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Donovan Susan - Aint too proud to beg

 

love_contemporaryDonovantoo proud to begSheehan collects failed relationships the way some women collect designer handbags. Now, at thirty-five, she has exactly one male in her life: her Labradoodle, Genghis. In fact Josie, along with the three very single women in her dog-walking group, has recently sworn off men, resigning herself to long walks in the park with her devoted, four-legged friend.All bets are off, however, when she meets Rick Rousseau, a pet-company CEO who is smart, sexy, and, best of all, head-over-heels for Josie. Even Genghis, an excellent judge of character, seems to know that Rick is the real deal. But just when Josie starts to think that she has found something more enduring than puppy love, she discovers that Rick has a complicated past - and a secret that could put the woman he loves in serious danger...Donovantoo proud to beg

/This book is dedicated to my dear friend, Arleen, with appreciation for the thousands of miles weve trekked with our dogs, our double strollers, or dogs and double strollers./ Frische Luft/, baby!/

/The more I see of man, the more I like dogs./ Madame de Staël1photo album crackled with age as the page was turned. This is it, the widow said, tapping a ridged fingernail onto the edges of a black-and-white snapshot. I know hed want the world to remember him this way, in this moment.Sheehan placed her reporters notebook on her lap and leaned in close to the old woman, peering at the photo of Ira Needleman on his 1947 trek to the North Pole. His young face was frozen in triumph, frozen in time, and probably just plain frozen. His huge, toothy smile and iced-up goggles were all she could see of a slight man buried inside a fur parka, both arms raised in triumph against the vast white horizon, a U.S. flag flapping above the permafrost. It was a photo of a guy whod made it to the top of the world, literally. No wonder his widow had chosen this photo to accompany his obituary.a wonderful picture, Josie said, smiling at Gloria Needleman.was so young, and everything was ahead of him. With a sigh, Mrs.gently peeled the photo from its yellowed page.shed already told Josie, Ira would return to San Francisco just months after this photo was taken, where hed meet Gloria and fall in love. Theyd get married. Theyd have kids and grandkids. Ira would run a successful Bay Area electrical supply company. Hed mentor four inner-city kids and pay for their college educations. Hed compete in his first triathlon at the age of seventy. The young man in the snow had just begun the grand adventure of his life.widow handed the photo to Josie, giggling. Josie waited patiently for Mrs. Needleman to bring her in on the joke.shrugged and offered up a pensive smile. My Ira had a very good time while he was here. He made the most of every day. She patted Josies hand. And when you get down to it, is there anything else a person can ask for?when Josie had her epiphany., maybe it was just an epiphanette. But at that moment, right there on Gloria Needlemans plastic-covered couch, it dawned on her that if you lead a life chock-full of relationships and adventures and sorrows and celebrations, like Ira Needleman did, then the people you leave behind can focus on how you lived rather than the fact that you died.if you died before you had a chance to live? Josie knew there was nothing worse. In the news business they called it a tragic death, as opposed to a nontragic one. Josie herself had been known to use that phrase now and again in her obituary feature stories for the /San Francisco Herald./ And suddenly it all became clear to herif Josephine Sheehan, thirty-five, dropped dead right that second, her own newspaper would put her demise in the tragic category.never married. She didnt use all her vacation days. She still rented. Josie didnt do triathlons or biathlons or any athlons at all.her most stable interpersonal relationships were with a too-hairy Labradoodle named Genghis and the women in her dog-walking group. Yes, she had parents and siblings and nieces and nephews, but no kids of her own.her love life? It was nothing but a series of starts and stops that hadnt taken her anywhere. Shed had eleven boyfriends since college, six of whom had moved into her place only to move out again. Her sister once glibly suggested she install a turnstile at her front door. Shed been so offended by that remark that she got out her calculator and did the math. Bad move. It seemed her average relationship lasted 4.2 months, followed by 7.6 months of unattached limbo. In other words, one of her romances had the shelf life of a container of bacon bits. This would be information she didnt plan to share with her sister, or anyone else, ever.right there, with Mrs. Needleman staring at her, Josie knew that if she died that day there would be several people more than willing to say that her life had sucked, but there wasnt a single soul who could claim that Josephine Agnes Sheehan had sucked the marrow out of life.vision began to swim.you all right, dear? Mrs. Needlemans voice had a charming warble to it. She put her hand on Josies knee and studied her face with concern.you feel sick? Can I get you some water? /Oh, man./ Josie envisioned the headline on her obit, courtesy of the jokers on the copy desk:EXPIRES; DOG ALERTS NEIGHBORS TO DECAYING BODYI call someone at the paper and tell them youre not feeling well?my God! What photo would be scrounged up for her obit? The picture of Josie at her sisters wedding, in that bridesmaids dress her brother said made Josie look like an eggplant with boobs? Or the one from eighth grade, where Josie sported the Cyclops zit? Or how about the one of her stinking drunk in Cancún after college graduation, falling out of her beach chair, digging through the sand trying to locate the lime wedge that had fallen from her Corona bottle? Because really, those were the choices. Josie had never gone to the North Pole, and the world had recently learned that the permafrost was anything but, and now she couldnt reach the top of the world unless she took a raft!began breathing too fast.there anything I can do for you?blinked at Mrs. Needleman, embarrassed. Josie needed love in her life. She needed deep, true connectionthe kind of grand adventure that only seemed to happen to other people. And unless this eighty-four-year-old widow from Cayuga Terrace was some kind of mystical matchmaker, there wasnt a damn thing she could possibly do for her.you so much for your time. Josie tucked the photo into the pages of her notebook and crammed everything into her bag, then stumbled to her feet. You and your late husband shared a beautiful life together, and again, Im sorry for your loss. She headed for the door. Ill call to let you know the day we plan to run it.right there, Miss Sheehan.was fast for an old lady. When Josie turned, she was already right behind her. The woman examined Josies face with a fierce curiosity that had nothing to do with the obit and everything to do with her odd behavior.apologize, Josie sputtered, letting her shoulders droop. I just…… look, I just figured out that Im really, really late for something.interview?life.pensive smile returned. She took one of Josies hands in both of hers and gave it a friendly squeeze. She looked Josie right in the eye.always believed that if youre breathing, its not too late.laughed. Thats what her dog-walking friends always said, usually after theyd reamed her for stumbling into yet another going-nowhere relationship.. Thanks again. Josie reached behind her and fumbled for the doorknob.the universe for what you want, dear girl. Mrs. Needlemans face turned serious. Be very precise in your request. Put it in writing and wait for it to come to you. It always does.frowned. Shed seen that garbage on TV oncesome woman claimed she wrote a list of all the qualities she wanted in a man and then met her soul mate in thirty days. Josie had laughed long and hard at that, seeing as how the universe couldnt even get her order right at the Dairy Queen window.very sweet, Mrs. Needleman. Thank you again.friendly squeeze turned into a grip. The widow scanned Josies face, demanding her attention. In a voice that had lost all its charming warble, the widow said, In your case, I suggest you do it before daybreak.gritted her teeth while trying to smile politely.old lady wasnt done. And, I must be honest with you, I think its going to take great courage to embrace what you ask for.yanked her hand away and retreated out the door. She backed out of the Needleman driveway, tires squealing, wondering what the old lady meant by that remark about courage. Plus, why the hell did everythingincluding her love lifehave a deadline?was so disconcerted that she nearly caused the tragic deaths of several pedestrians.2was half awake when the light began to find its way west to San Francisco, peeking around the edge of the Transamerica Pyramid. Theyd made it, and Josie was proud of their tenacity. After thirteen hours of loitering, she and Genghis had ended up fourth in line at the grand opening of the newest Celestial Pet Superstore, where they soon would claim their prize of an entire years worth of free dog grooming.looked at the group that remained. Weaker and less disciplined individuals had voluntarily thinned the herd as the night dragged on, complaining of exhaustion or boredom. But Josie and Genghis had come prepared for a sidewalk vigiliPod, laptop, blanket, folding chair, chew toys, and a thermos of coffee. The coffee was for Josie. The chew toys were for Genghis. So was the folding chair, as it turned out.most people and dogs slept in the pale sunlight, Josie took out her laptop and decided to get it over with. All night shed been mulling over the slightly scary Mrs. Needleman and her suggestion that she write down what she wanted in a man, then send it out to the universebefore daybreak. And sunrise was just minutes away.was the worst thing that could happen? Shed not find her ideal man?was already there. Besides, creating this kind of list would show the women in her dog-walking group that they were wrong about her. Bea, especially, was always telling Josie that she didnt have the life she wanted because she didnt /know/ what she wanted.! Shed show Bea! Shed show them all! Josie knew exactly what she wanted, and she started typing.MANkind Funny Respects himself and others Loves dogs Is intelligent (though not necessarily an Ivy League graduate) Is passionate about his work, whether hes a garbage man or a CEO Is generous to a fault Is a deep thinker Has overcome obstacles in his life Appreciates nature Believes in a force greater than himself (but doesnt even need to call it God) Josie stopped there because the next few things that popped into her head werent so noble. They were downright pornographic. Shed gone three months without actual sex so that was to be expected. And so what? No one would ever see this list, right? Its not like the universe would tattle to her mother. Besides, Mrs. Needleman said to be precise. Josie wrote on.man loves the feel of skin on skin and cant get enough touching, snuggling, caressing He has eyes that reveal his true soul He kisses so good I get light-headed He has a wild imagination in bed He is well endowed (not circus-act material, but something on the largish side) Can go all night Wants to have babies with me She stopped again, looking up and down the sidewalk furtively. She met the eye of the man next to her in line, a skinhead with a long-haired wiener dog. She quickly looked away. Had he noticed her heavy breathing?shed started to sweat? Josie adjusted her position on the blanket and recrossed her legs. She changed gears.'ll love old houses'll be a safe and courteous driver He wont mind cooking every once in a while Hell rub my feet and ask me about my day Hell go to the North Pole with me before its too late Hey! You just spilled your bloody fuckin coffee all over my bloody fuckin spot!, God, Im so sorry! Josie scrambled to her feet and used the corner of her blanket to sop up the spill before it reached the skinheads camouflage sleeping bag. She smiled sheepishly. Since shed detected a British accent, she added, Cheers, mate.plopped back down. She decided the list was as complete as it could be, so she hit the save key and placed her order with the universe.was done. The sun came up., she felt a prick of discomfort and looked toward the skinhead again. He wagged a pierced eyebrow in her direction. She gave him the benefit of the doubtmaybe this guy had courteous driver written all over his face but she just couldnt see it because of all the other tattoos.silently amended her list. /Dear Universe, Id really appreciate it if my man were tattoo-free. Thank you./ The lights of Celestial Pet flickered on at precisely seven-thirty.scurried about, taping down helium balloons, turning on cash registers, adjusting elaborate product displays. Through the glass, Josie could see the sign for the grooming salon, just off to the right.was in sight.eight oclock sharp, a smiling woman in a deep blue vest came to the front and ceremoniously used a set of keys to open the doors. Josie had already packed up the coffee-stained blanket, the laptop, folding chair, iPod, chew toys, and empty thermos. However, as the doors opened, it dawned on her that shed neglected to look in a mirror. She hadnt freshened her lip gloss or run a brush through her curls. Surely she looked like a woman whod pulled an all-nighter on a sidewalk.group cleared the doors and made a beeline to the grooming center.small reception desks were set up, and the three people ahead of Josie were immediately registered for their freebies. She had to wait patiently. When it was her turn, a young blond girl waved her and Genghis over, then promptly left her station. Josie was pissed! If that girl didnt hurry up and get back, numbers five through eleven would get the coveted spots, and she hadnt been waiting outside for thirteen hours for nothing!skinhead was being served ahead of Josie. Same for the guy who was behind him!her mind she began to compose a letter to the Celestial Pet corporate offices. /The slipshod organization of your grand opening robbed me of my hard-earned years worth of free dog groomings…/ Looks like we have a winner. May I get your name?blond girl had been replaced by… /him./ The cheap blue vest looked ridiculous on the man. He was well over six feet, solidly built.in his mid-thirties. Sandy brown hair cut in short waves. Eyes so green and luminous it was like staring up into an enchanted forest.smile was deadlywhite teeth and full lips that promised a kiss of cosmic magnitude. If it werent for the elaborate tattoo peeking out of the left side of his shirt collar, the guy could have been a male model.the man on her list.cursed herself for looking like a shopping cart lady on what was obviously going to be one of the biggest days of her life. Then the most extraordinary thing happened.couldnt move. She couldnt speak. All she could do was stare at him. And a strange, heated energy began flowing through her body, looping to the gorgeous dog groomer and back to her, gaining power with each pass. She felt as if she were on fire inside, a liquid molten fire that left her tingling everywhere.energy disappeared as suddenly as it had started. Genghis jumped up and put his paws on the counter, and the man reached out and gave his head a rub.then, he said to the dog as he sat down at a computer. Since your owner seems to be on the shy side, maybe Ill get started with your name., Josie said, answering for her dog.groomer peered at the panting, happy-as-hell dog, trying to find a pair of eyes under all the hair. He doesnt strike me as the marauding-warlord type.sister named him, Josie said, as if that explained everything. The synapses in her brain started to fire again, and she gave herself a mental face slap. This was her moment to shine! Her physical appearance might be middle-of-the-road on her best day, but her wit was consistently sparkling, and Josie would not walk away from this counter without this mega-fine man being aware of that fact.see, Josie continued, running a hand through her snarled curls, hoping to appear carefree in the process. My dogs a Labradoodle, and my brother-in-law made fun of me for paying good money for a mongrel, but my sister thought he said?Mongol, hence Genghis, as in Genghis Kahn, but I see you already got that.knew her whole future was riding on his response. She waited. She wanted him to laugh. Actually, she wanted him to press her to his muscular chest and kiss her like a man possessed, but shed settle for a laugh. So what if he was just a dog groomer? Like shed said on her list, it didnt matter what he did for a living as long as he approached it with passion. And she could see passion beneath that calm surface. Plus, she was sure she could find a way to live with the tattoo. Josie Sheehan was nothing if not flexible.a brief pause, the mans eyes crinkled and a corner of his mouth twitched. Thats a great name, he said. And do you have one just as unique? His large, well-kept fingers hovered over a computer keyboard, waiting for the generic information hed want from any contest winner.sighed, aware that shed failed to impress. My name is Josephine Sheehan. Then she proceeded to spell it for him. Also, she gave him her e-mail, home address, work address, home phone, cell phone, work phone, and her parents phone, though shed noticed hed stopped typing a while back.handed her a brochure. Here are the rules for the free year of grooming. Please keep in mind that theres a once-a-month limit, and there are additional charges for specialized services. Feel free to call and make your first appointment at any time. Thanks for coming to the newest Celestial Pet.clutched the glossy paper in her sweaty hand. /That was it? It was over?/ That couldnt be right.know, she said in her most casual voice, you probably just made it possible for me to retire.mans eyebrows rose in surprise.. She stroked her dogs fur as she spoke. Genghis has this soft retriever undercoat with the kinky poodle hair on top, so hes a magnet for anything thats not glued downtwigs, dirt, dust, dryer lint, grass, burrs, thorns, carpet fibers, bugs, whatever. And if he gets rained on or sits in his water bowl or jumps in the shower with me, it all gets matted together. And you know those little steel combs are worthless, so I end up spending over a hundred a month for grooming. So this will really help.man cocked his head, as if seriously considering everything shed just said. Which of course he would do, being a deep thinker. Then he asked, Your dog showers with you?felt her face redden. She laughed awkwardly. Oh, you know, on special occasions. Then she squeezed her eyes shut in mortification. Did she just say she showered with her dog /on special occasions?/ The truth was that Genghis jumped in uninvited sometimes. That was it. That was all she had to say. So why didnt she say it? /What was wrong with her?/ The man laughed, too, then tweaked Genghiss beard. Well, my man, at least youll be squeaky clean while kickin Chinese ass.told Genghis to get off the counter. Thanks, she said, turning to go. She reached the doorway, but had to glance behind her to see him one last time. He was looking at her! Unfortunately, his expression was a combination of sadness and amusement, so, of course, she figured he must have found her pitiful in an entertaining way. And after that exchange, what man wouldnt? He thought she showered with her dog! She kept going.she looked againmaybe it wasnt so simple. His eyes showed interest, so the sadness might be about something other than her. Suddenly, he smiled, and she smiled back. Then she left the store, a spark of hope flickering in her heart. /Damn!/ Josie spun back around, charged through the front doors and back toward the grooming salon counter, where her man was already entering someone elses information into the system.me, she said, smiling at an older gentleman and his Afghan hound.will just take a second.looked directly into the groomers kind, deep-thinking eyes. Im not usually this forward and I have no idea whats come over me, but you know everything about me and I know nothing about you and I couldnt leave here without knowing your name.nodded, a faint smile pulling on his lips. Then, very slowly, he raised his right index finger to the upper left pocket of his blue vest.pointed to his embossed nametag.names Rick, he said., the elderly man said.whole point of Josies return had been to redeem herself, to reveal her bold and decisive nature. Instead, shed just crowned herself Queen of the Dorks.to meet you, Josephine, Rick said. He reached out his hand to grasp hers.friends call me Josie. His hand was hot and smooth and the palm-to-palm contact was so thrilling that her knees threatened to buckle. Okay, so she might have grasped his hand a little too tightly, but he managed to retrieve it.old gentleman groaned. For Gods sake, girlie, just hurry up and ask the boy for a date so I can go home and get some shut-eye!lowered his gaze toward the keyboard and Josie couldnt tell if he was laughing or embarrassed, but she did notice he had incredibly thick, long, dark eyelashes. She stood in awed silence, realizing the universe had filled her order not within thirty days, like that schlubby woman on TV, but within thirty freakin /minutes!/ Shed just been served at the drive-through of true love!, she was still breathing all right, and according to Mrs. Needleman, that was the only prerequisite for finding a life. But could she be brave enough? She took a deep breath and went for it., Id like you to join me for a cup of coffee sometime.skinhead chose that moment to walk past with his wiener dog. Be careful, /mate,/ or shell spill it all over you.nodded, obviously trying not to laugh, then he looked at Josie square-on, those magical green eyes cutting her to the core. I think Id enjoy that, Josie. Ill give you a call later.God, the old man said.was about to ask Rick at which number she could expect to receive the call and his specific definition of the term later, but she restrained herself. Great! A huge smile spread across her face. Ill talk to you later, then!this a pet store or a singles joint? the elderly man with the Afghan snapped at Rick impatiently. Thats the problem with business todayall anyone thinks about is sex! What happened to customer service?blinked, stunned, watching Josie Sheehan and her Labradoodle clear the double glass doors of the store. What had just happened to him? His skin was tingling and his face felt hot and his head was spinning. His heart felt as if it were filled to capacityand he didnt even know he /had/ a capacity. It felt as if part of his spirit had just cracked open, and he didnt know whether to fear the breach or welcome it.a man who had long prided himself on being impenetrable to women, the whole encounter had left him off balance. Rick heard himself laughing. The sound of it surprised him., get your mind out of the gutter and do your job or I will have to speak to your boss.gave his head a quick shake and focused on his customer. Im very sorry about that, he said, smiling.no need to involve my boss. Now what can I do for you?registered the old mans Afghan hound and then a King Charles spaniel before his stint at the grooming counter was done. Next, Rick helped in the stockroom and attended the sales associates meeting, but all he could do was think of her, the woman with the hair as wild as her dogs.shared a pizza with the manager of the fish and aquarium department, but afterward, he couldnt remember a single word hed said during the meal. Late that afternoon, while helping set up chairs for the evenings free dog-training introduction class, Rick wondered if he might be coming down with the flu. That had to be it.little before five P.M., his cell phone rang. It was a call he had expected sooner or later, but the news was a horrible shock nonetheless.thoughts of Josie Sheehan and her funny dog vanished.stopped checking her e-mail and voice mails just before midnight., just in case, Josie took her portable home phone and cell phone with her into the bathroom while she brushed her teeth. By the time she began flossing, Josie felt like kicking herself. Did she really think that list on her laptop was some kind of magic bullet, that millions of tiny electrical impulses turned into little black letters on a digitized screen would somehow change the course of her life?, schtupid, schtupid, she slurred through the double-waxed thread. While rinsing, she decided that if she wanted a man like Rick the dog groomer to find her irresistible, it would help to feel that way about herself, first. Hadnt that been her problem all alongthat somewhere deep down she thought she deserved the kind of losers who had populated her past?turned off the water and stared at herself in the mirror. She was thirty-five years old! What was she waiting for? It was time to put an end to that old insecurity forever.felt a warm and fuzzy bump against her right calf, and looked down to see Genghis leaning against her, tongue out, beady eyes gazing lovingly at her. He was funny that way, always knowing when she needed a little reassurance.think hell call? As an answer, Genghis licked her knee. Seriously?do? So you think I should just chill? /Errrrummph./ Maybe youre right. Ill think positive. Josie flicked off the bathroom light. Her dog toddled down the hall ahead of her, jumped in bed and waited, immediately assuming his preferred spooning position against her tummy once she joined him. She pulled the covers over them both.night, Doodle Man. Josie kissed Genghiss big fluffy head, so glad she had her dog. She closed her eyes and flopped an arm over her hairy bed partner. Yes, it might take a while for Rick to realize she was irresistible, but she could wait.had Genghis.3group was set to meet for their usual walk at six A.M. at the off-leash area of Dolores Park, just west of the Mission District. As always, they gathered at the Starbucks on Diamond Heights and continued on to the park, where they let the dogs run free for about twenty minutes of group play. Except for Ginger and Roxanne. Gingers timid bichon frise often retreated to the safety of her owners arms, and, because Roxannes new dog had aggression issues, she wore a muzzle and stayed on a leash., their outing was topped off by a brisk twenty-minute loop around the park (or an uphill route through the neighborhood) with the leashed dogs trotting at their sides. Then they headed back to the Starbucks for a morning cup. Except for Bea, who didnt drink coffee and believed the companys hidden agenda was global enslavement through caffeine intoxication. She expounded on that theory every time they met, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at six, plus the occasional Sunday afternoon at four.that memorable morning, Roxies large brown dog was especially unpleasant, growling and lunging at every unfamiliar malehuman or caninethat she spied. Josie, Bea, and Ginger were accustomed to Liliths antics, but people who didnt know Roxie and her mixed boxer gave them a wide berth, avoiding eye contact while yanking their own pets to safety.once in a while, someone would make a disapproving comment and look at the pair with disdain.me. Roxie leveled that insult to a passerby while giving Liliths head a reassuring pat. Cant people see Im just desensitizing my dog as part of her socialization process? I mean, really, they act like shes foaming at the mouth or something!pointed a French-tipped nail toward Liliths muzzle. Actually, I do see some foamlike substance under her chin.snorted with laughter. I dont know which dog guru youre all worshipping this week, but in my humble opinion, stuffing an aggressive bitch into a muzzle and dragging her out in public so she can get worked up to a froth doesnt do a damn thing to /desensitize/ anyone, least of all the dog.that point, Josie looked around at their group and wondered, as she often did, how they had all ended up together. She would be the first to admit that the eight of them didnt create any kind of cohesive unit.days, like this one, the humans in the pack seemed to barely tolerate each other., Ginger, Bea, and Josie were coworkers at the /San Francisco Herald,/ and had known each other casually for many years. The dog-walking group was formed about three years before, when the women wound up in the break room at the same time and discovered they shared a common love of dogs. Since then, their commonalities had expanded. For example, all of them were currently manless. They didnt plan it that way, but thats what happened.Bloom, at twenty-eight, was the youngest. She was tall and lean, with glossy black hair and huge dark eyes set off by a pale complexion.covered criminal courts for the /Herald,/ so she wasnt in the newsroom much. As Roxie put it, she was usually hanging out in courtrooms with pervs, psychopaths, and folks with huge anger-management problemsand those were the lawyers!had been knocked silly by her last boyfriends betrayal, and hadnt bounced back. The guy was a hotshot criminal defense attorney thirty years her senior, and it had ended in a bigger train wreck than even Josie had anticipated. Josie was with Roxie the night her friend extinguished a burning cigar right smack in the middle of the older mans bald spot. Soon after, Roxie started blogging to deal with her fury, which grew into a kind of Web clearing house for boyfriend horror stories from around the globe. Shed developed quite a following at /



[http://www.i-vomit-on-all-men.com] www.i-vomit-on-all-men.com./ Roxies lovable old collie had died just a month ago, and she went out and adopted a dog from a rescue agency to keep her company. Roxie said she could feel Liliths pain, describing her new pet as needy. Josie knew Roxie could call it anything she wanted, but it wouldnt change the fact that the dog was just plain /kee-razy/.Latimer was the oldest of the crew, and the most eccentric. She was fifty-three and worked as an assistant sports editor at the paper. She was tall and solid with short gray hair and pale blue eyes, and she dressed pretty much the same every daychinos, belt, and a golf shirt embroidered with a team logo or the name of some tournament or 5K run.knew everything about the news business and even more about sports.who spent five minutes with Bea would learn shed been a champion swimmer who earned a spot on the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics team but missed her shot at glory because of the boycott. Shed never forgiven Jimmy Carter or the rest of the world.Finnish spitz was named Martina, and Bea had her on a grueling schedule of training and competition as an agility dog. Bea had never been married, didnt date, and lived a couple blocks from her mother. All the standard alarm bells went off in Josies head when she first met Bea, but shed stopped wondering about her friends sexual preference or even if she had one. It didnt seem to occupy Beas attention, so why should it concern Josie?there was Ginger Garrison, the /Herald/s home and garden editor.was forty, divorced, and the mother of twin fifteen-year-old boys. After Gingers husband left her for the first in what would become a cornucopia of skanky hos, she and Larry graciously agreed to share custody of the boys. They also hammered out the property settlement, alimony, and child support issues with relative ease. The dog was a different story. It took nearly a year and close to twenty-five thousand in legal fees, but Ginger got sole custody of HeatherLynn, a perfectly coiffed bichon frise who dined on free-range chicken and slept on a satin dog bed.was gorgeous. She was always the one in the group who turned heads and caused mens mouths to fall open just by walking down the street or bending down to fix her ankle strap. But since shed hit the Big Four-oh, Ginger had grown insecure about her looks, and had convinced herself she was in the beginning stages of menopause, though her doctors and everyone else in her life had told her she was imagining things. In addition to the self-induced hot flashes and crying jags, Ginger had become fixated on the crows feet and frown lines only she could see. Shed made four appointments with the plastic surgeon for Botox injections, but had canceled them all because of her ongoing concerns about a possible link to brain tumors.there was Josie herself. She was perfectly aware that she was the plain Jane of the group, that there was nothing remotely funky about her. She was a little too short and a little too curvy, with curly brown hair past her shoulders, and gray eyes. She had a masters degree in journalism from Stanford. No one in her family had ever gone to prison or appeared on a reality show. Her mother was an English Lit teacher at a community college and her dad was a plumbing contractor. Her older brother, Donald, was a single accountant and her younger sister, Beth, was a crazed wife and mother of two toddlers. Pathologically normal, the whole lot of them.knew she was a good person. She didnt get to mass regularly but she tried to make an appearance at Easter and Christmas. She gave to several charities. She tried to meditate every day even though she hated sitting still. She tried to eat right and usually did okay unless cocoa or phyllo dough products were involved. She had a life insurance policy, though she wondered why she bothered.thing Josie was sure ofshe had the friendliest dog there was.was the Jay Leno of the dog park. Dogs and their people flocked to him, the people already laughing because he looked like such a goof.was a big, golden-brown clown who loved everyone, especially those with food. Genghis would walk off with anyone who offered him anything remotely bacon-flavored, and hed sell his soul to Satan for a cube of cheddar cheese. This lack of fidelity used to make Josie feel insecure. She sometimes compared her dog to Gingers HeatherLynn, who peed herself if Ginger left her field of vision. She knew Genghis loved her, and she was aware that canine incontinence wasnt anything to be jealous of, but sometimes Josie wished he was more of a one-woman dog.that morning, after Beas sermon on muzzles and dog gurus, Roxanne stormed off without a word, the foaming Lilith in tow. The rest of them lured their dogs away from playtime and went after her.might have been a little harsh, Ginger said to Bea as they walked.shook her head purposefully, her short hair spiked with so much gel it didnt move in the breeze. It wasnt harshit was /true/. One of us has got to have the balls to tell Roxie the way it isher dog hates males because /she/ does! Isnt it obvious?thought had occurred to Josie, of course, but saying it out loud was another thing entirely. Thats not really fair, Bea, Josie said, as they quickened their pace. Lilith had aggression issues long before Roxie got her. She was a rescue doga strayremember? And anyway, we could use the dog-reflects-owner formula with every one of us and paint any kind of picture we wanted.frowned, but immediately used a fingertip to massage away any wrinkle that might have formed in the valley between her brows. Exactly what are you implying, Josie?shrugged, realizing shed started a conversation she might not be brave enough to finish.tell, Joze, Bea said with a laugh.looked down at Genghis and his usual happy-as-hell expression and the way his hair-covered eyes darted around the park, going from person to person and dog to dog, clearly amenable to any kind of contact., Ill start with me. She thought that was a diplomatic move. Maybe my dog reflects my personality in some way. Maybe Im too trusting. Maybe Im just an easy-going person who allows herself to get seduced too often.snorted again., however, seemed intrigued. Okay. I see where youre going. She mulled it over for a moment. Lets do Bea next./what/? Beas eyes got big.clear that Bea runs Martina ragged with training and competitions just like she used to do to herself. Its her way of proving her own worth, one more shot at gold-medal glory!mouth fell open, but quickly snapped shut. Her silence made Josie wince. Eventually they caught up to Roxie.we join you? Josie asked., Bea said. We were just having a fascinating conversation about how our dogs reflect our particular neuroses., Bea. Ginger sighed. I didnt mean anything by what I said. Dont be so sensitive.continued, speaking only to Roxie. For example, have you noticed how HeatherLynn is terrified shell be abandoned? She clearly gets it from Ginger, whose biggest fear since the divorce has been that no one will want her.gawked.gasped. Oh, my /God/. Her eyes sought out Josie. Did you start this?nodded, then shook her head to the contrary. Wait. I think Bea did.jutted her chin toward Bea. And I suppose youve got a clever observation to make about Lilith?on a minute, Josie said, wedging herself between Bea and Roxie.friends. We can be honest and kind at the same time.! Thats a mighty tall order for Ms. Latimer, Ginger said with a sniff.Botox has gone to your brain, Ginger.havent had any… yet. But I have a consultation next week, and this time Im really going through with it!jogger ran by, annoyed that the women had blocked the park path with their impromptu group therapy session. Josie corralled everyone into the grass. Lets calm down.you truly think I fear not being attractive? Ginger peered into each of their faces, her voice reaching new heights on the shrieky scale. Do you think Im obsessed with looking good for men? That I have to be with a man to be whole? /Do you really think Im that insecure?/ Bea shrugged. If the high heel fits…what was your theory about Lilith? Roxie demanded. Cmon, Bea. Bring it on.simply observed that your dog reflects your own aggression toward men.lip curled, exposing her top teeth. Aggression? What fucking aggression?could still get a man if I wanted oneI mean, if there was one I found interesting and worthy of my time. Ginger said this mostly to herself.Joze, yours is probably the most blatant of all.looked at Bea, nonplussed. My what is blatant?softened her voice. All Im saying is that Genghis is a mirror to your dysfunctions.groaned. Can we change the subject, please?, Joze, Roxie said. You fall in love too fast. Youre just like Genghis that waywalking around just waiting to love the next thing that comes along.patted Josies arm. You need to be selective and proactive. You should really think about exactly what kind of man you want, then wait for him. When he comes along, you should be the one to take charge.never even asked a man on a date, have you?was appalled at the inaccuracy of that comment. I have so! Tenth grade. Scotty McCallister.happened? Roxie asked.laughed and said no. That was enough for me.sighed. All were saying is that when it comes to men, you seem to have no detectable standards. You never call the shots in a relationship. From the first date to the day he walks out you just seem to be along for the ride.true, Ginger added. I think it goes back to your sister, and how you always felt plain compared to her.shit, Josie said. I seem to have forgotten to bring cash for todays session. Would a check be okay?patted her shoulder. Its just that youve never fought for what you want because you dont even /know/ what you want, or what you deserve., /really/? Josie smiled at Bea, because, as of yesterday, she did, in fact, know exactly what she wanted and deserved. His name was Rick Something. And she was just about to inform them of that development when Genghis lunged toward a little sheltie with a dripping tongue and Ginger decided she wasnt quite done.hate to bring this up, Josie, but just last week you said youd do the dirty deed with any halfway decent-looking dog groomer whod cut Genghiss hair for free.mouth hung open as she struggled with the leash. How could Ginger take that comment out of context like that? I was talking about the Celestial Pet grooming giveaway, which I won, by the way, though no one asked. And it was a joke, Ginger. You seemed to possess a sense of humor last week. Any idea what happened to it?dont know! Gingers arms went flailing. She jerked the leash around so much that poor Heather-Lynn looked like she was on a bichon carnival ride. Maybe my sense of humor has flown out the window along with everything else I once had! Right along with my happy family! My dreams!perfect skin! My estrogen!we go, Bea said.dont need a man in my life to be happy. Ginger suddenly pulled herself taller. I want to establish that right here and right now. I, Genevieve Renee Michaels Garrison, being of sound mind and body, declare that I do … not… need… a… man… in… my… life..

. to… be… happy.are lowdown dirty dogs, Roxie said.your mouth, Bea said.mean, reallywho needs a man when you have a dog? Ginger said.stared at all of them. They were bitter and angryfor good reasons, she supposedbut she didnt share their convictions. Josie wanted a man /and/ a dog. Was there anything wrong with that?suddenly shoved her outstretched hand into the center of the circle of women, palm down. Pile on, girls, she ordered.looked a little wary of the command, but Josie knew what Bea meant because shed played high school softball. So Josie slapped her hand on top of Beas. Roxie followed suit. Ginger tentatively placed hers on top, manicure gleaming.apologies erupted from all of them, almost simultaneously. The smiles followed. Ginger looked like she was about to cry. Josie felt relieved, and figured this was the perfect time to tell them about her strange encounter with Mrs. Needleman, the list, and Rick.barged in before Josie could open her mouth.after me, Roxie said. We pledge to be at peace without men in our lives.echoed that sentiment and Josie was about to remove her hand and go ahead with her announcement when Bea said, We are whole, powerful, and single pet owners by choice.repeated that, too.when Josie began to get nervous. Apparently, everyone was going to be required to say something profound and profoundly antiman, which had to be a cover for how, in their heart of hearts, each of them wanted a man more than anything. Except maybe for Bea, but even then Josie couldnt be sure. All she knew was that /she/ did! Josie wanted a man!as of yesterday, she knew there was one out there for her!dont need a man to tell us we are beautiful and fabulous. That was Gingers addition, and the group repeated it with fervor.eyes turned to Josie. Genghis began tugging at the leash again, intrigued by a pair of Pekinese. She felt pressured. Later, shed wish shed said something elseanything elsebut this was the pledge that good old go-with-the-flow Josie made for the entire world to hear: /We hereby vow to lead full, happy lives in the company of our dogs!/ The women pumped their hands in unison and reached to the sky with a great /whoo-hoo/ of empowerment. Lilith frothed at the mouth. People stared. The yelling frightened HeatherLynn so much she peed all over Gingers shoe.heart was quite heavy by the time they reached the coffee shop.lied to her friends. The truth was that in a perfect world, Josie would be leading a full, happy life in the company of her dog /and/ Rick the dog groomer.much for all the whoo-hooing.4hot wax felt soothing as the aesthetician applied it under Josies brow and covered it with a strip of gauze. When she ripped that sucker away in one aggressive sweep of her hand, Josie saw stars.! She jolted up in the reclining salon chair, panting. You said people do this every week? Why would someone do that to themselves?aesthetician giggled, gently pushing Josie back into the chair. You get used to it.lay back and closed her eyes, dazed by the series of events that had brought her to this high-end torture chamber. Taking a deep breath, she had to admit it was impressive what a girl could achieve in just a couple of angst-fueled weeks.never did hear back from Rick. After a few days of compulsive e-mail and voice mail checking, she figured hed dropped off the face of the earth. But a strange thing had occurred in the meantimeJosie lost her appetite. It had never happened before, and in days her clothes felt looser. So she decided it was the perfect time to hit the gym again, where she might be able to get more bang for her workout buck, kind of like going grocery shopping on double-coupon days.pounds later, Josie looked and felt terrific. Though Ginger didnt know the circumstances of this sudden slim-down, she applauded Josie for her willpower and gave her a gift certificate to her salon, where Josie had just been given a mani-pedi, a stylish new cut, and half of a hellish wax job.the procedure mercifully came to an end, she stood before a huge salon mirror. Her hair looked terrific, no question, subtle layers of soft curls just above her shoulder that gave definition to her round cheeks. And Ginger had been rightthe eyebrow wax really did open up Josies whole face and emphasize her eyes. All that and ten fewer pounds had resulted in an astounding change in her appearance.like?nodded, but peered closer to the mirror, noting a red stripe above her eyelid. She touched it.touch it! the aesthetician cried. Let the aloe vera do its thing.irritation will be gone within the hour.turned her head to get a side view of the welts. You sure about that?.the salon, Josie knew it was now or never. She had to take advantage of this convergence of fate. The perfectly styled haircut, the new eyebrows, and the cute new outfit shed chosen to weara silk georgette skirt that ended in a sexy flounce right above the knee, paired with a form-fitting white cami and a cute three-quarter-sleeve jacketshe knew this was as good as it was ever going to get. It was time to make her move.a half hour later, Josie strolled from her car across the Celestial Pet parking lot, the dog-grooming salon in her crosshairs. She smiled, knowing the shopping cart lady was gone, gone, gone, and in her place was a vixen with some seriously emphasized eyes.plan was to walk right up to Rick the dog groomer and demand an explanation for his lack of follow-through. The man didnt stand a chance.young woman with leather studs in her ears and a silver hoop in her nose looked up from a book. Her eyes took a second to focus. May I help you? She said this with the enthusiasm of someone whod just been hit with a tranquilizer gun.. I was wondering if I could talk to Rick. Is he in today?scrunched up her nose like something smelled bad, but said nothing.know, Rick, Josie repeated. Hes a groomer at this store? Light brown hair? She hoped these details might jog the girls memory., but theres no groomer here named Rick. In fact, the only groomers who work at this store are women. Did you want to make an appointment or something?shifted her weight from foot to foot, puzzling this out. Could she have imagined Rick? Had the lack of sleep that day, combined with that pornographic list, led to some kind of hallucination of wishful thinking? Had she imagined that whole conversation? Those emerald eyes and that luscious mouth? Her mother had always accused her of letting her imagination get the best of her. But not this time, Josie knew. No way. Rick was real.course theres a man here by that name, she said with confidence. I met him. I spoke to him. He /touched/ me.girl slammed her book shut with annoyance. I dont think so.was becoming agitated. But he was here on opening day. I was one of the first ten dog owners to come in the store. I won a whole years worth of free grooming and he signed me up!girl pursed her lips, then said, I dont know what to tell you, lady.no groomer here named Rick. Besides, whats with your eyelids?gasped, touching her brow, cursing herself for not checking herself in the mirror before waltzing in here. Allergies, she said.. So if you want to schedule a grooming appointment, great. If not, Im going to have to call security.sighed in exasperation, then leaned an elbow on the counter. Maybe she needed a new approach. Okay, heres the thingthis man was so sexy I had to change my underpants when I got home, all right? Green eyes so deep you could take a bath in them. Diana Ross eyelashes. And theres a really wicked tattoo running up the side of his neck and when I saw it my knees got so weak I thought Id fall down. And I dont even like tattoos.! The girl bolted ramrod straight in her chair. Ricks not a groomer!? Josie backed away, startled by the girls sudden zest.way. Rick Rousseau owns the place.?. Rick Rousseau owns all fourteen Celestial Pet Superstores in Northern California. Hes the CEO! He always helps out in all the departments at a grand opening, and yeah, youre right, he was in here for a while that morning.had no idea, Josie mumbled. This definitely changed things. How do you spell that last name? Josie asked, pulling a note pad from her new bag.said he /touched/ you? The girl looked at Josie with newfound respect as she spelled it. Damn. I wish I were you.thanked her for her time. She used her car visor mirror to apply a dab of concealer to her eyelids. She located the Celestial Pet corporate offices on her GPS before either her nerve or her hairstyle could wilt.was about to pull out of her shopping center parking space when she heard a tapping on the drivers side window.? A mans pale blond head appeared at eye level. Wowyou look fabulous. Ive really missed you.sighed. It was Lloyd, the latest man to break up with her. It had been nearly three months, and she couldnt say that she missed him. She rarely even thought of him. In fact, the last time he crossed Josies mind was about a week ago when she found one of his CDs mixed in with her music stash. It was a Clay Aiken live bootleg recording.rolled down her window. Hey, Lloyd. Whats up?eyes looked her over hungrily. Have you done something different?hair? Your weight? Your makeup?. Ive always looked exactly like this. Okay, it was probably impolite messing with his head like that, but so was the way he left her. She came home from work late one night and found a note that read, /Its just not working for me. Take care./ No further details. Josie was ashamed to admit it, but at the time she actually appreciated Lloyds correspondence, owing to the fact that the previous disappearing boyfriendthat would be Spikehadnt left a note of any kind. It was as if Spike had been sucked into another dimension, along with his toiletries and clothing. She never saw or spoke to Spike again. Later she heard hed moved to Los Angeles and was working at a Chuck E. Cheeses, so shed been dead-on correct about the other-dimension part.are you up to, Josie? Doing a little shopping on the /Herald/s dime? Lloyd laughed at his own unfunny joke, one of the things shed never liked about him.have every other Thursday afternoon off, remember? Because I go in every other Saturday morning, remember?nodded. Sure. Sure.didnt remember. A man had to care about the woman he lived with before he detected any kind of pattern in her work schedule. Well, I need to go, Lloyd. Nice seeing you.you have lunch with me? My treat.shot him a look that said /hell no/ but her mouth said, Nows not a good time.had something special, Josie. I think about you a lot. His eyes continued to scan up and down her person. You sure you havent done something different? Because you look great. I mean, you always looked nice, but you look, you know, /a lot/ better. I hope you dont take that the wrong way.that even possible? She shook her head and laughed. Okay, Lloyd, I confess. Youre right. Ive done something radically different. Im now choosy about the men I have lunch with. And the truth is, I wouldnt eat with you if I were a starving typhoon survivor and you were with the Red Cross.rolled up her window and put the car in reverse. She heard Lloyd cry out but she didnt catch what he said, and worried that she might have run over his foot.Pet Superstores, Inc., was headquartered just outside Berkeley in a two-story office complex made of mirrored glass and shiny steel. A three-dimensional corporate logo hung over the entrance, big as a tractor-trailer. It was a globe orbited by cats, dogs, birds, fish, and small rodents that could have been either guinea pigs or gerbils, it was anybodys call. Josie entered, but before she could make it across the marble lobby, a security guard with a badge and gun headed her off. He inquired about her business.come to see Mr. Rousseau.guards bushy eyebrows knitted together. Do you have an appointment?a way.chuckled. What way would that be?… Josie began to question her plan. Maybe she should have just phoned. But you cant show off a kick-ass make over over the phone, now can you? Rick said hed call me, but never did.guard looked at her quizzically. So youre a stalker?, Im a reporter.answer. He marched over to the security desk and dialed up the public relations department. He checked Josies press ID and her drivers license, made her sign a visitor log, clipped a temporary badge to the strap of her bag, and gave her directions.took the elevator but skipped the PR office entirely and headed toward a set of unmarked glass doors that screamed executive suite. The reception area inside was empty so she headed down an interior hallway.huge man nearly crashed into her.I help you? His eyes darted to her visitors badge.looked up, up, and up some more. Huge really didnt cover it. The guy was a giant. Close to seven feet tall. Blackest of black skin. Shiny bald head. A diamond stud the size of a blueberry in his right ear.Rousseau, please, she croaked.man stiffened, as though he were alarmed by her request. Im afraid hes unavailable. How did you get in here?I speak to his secretary?would be me.laughed. She didnt mean to be rude, and she knew it was well into the twenty-first century and there was no such thing as typical anymore, but shed never seen a secretary of his proportions. I just need a moment of his time, she said, composing herself.not going to be possi A big mahogany door opened and out stepped Rick, focused on a stack of papers in his hand. He wore a pair of olive green hiking shortsthe kind with a hundred pocketsrunning shoes without socks, and a Barenaked Ladies concert T-shirt. His hair had grown a little longer, and he hadnt shaved., the man was even hotter than she remembered., Rick. Josie peeked around the freakishly large secretary whod just blocked her approach.head snapped up, and he blinked at her with those ocean-green eyes. She watched as he flipped through his mental Rolodex in an attempt to recall who she was and why in the world she was standing in his hallway. She was about to help him but it turned out not to be necessary., he said, shifting from a look of surprise to outright curiosity.hair is styled differently. And I can see you didnt sleep on the sidewalk last night.. Ive been sleeping indoors lately. And yes, my hairs different.like it. A lot.touched the curls that now just grazed her shoulder. Thanks.Genghis?. He sends his regards.that point, Rick nodded to the big man, who immediately stepped aside, accepting the stack of papers from Ricks hand. There was a flash of something in Ricks eyes when he first saw Josie from head to toe. It looked like appreciation, but it disappeared instantly.Worrell, this is Josephine Sheehan, a devoted Celestial Pet customer. Josie, youve already met Teeny.pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sheehan, Teeny said, extending his humongous hand for a shake.pleasures mine, Mr. Worrell. Her hand disappeared in the secretarys grip.dont you walk with me? Rick placed a hand at the small of Josies back and turned her toward the reception area. She stole a glance back at the extra-large Teeny, who was shaking his head., Rick said cheerfully, do you invade the workplace of every guy you invite for coffee? He held the glass doors open like a gentleman. An angry gentleman.dont knowdo you always promise women that youll call but never do?raised one dark brown eyebrow and looked down at her. Theyd stopped walking and stood very close in the elevator lobby. His hand slid from the center of her back to her hip, where it lingered. Chills raced up her spine, and that weird energy was backJosies body was flooded with it.came up on the East Coast. He studied Josies cheeks, her chin, her lips, and then locked his eyes on hers, intense and somber. For the record, I dont usually go back on my word.. Also for the record, youre only the second man Ive ever asked on a date in my whole life and the first one I ever tracked down at his place of employment, so it looks like its near-virgin territory all around.glared at each other for a moment. Eventually, Josie shrugged. It doesnt matter, anyway. I think this whole thing was a mistake. She took a step back and his hand fell away from her hip. She immediately regretted the move and wanted to slap it right back on her butt, but figured it would be awkward to orchestrate.cocked his head and asked, A mistake? Why?I went to the store to find out why the handsome dog groomer blew me off, only to discover youre the employ/er,/ not the employ/ee/.faint smile appeared on his lips. Does that matter?guess not.wheres the mistake?, I convinced myself there was something special about you. Its a long story. But the bottom line is, I was trying to be more proactive about the whole dating thing and it seems I got carried away.of Ricks eyes squinted., take care. She turned toward the elevator but stopped, thinking she couldnt end things so rudely. No hard feelings, okay? Ill still shop at Celestial Pet. I get all my dog toys there. And now I have the free groomings! She forced a smile. Good-bye.rubbed his beard stubble, obviously trying to hide a smile. Wait.?of curiosity, could you please describe Josephine Sheehans usual approach to dating? I dont think Ill be able to sleep at night unless I know.caught the sarcasm in his voice, but it was a legitimate question, and Josie had to think through her answer. She recalled what Bea had said about her lack of initiative and standards. I never had an approach before you.that so?nodded with certainty. Yep. But I took one look at you that day at the grooming salon and I said to myself,?Make it happen, girl, or youll always regret it. But like I said, I think I just got carried away.shadow passed across Ricks eyes. Please accept my apology for not calling you.shrugged. Its okay., its really not, Josie. His voice softened and he reached for her hand, cupping it gently. Never accept that kind of bullshit from a man/ever/. You deserve better. Every woman does.laughed. Well, arent you gallant!expression narrowed and he shook his head almost imperceptibly. I try my best not to hurt anyone, thats all. A look of puzzlement came over him. Whats wrong with your eyelids?, Josie had curled up into a fetal position and wished to die., she sported a carefree smile. Allergies.studied her cautiously. Well, Miss Sheehan, how can I can make this up to you?eyes got big, her lips parted, and her mind began spinning with possibilities. A cup of coffee now seemed way too humdrum a request for such a charming and courteous pet-supply tycoon. Her imagination jumped around from a jaunt to Cabo aboard his corporate jet, to a weekend in wine country, to introducing him to her parents while on a private cruise down the Nile. But instead, she went for something really outlandish.could start with a kiss. /My God, where was all this bravado coming from?/ He tugged on her hand until she bumped up against his bodyfull-frontal contact! Her thighs tingled. She got a head rush to end all head rushes.raised a hand to his rough cheek. His gaze went directly to her mouth.the moment he leaned in, angled his head, and the elevator binged.uniformed men burst through the door with their guns pointed at Josies head. Got her, one of them said into a radio clipped to his shirt.thought shed pee herself.down! /Now/! Rick blocked her with his body. She hooked her arms around his waist and ducked. Shes not a security matter, he said. Shes a friend.legs really did collapse at that point. She began hyperventilating at the idea that real guns with real bullets were pointed at /her/. Since when was she a security risk everywhere she went? Was it the make over? Rick reached behind him and steadied her, preventing her from collapsing to the Berber carpet.guards holstered their guns, but Josies buddy from the lobby didnt sound happy about it.. Rousseau, sir, she was supposed to go to public relations. When she didnt show, I knew I had to stop her before she found a way to get to you.chuckled. He pulled Josie around and hoisted her up by her armpits.late for that, Im afraid.gazed up at him. He anointed her with a smile. She wanted to smile in return, but she was so nauseous from the adrenaline crash she decided not to risk it.5really dont mean to hound you about this. Teeny took a slurp of herbal tea from his delicate china cup and sighed. But Rick, I gotta ask you, man. Seriously… /what the fuck/?laughed. He stretched his legs out over the porch railing, leaned back in the old rocker, and folded his hands on his lap. Twilight had begun its slide over Samhain Ranch, pushing the sun west beyond the vineyards, throwing gold light down onto the grapes and red streaks up into the sky. This was his favorite time of day. This was his favorite spot on earth. And he was counting on a weekend of Sonoma Valley solitude and silence to help him come up with an answer to Teenys question.taken, he said.cute. Okay, fine, not my gender of choice, but I can appreciate cuteness when it shows up, despite the mark-of-Zorro eyebrow wax. Teeny held his teacup in midair. But Ill be honest with you, man. Im baffled.hasnt been a woman in your life for almost seven years! Ive watched you make an art form of turning women down! I mean, Gwen Anders is /still/ trying to get in your chinos! After all these years!? She told me she had allergies.chuckled. Hell, no. That was a wax job gone terribly wrong, no doubt about it.are we discussing Gwen Anders? Rick closed his eyes for a moment and searched for patience. The woman runs my foundation. Shes smart and conscientious. I dont want anything more to do with her, not now, not ever, as you are well aware.. I am. Which brings us right back to my original questionwhy /Josephine Sheehan/? Are you sure about this?gave his head a quick shake, closing his eyes to concentrate on his breath. In, out, searching deep for some kind of reasonable response.wasnt a question for his mind, that much he was sure of. It was a question for his heart, and Rick and his heart hadnt been on speaking terms for a very long time, even before the accident. He opened his eyes and looked at Teeny. Nothings happened with Josie Sheehan.. Teenys frown deepened. When his dark brow crumpled it made the old football scars look all the more menacing. Lets keep it real, Rick. I saw the way you looked at each other. /Damn./ Teeny set his cup down into its fancy saucer, which was perched on a white wicker table. The eighty-year old Spode china had come with the place, along with the wicker table and the rockers they sat on and everything else the eye could see. When Rick purchased Samhain Ranch from a real estate investor a year ago, he bought a piece of Sonoma Valley historythree thousand acres of vineyard with its own manager, sixteen rooms full of antiques, vast gardens, a state-of-the-art horse stable, and a live-in family that had been running the Victorian-era ranch house and keeping the grounds for four generations. His Pacific Heights house was fine for when he was in the city. But in the last year, Rick had come to see the ranch as home.Im asking is, are you chucking the plan? Teeny turned toward Rick and braced his elbows on his knees. Because if you are, well need to expand the background searchmove further into her family and her friends and her job. All the old boyfriends, too, and thats a healthy list. Well have to go deeper into her financials, as well. I want to be absolutely sure theres no connection to our man. You know Bennett Cummings is a sly muthafucka.blew out a puff of air. /Right. The plan/. It was nearly seven years ago that he made a pledge to himself, and hed stuck to it. Since the morning he woke up in agony and heard the news about what hed done to Margot Cummings, he hadnt let a woman anywhere near him. No dating.flirting. No nothing. What was the point? Hed done enough damage to the female species to last several lifetimes.last hurrah was the accident. Hed smoked a joint, snorted some coke, and thrown back a few Sam Adamses, just in time to take his motorcycle for a spin in the dark and the rain. Hed convinced Margot to come along.hadnt seen her since college, but, as he knew well, she was good-looking and a good lay. Back then, those were his only requirements.took the turn too fast, skidding into a guardrail. He died on the operating tablesoared over his own twisted body and looked down upon the scene in awe. Then he woke up. Alive. On fire with pain. Bennett Cummings was at his bedside, telling Rick what hed done to Margot.leaned close to Ricks face and whispered, /Some day, you will pay for my daughters life with your own./ After seven years in a coma, Margot died. Rick ha


Date: 2015-02-28; view: 444


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