Page 60 of This Heart Of Mine (Chicago Stars 5)

“Thank you.” Her reply was so cool that Molly wished she hadn’t mentioned it.

Lilly gazed at Roo, who was trying to impress her with his Bruce Willis sneer. “My cat’s in the car. Mrs. Long said it wouldn’t be a problem to bring her, but your dog seems a little fierce.”

“It’s all show. Roo might not like having a cat around, but he won’t hurt her. Introduce them if you like while I go inside to check on your room.”

Lilly Sherman’s star might have faded, but she was still a star, and Molly expected her to object to being kept waiting, but she said nothing.

As Molly headed inside, she wondered if Kevin knew about this. Had they been lovers? Lilly seemed too intelligent, not to mention that she spoke flawless English. Still…

Molly hurried upstairs and found Amy bent over one of the tubs, her tight black shorts forming a world-class wedgie.

“A guest just arrived, and I don’t know where to put her. Is anybody leaving?”

Amy straightened and gazed at Molly strangely. “No, but there’s the attic. No one’s stayed up there this season.”

“The attic?”

“It’s pretty nice.”

Molly couldn’t imagine sticking Lilly Sherman in an attic.

Amy settled back on her heels. “Uh, Molly, if you ever want to talk about, you know, things with me, you can…”

“Things?”

“I mean, I noticed when I cleaned Kevin’s room that you didn’t sleep there last night.”

Molly found it irritating to be pitied by someone with connect-the-dots hickeys. “We’re estranged, Amy. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“I’m really sorry. I mean, like, if it’s about sex or anything, I could maybe answer any questions or, you know, give you some advice.”

Molly had become an object of pity for a nineteen-year-old Dr. Ruth. “Not necessary.”

She hurried upstairs to the attic and found the room surprisingly spacious, despite its sloping ceiling and dormers. The antique furniture was homey and the four poster double bed seemed to have a comfortable mattress. A large window had been added at one end to give more light. Molly threw it open for fresh air, then investigated the tiny, old-fashioned bathroom at the opposite end. Barely adequate, but at least it was private, and if Lilly Sherman didn’t like it, she could leave.

Just the thought of it raised her spirits.

She asked Amy to get the room ready, then rushed downstairs. There was still no sign of Kevin. She returned to the front porch.

Lilly stood near the railing stroking the enormous marmalade cat in her arms while Roo sulked beneath one of the wooden rockers. He hopped up as Molly opened the front door, gave her an injured look, and scurried inside. She arranged her face in a pleasant expression. “I hope your cat will be gentle with him.”

“They kept their distance.” Lilly rubbed her thumb over the cat’s chin. “This is Marmalade, commonly known as Marmie.”

The longhaired cat was nearly the size of a raccoon, with gold eyes, enormous paws, and a large head. “Hey, Marmie. Go easy on Roo, will you?” The cat meowed.

“I’m afraid the only empty room is the attic. It’s nice, but it’s still an attic, and the bathroom leaves something to be desired. You may want to reconsider staying or maybe you’d rather take one of the cottages. They’re not all filled yet.”

“I prefer the house, and I’m sure this will be fine.”

Since Lilly had Four Seasons written all over her, Molly couldn’t imagine anything about it would be fine. Still, manners were manners. “I’m Molly Somerville.”

“Yes, I recognized you,” she said coldly. “You’re Kevin’s wife.”

“We’re estranged. I’m just helping him out for a few days.”

“I see.” Her expression said she didn’t see at all.

“I’ll get you some iced tea while you’re waiting.”

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