Page 66 of Mountain Target

“We stopped for a crêpe, Aunt Val. It was so good. If you’re nice to Beau, maybe he’ll take you out to get one, too.”

“Eh … uh …” Val stammered.

“Or you could just go out to dinner together, you know? I can stay at home alone, or you can call Aunt Marie to come over, if you’re not ready for that.”

“When did she become Aunt Marie?” Valentina spluttered. “And what do you mean, if I’m not ready for that?”

Ren rolled her eyes. “Never mind. I’ll leave you two to it. I’ll be upstairs if you need me, doing my homework—and listening to my music.”

And with that, she turned away and went inside.

Valentina

“You can close your mouth now, Valentina.”

Val spluttered again. “What exactly was that about?”

Beau shrugged. He wasn’t even going to pretend to have any insight into the mind of a thirteen-year-old.

“Thanks for bringing her home.”

“I was at school already with Dr. Bristow and his team, talking to the kids about the earthquake.”

Val leaned back against the staircase. “People are finally starting to relax. They’re less worried about a second earthquake now, but I heard some people today wondering why the scientists were still here.”

Beau nodded. “As far as Dr. Bristow’s concerned, we aren’t going to be seeing any follow-up shocks. Don’t quote me on this, but I hear he’ll leave as soon as he’s done negotiating the next round of investment in his company.”

“Well, people will feel better once they’re gone.” She pulled herself upright again, and as she moved Beau got a whiff of that fragrance that was inherently her. “So, you coming in for dinner? I made lasagna.”

He liked lasagna, but would have been happy with anything. The thought of going upstairs with the two of them was a hundred times more appealing than going alone into his own place.

He wondered when that had happened. He’d always been happy alone—had always assumed he would live his whole life alone. Maybe get a dog if he ever felt the need.

“Beau? Is everything okay?”

“Fine. Lasagna is fine. Perfect.” He looked suddenly uncertain. “Listen. Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow?”

“I’m on duty at the hospital tomorrow.” She looked up at him with those wide eyes of hers. “But how about Friday night?”

19

Valentina

"Ican’t believe I’m doing this,” Val told her reflection in the mirror.

The muffled reply came from inside her bathroom. “I can’t believe these lipsticks. They’re rancid, Val!”

“What are you doing sniffing around my lipsticks, Marie?”

“I expect you to get some action tonight and I wouldn’t want him choking on your stale lipstick.”

“Shhh. Ren’s going to hear you.”

“Believe me, Ren’s on board, she’s also hoping—“

“What’s that, Aunt Marie?” Ren called from the hallway.

“Nothing. It’s nothing. Give us a minute, Ren, we’ll be right there.” Val closed the door carefully, her voice going down to a whisper. “Careful, Marie. Ren’s still fragile.”