“I guess if I ever meet him, I’ll see for myself. Their life is like a soap opera. When are you going to share your good news with Blake?”
“As soon as I get home.”
“I’m sure he’ll be happy for you. Promise me you’ll let him in.”
“What do you mean?”
“You tend to push people away. Don’t do that with him. He’s a keeper.”
Vi hadn’t expected that, but Rose was right. She tended to keep her distance, mostly with men. “Now you’re playing the role of mother with me?”
“You did it for me for years, so why not? You could use some good advice.”
Though Rose couldn’t see Vi, she rolled her eyes. “I know you approve of Blake, but what makes you think he has any interest in me besides our mutual concerns about Gran and Malcom?” Other than a few kisses, as unforgettable as they were. “Right now, we’re close because of the grandparents. Once that’s settled, I doubt we’ll feel the same way.” At least Blake wouldn’t.
“Oh, his interest goes further than that and vice versa. He looks at you like he cares. That night at your house I could almost feel the electricity between you two. Why not enjoy what you have while it lasts?”
“I want to, but like I said, I don’t want to get hurt.”
“I’d like to shake Devin until his teeth rattle.”
“What good would that do?”
“It’d make me feel better. He should suffer for what he did to you.”
“He doesn’t care. Anyway, I’m over that and him.”
“Prove it. Let your feelings for Blake run wild.”
“Stop with the advice already. I don’t need to hear that.” No sense getting her hopes up when the man had admitted hedidn’t think he was capable of committing to anyone, especially long-term. Her feelings for him were already too strong, and she absolutely, positively didn’t want to fall for him. “Let’s drop the subject, okay? How’s Peter?”
“He seems fine. He left early for the hospital. I don’t know when he’ll be home.”
“He didn’t tell you?”
“He said he’d be here for dinner, but you know how that goes. An emergency comes in and they’re short-handed so he steps in. Such is the life of a much-in-demand surgeon.” Rose was quiet a minute, then let out a sigh. “As busy as he is, I sometimes wonder if he’s avoiding me.”
Vi frowned. “He wouldn’t do that. He loves you.”
“Does he? Speak of the devil, he’s calling now. Bye, and tell Blake hi from me.”
Vi waited until after eating the pickings she found in the fridge and the giant cookie from lunch. Then she poured a glass of wine, toasted herself, and phoned Blake.
CHAPTER 18
After wolfing down a burger and sides at Come on In at the end of the Friday workday, Blake was restless. He’d made plans to visit his sister the following morning, but the evening yawned in front of him, and he wasn’t in the mood to sit at home. Not after the busy week he’d had. He needed to go out and have fun.
A shame Vi hadn’t phoned. Hours ago, she’d said she would. Not a word from her since, a disappointment but not unexpected. She’d gone cold on him and his questions the other night. Could he help wanting to know more about her? He knew stuff about her past, but for some reason she didn’t want to get into the here and now, at least not with him.
The thing was, there’d been times before she’d agreed not to give him any more confusing messages, when her eyes, a pretty golden brown, had flashed longing, and he’d been sure she was interested in him.
Wishful thinking on his part, he decided, disappointed. He really liked her.
He was sitting in the parking lot, scrolling through the movies playing tonight at the Crestwood, a funky movie housethat showed oldies and foreign films, when she finally called him. Well, well. “Hey,” he answered.
“Sorry I took so long to get back to you. It’s been a crazy day.”
Hearing from her boosted his spirits. She hadn’t brushed him off after all. “Let me guess—you got that raise.”
