Eventide

Chapter 14. Date

Chapter 14

Date

(I Need You To Love Me, by BarlowGirl)

I opened my closet and looked over my modest wardrobe; Jeans, t-shirts, four blouses, two skirts, two cloaks, and one search and rescue jacket. I did have two dresses, but one of those was a bridesmaid dress and the other wasn’t right for a night out on the town.

“I have nothing to wear for this date,” I moaned into the phone.

Annabel’s laughter peeled.

“Relax, Leah,” she said. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Where is he taking me? At least tell me that.”

“Paris, Bangkok, Tokyo? If I were you, I’d be ready for anything.”

I groaned as panic clawed at my brittle composure. Brogan was beyond wealthy. It was an easy thing to forget, with the way he lived and conducted himself, but Annabel was right. Brogan had no real limits on where he might take me on this date.

“That’s it, the date is off.”

“Breathe, Leah,”

I managed one deep breath. Didn’t help.

“Again.” She waited until I did. “Look out your window. That’s me parking.”

It calmed me a little, having her here. There was nothing she could do about my inadequate wardrobe, but at least I wouldn’t have to freak out alone. I had the door open before she got out of her truck.

“I’m serious, I’ve got nothing to wear for this, especially if he’s got something fancy planned.”

“We’ll be fine,” she said as she walked into my cabin.

I liked how she included herself in on this crises, but it was my problem. She wouldn’t be the one looking awkward and out of place in a few more nights.

“Aren’t you supposed to be recuperating?” I asked. “Did your doctor say you could get out of bed?”

Annabel removed her scarf and sunglasses to reveal the bandages on her ears, cheek, and the side of her neck.

“I was going stir-crazy sitting around doing nothing. I‘m not cleared to go back to work yet, so you get my full attention,” she said. “Besides, I wasn’t about to miss this after all the planning I‘ve helped Brogan with. Now, stop scowling at me and lets take a look in your closet.”

She snorted when she saw my wardrobe. “You’re right. You have absolutely nothing to wear for this date.”

“I’ve got to call him and cancel.”

Annabel closed my closet door. “You ready to go?”

“Go where?”

“Anchorage. We’re going shopping.”

***

“They’re closed,” I said. The sign on the door told me that much. “We should have called first.”

Annabel didn’t break stride as we headed up the short walk. An impeccably dressed man opened the door before we reached it.

“Welcome, it’s a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Granger,” he said to Annabel. He looked at me and smiled, warm and strangely pleased. “And this lovely young woman must be Miss Clearwater.”