Starry Night

“That’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me.”
    He snickered softly. “I’m not a romantic kind of guy.”
    “I sort of guessed that, which makes these little comments precious. I’ll miss hearing from you, too.”
    He grumbled as if he didn’t quite know how to respond.
    “Oh, before you go, I wanted to tell you that I’ll be in Chicago for Thanksgiving—it’ll be my first alone, but I’ll be in Seattle for Christmas.” She mentioned this with the hope that he would take the hint and fly down for a visit. Seattle was relatively close to him, much closer than Chicago. When he didn’t immediately pick up on her hint, she added, “My parents feel bad that I won’t be with everyone on Thanksgiving, so for Christmas they’re giving me a ticket to fly home.”
    “Good idea.”
    He hesitated and then asked with what seemed like reluctance, “Have you talked to my mother since your return?”
    “No. I haven’t had a chance to get in touch with her. I know she’s anxious to hear what happened with the ring.” Truth was, Carrie felt terrible having to tell Joan that herplan had backfired. Given the turn in her relationship with Finn, maybe she’d hang on to the ring a bit longer, rather than returning it at Christmas, as she’d planned.
    “Does my mother need anything?” he asked. His voice was low, concerned, and different from the teasing banter they had exchanged earlier.
    “She’s well physically, if that’s what you’re asking. As for her other needs, there was only one thing I picked up on.”
    “And that is?”
    Carrie knew she was wading into deep waters, but she felt she had to try. Finn’s mother had entrusted her with something precious, and she wanted to repay the favor. “She needs her son.”
    His response was a dismissive snort.
    “That’s what I thought you’d say.”
    “I’ll be in touch in a couple of days.”
    “Okay.” Not being able to talk to him for even a short amount of time would feel like an eternity. “I have a busy week with the holidays close and all.”
    “You going to be with Harry?” he asked, mentioning the staff photographer.
    Now it was Carrie’s turn to hesitate. “For a couple of events, and then I’ll be out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving with a … friend.”
    “A male friend?”
    She didn’t want to mislead Finn. “Dave and I set this upa while ago, Finn. Trust me, you don’t have anything to worry about.”
    He grumbled something unintelligible.
    This was another romantic jewel he offered her without even realizing what he was doing. Carrie’s smile took up her entire face. “I love it that you’re jealous.”
    “I’m not jealous,” he insisted. “Just concerned. No guy likes the idea of his girl spending time with some other guy.”
    Oh, boy, he walked right into that. “Am I your girl, Finn?”
    “Would a guy send you a toaster if you weren’t?” he asked.
    “You have me there,” she said, smiling. Her phone beeped, reminding her that her battery was almost dead. “I really need to recharge my phone. Fly safely, Finn.”
    “I always fly safely.”
    “And hug Hennessey for me.”
    “What about me?”
    “Do you want a hug, too?”
    “I’ll take that as a bare minimum, but I’d like a whole lot more.”
    “So would I,” she whispered, before she ended the call.

Chapter Nine

    “What’s with you lately?” Sophie asked Wednesday afternoon as they waited in line to order lunch.
    “What do you mean?” Carrie pretended to be reading the menu posted on the wall above the cashier. She almost always ordered the same thing. Egg-salad sandwich on wheat with a small garden salad, ranch dressing on the side.
    “Ever since you were away you’ve been … I don’t know, different, I guess. Happier.”
    Carrie smiled. Oh, yes, she was happier.
    “You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”
    How could she deny it and keep a straight face? “Could be.”
    “Carrie, it isn’t like you to keep secrets. It’s the guy who sent you that joke gift, isn’t it?”
    “The toaster isn’t a joke, but yes, and if you must know, his name is Paul.” Middle name , she added silently.
    “Paul is from Seattle?”
    Technically, that was where Finn was born. “Yes.”
    “What’s his story? Is he married? Is that the reason you’re keeping this to yourself?”
    “Married? Of course not.” It irritated Carrie that Sophie would believe she’d even consider dating a married man. “You know, I’m thinking