Page 63 of More Than a Good Friend

She eyes me a second before giving me the name. “Why?”

“I like food.” That’s a truthful statement, but it isn’t the reason I want the name. So technically I might’ve kinda sorta lied. “Whatcha making?”

“Enchilada casserole. Easy, and all you guys love it.” She starts humming as she pours sauce over the top.

“I do for sure.” I roll my shoulders, readying myself for the next part of this conversation. “You seem happy. Did yesterday’s date go well?”

The spoon clatters to the floor, and she reaches to pick it up. “Yeah. Luke was nice. Very much a gentleman.”

“But?” The word topples out before I think better of it.

She shakes her head. “No but. He wants to go out again. Maybe next weekend.”

“Oh, good. I mean, I’m happy if you’re happy. That’s what friends are for, right?”

Her head bounces in a subtle nod. “The casseroles need some time in the oven.”

“Save me a piece. I have some errands to run in San Antonio.” I start for the door. “Nice chatting.”

“Just let me know about the zoo. I’d love to go.” She walks around the counter. “Is everything okay?”

“Yep.” I’m doing my best to be a really good friend. “Just have something I need to do.” I set my hat on my head. “Up for a movie later? Maybe something scary?”

“I’ll make us popcorn.”

I wave and head out to my truck. If I’m going to have time to search, I need to beeline into town. Her earring has to be somewhere, and if it’s at the mall, I aim to find it.

When I arrive at the mall, I scout the parking lot for a mall cop. Hopefully, they’ll tell me where I can find the lost and found. I have her other earring in my pocket, so I won’t accidentally go home with the wrong one. A mismatched set isn’t really a set at all. Or is it?

Anyway, I spot a guy and flag him down. He rolls down his window, looking far from impressed.

“Do y’all have a lost and found? I’m looking for something that got lost at the mall.”

“What you looking for?”

I hold out the earring. “The match to this.”

He crinkles his brow. “You dropped that? Why? Because it didn’t go with your dress? Or did it get snagged when you were putting flowers in your hair?”

This guy acts tough sitting in his car, but I could probably snap him like a twig. But I won’t. Even if I weren’t following the plan, I wouldn’t hurt him. I’m a lover, not a fighter.

“Yeah. The pantsuit was a bit too casual and when I stuffed the earring in my bra, one fell out.” I shrug. “But now I need it. Can you point me in the right direction?”

I’ve managed to keep a straight face, which has the security guard confused. He can’t tell whether I’m being serious or joking. He’s clearly been smoking too much of something. I’d look horrid in a pantsuit. People would’ve run screaming from the mall. Might’ve even made the news.

He points. “Down that way is an office. They can help you.”

“Thanks.” I shove the single earring in my pocket and begin my search.

No one in the office has any clue about a lost and found. But they call someone who calls someone who tells me that no earrings have been turned in recently.

But I’m not ready to give up yet.

I walk the mall, my gaze focused on the sidewalks and landscaped areas. Nothing. Maybe I should’ve started at the restaurant. I find it on the map, then scan the ground as I walk over.

When I step inside, the young woman at the welcome station smiles. “How can I help you? Are you here alone?”

“I’m hoping you can help me.”

---