I clear my throat around the lump that comes whenever anyone mentions the subject. “My mother.”
“I thought so.”
“Why’s that?
She thinks for a moment. “You have a lot of emotion when you play. Would you tell me about her?”
“She was wonderful.” I shrug, then seeing she’s really interested, continue. “She was the kind of mother who would drop anything and play with you. She taught me how to bake, how to ride a bike, how to sing.” I can’t help but let out a chuckle. “She was the singer in the family. I just play the piano.”
“What about your—” she starts, turning red and fanning herself.
“Abby?” I look around the restaurant.
“No, look at me,” she says. “We’re just talking.”
“Yes, that’s what we’re doing.” I laugh, puzzled. Then I realize what’s putting her into a state.
“Hello, Savannah, Abigail. You both look lovely today.”
“Thanks, you too,” I say. “What are you up to today, Dr. Roberts?” I eye Abby, whose face is finally starting to return to her normal shade.
“I had to pick up some packages then decided to have a bite of lunch.”
“Please say you’ll join us,” I ask as Abigail’s eyes widen.
“Thank you, that sounds nice.”
Adam rushes a chair over for him. He must have been watching us.
“It can get lonely, eating every meal by yourself,” he admits as he settles in and glances at Abigail, who has yet to say anything. “That’s a lovely blouse, Abigail. It makes you shine.”
“Thank you.” She smiles coyly. “And I see you’re wearing your red tie.”
This time it is Doc Roberts who blushes. “Yes, well, it is my favorite.”
My jaw nearly drops when I realize they must be referring to last summer’s romance.
“So, Dr. Roberts, do you have any plans tomorrow night?” I feel badly that I’m breaking up their moment, but I am about to grant them another.
“I do believe I’m free.”
“Wonderful. Please join us for dinner. It’s Abigail’s night off—” She looks at me, puzzled. “And I’m in charge of cooking. Her sister, June, is in town, and I understand you’ve never met.”
“You have a night off?” He smiles at Abigail. “Well, how can I refuse?”
I have to press my lips together to hold back a yelp of joy. “Well, that’s great! Be there at five?”
He nods, and I see Abigail trying not to smile.
“Can you excuse me a minute? I need to use the restroom.” I decide these two can use a little private time.
I head for the restroom but get sidetracked by a newspaper sitting on the bar. I glance at the front page then begin reading the local news about the light festival.
I hear a chiming noise outside and look out the window, and I notice someone across the street. There is something familiar, but then he is gone. I freeze in place. Pushing the newspaper away from me, I squint, but it’s bright out with the snow. The moment I think I see him, a trolley comes by and he hops on, turning so his back is to me.
I open the front door and step outside. My mind is racing…his blue coat, red hat, blue coat, red hat. Continuing down the narrow, snow-covered sidewalk, I round the corner and see the man getting off at a bakery. I hurry across the street so quickly a car has to slam on its brakes. The driver shouts at me, but nothing registers in my urgency to follow this man. I slip into the bakery and look around at all the faces, then I see a blue coat draped over a chair, but the guy isn’t there.
“Umm, did you see the man who owns this jacket? Did you see what he looks like?” I ask the couple at the table next to the coat, but they both shrug, shaking their heads.