Page 6 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Morgan thought a moment and then said, “Give me your cell phone. I’ll give you my contact information in case you ever need help getting here on Saturdays.”

Simon’s face lit up. “That would be terrific. I have a car, but I find it difficult to park in town on the weekends.”

Morgan chuckled. “Saturdays are always busy. I’d be glad to pick you up on my way here. It’s not inconvenient.”

They gathered their things, put their empty coffee cups in the trash, and walked to Morgan’s car, which was squeezed into a space a block away.

As they walked, Morgan noticed that Simon was in good shape and able to walk briskly. His daughter-in-law needn’t be concerned about him.

They reached her car, got in, and Morgan drove them to the Signature Senior Living facility in an upscale section of town.

Driving through the gates onto the property, she noted the classy main building. Then, following Simon’s direction, she drove behind it to a cluster of individual houses.

“Here. My house is on the end,” said Simon, indicating a small, white Cape Cod with dark green shutters.

“It’s very attractive,” said Morgan.

“Would you like to come in?” asked Simon.

“Perhaps another day,” Morgan said. “I don’t want to put you out.”

“Okay, next Saturday,” said Simon. “In fact, I’ll order something for a light supper if you’re interested.”

Morgan heard the excitement in his voice. “That sounds very nice. Thank you.”

When she automatically went around the car to help Simon, he shook his head. “Thanks, anyway. But I don’t need help.”

Holding back a grin, she said, “I can see that you don’t. Have a good week. I’ll pick you up next Saturday. Please call to confirm the time.”

She waited in her car to see that he had made it to the front door and inside before she took off.

###

That evening, she walked over to Ashley’s house and rang the doorbell. Once a month or so, she and Ashley enjoyed a girls’ night out. Tonight, they’d chosen to have a light supper together, then go to the movies.

They were sitting in their favorite restaurant, Luciano’s, when Morgan told Ashley about her friendship with Simon Weaver. “Apparently, he has some money, and his daughter-in-law is anxious to inherit it.”

“Simon Weaver? The Simon Weaver?” asked Ashley.

“What do you mean? You know him?”

“I know of him. His family is akin to the Rockefeller family, with a fortune amassed in railroads, oil, manufacturing, and similar ventures. Unfortunately, Simon’s only brother was killed in the Vietnam War, and there are no other siblings, though some cousins stepped in when Simon’s son was killed. I don’t have all the details. You need to look him up online for those.”

“Oh, dear,” Morgan said. “I hope he doesn’t think I know all about that and I’m after any favors. I said I’d pick him up to come to the bookstore with me on Saturdays.”

“Sweetie, you’re about as genuine as it gets,” said Ashley. “You’ve never cared how rich someone was. Why would you think you’d start now?”

“I wouldn’t,” said Morgan. “But Constance, his daughter-in-law, might think something was amiss. From what I can gather, she’s like that.”

Ashley shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. He must be thrilled to have made you a friend.”

“We’ll see,” Morgan replied. “But I need to be honest with him.” She’d seen how disheartened he’d become talking to Constance.

CHAPTER FOUR

On Monday, Morgan entered the office with new energy. She was excited to work on interesting cases, a welcome change from the monotony of business deals. And she wouldn’t admit to anyone, not even Ashley, how Brad’s presence made a difference in her outlook. He was pleasant, thorough, and made a point to let her know he appreciated her help. Further, he was eager to answer her many questions. They were already becoming a working team in the office.

When she walked to her desk, she saw that Brad was already in his office.