Page 20 of The Lake House

Pushing my hand away, she says, “I’m fine. Now, stop. Declan. Let’s talk about Declan.”

I smirk. “There is nothing more to say about Declan. When are you going back to the doctor’s?”

“In a month. Now stop changing the subject. Declan, woman. Declan!”

I laugh at her eagerness in getting me to talk about the stud from the fair the other night, the guy who used to make my heart skip a beat every time I’d see him around town.

“What aren’t you understanding, Liv? There’s nothing more to say about him. What am I supposed to do? Go to his job and bring him coffee?”

Liv’s expression at my statement is priceless. Her whole face illuminates, beaming like a ray of sunshine. Shit, what had I gone and said?

“No, don’t even think about it, Liv. It’s not an option.”

She reaches across the table and grabs my hands. “Aww, come on, Giules! Nothing is ever an option with you, lady! Seriously, bringing him coffee at work is not such a bad idea. It’s actually a great idea!”

I shake my head. “No way. You’ve really lost your damn mind! I mean, what if he doesn’t drink coffee?”

Her eyebrows rise in shock. “Then he’s obviously not the guy for you. I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t drink coffee. What kind of demon can function first thing in the morning without one or two or five cups of java?”

I chuckle. “Five? Now I see why your blood pressure is so high that your doctor wants you to cut back down on caffeine.”

* * *

The following morning, I get to the deli at 6:45 a.m., and I’m ready to get to work by seven. I help Mr. Abner stock up some shelves for about half an hour and then work at the register for the rest of the day.

“So, how are you liking it so far, dear?” Mrs. Abner asks as she pulls off her apron and places the garment over her left arm. She looks at me with the same friendly smile that she always wears and waits for me to answer.

“I’m really loving it. This job is great, the people are wonderful, and I’m finding myself at ease. I love it here. I should have come sooner. That’s the only regret I have.”

She nods, still smiling. “Better late than never, I always say. And I’m glad you’re happy now. It’s about time.” She raises an eyebrow.

“I know, I know.” I already know she’s referring to Todd. Even before she had told me, I kind of had a feeling she wasn’t a fan of his. I wonder if I should mention the text Todd had sent me the other night. Hmm. Maybe it’s best if I don’t. Why worry her? There’s no reason to. It was just Todd being the stupid ass that he always is. And I know he said he hadn’t been drinking again, but I still really think he was.

“Good girl. I’m glad you know what I’m referring to without me having to say a word. I’m just happy you’re free now to make your own decisions.” She heads into the back office and comes out seconds later apron-less, holding on to her purse.

She walks up to the opposite side of the counter and looks at me. “I’m going to head out. Do you feel comfortable locking up? Greg said he mentioned he showed you how the other day?”

I smile back at her. “Yes, he did, and I feel totally confident. You can go right ahead. I’ll finish up and make sure everything is ready to go for tomorrow morning.”

She reaches over with her right hand and pats the counter. “Good, good. Then I’ll see you in the morning. Have a good night, dear.”

“You, too, Mrs. Abner.”

Anna Abner walks to the front of the store and exits out the door. Usually, she would head out from the back door, but once in a while, she and Mr. Abner would leave through the front.

By the time I’m all done cleaning and closing up, ready to head home, it’s past 10 p.m. I grab my purse, making sure I have my phone and my keys, and make my way toward my car.

As I take my first couple of steps, I adjust the strap from my purse over my shoulder. A noise from behind me causes me to turn around, but there’s nothing there. It sure sounded like footsteps, as if someone was behind me, following me. Maybe the dark of the night and no one else around is causing me to freak out just a little. And yet, I could have sworn I heard something.

I unlock the door and get in, quickly adjusting my mirrors after putting on my seat belt. The windy evening whooshes so loudly that I can hear it, even with the windows closed. I reach over and place my purse on the passenger’s seat, when suddenly, a knocking sound on my window makes me jump back. I snap my head around with a shriek, but nothing is there. What the hell? I know I heard something. As a matter of fact, this time I’m certain of it. I turn my head around from side to side, but there’s nothing and no one around. I’m alone; there’s not a soul in sight. Still, I’m sure I heard a noise that sounded like a single knock on my window.

What was that?

ChapterNine

DECLAN

Ijump out of my car after parking off to the side and race to the front door. I’m running late to pick up Lily from the daycare. Shit. I know she doesn’t mind because she loves it here, but still, I don’t like getting here at this time.

---