Page 106 of Make-Believe Match

TWENTY-ONE

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On Saturday,I sent Tabitha a text asking if she’d meet me for coffee. She didn’t respond. I tried again on Sunday, but she ignored that message too. On Monday, I figured I’d catch her at work, but she didn’t show up.

Later that afternoon, I stopped by Gran’s house and asked if she’d heard from Tabitha in the last few days.

“No, but she’s been out of town,” said Gran, pouring hot water from the kettle into her teacup. “Would you like some tea, darling?”

“No, thank you. Do you know where she went?” I asked.

“She said she was visiting a friend. I think somewhere out east.” Gran brought her cup and saucer over to the table. “Boston, maybe? Or New York?” She sighed as she lowered herself into her chair. “Sorry, darling. My memory isn’t what it used to be.”

“It’s okay, Gran. I’ll catch up with her when she gets back. Do you know when that will be?”

Gran thought for a moment. “I believe she said Tuesday, because Wednesday she promised to help me bake a couple pies to bring to Devlin’s dad’s house for Thanksgiving.” She smiled as she lifted her teacup. “I’ve been a bit worried about her, to be honest. She seemed so upset when we decided not to sell. But over the last few weeks, she’s really come around, hasn’t she?”

“I hope so, Gran.”

But I had a feeling it was all an act.

* * *

I finally caught up with her Tuesday night, but only because I drove over to her apartment and knocked on the door.

When she opened it, she gave me her fake smile. “Oh, hi. What a pleasant surprise.”

“Can I come in, please? I want to talk to you.”

“Be my guest.” She stood back so I could enter, closing the door behind me. “I’m just unpacking.”

I followed her into her bedroom. “I heard you were on a trip.”

“Mmhm.” She tossed some clothing from her suitcase into a laundry basket.

“Where’d you go?”

“Boston.”

Leaning against the doorframe, I folded my arms. “What was going on there?”

“I had some business.” She hung up a little black dress. “I stayed at the most amazing hotel. Five stars. Every possible amenity. My suite had an incredible view. Thank God I didn’t have to pay for it—it would have been way outside my budget.”

“Sounds nice. Was it a collaboration for your blog?”

“Nope.” She giggled. “I had a generous benefactor who took care of the bill.”

“Tabitha. Tell me it wasn’t Bob Oliver.”

“What business is it of yours?” She placed a pair of black heels in the closet. “Are you the only one in this family who’s allowed to have a little fun?”

“He’s engaged. Did you know that?”

She shrugged. “He says that’s all for show.”

“He’s gettingmarriedfor show?”

She pinned me with a stare over her shoulder. “Look who’s talking.”