Chapter Twenty-Seven
Allison
Ican’t believe I managed to keep my mind off Oliver for the rest of the afternoon. I’m just about done for the day when I get a call from an unknown number. I find that it’s a new client looking for website services and take down all their information. After hanging up with them, I hear knocking on my door. I jump out of my chair and run to the door hoping it’s Oliver. When I look out the peephole, I see an older woman standing there and open the door.
“Hello?” I say tentatively.
“Hi, I’m Ellen Hudson. My son is moving in across the hall and I’m here setting up the place for him. Do you happen to have any cleaners and paper towels I could use? I’ll replace them tomorrow. I didn’t realize it had gotten so late, and I’m not comfortable walking to the market in the dark,” Ellen rattles off an explanation. She’s a tall brunette woman with some grey at her temples and sparkling hazel eyes.
My face softens as I realize I’m meeting Oliver’s mother for the first time and she has no idea who I am.
“Hi, Ellen. I’m Ally. As a matter of fact, I do. Come in and I’ll get them for you.”
“Thank you,” she says as she walks in and looks around my place. “You have a lovely home. Do you know I can help you get that stain out of your carpet.” How can she see it? I know where it is, and I can barely make it out.
“Darn, I thought we did a good job getting the stain out,” I say, joining her, staring at the spot.
“I’m guessing red wine?” She tsks.
“It was. Wow, are you a spot guru?” I ask in awe.
“No, I just raised two boys and had to become a stain expert. I know it’s a set stain, but I’ll mix up my secret stain remover and get the rest out.”
“That would be great. I can barely see it anymore, but it will be nice to have it out completely. Thank you.”
“No problem.” She pats my arm. “I’ll let you get back to whatever you were doing. Thank you for the cleaning products.”
“You’re welcome. Feel free to knock any time. I work from home, so I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thank you. It’s so nice to know I’m not alone here.”
“Have a good evening,” I say before closing the door.
As soon as she leaves, I grab my phone and text Morgan.
Ally:Guess who I just met?
Morgan:Who?
Ally:Oliver’s mother!
Morgan:What? When? How did you know it was her?
Ally:My new neighbor’s mother came over to borrow cleaning supplies.
Morgan:Did you tell her who you were?
Ally:No, and I’m going to befriend her and find out what’s going on with Oliver.
Morgan:OMG! That’s slick!
Ally:Thanks. I’m thinking bagels and coffee in the morning.
Morgan:Oooh, I like the way you think.
Ally:I’ll let you know what I find out.
Morgan:You better. Talk later.
Ally:Later.
I dance around in excitement at my new spy mission then plop on my couch to watch a show before bed.