Read 204 Rosewood Lane for Free Online Page B

to feel this elation that he’d finally agreed. She poured him a cup and gestured toward the sugar and cream. He shook his head.
    They sat on stools across from each other, both staring into their coffee. “Your work is gaining recognition,” she finally said.
    He ignored her remark. “You’re divorced?” he asked bluntly.
    The question caught Maryellen off guard. She’d certainly realized he wasn’t much for small talk, but this verged on rude. She decided to answer him, anyway—and then turn the subject back to him.
    â€œThirteen years.” She hardly ever mentioned her marriage. She’d been young and immature, and had paid a high price for her mistake. As soon as the divorce was final, she’d reverted to her maiden name and chosen to put the experience behind her. “What about you?”
    Jon apparently had his own agenda because he answered her question with one of his own. “You don’t date much, though, do you?”
    â€œNo. Do you?”
    â€œSome.”
    â€œAre you married?” She didn’t think he was.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDivorced?” she asked next.
    â€œNo.”
    He certainly didn’t bother with sharing, nor did he feel obliged to offer much personal information in exchange for hers.
    â€œWhy don’t you date?” he asked next.
    Maryellen shrugged, choosing a nonverbal reply instead of a lengthy explanation.
    Jon sipped his coffee. “Don’t you get asked?”
    â€œOh, sure.” She preferred parties and other social events toindividual dates. “Why the interest, all of a sudden? Would you like to ask me out?” she asked boldly. If he did, she just might be tempted. Then again, maybe not. Dark, mysterious men were dangerous, and she’d already learned her lesson.
    â€œWhat did he do to you?” Jon pressed.
    Maryellen got off the stool, uncomfortable with the way he continually parried her questions with his. Each question dug a little deeper, delving into territory she’d rather leave undisturbed.
    â€œTell me something I don’t know about you,” she said, challenging him with a look.
    â€œI’m a chef.”
    â€œYou mean you enjoy cooking?”
    â€œNo, I’m a chef at André’s.”
    The elite seafood restaurant was on the Tacoma waterfront. “I…I didn’t know.”
    â€œMost people don’t. It’s how I pay the bills.”
    Kelly’s voice rang from inside the gallery. “Anybody here?”
    Her sister couldn’t have chosen a worse time to visit, and Maryellen glanced regretfully toward the showroom. “That’s my sister.”
    â€œI should be going.” Jon took a swallow of the cooled coffee, then put down the mug.
    â€œDon’t leave yet.” She reached out impulsively, touching his forearm. “I’m sure I’ll only be a moment.”
    â€œCome to André’s one night,” he said. “I’ll make you something special.”
    Maryellen wasn’t sure if he meant she should come alone or if she should bring a date. But it seemed inappropriate to ask. “I’ll do that,” she said as Kelly walked into the back room. Her sister stopped suddenly, her face filled with surprise and delight at finding Maryellen with a man.
    â€œI’m Jon Bowman,” Jon said into the awkward silence. “I’ll leave you to visit. Nice seeing you again, Maryellen.”
    â€œBye,” she said, her feelings a mixture of surprise and regret. Anticipation, too, she admitted privately. And that was something she hadn’t felt in years.
    Kelly watched him go. As soon as Jon was out of earshot, she asked, “Was that anyone special?”
    â€œJust one of our artists,” Maryellen returned, not elaborating.
    Kelly claimed the stool recently vacated by Jon. “How’s Mom holding up?”
    â€œBetter than I expected.” Making that first attorney’s