“Call me later,” she answered in a tone that commanded him to do exactly that.
“I will.” Automatically, he added, “I love—”
Susan ended the call.
“You.” He ignored the stab of disappointment that went through him. Susan was Susan. She liked everything on her terms. Just like Spencer wanted everything to be precise and orderly. They were perfect for each other. No messy feelings, no unruly emotions. Yes, perfect.
“My girlfriend,” he said by way of explanation to the people behind him. “She worries.”
No one said anything back, but a few of them scowled.
With an apologetic shrug, he turned back to the waiting agent. He needed to get to the rental house as soon as possible and start working. The world of research was just as controlled and safe as his relationship with Susan—exactly how he wanted it.
Chapter Two
I think I’m in love.
Enamored, Laura watched South Haven pass by her as she and Frank rode in a cab toward the rental house. Everywhere she looked, she found something else she loved about the small town.
Mature trees were everywhere, so different from the antiseptic Lansing suburb where she lived. Adorable independent businesses lined the main street, unlike the chain stores that dominated the malls of her hometown. Here and there she saw banners announcing an upcoming spring art fair, which, as luck would have it, coincided with her stay in South Haven. The homes were a charming mix of vintage brick and wood houses and sleek modern structures. It was precisely the sort of place she needed in her life.
The cab drove along the shoreline, passing a wooden pier, and she watched with fascination as the late-afternoon sunlight gleamed on the water.
If the water’s bright hue reminded her of the cat owner’s blue eyes, she would just chalk it up to watching too many old movies starring a young, idealistic Henry Fonda.
Frank planted his front feet on the window, just as entranced by the town as his owner.
She pulled her cell from her pocket and dialed. Within a few rings, a familiar voice answered.
“Laura?” Rose Chang exclaimed.
“I’m here! Heading toward my rental.” She glanced out the window. “This place is so beautiful. No wonder you love living here.”
“I can’t wait to see you,” Rose gushed. “How long has it been?”
“Since your wedding, right?” Laura shook her head in disbelief. Where had the time gone? She’d been sleepwalking her way through life since graduation.
“A whole year?” Rose asked in disbelief. “That’s crazy. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
Laura almost bounced with eagerness. She and Rose had been through all of college’s craziness together, and maybe when they saw each other, they might be able to rekindle some of that fire and excitement her current existence lacked.
“Just let me get settled in at the house,” she said, “and we’ll go out. First margarita’s on me.”
There was a tiny pause. “Uh…about that,” Rose said.
“What?” Laura laughed. “Come on. Don’t tell me you’ve changed that much since college.”
“Like I said,” Rose said slowly, “we’ve got a lot of catching up to do. I’ll see you later.”
Laura frowned in puzzlement. It wasn’t like Rose to be evasive. She’d been so outspoken when they’d been in school, always the first onstage at the karaoke bar, dragging Laura up with her. They’d belted out “Que Sera, Sera” and “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” more times than Laura could count.
“Okay,” she finally said. “I’ll see you later.”
She ended the call and sat in pensive silence for the rest of the taxi ride while stroking Frank’s sleek fur. Yet again, she had the feeling that everyone she’d known was moving forward, making progress, while she continued to sleep in her childhood bedroom, surrounded by tacked-up movie posters, and spinning her wheels.
But she wasn’t here in South Haven to brood. She was here to get inspiration, relax, and spend time with Rose. Even though Rose was married to Kenny now—a really terrific guy—it could be like old times again, when the future didn’t matter.
She asked the cab driver to stop briefly at the local market, where she bought a few groceries, including a nice bottle of white wine. It was a financial indulgence, but what the heck. She was on vacation.
Her mood lightened further when the cab pulled up outside the most gorgeous house she’d ever seen. It was a modern home of stone, fronting the lake, with a wide curving driveway leading up to its sizeable front doors. The best part about the two-story structure was that it was all hers. She could turn her music up and sing along without her father grousing about the volume. She could take long, luxurious showers, using tons of towels, and wouldn’t have to face her mother’s baleful looks of reproach.
“Wow…” she said as the taxi driver got out to grab her bags.
She opened the cab’s door and stepped out, careful to keep a grip on Frank’s leash. Once she’d paid and tipped the driver, she walked quickly to the front door and let herself in. Frank trotted ahead of her, just as eager to explore.
“Do you believe this, Frank?” she asked, even though she knew the dog couldn’t answer beyond a well-intentioned bark. “This whole place is ours, just us, for two whole weeks.”
She bit back a gasp as she took in the interior of the house. She remembered from all the home improvement shows her mom watched that the floor plan here was called “open concept.” A vaulted entryway led into a spacious living room, which melded seamlessly into a bright kitchen and dining area. Glass doors opened to a patio with Adirondack chairs and a fire pit.
“This is amazing, Frank.” She set her groceries down in the kitchen, pulling the bottle of wine out and placing it on the counter. “Do you see this?”
What truly took her breath away was the view. The lake shimmered just outside, with elegant homes ringing the shore.
“Oh my gosh,” she whispered.
Her fingers itched for her camera, wanting to capture the landscape.
A wall of photographs snared her attention. In every one, different happy couples beamed at the camera.
“Huh.” She wouldn’t have expected any family photographs in a rental house.
She turned away from the pictures to gaze in wonderment at the lake. Oh, yes, she definitely felt inspired. “Oh, wow. Look at this view. Didn’t look this big on the website.”
Frank, in typical dog fashion, didn’t seem all that interested in the scenery. He scurried off, eager to take in all the details of
