I almost—but not quite—forgot about my burger-boy. That he was still on the loose put a damper on my excitement. All these future plans to reopen my business. Would they pan out?
Saturday morning a week before Thanksgiving, Jerry and Davie announced that they had invited Leighton over for lunch to discuss business together. Davie just smirked and Jerry just waved his arm in the air at the confusion on my face.
I knew we were going for Thanksgiving at his parents’ house. Sure, I was moving into a Peterson-owned space in the near future. What otherbusinesscould all four of us have together?
Everything became clear when Genevieve and the head of the P.I. agency walked in with Leighton at noon.
Well, that explained the mountains of food that Jerry had made! And why he was almost strutting around the kitchen all morning with a huge happy smile on his face.
It was a fact: We rarely, if ever, had guests.
Jerry fussed around everyone and got them all a beverage. We were pretty much settled in the living room, and Davie nodded over to Genevieve, “Why don't you explain today's agenda?”
She said, “I'll get to the bottom line right away. Samantha? Your stalker? Your vandal? He's gone.”
My mouth dropped open. That was the last subject of conversation I expected!
After a dramatic pause in which everyone’s eyes were on my reaction, Genevieve went on, “We have confirmed proof that he has moved not only out of this city but to a different state. He is hundreds of miles away. He has signed a lease on a studio apartment in his new city of residence. He has secured a full-time salaried job there as well and starts the job this week, in fact.”
Leighton beamed over at me. I was choked up, “What did you guysdo?I mean, sorry! Great! Thanks! But … youdidn’t…?”
Leighton piped up, “No, they didn’t. Nothing—absolutely nothing—illegal was done, Samantha. All on the up-and-up. The guy just decided a better life awaited him somewhere else.”
They weren’t done.
David nodded to the P.I., a fellow named Jarod, who said, “My firm has worked with Davie’s company for many years. I have to say thank you for this ridiculously amusing opportunity to get rid of one of the city’s more slippery bullies.”
There was something in the way he kept looking back over at Genevieve.
Well, well,well!
My. My.My!
Genevieve and Jarod had athing. I knew ‘smitten’ when I saw it.
Leighton was watching me, and when I caught his eye, he just winked and nodded.
This was fabulous! I got shivers up and down my spine. Yougo, Genevieve!
Leighton then had his piece to say, “Now not only are you and your staff safe from him. Your future bakery will be safe. And you can get back to growing your business, which was all you wanted to do in the first place.”
I had to ask, and looked over at Davie and Jerry, “Have you told Amy and Alex?”
Jerry shook his head no. Davie said, “We reserved that pleasure for you.”
A delicious lunch was had by all as Jerry outdid himself with a Lebanese meal (his favorite ethnic food these days).
Leighton was quite pleased with how I now maneuvered on my baby scooter. He held my hand on and off during lunch. Whispered in my ear. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him.
He filled my heart.
Leighton
Isent a car to pick up the Billings clan and bring them to my parents’ home. Samantha and I had finally agreed that she and her menfolk would bring flowers and perhaps some potted herbs as their contribution.
My parents’ house had only one step up to the door. They lived in a one-story ranch-style home. I greeted them at the door.
Samantha maneuvered her little scooter like a pro. Davie and Jerry had an enormous colorful bouquet and a rosemary plant.
