An Engagement in Seattle - Debbie Macomber [55]
“I can live without cream,” Julia said absently, turning on her computer. “Would you ask my brother to drop in when it’s convenient? And please contact my husband and see if he could meet me for lunch.” She’d left while he was in the shower and had forgotten to leave him a note. “I meant to ask—” She stopped, realizing she probably already had a luncheon appointment. “That is, if I’m not tied up.”
“You were scheduled to meet with Mr. Casey, but I wasn’t sure if you’d feel up to dealing with him your first day back. I took the liberty of rescheduling the luncheon for Tuesday.”
Virginia knew Doug Casey, their outside counsel, was one of her least favorite people, and she smiled her appreciation. “Thanks.”
“I’ll get right back to you,” Virginia said. True to her word, she returned a few minutes later. “Your brother will be down shortly and your husband suggests you meet at noon at Freeway Park.”
“Great.” She turned back to her computer and didn’t hear Virginia leave her office.
Jerry hurried into her office. “I’m worried about Stanhope,” he said immediately. “I think he’s up to something. I’ve got a private investigator following him. If he makes contact with any of our people, we’ll know about it.”
Julia rolled a pen between her palms. “I can’t believe any of our employees would sell us out, can you?”
Jerry tensed. “After what happened last time, who’s to tell?”
“Let me know the second you hear anything.”
“I will. The investigator’s going to make regular reports.”
Her brother left, and Julia was involved with a large stack of correspondence when she noted the time. She stopped in the middle of a dictation.
Virginia raised her head, anticipating Julia’s next move.
“We’ll continue this after lunch,” she said, standing and reaching for her purse. “I won’t be back until after one. Cover for me if need be.”
“Of course.” Virginia was on her feet, too, and Julia felt her scrutiny.
“Is something wrong?” she asked the older woman.
“No,” Virginia said with a shy smile. “Something’s very right.”
“Oh?” Julia didn’t understand.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look happier.”
Ten
Freeway Park was one of Seattle’s many innovative ideas. A large grassy area built over a freeway. Green ivy spilled down the concrete banks, reaching toward the road far below.
At noon, many Seattle office workers converged on the park to enjoy their lunch in the opulent sunshine. Each summer the city offered a series of free concerts. Julia didn’t know if there was one scheduled for that afternoon, but nothing could have made her day any more perfect than meeting her husband.
She saw Alek from across the grass and started toward him. He’d obviously seen her at the same time because he grinned broadly and moved in her direction.
“Did you bring anything for lunch?” he asked, after they kissed briefly.
Eating was something Julia often failed to think about. “Oh, no, I forgot.”
“I thought as much. Luckily you have a husband who knows his wife. Come, let’s find a place to sit down.”
“What’d you buy?” she asked, pointing at the white sack in his hand.
“Fish and chips. Do you approve?”
“Sounds great.” She was hungry, she realized, which had become a rarity. Generally she ate because it was necessary, not for any real enjoyment. Anna was sure to change that. Alek’s sister cooked tempting breakfasts and left delicious three-and four-course dinners ready to be served when they got home. By the end of the year, Julia predicted she’d gain weight—from all the wonderful food…and because by then she’d likely be pregnant. The thought produced a deep sense of excitement.
Alek found a spot for them on a park bench. He set the white bag between them and lifted out an order of fish-and-chips packed in a cardboard container.
“Are you trying to fatten me up?” she teased.
His eyes twinkled. “You know me almost as well as I know you.”
“Indeed I do.” She laughed.
“But the question is,” Alek said, eyeing her speculatively, “do you like me?”
It was an effort to pull her gaze away from his magnetic eyes.