Chapter 3 #2
Must be nice. Stop it. I don’t care about his money, but it would be stupid to act like I don’t even realize he’s filthy rich. “That might be appealing for a while, but I think it would get old. Sometimes it’s great to have homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy.”
Chase closed his eyes for a moment. “Sounds like heaven. I don’t remember the last time I had a homemade meal.”
Meri’s eyes widened. “Really? Well, I’m fixing that right now.
I want you to come to dinner. I’ll cook for you, but I warn you.
” She grinned, happy she could give him something he didn’t have.
“We’re having meatloaf. Mine’s a little different from most. I use breakfast sausage in it.
It gives a wonderful yet still homey flavor to it. ”
“My mouth is watering just thinking about it. When do you want me there?”
“Well, this is Monday, so how about Friday, six o’clock? Bring wine.”
He grinned and leaned forward. “I can hardly wait.”
They finished their dinner.
Meri declined dessert. She patted her belly. “I couldn’t eat another morsel.” She’d finished every bite, and she was almost too full.
“How about dessert to go?” He grinned and cocked one brow.
She tilted her head and smiled. “I’d like that. I have a horrendous sweet tooth and around ten tonight I’ll be searching for something to munch on.” She looked at the wine menu she had put to the side of the table, which also had desserts at the back.
“What would you like?”
“How about the flourless chocolate espresso cake?”
“Perfect choice. I think I’ll have one of the same, to go, of course.”
The server came by and they gave her their order.
While they waited, they finished their drinks.
“I’ve had a terrific time tonight,” said Chase.
“Me, too. Thank you.” I can’t believe what we talked about tonight.
No religion or politics, but we talked about favorite sports teams, more about his ranch, and what our favorite colors are.
His is blue, no surprise there. Mine is purple, all shades of purple.
We didn’t have enough time to discuss more.
Maybe next time. Isn’t that what happened before?
Am I making the same mistake or am I taking the brass ring with both hands?
“I should thank you. I’d have been home on the couch watching TV in my underwear and drinking a beer.”
Meri giggled, but the picture in her mind of him in his underwear made her want to fan herself.
They collected their desserts and Chase paid the bill. Then they walked out.
Chase held out his left arm, again keeping himself between her and the street, holding their bag of dessert with the other.
She placed her hand through the crook in his elbow and subtly leaned his way as they walked.
They were passing a parking lot when a shot rang out.
“Get down and stay down.” Chase pushed her to the ground and fell on top of her, keeping most of his weight on his forearms but still covering her head with his hands.
Even with Chase on top of her, her body shook. Her pulse raced, and her heart pounded like it was about to explode out of her chest. Staying like that for what seemed like days, Meri finally pushed on Chase.
He whispered. “I think they must be gone. I don’t hear anyone moving.” Then he rolled to the side and eased to a squatting position. From there, he looked all around them before standing. Then he held a hand out to her and helped her to her feet. “Are you okay?”
She locked her knees, afraid they would give out on her.
Then she dusted off her pants and picked up her purse and the bag with their dessert.
It got crushed. The gooey chocolate inside was staining the bag.
She’d toss it when they passed a trash can.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little shaken up.
We need to find out if anyone needs help. ”
“First, I’ll call the police.” He pulled his phone from his front pants pocket. “Then we can search for the wounded.”
Dear Lord, don’t let anyone be hurt.
“I’d like to report shots fired downtown in the parking lot behind The Capital Grille. My name is Chase Harper. Yes, we’ll wait and I’ll stay connected.” He turned his gaze toward Meri. “Are you all right?”
She nodded. “I think so.” She couldn’t think clearly. She wasn’t sure what would happen if they found someone injured.
Chase put himself between her and where the shot had come from.
Suddenly, a man darted out from between two parked cars. He looked at them and aimed his gun. Before she could react, Chase shoved her between another two cars. The man fired at them and then ran out of the parking lot.
Chase swiped his phone and started making notes.
“The man was about five feet, eight inches, skinny, short dark hair, dark eyes. Wearing dark jeans, black tennis shoes, a white t-shirt and a dark jacket. He left the parking lot on foot. We never heard a car leave.” He looked at her. “Did I miss anything?”
She nodded. “The pistol he carried was a snub-nose thirty-eight. That’s probably why he missed us. They are notorious for missing the target unless you’re at almost point-blank range.”
He lowered his head and spoke. “Yes, operator, I’m still here. I hear sirens approaching. No, I won’t disconnect.” He furrowed his brows and turned toward Meri. “How do you know so much about guns?”
She shrugged. “My father is a collector. He wanted me to know as much as my brothers, even though I would never go hunting. He would take me out to a shooting range and taught me about every gun he owned and had me learn how to use all of them. I’m an excellent shot with just about anything except his flint-lock rifle.
I never could manage to hit much with that. ”
He tilted his head and stared at her. “You become more and more fascinating with every minute.”
She ducked her head. Her cheeks heated. Meri swore she’d blushed more today than she had in the last twenty years.
“I’d like to meet your father.”
Her body still shook. Despite her saying she was all right. She was anything but. If she was to get through this, she needed to be strong. “You probably have a lot in common.”
Chase placed his free arm around her shoulders. “I definitely look forward to it.”
She knew what he was doing. Keeping her mind on anything but what had just happened. And she felt a little less shaky. Maybe. She would keep up the banter until she collapsed. “I do, too. And wait until you meet my mother.”
“I’d like that.” He turned his attention back to his phone.
A police car arrived and parked next to them.
“Operator, I’m hanging up now. The police are here.” He pressed end call and shoved the phone in his pocket.
She still didn’t know…was anyone shot?