Josh was at a friend’s house, and Savannah and Ash were in her room. After a short conversation with them, I found my notebook and went outside with Coco to sit on the deck swing. Grateful for the chance to relax a little, I wrote down a couple of my thoughts for Bob. It was time to take my counseling seriously, and that meant that I needed to do my part.
The first thing I wrote was that Willow was driving me crazy, and that I was really starting to hate her guts. Next, I wrote that I was probably breaking the law, but it was for a worthy cause. Last, I wrote that Uncle Joey wanted me to be his successor and it made me sick.
Lastly, I wrote that if I didn’t find Mack’s killer, I’d be letting my dog down. Of all those things, letting Coco down was probably not the most important. I knew he’d love me no matter what, and that relieved some of the pressure. Still, it was something I needed to do.
I listed all the reasons I felt stressed and noticed a pattern. Most of my worry was based on things that hadn’t happened yet, may happen in the future, or may never happen. Still, the fine line I walked between the mob and the cops was starting to weigh on me, and I knew something needed to change, but what?
I wrote down a few ideas, but nothing seemed to answer that question, so I tore the piece of paper from the notebook and ripped it over and over until it was in tiny little pieces. Did it help? Maybe not, but at least now I could focus on something else, like what to make for dinner. I needed some comfort food, and, since I’d been saving my mac and cheese recipe for a day when I had more time, right now was perfect.
After eating one of our favorite dinners together, everyone chipped in to help clean up. Once the dishes were in the dishwasher, the kids took off to do other things, and I had some time to tell Chris about my day.
“And just so you know… I’m also meeting Dimples and Willow at the hotel bar at nine tonight to talk to the bartender.” I smiled, proud that I’d told him an hour and a half before I needed to leave. That was real progress.
“Oh.” He nodded. “Well, I hope that’s the break you need.”
“Yeah, me too.” I held his gaze, waiting for him to complain. When he didn’t, I frowned. “So you’re okay with that?”
“Shelby.” He put his hands on his hips, his hurt gaze cutting into my heart. “You make me sound like an ogre. Of course I’m fine with it. It’s what you do now and part of who you are. I may not always like it, but I’ve come to accept it.”
He was right. Why did I always expect the worst from him? “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll try and do better.”
He shook his head. “It’s okay. I haven’t always been as supportive as I should, but we’ll figure this out. I mean… now that you’re going to take over the mob, I need to stay on your good side, right?”
I burst out laughing. “Wow… I hadn’t even thought of it that way…”
“Yeah… with that much power… don’t make me sorry I pointed it out.”
I sent him a mischievous smile. “I’ll have to get back to you on that. How are all the legal details coming anyway?”
“It’s taking some time, but I’m almost done. I haven’t forgotten about your stipulation, and I’m going to write it in. I just hope Manetto goes for it.”
“I don’t know why he wouldn’t. But, even with that added, just remember that you still need to stay on my good side.”
“Oh… I plan to.”
Before leaving for the bar, I decided to change into a sleeveless summer dress. I’d fit in better at the bar, plus I wanted to look good and outshine Willow at the same time. The dress was white, with splashes of bright colors, and I loved the simple yet breezy flow. With dangly earrings and a necklace to dress it up, it was comfortable as well as cool. And with the v-neckline and fitted waist, it was flirty and fun.
I was ready a little early, but decided to leave anyway. Right after I left, my phone buzzed with a text from Dimples, telling me that Willow was running a little late, and would I mind meeting there at nine-thirty?
I replied that I’d see him then and continued on to the hotel. That placed me at the bar about forty minutes early, but it wouldn’t hurt to sit there alone for a short time. I could glean some good information from the bartender if he wasn’t on the defense. Besides, watching people, and using my secret ability, was highly entertaining, and I didn’t get to do it nearly enough.
Entering the hotel bar, I was grateful I’d dressed up a little, since I fit right in. I found a place at the bar closer to the far end, where I could get a better view of the people coming and going. The bartender came right over, and I recognized him immediately.
“What can I get for you?” His friendly smile gave him a youthful charm, meant to put me at ease, but I didn’t miss his assessing glance.
Hmm… maybe I should play along? “Oh… uh… I’m waiting for a friend. It looks like she’s late, but she should be here any minute now.”
“Okay. I’ll check back then.” He smiled, noticing my big diamond ring, and thought I probably had a load of credit cards in my large purse. Too bad
