Page 134 of Out of Nowhere

“I’m glad you liked it.”

“And, Glenda, thank you mostly for being my friend.”

When Elle set her away, Glenda said with all seriousness, “Not a problem. You’re the one who has to work at being mine.”

They held gazes for several seconds, then Elle walked her to the front door and waited to see her off. Just as Glenda was getting into her car, an unfamiliar Jeep pulled up behind it.

Calder climbed out. Elle’s heart began turning cartwheels.

He acknowledged Glenda with an absent-minded wave. She shot Elle a cheeky look over her shoulder, then got into her car and drove off.

Calder started up the walk. “Like it?” he said, hitching his thumb over his shoulder at the Jeep. “It’s new.”

“You traded in your Jag?”

“No. I still have it. We just needed space from each other.”

She laughed. He joined her on the porch, and then they just looked at each other. Eyes on her bruised cheek, he said, “Does it still hurt?”

“No. It only looks like it does. It’s been slow to fade, but it will.”

His eyes reconnected with hers, and he asked softly, “Are we still talking about the bruise?”

She gave him a wistful smile. “It’s no longer a shooting pain, just a dull ache.” He nodded understanding. “Come in.”

“Thanks.”

She turned and entered the house. He followed her inside. She asked, “How was California?”

“We had a great visit.”

“Lovely. Your dad?”

“The poster child for curing cancer with early treatment.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“Yeah. I talked to him about a new business venture. He came up with a great slogan.”

“Really? What?”

“Later.”

“You look excited.”

“I am. It feels good, Elle. Honest. Work I can actually talk about.”

“I’m glad for you.”

“Me too.”

“When did you get back?”

“This is my first stop.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I left something here that belongs to me.”

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