Page 5 of Proof

As Chi-Chi stepped into the showroom, a soft bell rang in the back, signaling someone had entered. Chi-Chi was familiar with Cullen’s routine and made her way past the beautifully restored pieces of furniture, lamps, and a variety of once-discarded home goods such as old lanterns, plaques, a coatrack, and an umbrella stand. She called out, “E káàrò!”

“E káàrò,” a voice in the distance replied. “Come on back.”

Chi-Chi admired the most recent armoire Cullen had revitalized as she entered the workshop area. Cullen was wearing a work apron, and a face shield sat atop his head.

“Good morning!” He was grinning from ear to ear. “I’m covered in sawdust,” he said apologetically as he attempted to brush some of it off.

Chi-Chi waved a hand in front of her face, fanning away any remnants from his work. “I can see that.” She blew him a kiss.

“You look lovely today.” He smiled at her.

“Thank you. And you? You look like you do every morning,” she teased. “But I like it anyway.”

“Good thing for me. So, what are your plans for the day?”

“I will be going through the paper mess my brother left for me.” She paused. “May I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“When I was speaking to Luna, she seemed very distracted. Almost worried. She was not behaving like her usual self.”

Cullen picked up the damp towel that he kept on the workbench and wiped his hands. “I was thinking the same thing. She seemed a little off. I mean off as in not her usual kind of off.” He managed a grin. “She was almost sullen.”

“Ah. Yes, that is a very appropriate word. Sullen.” Chi-Chi tilted her head. “Do you know why she may be in a mood? And please do not say hormones, or I will have to slap you.” Chi-Chi was serious. She’d had enough of the female moodiness/hormone stigma. If men could experience having a period just one time, they would never criticize a woman again for going through her monthly challenges. Then add paying sales tax on the necessary items. It was infuriating.

“Easy.” Cullen could see the fire smoldering in Chi-Chi’s eyes. “I would not dare to suggest . . .” His voice trailed off before she could get in a good punch, verbal or otherwise.

Chi-Chi folded her arms. “What did she say to you this morning?”

“Not a whole lot. I asked her if there was something bothering her, and she was vague. Something about not being able to put her finger on it. Then I asked about Chris, and she said things were fine.”

“Hmm,” Chi-Chi responded. “I got a similar response from her.”

“It’s been several weeks since they’ve seen each other,” Cullen reflected.

“Yes. And they usually spend every other weekend together. Something is not quite right. I can feel it in my bones,” Chi-Chi said.

“You’re beginning to sound like her, too!” Cullen chuckled.

Chi-Chi gave him one of her stop before you say something stupid looks. “Maybe you should call him and invite him to a game, or whatever men do together.” She looked him directly in the eye.

Cullen blinked several times before replying. “I suppose I could, but Luna might get annoyed.”

“Why would she? He is your friend, too, is he not?”

“True. And we have hung out together before.” He looked up at the local community calendar. “There’s a classic car show in Asheville on Saturday. That could be interesting. Maybe I’ll get into the car restoration business.”

“That is a brilliant idea,” Chi-Chi said.

“Getting into the car restoration business?” He tightened his lips. “I was kidding.”

“I know you were kidding, but that could be your excuse for going. You can tell him that you have been considering classic car refurbishing and want to research the idea.” Chi-Chi was normally uncomfortable with subterfuge, but this was for a good cause. Plus, she wouldn’t be the one carrying it out.

“Now that is brilliant,” Cullen responded cheerfully. “We make a good team.”

“I happen to think so.” Chi-Chi was almost blushing. “You have your assignment, so now get busy.” She turned on her heel and waltzed out the door.

Cullen watched the colorful fabric float away. He pulled his phone from the drawer that kept it safe from flying splinters and speed-dialed Chris’s number.

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