graced the coffee table when I made my way to the kitchen and turned
on the coffee pot. Sleep had been hard to come by, and I needed more
of a kick start than my favorite mint tea would provide. So much for
my effort to cut back on caffeine. Despite the brave face I’d put on
for my friends, the all-too familiar prickle of worry kept me from
sleeping soundly.
put away the glasses and returned the chairs to the kitchen table.
With my first cup in my hand, I settled into the loveseat and tucked
my feet under me, ready to face the day. I’d venture downstairs to
retrieve my newspaper after I woke up a little bit more.
the outside stairs broke my temporary sense of contentment. Like a
phone call in the middle of the night, anyone coming by this early in
the morning could only be bringing bad news. Freddie’s advice rang in my head as I
headed to the door, and I peered through the peephole as my visitor’s
fist struck the door. Pale blue eyes looked back at me. I grinned,
and threw the door open.
computer system, Eli?” I asked.
close and his lips pressed to mine.

