Sultry. Mary Baxter Lynn

      Four

      “Good morning.”

      When she heard Mary Jane Morgan’s voice on the phone, Lindsay’s face brightened. M.J., as she was affectionately called, had been her friend since grade school. A divorcée with no children, she worked as a paralegal for a prestigious law firm.

      “Hey, I was thinking about you,” Lindsay said, reaching for her coffee cup and taking a healthy sip, hoping the caffeine would nudge her into action. She hadn’t slept well; as a result, she felt a tad hungover.

      “But not enough to call me, you wretch.”

      Lindsay laughed. “Hey, give me a break. I just got home.”

      “Excuses, excuses.”

      “So when are we going to get together?” Lindsay asked, already feeling much better. M.J. was like a strong tonic. Her jaded sense of humor could cure almost any ills, especially hers.

      During the months and years following Lindsay’s mother’s suicide, she didn’t know what she would have done without M.J., who had stuck by her side through the worst of times.

      Even though her own life hadn’t been littered with roses, Mary Jane never complained. She’d gotten divorced shortly after she married, having learned her husband was gay. That blow had been so severe, it had taken her a long time to get over it. Now, however, she was on the prowl again, a fact she would readily admit. Her honesty about it tickled Lindsay.

      “So how’s the lord of the manor?”

      Only M.J. could refer to Cooper in such a manner and get by with it. But she did it in such an unmalicious way that Lindsay never took umbrage.

      “He’s still lording over everyone.”

      M.J. giggled. “Figures. All joking aside, how’s he doing?”

      “He’s good, which is actually a miracle, considering what he’s been through.”

      “Then you really didn’t have to cut your trip short—but I’m glad you did. I hate it when you’re gone. I don’t have anyone to whine to.”

      “Well, it’s good to know I’ve been missed—for whatever reason,” Lindsay said drolly.

      “So what’s up now that you are back? Same old one and two?”

      “I hope not.”

      “Don’t knock it, my friend. I could handle being spoiled and rich and a lady of leisure.”

      “So that’s what you really think of me,” Lindsay said with forced lightness, trying not to take what her friend said as anything other than a joke. “Some friend you are.”

      “I’m just green with envy, that’s all. But hey, I was only teasing. You know that. You do more for others than anyone I know—or will ever know, for that matter.”

      “I’d do more if only Daddy was more understanding,” Lindsay said. He’s after me big time to marry Peter.”

      M.J. groaned. “I thought you had that all settled before you went to Europe.”

      “I thought so, too, but I guess I was mistaken.”

      “I hope you’re not weakening. Peter’s a jerk.”

      Lindsay sighed. “I agree one hundred percent. However, Daddy thinks he’s the man for me.”

      “Screw whether you love him or not, right?”

      “Right.”

      “If it’s grandkids he wants, why doesn’t he go knock on Tim’s door?”

      “Because Tim would tell him to butt out in a heartbeat.”

      “So why don’t you do the same thing?” M.J. hesitated. “Don’t you think it’s past time? You’re strong now, Lindsay. You’ve come a long way, and you don’t need Cooper like you once did.”

      “I know, M.J. It’s just that old habits die hard.”

      “What you ought to do is move out of that house, get an apartment.”

      Lindsay was silent for a long moment, choosing her words carefully—not that it would do any good. Mary Jane could read her like a book without a cover. “You’re right, only I don’t have the guts. I’ll admit it.”

      “At least you’re honest.”

      “But I do have something in mind.”

      “Oh?” Mary Jane’s voice perked up considerably.

      “Don’t ‘oh’ me. I’m really serious.”

      “Are we talking about a plan, or what?”

      “I guess you could call it a plan. Yeah, that’ll work.”

      Lindsay could picture Mary Jane’s petite features scrunched in a frown while the wheels were turning inside her head.

      “So?”

      “So I’ll tell you about it another day, over lunch.”

      “That’s a dirty trick to play on me.”

      “Well, it’ll get you out of that office for a little while, anyway.”

      “I’m out today.”

      “Only because it’s Saturday,” Lindsay pointed out. “And the day’s not over yet.”

      “Boy, have you got my number.”

      “Just like you’ve got mine.”

      M.J. laughed. “So are you going to the shelter?”

      “Maybe this afternoon.”

      “Any news from there?”

      “No,” Lindsay said. “But then, I haven’t called Rita.”

      Rita Thomas, director of the women’s shelter, was another person Lindsay adored and could identify with, the main reason being that they had both suffered great heartaches in their lives.

      Even though Lindsay hadn’t been associated with the shelter all that long, her newest charity project had quickly turned into one she was quite passionate about.

      “Call me when you’re ready to share the big secret.”

      “Actually, my news involves the shelter.”

      “That’s great, especially if it keeps you out of the shrink’s office.”

      “So far, so good,” Lindsay said.

      “Well, I’ve certainly seen a difference in you since you took the shelter under your wing.”

      “We’ll see if it pans out.”

      “My, but you sound mysterious.”

      “Well, you’ll just have to put your curiosity in cold storage for a while longer.”

      “Whatever. Meanwhile, get rid of that prick Peter.”

      Lindsay’s lips twitched. “Yes, ma’am. Talk to you later.”

      The instant she placed the receiver back in its cradle, her smile fled. She wished Mary Jane hadn’t mentioned Peter again. The thought of him could ruin her day.

      She got up and stretched. When Mary Jane called, she had just finished dressing in leggings, a long shirt and her running shoes. Now she was ready to hit the outdoors. Losing