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That would be awful, Ginger said.
This is Josies pattern, Bea continued. She brings a guy she barely knows into her life and expects happily ever after. The worst thats happened so far is that the guy breaks Josies heart and steals a few of her kitchen utensils. But her latest boyfriend is on a whole new level of rotten.
Roxa
Bea smiled with relief. Ive been thinking that Rousseau would have too many opportunities to cancel on us if we made plans in advance, you know, like if we invited him for a drink or something. Bea waited for feedback, but didnt get any. So Im thinking we just surprise him.
Roxa
Bea wasnt amused. We know where his office is and we know he goes to Josies, right? So how about we wait for him to show up at one of those places, and catch him before he goes inside?
You mean another stakeout? Ginger asked, obviously not loving the idea.
Dont you think its a little dicey to ambush a CEO at his own corporate headquarters? Roxa
Then Josies place it is, Bea said.
When? Ginger and Roxa
Keep your phones with you at all times. Ill let you know.
About fifty miles outside of San Francisco, LaShelle went silent.
Be
She was gazing into the black hole of her future.
We should probably stop and get some rest, he said. Pull off at the next hotel you think might work.
But its almost morning. Were almost there.
Be
LaShelle glanced over at him, her eyes sparkling in the darkness. I dont know why you decided to help me back in Nebraska, but I appreciate that you did. Thank you, Be
Youre welcome, he said, suddenly fighting back a wave of sadness. He would miss her, he realized. Shed been good company. Maybe one day she would come to visit him in prison. I know youre going to make it, LaShelle. I am sure of it.
She nodded curtly. Heres a place, she said, taking the exit to a Hampton I
LaShelle was equally taciturn later that afternoon as they drove into the city. Eventually she asked, Do you have any ideas about a good place to drop me?
I do, Be
I really hate to ask you this, after all youve done for me Ill give you enough money to get started, he said. It would be my pleasure.
LaShelles tears streamed down her face. I think fifty ought to do it, she whispered. I can take it from there.
Be
He followed the signs to the San Francisco International Airport and parked in the short-term lot. LaShelle frowned at him. You leaving me here?
Not exactly. Get your bag, please.
Be
Do you have ID?
One of her eyebrows rose high on her golden-brown forehead. You Homeland Security now?
Be
She ripped her arm away from him. You are /not/ putting me on a plane back to Indianapolis! Im not going back there! I dont care if I have to work at Taco Bells from here to MexicoI aint never going back to that hellhole!
Be
Her eyes went huge.
Isnt that where you were headed, LaShelle?
She swallowed hard, nodding.
Then thats where youll go. He held out his elbow again. Shall we?
Be
She took the money, folded it, and put it in her front pocket. LaShelle kissed his left cheek. The kiss matched her voiceit was that of an angel.
Id like you to have this, too. Be
Just a little something to remember me by.
LaShelle looked at the monster truck T-shirt and laughed, shaking her head. Youre such a nerd, Big Bad Be
Well. She looked around anxiously. I should probably go.
You should.
Is there some way I can reach you? Id like to pay you back the fifty as soon as I get settled.
Be
She frowned. You talking about the cash or the T-shirt? she asked.
Both. He touched her hand. Theres only one thing I ask of you.
LaShelle cocked her head. Whats that?
Be
She looked surprised, but smiled. Okay. I promise.
LaShelle hugged him quickly and disappeared into the human cattle call that was airport security. He caught her eye one last time and waved good-bye. She waved back. Be
Josie hadnt yet used any vacation days for the year, so after her deadline Tuesday afternoon, she asked her city editor for the rest of the week off. I could really use a few personal days, she told Ken.
He looked baffled. To do /what/?
Personal stuff, Josie said, trying not to be offended that her boss assumed she had nothing to do. Of course, she wasnt going to correct him. Ken didnt need to know she pla
Plus she wanted to have that man over to her place for di
You never take personal days, Ken said, still confused.
Yes or no, Ken. Josie put a fist on her hip.
Ken swung around in his desk chair and tapped on the computer, checking the newsroom staffing schedule. Yeah, sure. Looks like I can pull one of the interns off night cops and have them cover for you. You expecting anybody interesting to die this week?
She laughed. Im an obituary writer, Ken. Not a psychic.
Well, go have fun. Just swear to me youll be back Monday.
Josie rubbed her fingers on her temples and pretended to go into a trance. I see myself on Monday… back at my desk… gulping bad newsroom coffee… looking harried and overworked…
Thats my girl, Ken said.
On her way to her car, she had the most wonderful realization: Josephine Agnes Sheehan had a life! She was taking personal days! She was happy!
Josie smiled to herself, pleased that if she were to drop dead right that minute, at least thered be something to write about.