch on the opposite wall. There's also a seating area with a leather sofa, two matching chairs, and a coffee table. I pick up the phone on the desk and dial my mother first.

"Hello," Mom's familiar voice sounds sweet and kind at first, but the tone changes as soon as I identify myself.

"Hi, Mom, this is Sharon."

"Well, if it isn't the prodigal child."

"I called to give you my address and phone number."

"I didn't think we'd be hearing from you again now that you have a new life and a quarter of a million dollars to your name."

"Is that Sharon?" Rick's voice in the background gives me hope that this won't be a wasted phone call. "Let me talk to her."

"Here you go," says Mom.

"Sharon? How was your trip?"

"It was good," I say. "Can you take down my address and phone number before I forget?"

After he writes down my contact information, he asks me various questions about my trip.

"How long do you think you'll be gone? The house feels empty without you."

"I'm sorry," I say. "I don't know how long I'll be working for the Linders, but—?"

"Linder?" he asks. "Why does that name sound so familiar?"

"Well," I say, "I've been working for them since December. Maybe I mentioned them before."

"Maybe," he says. "Garrison, New York. Is it close to the city?"

"About an hour away," I say. "But it's nothing like the city. It's a small town, quiet and safe."

"That's music to my ears, Sharon. I don't like the idea of you living so far away. With strangers. If something happens, I can't just jump in the car to go find you."

"The family I work for is very nice, kind, educated, and generous."

"Is that right? And what exactly do they expect in return?"

"I watch their son. It's a job, Rick. I promise, there's nothing to worry about."

"Okay. I'll trust your judgment, but please stay in touch."

"Okay, I will."

"I mean it," he says. "Promise me you'll check in at least once a week."

"I promise."

After we talk for a few more minutes, I hang up and dial Betty's number.

We spend a few minutes discussing her summer plans with Anthony, and she asks me to call Jimmy's parents.

"They called this morning," she says. "They wanted to know if I'd heard from you."

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