Room for Murder - Tim Myers [28]
“Nothing since we spoke this afternoon,” Elise admitted.
Somehow they got through dinner, but Alex found that he was relieved to be driving back to Hatteras West. Something had gone terribly wrong with the evening, and he didn’t have a clue how it had happened. All his expectations, all his preparations, and they had ended up having a terrible time.
He couldn’t just let it die, not like that. Instead of driving directly back to the inn, Alex stopped at Bear Rocks.
Elise asked, “What’s wrong?”
Alex grinned. “Well, I figured we should go ahead and get our ‘good night’ kiss out of the way before we get back to the inn.” Before Elise could say anything, Alex added, “Relax, I’m just kidding. Man, that was one huge disaster, wasn’t it?”
Elise said in a near-whisper, “Alex, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.”
Alex replied, “I’m not about to let you take all the credit. Let’s make a list of my mistakes tonight. I was way overdressed for Irma’s, the flowers were probably over the top, I shouldn’t have ordered our food ahead of time without at least asking you. Let’s see, did I leave anything out?”
Elise laughed, a sound that was sheer joy to his ears. “I think you were sweet. We both put too much pressure on ourselves to possibly have a good time. It was dreadful, wasn’t it?”
Alex joined her laughter. “It was indeed pretty painful. So does this mean we’ve passed permanently into the ‘friends’ zone?”
“I don’t know,” Elise admitted.
“I, for one, hope not,” Alex said, keeping his gaze locked forward. “Elise, the more I get to know you, the more I care for you. You’ve become a good friend, but I’ve got to admit, every time I see you, my heart jumps a little. I just wish this would have worked out.”
“Me, too. Believe me, Alex. So what do we do now?”
Alex admitted, “I’m at a complete loss. I was hoping you’d know.”
Elise nodded. “I don’t. We might as well go back to the inn.”
“I guess you’re right. Sorry our evening was such a bust.”
She hesitated a moment, then said, “I am, too. Let’s just put this behind us.”
He nodded. “I guess that’s the only thing we can do.”
Alex drove back to the inn, walked her to her door, then said, “Good night, Elise.”
She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips, a peck so brief he could barely believe it had happened. “Don’t give up yet, Alex. My heart’s been known to skip when you’re around, too. Nobody said this was going to be easy.”
“Nothing worthwhile usually is,” he said as she disappeared into her room.
Alex was left with nothing but the gentle reminder of her perfume in the air, and the memory of the slight pressure of her presence near him.
For tonight, it would have to be enough.
The next day, things were still a little awkward between them, and Alex wondered if that particular dream of them ever being together was dead beyond all hope. Truth be told, after breakfast he was happy enough to go off on his own cleaning Main while she tackled Dual.
He was just finishing the hallway sweeping when he heard someone calling him from downstairs. Conner Shook was the last person on earth Alex expected to find visiting his inn.
“Alex, how are you?” There was no way to tell from the warm tone in his voice that the two of them had stopped talking since Conner’s marriage with Tracy had broken up.
“Conner,” Alex said evenly. “What can I do for you?”
“It’s about this mayoral race. I was hoping to talk to you about throwing your support my way.”
Alex could barely believe the man’s gall. “Conner, you know better than that. Tracy and I have been friends forever.”
“Friendship is one thing, but the office of mayor is something else altogether. Tell me something, Alex, do you really see Tracy running Elkton Falls?”
“I think she’s just what this town needs,” Alex said.
Conner shrugged. “Okay, that’s fine, I understand, but if you change your mind, I’d be happy to have your support.”
“I wouldn’t count on it if I were you, Conner.”
The man just laughed. “By the time the election rolls around, you might not have a choice.”
“What are you implying?” Alex