Whispers Of The Heart. Ruth Scofield

her back to her building through nearly deserted streets. A frown caught him. He really did believe in the renewal projects and knew that it took almost a pioneer spirit to bring prosperity and life back to these sections of the city, but it concerned him a little to leave Autumn there. He insisted on seeing her to her door.

      “That really isn’t necessary,” she murmured, flashing him a questioning glance. “Tomorrow’s a working day.”

      “Just call me old-fashioned,” he joked. “I should’ve been raised in the fifties, according to my mom. I’ll merely see you to your door. I won’t ask to come in.”

      She nodded, and stepped into the elevator. They remained quiet on the way up.

      “D’you ever work in oils?” he asked as they stepped off.

      “Sometimes.” Her key was out and poised. “And acrylics. Why do you ask?”

      “Oh, just a thought.” He let her open her door; the kitchen light had been left on so she could clearly see into the apartment. He glanced past her shoulder. Everything appeared in order.

      “Good night, Autumn. See you around.”

      “Thanks for dinner,” she murmured. “I appreciate your asking me. I needed the outing.”

      Although he’d promised he wouldn’t ask to come in, he realized he wanted to. He wanted to sit and talk with her longer. He wanted to touch her, only just to place his palm against her cheek, to feel its warmth.

      But he supposed he’d count himself lucky to have had her company at dinner.

      “Good night,” he murmured again.

      “Good night,” Autumn returned as she slowly snapped the door closed.

      The phone rang insistently as Autumn closed the door behind her. Her sister, she knew. She didn’t have to guess.

      “Where were you?” Spring sounded breathless with concern and curiosity.

      “Out to dinner,” Autumn answered with pride. “With Brent Hyatt, the man I told you about. Remember, we met him the same day we first looked at this apartment?”

      “Oh…him. Well, what’s he like?”

      “Nice,” Autumn said without elaboration and changed the subject. She had no intention of indulging Spring’s perpetual curiosity or raising her speculations over someone who merely fit into the category of an acquaintance.

      That she found Brent more attractive every time they met had nothing to do with it, or that he appealed to her on more than one level. She didn’t think he was the kind of man who normally lacked female company, or, for that matter, any companionship at all. What would he need her for? She’d seldom seen him completely alone. The few glimpses she had of him from across the street, he’d been in company with other men in business suits or Timmy, and once, with that real estate person.

      He’d mentioned the other woman, Laureen Shore, as a business associate during his dinner conversation. Autumn suspected Laureen occupied a big chunk of Brent’s attention and wondered about their friendship. She even recalled how Laureen had wrapped her arm through Brent’s rather intimately that first time they all met. In her mind, the action seemed far more personal than casual.

      Did Laureen mean more to Brent than mere business? Why hadn’t he phoned her when he wanted company for dinner?

      Maybe he had. Just maybe the other woman hadn’t been available tonight.

      Giving it up, Autumn ended her conversation with her sister. After changing into a sleep shirt, she stood beside her south window studying the dark city skyline. She wouldn’t admit to being lonely.

      But even if she was, just the tiniest bit, she could do something about it. Inviting company to visit didn’t frighten her. She’d call her friend Kim and invite her for lunch. It wasn’t too late to reach her.

      She picked up the phone.

      On Friday, just before noon, Autumn waited for Kim outside her building, feeling very brave as she strolled the street. Telling herself she needed the exercise, she couldn’t admit to feeling so excited to have a friend to visit in her new home that she could hardly wait for her arrival.

      She turned around at the corner to retrace her steps. A familiar woman drove past her and parked in front of Brent’s building.

      “Oh, hello,” the blond woman said, flashing Autumn a curious glance as she exited her car. “We’ve run into each other again. I’m Laureen Shore, remember?”

      “Ah, yes, I do remember.” Autumn let herself be drawn into the exchange. They stood on the sidewalk across from the law offices. “You were with Brent the day we viewed my building.”

      “I see you really took that apartment,” Laureen said, her mouth pursed. “It was fated to sell quickly, but I wasn’t sure you were serious.”

      “Why, yes, why wouldn’t I be?”

      “Oh, I don’t know.” Laureen shrugged, eyeing Autumn as though she didn’t quite fit the usual description of a female. “A woman alone down here… Too quiet, I’d guess, especially at night. I’d think there wouldn’t be enough action for the younger singles crowd.”

      “I don’t mind that. I don’t really run with a—a crowd. I prefer quiet, actually.” Autumn spotted her friend’s car and swiftly excused herself, meeting Kim in the side parking lot.

      A second later, she noticed Laureen talking with Brent in his doorway. What had Laureen said of her? She knew the other woman had made some remark because Brent suddenly glanced her way in a curious manner.

      The distance was too far, she couldn’t see what speculation might lie in his gaze. Shrugging it aside, she led Kim into her building.

      But she did wonder.