Page 85 of The Attraction File

“Oh, maybe he would—” Mrs. Charles smiled turning toward me with a tray of gray-colored cookies.

“No! Uh, Edgar’s severely allergic to lemon.”

Evaleen’s mom stared at me, daring me to question her untruth.

“I made some without lemon.”

“He’s also allergic to peppermint and cayenne.”

Evaleen’s mom pushed past Mrs. Charles and grabbed my arm pulling me into her apartment.

“Good day, Mrs. Charles.” She shut the door and turned to lean her back against it.

“Oh, Edgar, I’m sorry I lied about your allergies. But trust me when I say, I may have saved your life.”

She pushed off the door and began to remove my coat for me before taking it to the coat rack.

“Wow, those are beautiful.” She smiled.

“Oh,” I lifted the bouquet, “yes, they are for Evaleen.”

“Of course. Let me get her for you.” She didn’t move, instead she continued to stare at me as she yelled, “Evaleen. Flower delivery.”

We stood there listening to some noise coming from down the hall. Evaleen’s mother’s smile grew wider as I became increasingly more uncomfortable.

“Is it from your secret admirer again, Mom?” Evaleen’s voice turned my head and my jaw dropped.

Her golden hair flowed down her shoulder over a coffee-colored dress. It was a wrap dress and it fit her like a glove. I had seen Evaleen naked, but I had never seen her wear something that added to her beauty.

“Oh, Edgar. Why are you here?” Evaleen asked.

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