Page 15 of Summer Weddings
“You didn’t.”
“I suppose you called to talk to Jeff,” she said. “He’s with Blackie and Kelly—Kelly Lawrence, the little girl who lives on the other side of us.”
“I see.”
“He’ll be back in a few minutes, if you’d like to call then. Or if you prefer, I could run and get him, but he said something about sneaking out and going for help and—”
“I beg your pardon? What’s Jeff doing?”
“Oh, they’re playing in the fort, pretending they’re Houston and Daniel Boone. The fort is now the Alamo.”
He chuckled. “I see. No, don’t worry about chasing after him. I’d hate to see you waylaid by the Mexican army.”
“I don’t think I’d care for that myself.”
“How’s everything going?”
“Fine,” she assured him.
She must have sounded rushed because he said, “You’re sure this isn’t a bad time? If you have company…”
“No, I’m here alone.”
Another short silence, which was broken by Cole. “So everything’s okay with Blackie? He isn’t causing you any problems, is he?”
“Oh, no, everything’s great. Jeff lavishes him with attention. The two of them are together practically every minute. Blackie even sleeps beside his bed.”
“As you said, Jeff has a way with animals,” Cole murmured.
His laugh, so tender and warm, was enough to jolt her. She had to pinch herself to remember that Cole was a prominent attorney, wealthy and respected. She was an accountant. A junior accountant at that.
The only thing they had in common was the fact that they lived next door to each other and her son was crazy about his dog.
The silence returned, only this time it had a relaxed, almost comfortable quality, as though neither wanted the conversation to end.
“Since Jeff isn’t around,” Cole said reluctantly, “I’ll let you go.”
“I’ll tell him you phoned.”
“It wasn’t anything important,” Cole said. “Just wanted to let you know when I’ll be back—late Friday afternoon. Will you be home?”
“Of course.”
“You never know, your friend might talk you into going out with Fred after all.”
“It’s Frank, and there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell.”
“Famous last words!”
“See you Friday,” she said with a short laugh.
“Right. Goodbye, Robin.”
“Goodbye, Cole.”
Long after the call had ended, Robin stood with her hand on the receiver, a smile touching her eyes and her heart.
* * *
