Page 108 of Capturing You
She swiped it in the scanner, giving Brooklynn a quick once-over. Cheri was usually cheerful, but her expression dimmed.
“This is Betty.” Forbes indicated Brooklynn. “She doesn’t have her license on her.”
Brooklynn smiled her million-dollar smile. “I lost my wallet.” She rolled her eyes. “I need to get one of those wallet-cases for my phone.”
Cheri’s lips pursed. She glanced at Forbes. “You know the procedures.”
“I do. She’s my sister, and Mrs. Ballentine is looking forward to seeing her. I was hoping you could make an exception.”
Just like that, Cheri’s smile was back. “I understand.” To Brooklynn, she said, “Just stay with your brother.”
“Will do.”
“Please send Dr. Shelley to Mrs. Ballentine’s room,” he said. “I’d like to speak with her.”
“I’ll let her know.”
The electronic lock clicked, and Forbes opened the door.
Brooklynn stepped through, pausing to look around. Her gaze landed on a group of women gathered in one of the side rooms.
“What’s going on in there?” she asked.
As if he’d know.
She headed that direction, and a woman waved her in.
“Are you in the market for a wig, dear?”
“Oh, no.” Brooklynn laughed. “Just curious.”
“The word is nosy,” Forbes muttered.
Somehow, the woman heard him and laughed. “Oh, darling,” she said, “Let a woman shop.”
He saw no point in responding to that.
Brooklynn called, “Have fun” and ducked out.
He led her down the hallway toward Grandmother’s room. “You remind me of a kitten that used to hang around my boarding school.”
“I love kittens! I always wanted one.”
“Ever heard that old expression about curiosity and cats?”
“A bunch of old ladies shopping for wigs aren’t going to hurt me. Not like your admirer.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Cheri, the receptionist. If looks could kill, I’d be bleeding out.”
“She was just doing her job.”
Brooklynn laughed. “Are you really so clueless? No wonder you’re not married. Cheri was practically drooling.”
“You’re crazy.” Wasn’t she? He’d never been good at reading people, and not being good at things irritated him. “You’re doing a lousy job keeping your head down.”
She looked up at him and smiled. “Now that we’re inside, I feel safe again.”
