THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

mail.
    “Here you go,” he said, handing her the mug. “What are you going to do tomorrow? Any plans?”
    Kasey placed the hot mug on the table beside her. “I was just thinking about that. Busy is the best thing I can do; besides pray, so I think I’m going to drive to Virginia Beach and visit my grandmother. I'm way overdue.”
    “That sounds like a good idea.”
    “I’ll have my cell. You’ll call me if you hear anything, right?”
    “You can count on it,” he said. “I’m heading home. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”
    “Thanks for everything.” She walked him to the door and gave him a hug, then watched as he left. Am I wishing you would stay?
    The phone rang, shattering the moment. She ran to answer it before the call went to voice mail.
    “Did you get the box? The book is awesome,” Cody said.
    “I did. I know. I was just looking at it.”
    “It’s going to be a hit, but enough about that. I wanted to see how you’re doing.”
    “Some days are better than others. We’re still looking —and waiting.”
    “The wait won’t be as long as it has been.”
    “Thanks to you.”
    “That’s what friends do: help each other,” Cody said. “Speaking of which. I have a favor to ask.”
    “Sure. Anything. What’s up?”
    “I told you about Lou, remember?”
    “Yep. You saw her?”
    “It was like old times. The chemistry, everything.”
    “Cody, that’s great.”
    “I know. We’re going to give things a try. Thanks so much for the lecture. I never would have tried to contact her if it hadn’t been for you.”
    “I’m so excited for you.”
    “Lou and I’ve already wasted too much time. So here’s the favor part.”
    “Ask already, would ya?”
    “I’m flying in to see her. Would you mind if she meets me at your place?”
    “Here?”
    “Yeah. I can land at the Greensville-Emporia strip. It’s secluded out there. No paparazzi or people waiting for flights. No one to start rumors. I promise we won’t impose long. I’d like you to meet her.”
    “I’d love that. When?”
    “It’s short notice.” Cody cleared his throat. “If it’s not a good time, just say no. Tomorrow, if you can swing it. If not, don’t sweat it. I can have her wait for me there at the airport. I just thought it would be nicer this way.”
    “I’m glad you thought of me. No problem at all. It’s the least I could do for you. Do you need me to pick you up at the airport?” Kasey’s mood lifted. It would be good to see him again.
    “I’ll call you and let you know when we have an ETA.”
    “Y’all are welcome to stay here overnight if you need to, depending on how the schedule works out.”
    “That would be great. You won’t tell anyone about us coming into town, will you?”
    “No way. I’ve seen first-hand what the press does with news about you. I won’t tell a soul.”
     

 
    Chapter Thirty-Three
     
    The next morning Kasey got up early to get ready for the drive to Virginia Beach. Flat gray clouds sprawled across the sky. The forty-percent chance of scattered showers looked more like the chance of a dark, stormy day. But she didn’t let that stop her from moving forward.
    She put on a pair of khaki’s and a black top. Then, she took off the black shirt and tossed it on the bed. She went back into the closet, picked out a hot pink sweater and slipped it on. Pleased with the switch, she turned and looked at herself in the mirror. The brighter the better. Anything to help keep my mood in check.
    She leaned closer to the mirror and put on some plum crazy lip color, smacked her lips, and then hit the road.
    Positive thoughts. Only positive thoughts.
    Instead of calling ahead to set up time with her grandmother, she decided she’d just take things at her own pace.
    Heading east on Route 58, she had an idea as she neared Main Street. She flipped her blinker on and turned right. Parallel parking had never been her forte, but that’s all they did in this part of town. She cruised to the end of the block until she found an opening with two spots in front of the bakery—she could negotiate her tiny car to the curb there, for sure. Floral & Hardy was a short walk up the block.
    This was her first time in the flower shop, though the name had stuck with her since the day she met Chaz Huckaby. His shop was right across the street.
    “Can I help you?” asked the young man behind the counter.
    “Yes. By the way, I love the name of your shop.”
    “Thanks. I’m Ted Hardy. You must be