“Why did you do that?”
“I saw rage in your eyes. But you need time to digest this. To think it through.”
“It’s an abomination.”
She grasped his hand. “No, no, love. It’s something beautiful to honor your son.”
Chapter 7
New Year’s Eve
Eve came out to the living room and swirled around. She wore a maroon velvet dress that was cut low in the back and flared at her knees.
“Why, Mother, I don’t think I can allow you go out in that outfit and those heels with yourboyfriend.”
Eve giggled. She’d never seen her mother acting so…girlish. “Please let me go.”
Nick gave a sham frown. “I agree with your daughter.”
The doorbell rang. “Too late.” She disappeared into the foyer. They heard Tim say, “I’m speechless, darling.” Then some low murmurs which were most likely intimate words.
“Hush,” her mother said. “Come in and see Noreen and meet Nick.”
They walked into the living room. Tall and blond, Tim Standish was handsome in his black tux and pristine white shirt. Next to Mom, they were beautiful people.
Tim crossed to Noreen, knelt on one knee and took her hand. “Noreen, I was so, so sorry to hear about what happened to you. I must say you seem remarkably well after only five days.”
True, some of the bruising had faded and her eye had opened up. She’d put on a peach knit one-piece suit and shoes for the first time. It was, after all, New Year’s Eve.
“Thank you Tim. This is Nick Redmond. My…guy.”
Tim stood. Held out his hand. “Nick, happy to meet you.”
Nick rose, too. “You, also.” They shook. “Going out on the town?”
“Actually, to a party at a close friend’s house.”
“Well, enjoy yourselves.”
The older couple left and Nick said, “Alone at last.” His collared gray knit sweater brought out the color of his eyes, which were full of love.
“And she said not to expect her back till morning.”
“What a woman.” He searched her face. “Are you hungry?”
“Not yet. But I didn’t take any pain meds since this morning so I’d like some champagne.”
“Maybe one glass.”
“I’m much better.”
“I agree.” He’d drawn a bath for her a few days after the attack and had seen how black and blue she was on her torso, legs and arms. But as she said, the bruising was already fading.
“You’re staring at me.” She touched his cheeks. “I know I look frightful.”
“You’re hurt, honey. And I don’t care about the marks on your face. They’ll go away.”
“I know.”
