“What kind of party is it?”
“Uh, you know… just hanging out and stuff. Did you want me to bring you a pizza tomorrow night? I thought we could watchSome Like It Hot. It’s playing on TCM.”
Patty laughed. “I’ve seen that movie so many times, and each time I see it, I laugh my head off. That sounds wonderful.” She yawned.
“Getting sleepy?”
“It’s the pain pills. They knock me out.”
“I’ll take off and let you take a nap. I’m going out with Rory and Claudia for dinner. We’ve missed our girls’ nights out for the last few weeks, but we’re all available tonight, so we’re going for it.”
As Hailey walked through the parking lot, she noticed the cop in the rumpled jacket heading to a dark blue sedan. He glanced at her briefly, then turned away. She wanted to ask him what the hell was going on, but she knew he wouldn’t tell her squat. Maybe she could get some more information from one of the CNAs.
The sedan turned out of the lot as she slipped into her car. Glancing at the digital clock, she pushed down on the accelerator and sped off to the restaurant to meet up with her friends.
Thai Garden House was a newer addition on Saguro Street. Nestled between a wine bar and a boutique specializing in handmade items, the restaurant catered to a more adventuresome palate. Large windows brought in a lot of sunlight while hand-painted silk fans on the walls and brightly colored umbrellas suspended from the ceilings added to the exotic feel of the eatery.
A sleek brushed silver bar lined the side wall, and the lighted glass shelves hosted a colorful array of bottles housing an assortment of alcohol from liqueurs to bourbon. Bronze tables and chairs were filled most of the time, and reservations were recommended in order to avoid an hour or two wait.
Besides the excellent food, the gem of the restaurant was its outdoor dining on the back patio. Replete with bamboo pergola, reflecting pool with fountain and moss-covered rocks, wind chimes, and vibrant plants and flowers, the back area was like an oasis in the desert.
“I just love it here,” Hailey said as she bit into her spring roll.
“It doesn’t feel like we’re in Alina. It’s like we’re on vacation,” Claudia said.
“Exactly, that’s why I love it back here. Speaking of vacations, what’s going on with yours, Rory? I thought you and Troy planned to get away.”
Rory slumped back against the chair’s thick cushion. “I did. You guys know I’ve been planning this damn trip since the beginning of summer. Each time we get ready to go, something comes up with him. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t want to go.”
“Duh, he doesn’t,” Claudia said.
“Why? I would think he’d be dying to get away. Alina can be stifling in the summer. I have the whole seaside trip planned. I’m tempted to go without him. I’ll show him he’s not going to ruin my plans.”
“You should,” Hailey said.
“Do you guys want to go on the trip with me?” Rory asked.
Hailey picked up her passion fruit daiquiri. “I’d love to go, but I can’t leave the flower shop or my aunt alone.”
“I’m going to my cousin’s wedding in Houston, but Hay’s right. You should go alone.”
“I know, but I think I’d be too depressed to be there alone knowing Troy and I were supposed to go. I don’t know. Maybe we can plan a fall trip.” Rory took a bite of her pad thai noodles.
“How’s it going with you and Garth?” Claudia asked.
“Good. He’s actually really sweet.” Hailey dipped her beef satay into a spicy peanut sauce.
“What does that mean? Details.” Claudia snickered.
“Like, he’s always texting or calling me, he waits for me when he goes to visit his grandma, and he’s been making sure I come in and out of my house without a problem. Remember I told you about that creepy guy who’d been watching me?”
“Yeah, I remember. Have you seen him again?” Rory asked.
Hailey shook her head. “Not since Goldie implemented his ‘Safe Hailey’ plan.” She giggled.
“How in the hell can you remember to call Garth ‘Goldie’?” Claudia mixed some hot sauce on her rice.
“At first I didn’t think I’d be able to, but Goldie is so different from the Garth I knew when I left that it isn’t that hard.”
