A blast of air shot from her lungs. “You’re right. It was worth the exaggeration. That’s what it was, right? Not a lie.”
“Whatever you want to call it.” He arched a brow again and took a long swig of his coffee. “I should get going.” He stood. “But don’t forget, Ang. If you need help, I’m willing.” He gave her arm a shake. “I only have Carly on weekends. I hate the limited time with her, but that’s our agreement, and I avoid tension with her mother. It doesn’t help our relationship. For now I’m stuck with short visits.” He tilted his head with a half grin, but she noted sadness beneath it. “Guess that gives you a look into my life.”
“At least you’ve been married. Not me.” Her comment drew her back to unwanted places. “And you have your little girl. I know you love her more than anything. It shows.”
He responded with that proud-daddy nod. “You’re right. I cherish her. And you saw how it was when my marriage ended.”
“Three years ago. That’s how long we worked together.” She thought back. “Or was it more?”
“Four, I think. You came to the office when Carly was almost one. She’s turned five and goes to kindergarten.”
“Really?” The years had flown past since they’d first met.
Rick stepped toward the doorway and waved. “I need to be on my way, but remember what I said.”
“I will.” She followed him through the living room.
When she stepped onto the porch behind him, he turned and gave her a hug. “I hope the rest of your unpacking goes well.” He added another squeeze, stepped down to the sidewalk and headed to his SUV in the driveway without looking back.
Her chest pressed against her lungs as she watched the SUV back out to the street. She still felt his strong arms around her. After she gave a final wave, she drew her gaze from his car and stepped toward the door feeling as if she’d lost something precious.
Pulling her mind back to her empty reality, she noticed a woman heading toward her from across the street.
Her curiosity rose as the neighbor stepped onto the sidewalk and strode up her driveway toward her with a grin. Angie smiled back, guessing the woman wanted to be the first to meet the new neighbor.
“Hi.” A container in one hand, the woman extended the other. “I’m your neighbor Rema.”
She grasped the woman’s hand. “Angela Bursten. It’s nice to meet you.” Her greeting stretched the truth again.
“Welcome to Lilac Circle.” Rema released her hand and motioned toward the driveway. “Sorry I missed your husband. I look forward to meeting him.”
“Husband?” Heat rose up her chest as she understood Rema’s reference.
“I noticed him pulling away as I started across the street.” Rema eyed her and grimaced. “I assumed he was your husband.”
Angie drew back, managing a chuckle. “No. He’s a coworker who volunteered to tote some boxes for me. No husband here.” The admission left an unwelcome reminder, yet Rick’s smile hung in her thoughts.
A questioning look flashed across Rema’s face, and Angie recalled Rick’s hug on the porch. A sigh slipped from her. She didn’t owe her an explanation and didn’t have one. Warmth spread through her, and she recalled the wonderful sensation.
Rema gave her a sympathetic look.
“Speaking of boxes, I have them stacked all over inside, otherwise I’d...” Her discomfort grew as she sought an amiable goodbye. “But I appreciate your welcome, and—”
“I understand.” Rema extended the container. “I brought you a little welcome gift. Homemade.”
Angie’s heart sank. Now she was on the spot. “That was very thoughtful.” As she pulled the container closer, a sweet scent wrapped around her. “And it smells delicious.” She glanced over her shoulder at the mess. “Rema, if you don’t mind falling over boxes, you’re welcome to come in.” She opened the screen door, motioning the other woman inside.
Without hesitation, Rema slipped past and stood inside the doorway.
“Have a seat, Rema.” She motioned to the living room.
Rema moved into the living room, and Angie placed the housewarming gift on a lamp table before also taking a seat, knowing what she should do but unable to deal with it today. Angie eyed the woman, trying to think of something to say, but Rema saved her from worry.
“Did you notice the house for sale on the corner?” Rema gestured to the head of the street. “We’ll be having another new neighbor soon.”
“No. Sorry, I hadn’t noticed.”
“A number of people have looked at the house. Spring seems a good time to sell.” Rema gazed into space as if she had something on her mind, and though uneasy, Angie waited before trying to end their conversation and the visit.
As if awakening, Rema patted her lips with a napkin while curiosity grew in her eyes. “So why aren’t you married?” Her brow fluttered to an arch before lowering. “Divorced? Or are you widowed?”
Startled, Angie organized her thoughts. She could have said she was never asked, but that wasn’t something to share with a stranger. No matter, she still had hopes. Serious hopes but... She dropped the thought and shrugged. “I never got around to it, I guess.”
“I’m surprised. You’re very pretty.” Rema’s admiring gaze shifted to the window as a scowl rose on her face. “But you’ve made a wise decision.”
Angie waited for the punch line, but Rema’s expression underlined her seriousness. Not wanting to broach the sensitive topic, she manipulated the conversation back to Owosso. “Tell me about the town. I’ve seen a few of the lovely old buildings almost set back in time, and I spotted the Curwood Castle. It’s a historic town, I know, but what else is interesting?”
Rema’s face brightened, but then Angie realized she might have opened Pandora’s box when she needed to finish unpacking. She waved her words away. “I’m sorry, but why don’t we save this for another time? I’m sure you have things to do, and I need to get to work.” She rose and stacked the dishes. “Thanks so much for coming. And thanks for this wonderful treat. I’m sure it’s as delicious as it smells.”
Rema took her unsubtle hint and rose. “You’re welcome. It’s nice to have a new neighbor so close. The last person living here was a crotchety old man who sat outside giving everyone the evil eye. You’re a welcome relief.”
“Th-thank you, Rema. Hopefully we’ll have another friendly neighbor in the house for sale down the street.”
“I hope so.” She put her hand on the doorknob. “I’m sure we’ll be best friends soon enough.”
Angie didn’t know what to say, and when Rema stepped outside, Angie closed the door and caught her breath. She wanted to be neighborly without coffee klatches or hanging over the fence. She preferred being with her friends, people who meant something to her.
Rick’s image filled her mind. Their friendship had blossomed without effort. If not for her lack of confidence in relationships, she might have given thought to him as more than a friend a couple of years earlier. Lately her feelings had strengthened even more since they’d been spending more time together outside work.
The images flying into her mind throughout the day had got out of hand. She’d never known a man so thoughtful and caring. Although they were friends, he treated her like someone significant in his life. He made her feel like a woman and not a commodity. Yet her hope fell flat when she thought about the corporation where they worked. The company didn’t tolerate employee romances. She tried to forget the work awaiting her. She pulled back her shoulders and forced