She put on her flashers and sat back. Waited.
But she jumped when someone knocked on her window. She buzzed it down halfway.
She recognized him right away. The guy the police had dragged away from her book signing. “What are you doing here? You’re violating the restraining order I took out on you.”
Irritation claimed his face. “I didn’t know the car in distress was yours.”
“Yeah, right.”
His expression turned ugly. And his eyes got a little wild. “Besides, darlin’, I got friends in high places.”
“In any case, I’m all right, Pierson. I don’t need your help. A roadside service is coming, and my mother is picking me up.”
“I’m on my way to Syracuse, too, for Christmas. Why don’t you call your mother and tell her I’ll drive you to her house. I’d love to meet her, anyway.”
Her heartbeat sped up. She started to sweat. “You gotta be kidding me. Go away.”
Before she could buzz up her window, he added, “You’re going to regret this, Noreen. All of it.”
After closing the window and locking the doors, she gripped the steering wheel and tried to calm herself. She prayed her mother would get here soon.
After a few tense seconds, he walked away. In her rearview mirror, she saw him get into a non-descript car and drive onto the expressway and take off.
Thank God. She’d been unprepared to do anything if he didn’t leave. She needed Mace, brass knuckles for her key ring and the police on speed dial.
Thankfully, her mother arrived soon and Noreen got in her car and threw herself into Eve’s arms. Eve held onto to her and after a bit asked, “What’s wrong?”
She described the incident.
“He should be arrested for violating the restraining order. We’ll call Westwood police when we get home.”
“Okay.”
When they arrived at her mom’s house, Noreen dialed the cops. She was told they’d check into the incident. But it was Christmas Eve so it might take a while.
When she disconnected, she sighed heavily.
Her mom said, “Well, we can’t do any more than that. Let’s put this behind us and not ruin our time together.”
“I agree.” Noreen noticed the tree was undecorated. “Did you wait for me to trim the tree?”
“Yes, of course. We always do it together.”
“But you’re leaving on vacation tomorrow.”
“So what? We’ll enjoy it today. Would you like coffee before we start?”
“No coffee for me.” She stood to open the plastic tub full of ornaments.
Her mother spun her around. “So youarepregnant?”
That made Noreen smile. “I was planning to tell you right away. But, yes, I am pregnant, for sure. Nick and I did a test last night.”
“Nick’s back in the picture?”
She told her mother about the Christmas party and what happened afterward.
“Ah.”
