Page 103 of An Investigator For Ivy

“Not yet,” she said.

“How about I bring you over something to eat,” he said.

“I’d like that a lot,” she said. She sniffled some.

“Are you crying?” he asked. He didn’t need this guilt on his shoulders.

“No,” she said. But her voice squeaked.

“Ivy.”

“Maybe a little sniffle. I’m fine. It’s just you hear things and I got scared. But now that I’m talking to you I’m okay. I’ll be better when I see you.”

“I’ll be there in about twenty minutes. Subs okay?”

“That works,” she said. “Turkey with everything but onions.”

He hung up a minute later and shut his computer down, then grabbed it along with his jacket and left the building.

He paid for their subs and then drove to Blossoms. He’d only ever been in here once to buy something for Raine and it was a while ago.

He opened the door and Ivy all but charged him like he had the robber. “Thank God you’re here.”

“I thought you were fine,” he said when she gave him a hug and a kiss.

“I lied. I am now though. Let me introduce you to those that are here. Not that it’s many, but Violet is in the flower shop working late and I want you to meet her too.”

He’d let himself be dragged around when he hated it before, but he told himself it was the least he could do if it made her feel better.

30

Being Too Sensitive

When Ivy had heard the news she wasn’t sure her legs were going to support her.

She went running to Dahlia who calmed her down briefly. Dahlia had to get Jasmine and together they made her take several deep breaths.

Tears had been flowing from her eyes like a broken faucet and all she could think of was Brooks hurt.

If she’d heard about the rifle going off she might have needed to be drugged or knocked out herself until she could talk to Brooks.

She couldn’t believe it’d happened hours ago and she just found out.

But Brooks was here now and she could breathe a sigh of relief.

Before she could go to the back with Brooks, the door opened and she turned.

Good lord, she wasn’t sure she could take it today.

“Hi, Ivy,” Gretchen said. “Aren’t those scarves pretty.” She’d been pulling them out of the box when Brooks came in.

“They are,” she said.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the excitement in town today?” Gretchen asked. It’s like Gretchen didn’t even realize she was with Brooks. Unless Gretchen was just being rude thinking Ivy was with a customer.

“I have,” she said. As far as she knew Gretchen had no idea she was dating Brooks. She’d bet Gretchen knew Brooks or at least would say she did.

Gretchen knew everyone if you asked her.

---