Page 10 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“For me, too,” said Ashley, lifting her mug and clicking it against Morgan’s.

They grinned at one another.

Ashley cleared her throat. “I know how you feel about people having their privacy, but I did some online research about Brad’s wife and her murder. I read that a disgruntled father, denied visitation rights, went after Brad, blaming him for the court order.”

“Oh, no,” said Morgan. “How awful.”

“I know,” said Ashley. “Apparently, he rammed Brad’s sports car with his truck, causing it to leave the highway and roll over, killing his wife. At the time, everyone associated with the case was outraged. It was a clear case of aggression and intent to murder. The man is doing time in prison, but it’s not a consolation to anyone.”

Morgan clapped a hand to her cheek and gazed at Ashley with horror. “What a terrible, terrible thing. I didn’t want to ask him about it, and I felt that it would be an invasion of his privacy to look up information about the incident. Now, I’m glad I didn’t do any research on my own. What an awful thing to live with. No wonder Brad prefers to live alone with his dogs.”

“That kind of retribution does no one any good, resolves nothing. What a crushing blow to Brad.” Ashley sighed. “I’m sorry to bring such unhappiness into the day. Let’s talk about something less distressing. What have you got planned for the rest of the day besides the bookstore?”

“I have a date,” said Morgan. “Last week, Simon invited me to his house for a light supper, and I accepted. I hope to talk to him as a friend so he’s aware that I didn’t know his background and have no interest in his money.”

“As I said before, don’t worry about it. I’m sure he’s happy to have made a new friend.”

Morgan knew that she wouldn’t feel comfortable until she spoke to Simon about it.

###

Morgan spent the rest of the morning doing household chores until it was time to get ready for the library. She dressed carefully for the dinner that would follow. Nothing too fancy, but a little dressier than blue jeans.

Morgan put on brown slacks and a soft, green sweater, then studied herself in the mirror. Of average height, she had a healthy body, classic features, auburn hair, and light-brown eyes that people often commented on. She automatically brushed a lock of shoulder-length hair away from her face, glanced at her outfit, and turned away. This was the best she could do.

She’d promised to pick up Simon to go to the bookstore, and she didn’t want to be late. Grabbing her purse, phone, and car keys, she headed out the door.

As she climbed into her car, she noticed Ashley’s husband, Mark, playing ball with Ben in the backyard, and waved. She still hadn’t given up on the idea of having children of her own, but she’d yet to meet the man who might give them to her.

It took only a few minutes to reach the gate of the Signature Senior Living complex. She drove past the main building to Simon’s house and parked the car so she could get out to help him.

When she rang the doorbell, Simon answered promptly.

His eyes twinkled. “Hello. I’m glad to see you. I’ve already ordered our coffee over the phone, so we should be able to pick it up when we walk inside. And I’m delighted to tell you that Mr. Devlin, the owner, has also agreed for me to do some reviews for him.”

“Fabulous,” said Morgan. “It’s a real service to his store. Can I carry anything for you?”

“No thanks. I’m all set. I’ve signed out and am ready to go.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you had to sign in and out,” said Morgan. “But it makes sense. They have to be able to keep track of all their occupants.”

“Yes. I can come and go as I wish, but I’m required to notify them. It seems fair,” Simon said.

They got into Morgan’s car and headed downtown.

As usual, it was crowded on a Saturday afternoon.

“I’ll drop you off in front of the store and park the car,” said Morgan. “You can save the reading space for us.”

Morgan waited until Simon walked inside the store before taking off to get a parking space a little farther away.

When she returned to the store and went to their reading area, she was touched to see Simon sitting in one of the chairs and two coffee cups on the table.

“This is such a treat,” she said, smiling at him and sitting down. “I assume you told Mr. Devlin we were here.”

“Oh, yes. When I called to order the coffee, I requested that the space be reserved for us.”

“Nice. I’ll be able to give him my latest review of a book he asked me to read,” said Morgan. She took a sip of her coffee and faced him. “Simon, I need to be honest with you. I had no idea who you were or what your background was until a friend mentioned it to me. I know you have a problem with your daughter-in-law, and I don’t want her or you to get the wrong idea about my being your friend.”