“What’s bothering you about this?”
“I heard that she came into town to say thank you to some folks, you included. Which is lovely. It’s a very sweet gesture, but—”
“She’s clearly staying with me.”
“Connie messaged me this morning. She said you two came down for breakfast together.”
I shake my head and try not to laugh. “I should have never taught either of you how to text.”
“Well it’s too late. You can’t take it back. You sleeping with this girl?”
“May.”
“No. I’m asking. You haven’t brought anyone up here since—”
“Since, I know. She came to town to see me. She’s here for a few days and as much as I’d love to hang out at the Lodges, it just made more sense to come up here.”
“Mhmm. Get all the privacy.”
“I’m a grown man, Mrs. Tierney.”
“No you’re not. You’re just tall.”
“I should get back. Thank you for the food. I’ll bring the platters back.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll come by in a few days.”
“Is there a nice way to ask you to call first?”
“I suppose that’s a fair request.” She tilts her cheek up for a kiss and then hops in her SUV. I wait until she’s backed down the drive until I wave and head back inside. I find Claudia in the kitchen, putting away the groceries. She’s on the phone. She turns and looks at me.
“He just came back—yes, mom. Hold on—no, I know,” she laughs. “And I love you for it. Hold on.” She drops her hand down by her side. “It’s my best friend, Liz. She wants to talk to you.”
I hold my palm out for her cell. “Voice verification required.”
“Something like that.”
“Hello?”
“Is this Shepard Olsen?”
“It is.”
“Hi, yeah. Great to chat with you finally. Here’s the deal. My amazing, beautiful, well-meaning friend who is the most important thing in the world to me besides my own sister, didn’t tell me where the fuck she was going when she dipped out of town.”
I look right at Claudia. “Did she tell you she was leaving town at all?”
“Yes, but not to track you down.”
“Oh? Where did she tell you she was going?” Claudia makes a face that lets me know she knows she’s been caught.
“To San Jose. To see her brother’s girlfriend. Or his ex.”
“I see.”
“Here’s what I’m gonna need from you, Mr. Olsen.”
“Sure.”
