Looking for Sophie. Roz Denny Fox

Lounge. I didn’t commit, but Jenny Hoffman—you know her—told me she met the stranger and invited him to join us for drinks.”

      John caught Garnet’s elbow. “Maybe you shouldn’t go. Whatever you do, don’t let him separate you from your friends. The lounge has a doorman. If you feel threatened, ask him to escort you to your car.”

      “This is dumb.” She tossed her head, as though shaking off her anxiety. “I’ll be fine. I really doubt anyone wanting to hurt me would show his face in such a public venue. Frankly, the guy probably got his kicks and is long gone. Good night, John. Thanks for caring. I’ll be fine.”

      ALL THE NEXT DAY, Garnet periodically glanced out her classroom window. At lunch, she sat on the front steps, all but daring the man in the Jeep to appear. No rust-red Jeep materialized any time that afternoon, either.

      The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day—and the year. Students streamed into Garnet’s room to say their final goodbyes. At four o’clock, Jenny stuck her head in the room.

      “What did you decide about happy hour? I’m riding with Wendy and Susan. You want to hitch? Wendy can drop you off back here to pick up your car.”

      “No, thanks. I’ll drive on my own. I have a couple of things to tidy up here. Order me a Cosmopolitan, will you?”

      “Oooh, you’re going whole hog. I think I’ll get one, too.”

      Twenty minutes later, Garnet scanned the street between the school and her car. Still no Jeep. Nor was one parked near the lounge. She got lucky and found a parking place right outside the front door.

      The last to arrive, Garnet slipped onto a stool Jenny had saved. The friends laughed, joked, toasted each other, and helped themselves to a variety of hors d’ oeuvres. A few teachers left, but Garnet had ordered a second drink when Jenny slid off her stool to leave with Wendy. “I’m seriously bummed,” she said. “The hottie’s a no-show. Come on, Garnet, we’ll walk you to your car.”

      Garnet waved them away. “I’m parked right next to the door. I’ll be fine, Jenny. Considering what I paid for this drink I’m not wasting a drop. I think I’ll find a booth and order some dinner. I’ll see you Monday. We need to talk about what we’re going to do over the summer break.” Standing, Garnet hugged all three friends. The trio walked out and Garnet signaled a waiter to request a booth. He carried her drink, put it down and said, “I’ll bring you a menu.”

      “No need. I’ll just have a chicken Caesar salad.”

      The waiter turned away. Garnet started to sit, but felt as if she were being watched. Not uncommon. The lounge was a popular hangout.

      A quick glance around the room, though, and she froze. A man who must’ve just entered was indeed staring at her. It was the stranger who’d been asking questions at school and her apartment complex. Garnet’s cheeks heated as he blatantly slid a sleepy-lidded gaze from her head to her toes and back again.

      SOMEHOW, once Julian saw Jenny and the other women leave, he didn’t expect to find Garnet Patton inside. When he did spot her, he didn’t think she’d recognize him. But the instant their eyes met and he watched her square her slim shoulders and narrow her eyes, Julian knew he’d been made. He considered ducking out, although perhaps it was time to discover if her ex-husband might have a reason to be setting up housekeeping in Georgia.

      Besides, from the set of her jaw as she marched toward him, she plainly had questions of her own, and she intended to get answers.