When she missed the next question, Ted grimaced as if he felt every bit of her struggle. As the questions continued, she found herself looking at him more and more. Like a rock, he made her feel solid and confident.
Afterward, he swept her into a half-dance, half-hug. “You knocked ‘em dead!”
“Thanks. I’m so glad it’s over,” she said, fanning herself.
“Let’s go have a drink and celebrate,” he said.
After a short cab ride, they arrived at a local upscale bar, POV Rooftop, which was busy enough to let them get lost in the crowd. They settled onto a couch by a huge window overlooking D.C.’s skyline.
“Champagne,” he told the waiter.
“I haven’t been elected yet,” she protested.
“I know, but you’ve worked damn hard, and you’ve earned it, beautiful lady.” Admiration gleamed in his blue eyes. “After tonight’s performance, I’d say it’s in the bag.”
When the champagne arrived, he filled two tall flute glasses and toasted. “To the District of Columbia’s new attorney general.”
After they talked about the race and politics, a quiet pall settled around them.
“Thanks again for all your help,” she said. “I’ve really come to rely on you.”
“You sound like it’s a bad thing.”
“No, it’s good.”
“We’re simpatico,” he said, tapping her hand with his fingertips.
“Meaning?”
“Birds of a feather. On the same page.”
She nodded. The message was clear. They could have a great relationship. She’d put him off when she was seeing Rodney, and he hadn’t pressured her. But, now, Rodney was gone. Either he’d passed away or, worse, chosen to avoid her.
Maybe she should plan for the future. A relationship with Ted wouldn’t be an all-consuming passion like what she’d had with Rodney, but it would be better than fighting life’s battles alone. Ted would be snapped up soon by some other woman. It was a wonder he hadn’t been already.
She clutched her head. “Wow. Champagne is potent.”
“Let’s get you home.”
Fifteen minutes later, they stood outside her apartment door.
“Will you be all right?” Ted asked.
She nodded. “The champagne just exaggerated how tired I’ve been.”
“I should go,” he said, but the way he gazed into her eyes said he’d rather be invited inside.
“Good night, Ted.”
After closing the door, she dropped onto the couch, stunned. Ted had looked as if he wanted to kiss her, and she didn’t even mind. She definitely needed to avoid champagne.
She picked up the only picture she had of her with Rodney—the one taken in Wheeling. They smiled as if their love and lives would last forever.
“Damn you,” she said aloud as she turned the picture facedown and sobbed. “Why can’t you tell me if you’re alive or dead?”
She had to know. She needed closure.
When the phone rang, she grabbed it.
“Hi, baby. We saw your debate. You were amazing!”
“Hey, Ma. Thanks. How are the renovations going?”
Halfway through her explanation, Dad grabbed the phone. “I sprained my wrist like a damn girl. That’s how they’re going.”
“Oh, no,” Dee said. “Do you need me to come out there?”
“Not necessary. Your mother has been helping out.” He paused. “You sound down.”
“Just missing Rodney. I wish I knew whether he was alive or dead.” She’d already told them what Jack was trying to pull, and they’d agreed to keep quiet about it.
“If he’s alive,” Jeremy said, “I’ll bet your bottom dollar he’s in the swamp living on a houseboat.”
She drew closer to the phone, the champagne buzz clearing from her head. “Why do you say that?”
“That time you all came out here, he was all ears when I talked about living off the grid.”
“Really?” Dee asked.
“Yep. Down in Louisiana, people live on those houseboats. Considered it myself once. Didn’t care to tangle with any hurricanes in one of those, though.”
If finding closure required turning the Pearl River swamp upside down, maybe that was what she had to do. Finding Rodney wouldn’t necessarily mean they’d get back together, but at least she’d know he wasn’t dead.
Afterward, she discussed finances with her father. The flood damage cost more than Rodney had paid, so she agreed to send a check for the difference.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to visit?” she asked.
“No, go find your man,” Jeremy said in his gruff voice.
She laughed out loud. “How did you know what I’m thinking?”
“You’re my daughter, ain’t you? Be careful and take someone with you, okay?”
She ended the call, already making plans in her head. She had time before the election, and Rhonda was always up for a trip.
Next, she picked up Rodney’s picture again.
“Dead or alive, I’ll find you.”
Chapter Eighteen
Pearl River, Louisiana
Rodney had dinner with his new family on the houseboat. The fresh fish and greens tasted great, but his appetite was off.
Last night had been a blast, though. Bubba had taken him to Salty’s Place again where he’d participated in a jam session with some local musicians. Singing soul and playing a harmonica had soothed his own soul. He’d even set out a jar and earned a few dollars, which he’d immediately handed over to Bubba. He’d given one of the fledgling bands advice, too.
“You’re pretty good, Bill,” Bubba had said. “Maybe you could make a living making music.”
If he only knew. Bill. Would he ever get used to answering to a fake name?
Today hadn’t been bad, either. He’d helped clean the boat from top to bottom and given Timothy voice lessons.
Then, Karen had brought him another newspaper. He’d read that Breeze had played more shows. Although critics said Rodney would never be quite the same, the accident had made them even more famous.
How could they have moved on without him so easily?
“You’ve hardly eaten a thing,” Karen complained when she glanced at his plate.
“I wish I could pull more of my own weight around here,” he said.
“You’ve got to let that ankle heal.” Bubba stood and threw his fish bones in the water, far enough away so as not to attract alligators to the boat.
Then he stumbled, almost falling into the water himself.
“Pop!” Karen yelled as she pulled on his
