Page 4 of Bold Encounter
Since Geneveive had performed in the evening before going to Jasper's, it was quite late.It was even later, since she had talked with him over coffee.He wouldn't have accepted the invitation, but she seemed to want to chat a bit.After what she'd been through, Abe was glad to let her talk.
He assumed that she'd sleep late, which was likely her regular schedule.He informed the station of his activity for the night, so he wouldn't be expected to report that morning.
Abe tried different positions, leaning the seat back or up, to stay reasonably comfortable.He was prepared to continue watching her place until later in the day, whenever she came out.
Much to Abe's surprise, he didn't have to wait that long.He stared at the condo entrance, watching Genevieve exit in a pale blue jogging outfit.
She did a few stretches on the stairs then took a breath and looked around.When she spotted Abe, she smiled and strode over to his car.He rolled down the window and she leaned down.
"I thought you called the station to post an officer for the night."
"You're looking at him," Abe said."No better man for the job."
"I certainly won't argue," Genevieve said."I couldn't sleep well, so I thought I'd go for a jog.I'm foggy-headed, though."She smiled, melting his heart again."How does breakfast sound?"
"I can't think of anything better."
Genevieve got into the passenger seat."I know a great place just up the street.My treat.It's the least I can do to repay you for guarding me all night."
Abe pulled away from the curb."The night was half over before I came out here.But I accept.I'm hungry."
"It's Molly's Café, four blocks up," Genevieve said."Good coffee and a list of breakfast items."
Abe found parking not far from the place, and Genevieve led the way."I'd probably have stopped here anyway for coffee.Molly makes a mean latte."
Inside was warm and inviting, lifting the night's fatigue almost instantly.Genevieve picked a table near the window and Abe sat across from her, grateful for the opportunity to be with her for a while longer.
The waitress greeted them and took their orders.
"I'll have two eggs over easy on salad greens with the sourdough toast and fruit," Genevieve said."And a hot latte."
The waitress looked at Abe."Make it pancakes and sausage.Coffee, black."When the waitress glided away, he said, "You eat light, after being up most of the night."
Genevieve took a sip of water."It goes with the territory.I must stay fit and work out hard.Being on stage might seem easy, but it is physically demanding."
"I don't doubt it."The black coffee arrived promptly, and he took a swig."That's another reason you are able to defend yourself."
"Yep."Genevieve looked at him, a bit too intently."What about you?Clearly you're in shape."
"I have to stay sharp," Abe said."And old habits from my Navy SEAL days have stayed with me."
"Ah, I can see that.You seem like the type."
Abe wasn't sure what that meant but accepted it as a compliment."Tell me about performing.You've done well in a very competitive arena."
"It's my passion," Genevieve said."It's the only way to survive.To go at it lukewarm wouldn't work.Too many challenges."
The food arrived and they ate for a few minutes.Then Genevieve told him more about her rise to fame.It turned out she'd started playing the guitar at age ten and shortly after began singing the blues.She also played the piano and the ukelele.
"It's a fun instrument.I should incorporate it in my shows more often."
"Do you stick to blues?"
"For the most part.I perform my own songs and some others," Genevieve said, "but blues is my favorite."
Abe didn't bring up Brooke's case, as it didn't really involve Genevieve.But when the food was gone and they sipped the last of their coffee, he couldn't let it go.
"I want to make sure you're safe," Abe said.
