Page 67 of You Found Me
Della wiggled a little. Maybe to get away. Maybe to tell him he was squeezing too tight.
He increased the pressure.
Rachel’s smile was the same one she used in her prom photos. It was designed to get everyone to look and admire, but it didn’t light up her eyes. “Yes, you did say that.”
“He’s a tasty treat, all right,” Gretchen quipped.
Rachel frowned at her friend.
Gretchen flushed. “Sorry.”
“You know, Donovan,” Rachel tilted her head thoughtfully, “why don’t we all have lunch tomorrow. I’d love to get to know Lucy better, and I have an idea I think you’re going to like.”
“Sorry, can’t.” Ward shifted toward the door. This conversation needed to end. Yesterday. Any idea Rachel had was sure to be bad. “We just got in.”
Della hugged his arm with both hands as she walked with him down the hall. “Maybe we could get together later in the week. I’ve really been looking forward to meeting Donny’s friends and family. He’s told mesomuch about you all.”
“Really.” Rachel drew the word out just enough to be obnoxious. “That’s…interesting. He usually won’t talk about family. It’s been a touchy subject for him ever since…well, you know.”
“Know?” Della stopped and turned back to Rachel. “Know what?”
Ward stiffened. This was the conversation he’d been dreading since he’d decided to bring Della to Wires Crossing.
Rachel made an “oh” face. She and Gretchen exchanged glances.
“It’s getting late,” Ward cut in.
“About his mother, of course,” Rachel said. “He doesn’t like to talk about it. Surely, he’s told you. That seems like something he shouldn’t be hiding from someone so…close…to him.”
“Oh…right. Yes, he’s tried to tell me but it’s been a tough subject. As you can imagine.” Della let out a musical little laugh that fooled no one. “I meant…everyone else.”
“Of course you did.” Rachel picked up her keys. “We should get going. I have that early meeting tomorrow.”
“Meeting?” Gretchen looked confused for half a second and then her face cleared. “Oh, the meeting. Sorry, slipped my mind. It was nice to meet you, Lucy.”
“This really made my day,” Della said with the most charming smile he’d ever seen outside of a movie.
Ward inwardly cringed. He’d heard her say that exact phrase in several of the backstage videos. He watched for signs of recognition in Rachel’s face, but she seemed entirely focused on him.
“Will you be around for homecoming?” Rachel asked.
He hoped like hell Della’s stalker was caught well before then. “Not sure.”
“I hope so.” Rachel tossed Della a stiff smile. “I’ll call to set up lunch.”
“Can’t wait.” Della wiggled her fingers as the two women made their exit.
Ward closed and locked the door, then carried the groceries to the kitchen. Della followed, strangely silent.
It lasted about ten seconds.
“When did your mother die?”
Ward put the grocery bags down. He’d known this might happen sooner or later, he’d just hoped they’d find the stalker and get the hell out before it did.
Too late for that.
His throat tightened around the words he wanted to say.