Jack’s station. Alone with him and a recorder in his office, I went over my actions of the day, including the scene in the bookstore.
“That’s how I knew Peter was involved, when he ripped the magazine out of my hands and bragged about what a super salesman he was, getting MarySue to order the shoes.”
“Do you still have the magazine?” Jack asked.
“Of course. It’s back in Dolce’s office. You can use it for evidence. But Peter already confessed. At least to me, and Dolce heard him from where she was hiding in the dressing room. That’s enough evidence, isn’t it?” I asked. “What is it, involuntary manslaughter?”
“Not sure yet. Not your problem,” he said. “But I will want you to testify.”
“Of course,” I said. “But not now I hope. I’m a little tired.”
“I’ll get someone to drive you and Dolce home.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll be in touch,” he said. “You did good today.”
I smiled. A word of praise from Jack was worth a lot. I wondered if I’d get anything else, like a medal of bravery. Instead, I got a dinner invitation for Saturday night.
“Same place?” I asked.
“My place,” he said.
“You cook?” I asked. I couldn’t believe this. I’d gotten the shoes back, and a tough big-city cop had invited me to dinner. Just a thank-you meal or the start of something big? Things were looking up. Before MarySue was murdered I’d been dateless, now I had three men in my life and I was going to do what I could to keep them around. Besides Jack there was Dr. Jonathan with his primo bedside manner. I owed him big-time for all the time, energy and money he’d invested in me. I owed Nick the gymnast as well, for all he’d done for me. Besides cooking up some
FASHION TIPS FROM DOLCE
Must-Haves for Fall
PANTS—Sleek, slim and super-sexy. You can’t have too many skinny black pants in your wardrobe. Warning —Order one size down because they DO stretch. Buy several pair, wear to work or for any occasion that calls for Business Casual. Pair your skinny pants with chunky wedges or boots and you’re good to go.
COLORS—Soft neutrals and non-offensive beige are in. No more over-the-top bold colors and retro designs. Afraid you’ll be boring? Not if you mix it up with a fresh silhouette, fabrics and the new longer length.
VESTS—Now’s the time to buy a faux-fur vest. No mistaking it for the real thing, but that’s OKAY! No apologies please. Just wear and enjoy the look and the compliments coming your way. The cropped style is actually quite flattering.
SHOES—Yes, you can look fab on a budget! Mix and match budget items with high-end brands. Here’s what I love—rough boots with flowery flirty dresses or pumps with ripped boyfriend jeans.
HAIR—Bangs. A great look for fall. They work well with the teased updos and the retro makeup. Natural waves? Scrunch your bangs while damp for more texture and roughness, that’s what makes them curly. OR go natural—no straightening, no heat. Let your real texture out of the box. Bring back the bounce! “But what if my hair is straight?” you ask. Apply a leave-in conditioner while hair is damp to tame the frizz. Absolutely no wave at all? Get a cut with lots of layers. Scrunch hair while drying.
Aunt Grace’s Dating Rules
DO’s
1. It may sound boring and obvious, but do be on time. Showing up late or looking like you threw yourself together gives the impression that you don’t care. Maybe you don’t, but why bother going out with this person if that’s the case?
2. Try to enjoy yourself. This is not a root canal or a final exam. It’s a date for heaven’s sake. Yes, finding your soul mate is serious business, but dating is supposed to be fun. At least act like it is.
3. Do compliment your date on his clothes, his car and/or his choice of venue. Both men and women put a lot of effort in trying to look good and it’s good for us all to hear that all that effort has paid off.
4. Act like you’re interested and interesting. Ask questions, share your thoughts and pay attention.
5. Do not play games. If you’re not interested in seeing him again, don’t string him along. It’s selfish and isn’t good for anyone. Let him down as gently and firmly as possible.
6. Date only men you’re attracted to, no matter what your friends say. Otherwise you’re wasting his time and yours.
7. Stay positive even when you have a terrible dating experience. Mr. Right may be around the next corner.
8. Be proactive. Whether you subscribe to an online dating site or your friends are setting you up. Dating requires action, planning and activity. Get out there and meet people.
9. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded friends. Share experiences, friends and good times. Good friends will root for you to succeed at love and will be there for you when you need support.
10. Don’t give up. Stay upbeat.
DON’T’s
1. Don’t call, text or e-mail more than once a day to someone you’ve just started seeing. You’ll come across as desperate.
2. Don’t date the same kind of people you know are wrong for you. Many of us are attracted to the kind of guy who’s not good for us, but now’s the time to break the pattern.
3. Don’t be late for dates. If you have a serious conflict, let the other person know. And always apologize.
4. Don’t lie to your date unless it’s to tell him you really like his shoes when you think they’re dorky. The kind of lies I’m talking about are the ones you tell to try to impress him.
5. Don’t be too available. I don’t mean you should play games, but if you’re free every night, you need to get a life other than dating. You’ve got interests. Pursue them. You’ve got friends. Call them.
6. Don’t reveal your life story on the first date. Save something for later. Getting to know someone takes time.
7. Don’t ignore your date. Concentrate on him instead of scoping out the hottie in the corner. Give the guy you’re with the courtesy of all your attention.
8. Don’t drink or eat too much. Everything in moderation.
9. Stay safe. Keep your cell phone charged and handy and tell your friends where you’re going and with whom.
10. Don’t give out your phone number or address on the first date.
11. No sex on a first date. It’s much too soon.
12. Don’t go out with married men. No matter how attractive. You deserve better.
Five Reasons Why Rita Likes San Francisco
(Here’s What, Where, Why, and When)
1. WEATHER—Rita loves the weather in San Francisco because (like her) it’s so unpredictable. But it does
