Page 40 of Gideon's Gratitude

The SUV slid up the hill like the wonderful dream she was. I missed my sports car, but the mountains saw both rain and snow. Not good for my baby. The baby I’d bought two years ago with the bonus a businesswoman had given me after I extricated her from a terrible marriage with most of her assets intact. I’d had a suspicion and hired a forensic accountant. Who located assets the husband had been squirreling away, while she’d been sharing everything. The funds weren’t substantial—she was willing to walk away from the pittance, but the guy’d been using the money to support a mistress and another family. Divorce done. Bonus obtained.

“Left here.”

I followed the direction and headed into, yes, a blue box store. This was going to be interesting.

Two hours later, my fascination had only increased. I bought so much stuff, it’d taken two carts. I didn’t enjoy asking Gideon to push one, but there’d been no one to assist us. We filled the back of the SUV and even tossed one bag into the back seat. I wanted to wear my new clothes from the store, leaving behind the old ones, but Gideon insisted I donate the clothes to a local charity. Since Jean-Michel took care of these things, I’d been intrigued. My clothes regularly rotated before I wore them too often, with the suits going to a charity for convicted felons.

I flashed back to the clothes I borrowed from Gideon.Thatman wore them until they fell apart. I offered to buy a few things, but my prickly companion had resoundingly rejected the notion. If I had a clue about sizes, I might’ve done it anyway. Except I didn’t know, and somehow offending the man didn’t seem like a good idea.

“Turn left here.”

We’d exited the parking lot and headed back toward town. I was surprised at the choice.

“There’s a back way into the area where we live. It’s good for you to know all your options.”

As we turned, the GPS system chimed and reset the instructions. Perhaps one day I wouldn’t need it, but here, in the dark, I most certainly did.

“You said I’m the same size as your ex. A taller man?” And why was I bringing up this sore topic? Curiosity. And something to talk about during the drive.

A grunt. Then, “Yeah, you’re about the same size. I always felt short, right? Except back then I was all muscle, so I didn’t feel completely inadequate. Now, though? Back to feeling like I’m not good enough.” A huff. “And, for the record, you have the same chiseled jaw. He’s got brown hair, unlike your blond. And he’s got green eyes while yours are this funky dark gray.”

Funky?

“And his hair is way shorter. Like almost a buzz cut. I’m surprised yours is so long.” As if he surprised himself, he snapped his jaw shut.

“My stylist assures me this is in fashion. He wanted me to do stubble, but I found that a step too far. I look prettier than other attorneys. Makes me attractive to the women, and men often underestimate me. This appearance works to my advantage.”

“I bet it does.” Also muttered under breath.

Did he know I had excellent hearing, or was he accustomed to keeping his own counsel, and not realizing he had company? Hard to say.

The road dipped sharply.

“Should’ve warned you about that one. The next few klicks are windy, so watch your speed.”

I intended to. “How are you faring? You mentioned you couldn’t drive at night.” Hopefully not another sore topic.

“The oncoming headlights are too bright. Another reason we’re sticking to the back roads.”

Not an answer I expected.

“You have light sensitivity?”

“I have everything sensitivity.” Said with disgust.

If I didn’t need to focus entirely on the road, I might’ve chanced a glance. As it was, though, I needed to stay focused.

“Around the next bend, you’re going to climb. It’s pretty steep.”

“Good to know. Thank you.”

Nothing but trees and the road. As we crested the hill, though, a streetlamp came into view.

“The lamps are primarily at intersections and sharp curves around here. Keep that in mind.”

“Are there no lamps on our street?”

Gideon guffawed. “Uh, no. Didn’t you know that?”

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