50 Harbor Street - Debbie Macomber [48]
Gloria was on her way home from work and had stopped by to invite Linnette out for dinner. Any other night Linnette would’ve leapt at the offer. Being new in town, she was grateful to have a friend.
“Bet the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach has nothing to do with the flu.”
“You’re right,” Linnette said. She slipped on her black boots and decided to add a black knitted vest over her red blouse. The vest, one of her favorites, was decorated with sequined Christmas trees. She’d hoped to wear it when Chad asked her out, but so far that hadn’t happened. If he didn’t show any interest soon, the holidays would be over and it’d be too late to wear the vest for another eleven months.
Linnette eyed her neighbor skeptically and wondered if Chad had called her. He’d expressed an interest in Gloria, but judging by the little she’d managed to pick up in conversation—she didn’t want to be too obvious—Gloria hadn’t heard from him. Well, maybe she had, but if so, she hadn’t mentioned it.
“So you’re going out to dinner alone? Does that happen often?” she asked, hoping for more information about Gloria’s social life.
Gloria shrugged. “Since you’re busy, I’ll probably just order in. Maybe from Wok and Roll. I’m in the mood for something hot and spicy.”
Linnette sighed. “Oh,” she murmured, genuinely disappointed. “I love their food. I wish I could join you.”
“Another time,” Gloria said. Straightening, she glanced at her watch. “I better get out of here before your date shows up.”
Just then the doorbell chimed.
“Too late,” Linnette whispered, dreading the evening more with every minute.
“Just remember what you said earlier,” Gloria reminded her. “You want to let him down gently.”
“You’re right, I do. He’s a really nice person. Actually, I’m glad you’re here so you can meet him. Then you’ll understand my dilemma. He’s charming and witty, but it can be hard to hold a conversation and—”
“Don’t you think you should answer the door?”
“Oh, right.” Linnette hurried into the other room and opened her door.
Cal stood there holding a small potted poinsettia. “Merry Christmas,” he said without a hint of a stutter.
“You brought that for me?” The answer was obvious and Linnette felt even more uncomfortable. Silently she vowed she’d make sure he understood this was their last date. It was the right thing to do.
“For you.” His gaze moved past her to Gloria, who stepped out of the other room.
“Cal, this is my friend and neighbor Gloria.” As she spoke, she set the plant on her coffee table, where it provided a festive touch.
Gloria came forward with her hand extended. “Hello, Cal, I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”
Cal’s gaze shot to Linnette, and he seemed both pleased and surprised. “My p-pleas-sure,” he said, shaking hands.
“I’ll check in with you after the weekend,” Gloria said as she moved past Cal on her way out the door. “Have fun, you two.”
“I’ll just grab my coat and gloves,” Linnette said and momentarily left him. She opened the hall closet to retrieve what she needed, and for good measure, added a wool scarf. When she’d agreed to go out with Cal, they hadn’t decided what to do. She’d suggested a movie. That sounded less demanding than attempting to carry on a conversation over dinner. Because she wasn’t all that interested, she hadn’t bothered to look at the movie listings.
When she returned, Cal’s appreciative smile warmed her. He took her coat and as he held it, she slid her arms into the sleeves, almost wishing he didn’t possess such impeccable manners. Not looking at him, she buttoned her coat, wrapped the scarf around her neck and put on her gloves. They left the apartment and she locked the door, testing the doorknob—just like her father always did.
“Did you decide which movie you want to see?” she asked as they started down the staircase. The wind chilled her face immediately and it seemed about to snow.
He shook his head. “Did you?”
“Oh, I didn’t really look. Should I go back to the apartment and get the paper?”
He shook his head again.