Truthseeker Part 1

Truthseeker.

C.E. Murphy.

For Jai who gave me the idea.

One.

aa"once upon a time, not so long ago, driven by a little old lady I know personally. She drove it to the store weekly, thatas it, so its four thousand miles are gentle ones, ladies. Itas six years old, but it has all the extras. You wonat find a better deal here or anywhere else. Now, I know the sticker price is eighteen five and youare not looking to spend quite that much.a The salesman leaned out from beneath his umbrella to get a better look at the deep V of Kelly Richardsas T-s.h.i.+rt, and smiled. aItas cutting my own throat, but I think I can knock it down to seventeen flat. Itas a bargain, ladies, a real bargain.a aLara?a Kelly folded her arms beneath her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

For a moment Lara found herself studying her friendas cleavage, too, if less avidly than the salesman had. Kelly had a lifetimeas experience in using her a.s.sets to distract and command, whereas Laraas own figure had been described as a pirateas treasure: a sunken chest. Clinical curiosity made her wonder what it would be like to take control of a situation just by inhaling deeply.

aEarth to Lara, h.e.l.lo?a Kelly snapped her fingers under Laraas nose. aAre you in there?a aOf course I am.a Lara glanced at the yellow Mazda Miata the salesman hawked, but it was his quick patter that she concentrated on. The easy flow of words meant to distract and impress in the same way Kellyas T-s.h.i.+rt wasa"though Kelly had perhaps gone too far in her distraction techniques. She hadnat worn a coat, despite it being cold with a promise of serious rain. The salesmanas gaze kept wandering to her chest. Lara shook her head, smiling. aHeas lying.a Offense flew across the manas face and he clapped a hand over his heart. aHow could I lie to two such lovely ladies as yourselves? But all right, all right, maybe a Miata isnat your style. Something with a little more kick to it, maybe something that makes a real impression when you pull up? Iave got a Ford four-fifty over here, it gets thirty miles to the gallona"a He broke off again as Lara and Kelly both turned incredulous looks on him. aAll right, all right, maybe twenty-five in the city. But I can see discerning women like yourselves want better gas mileage than that. Iave got just the thing for you. This way, please.a He strode down the lot, Kelly at his side and Lara trailing behind, staying just close enough to overhear his routine. Kelly cast regular glances at her, and Lara shook her head each time.

Finally, exasperated, Kelly pointed at a ten-year-old Nissan with a four-thousand-dollar price tag. aWhat about that one?a A spatter of rain hit the salesmanas umbrella and rolled off in a pathetic dribble that matched his expression. aDecent gas mileage, but the engine was overhauled by an amateur.a aHowas it run?a He muttered, aFine,a and Lara nodded.

Kellyas smile lit up. aIall take it.a Forty minutes later the Nissan sat outside a diner, Kelly whimpering with each raindrop that spattered against her new car. Her lunch, virtually untouched, no longer steamed with heat, and Lara waved her own half-eaten burger at Kellyas cooling french fries. aIf youare bringing me out to the best diner lunch in Boston you might as well eat. Or is this a special new diet where you only inhale the scent of food?a Kelly tore herself from the view to waggle a finger at Lara. aTechnically, the Deluxe is in Watertown, not Boston.a Lara laughed. aOkay, fine. The best diner in the greater Boston area. You donat like it when Iam pedantic with you. How come you can do it to me?a aBecause you do it all the time. Iam just getting my own back. Anyway, lunch is for you, not me.a aSo itas a new diet. One where youave given up eating?a aWell, no, itas just, you know. I donat know how you can eat as much as you do and stay so slim.a Kelly finally picked up her own burger, having been distracted from the car.

aSome of us get Mae West figures, others get fast metabolisms. Want to trade?a Kelly glanced past her burger into the V of her own T-s.h.i.+rt. aNah, I guess not. But thanks for coming along. You always know when salesmen are lying.a aKelly, anybody who sells used cars is lying. You donat need me along to tell you that.a Lara squished her burger until bacon and cheese oozed out of the bun, then sank her teeth into it with a blissful sigh.

aYeah, but you also know when theyare telling the truth.a Lara shrugged her eyebrows, grateful her mouth was full. Kelly was right, the correctnessa"the truthfulnessa"of her statement hummed under Laraas skin like a hive full of bees. She couldnat remember a time when lies didnat strike discordant notes. As barely more than an infant, Lara had heartily mistrusted her mother until Gretchen Jansen had learned to explain that Santa and the Tooth Fairy, among others, were simply stories that people told. Her motheras patient explanations had eventually allowed her to understand the idea of popular legends, but the truth-sensing ability had become even more awkward when her father died. There were no comforting lies to be shared with a child who was fundamentally incapable of accepting aDaddyas gone away for a whilea as basic truth.

Since thena"shead been sevena"she had understood it would be easier if she could instantly know when she was being lied to. It had never worked that way, though as shead aged shead learned to discern more and more about the probable truth. The Miata had almost certainly never belonged to a granny, and its four thousand miles were probably the result of someone tinkering with the odometer. But unless the salesman said so directly, she wouldnat know. Worse, she couldnat tell the difference between a truth based on misinformation or a genuine truth: if someone believed what he was telling her, it read as true.

As peculiar talents went, it was good for getting her out of jury dutya"a frustrating perk, as she thought serving on a jury might be interestinga"and not a great deal else.

aHey. Hey, wake up.a Kelly reached across the table to thump Laraas forearm. aLook, itas that guy from the news. The weatherman. Why donat you go ask him if heas single?a She nodded out the window, where a slender blond man in a long coat hurried past Kellyas Nissan, his shoulders hunched against bursts of rain. A cameraman followed, looking irate. aPoor guy, he predicted suns.h.i.+ne today.a aOh. Is that why youare wearing a T-s.h.i.+rt? I thought you were just trying to keep the car salesman off his game.a aMerely a side benefit. No, Iad have brought a coat if Iad known it was going to be this nasty. Wow, thereas a job thatad suck for you, huh? What if you had to predict the weather and kept getting it wrong? Youad give yourself the heebie-jeebies.a Lara, watching the weatherman cross the street, shook her head. aI donat think so. Iad be predicting on the best data I had, so it might be okay.a aBest data.a Kelly snorted. aHow many times have I watched the news and the weatherperson said it was snowing when it was raining, or when the prediction was windy when it was as calm as a crypt?a aCalm as a crypt.a Lara took her attention off the street and made a face at her friend. aWho says things like that? I donat know if you watch too much Addams Family or if youare just planning a career as an undertaker.a aIam planning a career as a rich young widow,a Kelly said archly. aSee, if you were really a good friend youad have already found me a rich old man to marry.a aMost of my clients arenat old.a aBut theyare rich, right?a Kellyas eyes brightened. aThey have to be, to afford their spiffy custom suits.a Lara wrinkled her nose and put on a haughty accent. aPlease. We at Lord Matthewas Tailor Shop prefer the term abespokea to acustom made.aa aThatas because you at Lord Matthewas are a bunch of Europhile sn.o.bs,a Kelly said cheerfully, and Lara laughed.

aSteveas got three hundred years of tradition to live up to. Give him a break.a aOh yes.a Now Kelly put on the accent, sniffing disdainfully. aSteven Taylor, eighth in a line of tailors beholden to a Lord Matthew, whose name became so synonymous with quality that even during his lifetime men were referred to aLord Matthewas tailora rather than the Newbury Street Tailor Shop. Thatas your party line, isnat it?a she said in a normal voice. aYou have to admit it sounds snooty.a aIt is snooty. But I love it. The way everything fits together flawlessly, itas like a true thing made real.a aA true thing made real. And you think I say weird things.a Lara grinned. aSomeday Iall make your wedding dress and youall understand why itas so fantastic. No patterns, just your body shape and your every whim conceded to. Except if you try to make a disastrous fas.h.i.+on choice, in which case Iall politely ignore you and make something suitable. At least I could do that with you. Weave had clients with no taste at all. A couple of them were even famous.a aFortune five hundred famous?a aMore like movie star famous.a Kelly brightened again. aNow, see, if I were even the tiniest bit interested in sewing, I would so make you get me a job. Intimately fitting clothes to movie stars. I want your life.a aNo, you donat,a Lara said with perfect confidence.

Kelly squashed her lips in mock irritation. aShush. Youare not supposed to call me on things like that and you know it. People say things like that, Lar.a aI know. But you donat mean it.a If Laraas high school yearbook had had a category for least likely to develop a sense of humor, her teenage self would have been pictured there. It wasnat that she lacked one, but even as an adult, the line between teasing and telling lies was a thin one to her sense of truthfulness. She frequently had to stop and consider what shead been told, investigate it for irony before responding. At the shop, her fellow tailors had such pa.s.sion and joy for their creations they rarely joked about it; Laraas underdeveloped sense of humor fit in well there.

Outside, in the real world, she was grateful for people like Kelly, who had recognized Laraas ability on her own and wasnat bothered by it. Building friends.h.i.+ps without the polite gloss of white lies was difficult. People simply didnat tell one another the truth all the time, or even often. When Kelly had protested that they did, Lara had arched an eyebrow and asked, aHow often do you say afinea when someone asks you how youare doing?a Kelly had shut her mouth on further objections and rarely argued with Lara on matters of truthfulness again.

aOkay, I donat want your job. I want to hang out with you and meet the rich people you make clothes for,a Kelly admitted. aIs that more accurate?a Lara laughed. aMuch. The trouble with that is most of them never even see me, Kelly. Iad have a hard time introducing you to somebody when Iam effectively invisible.a aI donat understand that. Theyare the dressmakeras dummies. How can they not see the dressmaker?a aIt doesnat matter,a Lara a.s.sured her. aI donat need to be noticed.a aNo?a Kelly cast a glance out the window. aNot even by him?a Lara followed her gaze to where the weatherman, hair blown askew, shouted enthusiastically into a microphone as rain splashed over him. He was vividly handsome, with angular cheekbones and a pointed jaw, and a well-shaped mouth currently stretched in a rueful grin. His eyes were crinkled against the weather, features animated as he spoke. aNah. Not that Iad say no aa Kelly clapped her hands together. aFinish your burger. Come on, hurry up.a Lara picked up the sandwich and bit in, an automatic response to the command, then furled her eyebrows. aWhatas the hurry?a aLook at him, Lar. Heas a pretty-boy TV star, but that coat, those pants.a She tsked, shaking her head, eyes wide with dismay. aThe man needs a makeover to reach his full potential, and I know just the woman to give him one.a aYou?a Kelly gave an enthusiastic pah! of dismissal. aI like my men broad enough to fill doorways. Not that Mr. Weatherman doesnat have great shoulders, but my mighty thighs would crush those slender hips. Iam going to introduce you.a She dropped a twenty on the table and caught Laraas wrist, tugging her up.

aKelly! Iam not done eating! And you donat even know him!a aEverybody knows him,a Kelly insisted. aHeas David Kirwen, Channel Four News weatherman, and theyare shutting down filming. Itas now or never. Iall buy you another burger. Come on, Lara. This is why you never meet guys. You never take any risks. Live a little!a She pulled Lara toward the door, ignoring her protests, and stepped out into the wind-driven rain, T-s.h.i.+rt soaking in a few seconds.

Lara muttered aHeall notice you, anyway,a and earned a second dismissive sound from her friend.

aHuge tracts of land arenat everyoneas fancy. Excuse me! Excuse me, Mr. Kirwen? My friend here wanted to talk to you about your wardrobe!a aFor heavenas sake.a Lara spoke the protest under her breath as Kirwen turned to face them, amus.e.m.e.nt writ large across his face, animating thin lips and brown eyes into pure sensual charm. aI didnat,a she said to him in embarra.s.sment. aI mean, your trench coat is really well made. The st.i.tches must be oiled, the way wateras beading and rolling off. But really, I didnat want to talk to you. Iam sorry. My friend isa"a She ran out of words, wrapping her arms around herself and s.h.i.+vering. The weatherman was dressed for the pelting rain; Lara, in a T-s.h.i.+rt and jeansa"her coat was in Kellyas Nissana"was not.

aAn enabler,a Kelly offered. aThis is Lara Jansen. Sheas a tailor, a bespoke tailor, I donat know if youare familiar with it, buta"a aIam only a journeyman,a Lara mumbled, but Kelly went on heedless.

aa"itas custom tailoring, not even a pattern, I canat remember how it all works, but anyway, Lara can tell you about it, and she thinks youare cute and well dresseda"a aKelly!a aA tailor who thinks Iam well dressed. Iam flattered, Miss Jansen. Itas a pleasure to meet you.a He turned a megawatt smile on Lara, evidently unaware of its power. Bells chimed beneath her skin, ringing in the truth inherent in his statement, and Lara put her hand out automatically to meet his as he said, aIam David Kirwen.a Pure tones shattered into discord.

Two.

The hairs on Laraas neck stood against the rain and wind. The tones of truth rang with uncertainty, tremors lifting goose b.u.mps on her skin. Her knowledge was usually an instant thing, one pure tone or a flat one, but the sound of David Kirwenas name went on and on, searching for a final note to settle on. They began to clear, s.h.i.+vering toward agreement, but even as purity took over, a dissonance remained. Lara felt her smile go fixed, felt her hand go icy in Kirwenas, and saw that he noticed it. Some of the light went out of his own smile and he retrieved his hand from her cold grip. aIad hate to keep you out on an afternoon like this one. Thank you for saying h.e.l.lo.a aLara and I,a Kelly said briskly, awere going to stop for a cup of coffee down the street. Would you like to join us?a Kirwen turned a slow, regretful smile on the invitation, looking at Kelly but leaving the sensation and weight of his gaze on Lara. There was a trace of apology in it, something more meaningful than the polite, obligatory refusal of, aI think perhaps Iad better not. Maybe another time, Miss a?a aRichards,a Lara supplied. aKelly Richards. We need to get going, Kel.a aButa"a aNow, Kelly.a Lara pinched a smile toward Kirwen, wrapped her hand around Kellyas biceps, and tugged her toward the newly purchased Nissan up the street.

Kelly dug her heels in and pitched her voice low. aHeas into you, Lara! What the h.e.l.l are you doing? Heas rich, heas handsome, heas famous, heas got a well-made trench coat, whatas the problem? Letas get coffee! You could get a date! I mean, sure, dating with you is a little weird, but you could give the guy a chance.a aHis nameas not David Kirwen.a Laraas answer cut across Kellyas good-natured spiel so sharply they both flinched. Kelly came to a full stop, and Lara puffed her cheeks. aSorry. That came out nastier than I meant it to.a Kelly flicked a glance toward the weatherman. aSaarright. Look, Lara, of course his nameas David Kirwen. Heas famous. Heas a TV personality. Everybody knows who he is.a aEverybody is wrong.a Cold water slid down Laraas spine, highlighting the discomfort that slithered there as well. aIt felt wrong. Can we just get in the car, please? Iam soaked.a Kelly scowled, first at Kirwen, then at Lara. aBut everybody knows who he is. I mean, if you say so, but aa aI know. But have you ever known me to be wrong?a Kellyas shoulders drooped and she slogged toward the Nissan. aOnly when somebody was making a joke that you didnat get. Lar, how can he not be David Kirwen? Who is he, if heas not? What happened to Kirwen, if heas not?a Lara shot her a look of horror. aYou make it sound like he killed somebody or something.a aWell!a Lara slumped, blouse sticking to her skin. aIam sure itas not like that. His name is David Kirwen. Itas just a also not.a aHow can his name both be and not be David Kirwen? You only get one name. Itas the rules. One name each. Well, unless you take a stage name. Maybe thatas what heas done.a Fire sparked in Kellyas gaze. aIam going to go ask him. Wait here.a aKelly! Kelly! Wait!a Lara broke into a run after her friend, who splashed through puddles and caught Kirwenas elbow as he climbed into his news van. He came out of the van to look at her curiously, and Lara slowed to put the heel of her hand against her forehead, then gave in to a low laugh. Kelly was her perfect foil, acting on impulse where Lara overthought things. It seemed to be both a more interesting and more terrifying way to live. She wasnat sure if she envied it, but their ongoing friends.h.i.+p suggested she at least admired Kellyas madcap approach.

David Kirwen lifted a complicated expression to greet Lara as she approached the van. Curiosity and interest enlivened his features, and he spoke diffidently. aYou think my nameas not David Kirwen?a aLara has this annoying knack of always knowing if somebodyas telling her the truth,a Kelly said blithely. It sounded almost ordinary the way she said it, so matter-of-fact as to be unquestionable. aSo she got the heebie-jeebies when your name sounded wrong to her. Iam sure shead like to go out for coffee if youall just explain.a Lara, despairing, said, aKelly. Iam sorry, Mr. Kirwen.a Kirwen shook his head, complex emotions turning more toward hope. aNo, itas all right. In fact, my name isnat Kirwen. Itas ap Caerwyn, Dafydd ap Caerwyn.a The difference in p.r.o.nunciation was subtle, yet significant enough to send a rush of relief over Laraas skin as the name rang true. Kirwenas attention remained on her, intent, and she steeled herself against stepping back, out of his range of interest. aHow did you know?a aDafydd ap Caerwyn,a Kelly repeated. aIt doesnat sound that different. Why donat you use it?a aThe spelling.a Dafydd turned his TV-star smile on Kelly. A spark of envy startled Lara and she put her hand over her chest like she could push it down. aAmericans usually p.r.o.nounce it correctly if they hear it first, but if they see it written down they tend to call me Daffy-Did. Itas Welsh, by most accounts.a Kelly spun around in triumph, fists against her rain-soaked hips. aThere! See? Nothing mysterious at all! I told you!a Astonishment dropped Laraas jaw and she gaped at her friend, who had the grace to look mildly ashamed. aWell, all right, I didnat tell you. But there was a simple answer! Now we can go out for coffee!a aKelly! No! We canat! For one thing, Iam soaking wet, and for another, I have to go back to work! And for a third I donat need you toa"a aMatchmake?a Kelly asked archly. aYou need somebody to. Can you come out for coffee, Mr. Kirwen? You and maybe your aa She leaned past Kirwen to peer into the van. aYour cameraman?a The vanas door slid open to reveal a broad-shouldered man whose short hair was so wet and plastered to his head its color was indistinguishable. aIf you donat say yes, David, Iam going to drown you in one of these puddles. I was gonna have a barbecue tonight, man, and look what the weatheras doing.a aYou should know better than to trust a weatherman, d.i.c.kon. And Iam afraid we really canat, Miss Richards. Weare expected back at the studio in less than half an hour. Maybe I could make it up to you by taking you out to dinner tonight? Miss Jansen?a Lara jolted, taken aback at being addressed. aWhat? Oh. No, really, you donat haa"a aWead love to.a Kelly put her hand on Kirwenas arm and squeezed, then tilted to smile brilliantly at the cameraman. aYouall come, too, wonat you? Since itas not barbecue weather?a ad.a.m.n straight I will, especially if Davidas paying. Camon, Kirwen, letas get back to the studio before they send an ark to pick us up.a He slammed the sliding door closed and Kirwen got into the van as Kelly turned back to Lara, triumphant.

aThere, see, that wasnat so hard, was it? Now we have dates for tonight!a aReally?a Lara watched the van drive away. aBecause I didnat notice any exchange of telephone numbers or a decision where wead be eating.a Kellyas jaw snapped shut. aWell, we know where they work.a aOh, you have got to be kidding.a Lara looked to the heavens, beseeching, then spluttered and wiped rainwater from her eyes. aSeriously. Thank you for trying to salvage my love life, but Iam not quite that desperate. Look, I took a long lunch so I could go car shopping with you, but since we mostly skipped lunch, could you drop me off at St. Anthonyas before I go back to work?a Kelly sent another glance, this one defeated, after the van. aYeah, okay. No dinner date and I pulled you out of the diner before we finished lunch. Iam the worst friend in the univa"a She broke off under the sound of Laraas laughter. aOkay, fine, maybe not the worst. But Iam up there!a aI think youad have to do considerably more than leave me hungry to qualify as even a moderately bad friend, much less the worst in the universe.a Lara threaded her arm through Kellyas and tugged her toward the Nissan. aYou can buy me lunch on Sat.u.r.day. Weare helping Rachel move, remember?a Kelly kicked spray in the gutter puddles like a gloomy four-year-old. aRachelas supposed to buy us pizza.a aFor dinner! Weare not supposed to be there till one. You can buy me lunch first.a Lara knocked her hip against Kellyas, sending her around to the driveras side door. aThis, by the way, is how I stay skinny. I never get to eat a whole meal at once.a aYouare not skinny.a Kelly unlocked the doors, dismayed as they got in. aMy nice new seats, all wet!a aItas your own fault,a Lara said heartlessly. aYouare the one who wanted to go chasing men in the rain.a aJust for that, I take it back. You are skinny.a Kelly pulled out of the parking spot, shaking her fist at a pedestrian who walked into the street in front of her without acknowledging the car bearing down on him.

aAs opposed to what?a Lara twisted water from her hair onto the Nissanas floor, where it puddled on the rough carpet.

aTo slim. Thereas a difference. Are you soaking my new car on purpose?a Amused guilt surged through Lara and she rubbed at the pool of water. aNot exactly. I was just trying to dry off a little. Whatas the difference?a Kelly eyed her. aYou know I have to believe you when you say that, even though I wouldnat believe anybody else, right?a aItas one of the perks of being friends with me.a Kelly laughed out loud, sound filling the small vehicle. aI guess thatas true. Anyway, skinny doesnat look good on anybody. Slim looks good on everybody. And youare slim.a She glanced sideways at Lara and added, aDavid Kirwen thought slim looked good on you,a in a sly, hopeful tone.

aWe have no dinner date, and even if we did, we wouldnat.a A mis-tuned chord warbled through her own words. Lara said aHush,a as much to herself as her friend, and tugged her seat belt on as Kelly plunged them into afternoon traffic.

The downpour had increased dramatically by the time they got back downtown. Wisdom said she should have Kelly drop her off at work, but she still had time on her extended lunch hour. Lara ducked out of Kellyas car and ran for Saint Anthonyas Shrine, stopping beneath its arched entryway to wave as Kelly drove off. Then she slipped inside, bobbing toward the altar and crossing herself before scurrying down to a meeting room.

A dozen or so men and women were already there, gathered in a loose circle of chairs and listening intensely as a woman in her mid-thirties spoke. Lara offered a brief smile and took a seat, trying not to interrupt, but the speaker murmured, aHi, Lara. Glad you made it,a before continuing. aItas the credit cards, you know? They make it so easy. I only have one left, I cut the rest of them upa"a She broke off with a contrite look toward Lara, and one of the mena"Matta"chuckled quietly. aAw, h.e.l.l, caught you out, huh? You know she donat mean to.a aI didnat catch anyone out. Go on, Paula.a aIave got one in the freezer,a Paula muttered. aIn a big block of ice. For emergencies, Lara, I swear.a aHey.a Lara shook her head. aIam not judging you. You should know that by now.a aNot judging, just keepina us on the straight and narrow. You know, Iave met a lot of head doctors in my time, but n.o.bodyas as sharp as you, Lara. Donno how you do it.a Lara brought a finger to her lips in a shush motion. aThe floor is Paulaas right now, Matt. Letas let her talk.a She barely remembered the first time shead been to a self-help meeting with her mother. It had only been a few months after her fatheras death. Her hazy memories of him were of a man outrageously boisterous at times and inexplicably sullen at others. It wasnat until she was ten or eleven that shead really begun to understand that his moods had been exacerbated by alcohol, but in the aftermath of his death, her mother had started attending Al-Anon meetings. Lara, joining her, had found a certain relief in people trying so hard to tell the truth. They hadnat always succeeded, but their presence at the meetings showed a kind of dedication to truth that she found almost nowhere else. Her own life hadnat been badly set awry by substance abuse issues, but as a survivor, shead been able to find a place in Alateen groups, and as an adult could hardly imagine her life without at least one weekly meeting.

aItas for emergencies,a Paula was saying. aItas been in there two months and I havenat taken a hair dryer to it once. The other one has a really low limit.a The womanas gaze came back to Lara. aIave got it all set up with the credit card company; Iam only allowed to make a payment once a month, so I canat pay things off and pretend Iam not spending, which is what I used to do. And yesterday I saw this pair of earrings aa She trailed off into waiting silence, then knotted her fingers together and frowned at them. aI know it doesnat sound as bad as the alcohol or drug problems some of us have. I mean, itas just shopping, right? Itas not like gambling. People think gambling is destructive, but shopping, everybody shops. Everybodyas got a credit card. And itas not even like you can stop shopping if you want to, because you still always need food and sometimes you really do need clothes. Maybe not sixteen pairs of Jimmy Choos, but shoes, anyway,a she said to her lap, then looked up. aThe woman behind the counter was really nice, too. She even let me try them on. They were these little moonstones with diamond drips. You would have liked them, Lara. They looked like something youad wear.

aBut I put them back.a Paula loosened her fingers and sat up straighter, color burnis.h.i.+ng her cheeks to a warm dark brown. aI put them back, and I swear to G.o.d my hands were shaking and I almost cried when I was leaving the shop, but I put them back, and when I got outside it was like this one little tiny chain had broken and I felt so much better. That was three hundred dollars that was going to go into paying off a debt instead of making a new one. I donat know, maybe it isnat a lot, but to me it felt like everything.a aHey, babe, sometimes not a lot is everything.a Matt leaned forward to clap a big hand against Paulaas knee, then sat back again, folding his hands behind his head. aThree years, three months, twenty-six days, and aa He moved one arm to look at his watch, then said, aAnd seventeen hours drink-free,a before shooting Lara a sly glance.

She laughed as wrongness jangled over her skin. aI know the years and months are right, Matt. It must be the days or hours youare fibbing about.a aFourteen hours.a He shook his head, grinning broadly. aUncanny knack, uncanny knack. We gotta be the straightest, narrowest meeting in the city, with you keeping us on the line.a aYou keep yourselves on the line,a Lara disagreed. aI just drop by to make sure youare doing all right. Howas it going?a aNot too bad. You ever get a day when itas not so much the booze you want as itas boredom driving you to do something?a He raised his eyebrows and received a murmur of recognition from two or three of the others. aSunday got bad enough I found myself another meeting to drop in to. Funny thing is I met a real nice girl there, and we went out to dinner after. Iam a cynic and I hate to say it, but maybe sometimes the Lord provides.a Lara, smiling, listened a while longer, then slipped out again, hurrying through the rain back to work.

Three.

aAnd how is the suit for the b.u.t.ton man?a Steve Taylor poked his head around Laraas open office door, startling her and garnering an embarra.s.sed smile.

aMr. Mugabwias suit is coming along nicely. Youare not supposed to know I call him the b.u.t.ton man.a Lara lifted one of the b.u.t.tons in question, an antique ivory beauty with subtle age striations. aI canat help it, though. I get a thrill every time I work with these.a aWell, itas not every day we have a client arrive with a jar full of b.u.t.tons as our starting place.a Steve came in to sit on the edge of her sewing deska"Lara was on the floor like a proper tailor, legs folded as she judged one b.u.t.tonas pattern, then anotheras, against the suit fabrica"and grin down at her. aYou did a good job, you know, convincing him to the browns.a Lara shook her head. aYou convinced him with this fabric. I didnat even know we had it in.a The brown wool weave was silken under her fingertips; yellow and red threads gave the fabric incredible rich depth. Mr. Mugabwi, in Laraas private opinion, should always wear browns; his skin tones were suited for it, and the sepia-tinged b.u.t.tons head brought in would have been jarring against a black or gray suit.

aIt was new,a Steve said deprecatingly. aYou would have selected it for him if youad seen it.a aOnly if Iad seen his bank book first.a The fabric was a special blend, the makers having produced only enough for perhaps ten suits, and was priced accordingly. Not that anyone came to Lord Matthewas without deep pockets: bespoke tailoring was unabashedly expensive.

aAh, yes.a Steven nodded, expression deadpan. aAfter all, he came with hundred-year-old b.u.t.tons. If heas recycling that much, he must be very cautious with money, indeed.a Lara laughed and mimed throwing one of the b.u.t.tons at him, though she kept it safe in her palm. aThe b.u.t.tons are from his grandfatheras suits, and you know it. Itas not nice to tease me.a aI tease all my girls.a Steve s.h.i.+fted off the desk and crouched in front of the suit, flicking away imaginary bits of lint as he examined her handiwork. Lara sat back, smiling. He was a master tailor and had four daughters of his own, ranging from a few years older than Lara to several years younger. That, more than anything, was what he meant by amy girlsaa"she had worked for him since her second year of college and, having watched her grow up, knew he half-thought of her as one of his own. She loved the sense of belonging, and worked harder than she probably needed to, wanting to make him proud.

aThis is master cla.s.s work, Lara. Iam sure you know that, but itas worth mentioning.a Steve stood up again, lips pursed as he studied the suit. aMugabwias ordered three suits. Iall want you to make them all. But I also want you to discuss linen with him, when heas in for his final fitting. These will be perfect for corporate meetings, but a lot of his charity work is done in Africa. Heall need cooler material, even just for the high-level glad-handing he does.a aMaybe silk dupioni, not linen.a Lara got to her feet, examining first her employer, then the suit before them, dubiously. aLinenas crisp and cool, but Mr. Mugabwias job is asking corporations for huge amounts of money. I think his suits need a visual warmth that Iam not sure Iad get satisfactorily from linen. I mean, this cloth aa She brushed her fingertips over the fine wool and shook her head. aThe depth of color and the elegance of the b.u.t.tons, when combined with the suitas fit, are going to warm people toward him instinctively. Wool can do that. So can silk. Iam just not convinced linenas the right fabric.a Steve was beaming at her. Lara trailed off, then ducked her head to stare at her feet a moment. aThat was a test.a aAnd you pa.s.sed with flying colors. Iall leave the design of the summer suits entirely in your hands, Lara. You can consider it your master test.a Heat rushed her cheeks and she put her hands over them. aTwo years early?a Tradition expected a seven-year apprentices.h.i.+p, and shead only worked for Lord Matthewas for five.

Steve pa.s.sed it off with a wave of his hand. aThe modern worldas a faster place. Besides, you were nearly at journeyman status when you started working for me, and you know it, Lara. Your portfolio was a lot stronger than most college soph.o.m.oresa would be. You were doing body work on suits within eight months, and you know some of the others were still doing hems after eighteen.a Lara winced, but nodded. She was meticulous and always had been; the work came very close to making music in her mind, as if someone was whispering truth just out of her hearing. When errors were made, they reverberated sourly just as falsehoods did, and so shead learned almost at the same time shead begun sewing that it was far more worth doing well than quickly. Her coworkers hadnat always learned the same lesson.

aAll right.a Steve brushed the suitas shoulder once more. aChoose the fabrics youad like to present to Mr. Mugabwi and weall discuss them before he comes in again. Meanwhile, keep being a genius.a Lara laughed and waved as he left, then settled back down to work with a smile on her face. Gleaming pinheads marked the b.u.t.tonsa eventual locations; it was now only a matter of judging which b.u.t.tons looked the most striking against the fabric. This was Laraas favorite part of her work, even more than the choosing of fabrics or the discussion of design: the fine details, most of which were invisible to the untrained observer, that finished a suit or gown to impeccable specification.

A knock on her office door pulled her out of her reverie as the last b.u.t.ton went on. Pins in her mouth, she mumbled, aMmm?,a then extracted them from between her lips to blink at Cynthia Taylor. aYes?a aSomeoneas here to see you.a Cynthia, at barely seventeen, was the only daughter interested in her fatheras business. She worked as a receptionist after school during the brief hours the bespoke shop was open to the public, but Lara was certain she would someday be a master tailor.

aMe?a A glimpse out the frosted windows said evening had fallen while she worked. Lara sat back on her heels and moved a cup of tea to be certain she wouldnat spill it. aI donat have any fittings scheduled this evening. I should probably already be gone. So should you, for that matter.a Cynthia rolled her eyes. aYou should have told Dad that when he came by earlier. Weare going to be late for dinner again, and Momas going to kill us. But if we werenat still here, I wouldnat have been able to open the door for this man. I donat think heas a client. Heas not wearing the right kind of clothes. But he did ask for you specifically, so maybe Iam wrong!a aI donat know how anybody could even know to ask for me. Iam only a journeyman. Well.a Lara climbed to her feet, brushed nonexistent dust from her knees, and put the tea on her desk. aDo I look suitable enough to be presented to a potential client?a Cynthia pursed her lips, taking the question seriously enough that Lara bit back laughter: the girlas critical examination was better suited to a woman three times her age. aYouall do,a she said after a moment, then lost her serious demeanor and dimpled. aYou look wonderful. But you should probably put some shoes on.a Lara looked down at herself with a quick nod. Shead changed from rain-soaked clothing to a white silk blouse and gray wool three-quarter-length pants, their wide legs nearly a skirt. Shead been working in stocking feet, but she reached for knee-high boots now, slipping them on and adding another inch and a half to her height. aI donat have a suit jacket,a she muttered. aI didnat expect to see anyone today. And my hairas all frizzy from the rain.a aHere.a Cynthia scurried from the room, then returned moments later with a round hairbrush. aBrush the curls out and tie it back in a chignon and youall be perfect, even without a jacket. Perfect,a she repeated when Laraad done as shead instructed. aYou look like one of those old paintings.a aCracked and split?a Lara flashed a smile, patted her hair one more time, and followed Cynthia out of the office.

David Kirwen waited in the lobby, expression animated over whatever news his cell phone shared. Lara stopped in the archway leading from the private fitting rooms and offices, surprise slamming her heartbeat high. She curled one hand around the door frame for support, and wished, for a moment, that she could retreat and try her entrance again, this time knowing who awaited her. Cynthia slowed, peering at her, and Lara gave her a halfhearted smile of rea.s.surance.

Kirwen looked up from his phone and offered a disarming grin. aMiss Jansen. Iam glad I caught you. I only realized after the fact that we hadnat set a time or place for dinner.a aIad noticed that, too.a Lara swallowed against a dry throat and gave Cynthia another smile, this one tinged with embarra.s.sment. Cynthiaas gaze brightened and she turned to give Lara a discreet thumbs-up before scurrying into the back offices and leaving Lara alone with David Kirwen.

He was considerably more handsome dry and smiling than head been dripping and cold on the street. That was her first thought: not what is he doing here or how did he find me, but Kelly is right. He really is awfully good-looking. More than good-looking: he bordered on pretty, features sharper and more chiseled than menas usually were. Men in general suddenly seemed rather blunt and thick when compared to David Kirwen, as if much of humanity were discarded rough drafts to his final sculpture.

A sculpture that could be far better dressed. Laraas palms itched with the desire to step forward and adjust his lapels, or better yet, to simply strip his clothes away and learn the canvas she had to work with. His stance suggested he would be beautiful in clothes cut to his form; as if he were meant to be dressed by someone like her, who could take the ordinary and trick the eye into believing it was extraordinary. Given the extraordinary to begin with, she could create such a vision that people would stop on the street, an emperor in new clothes.

She actually stepped forward to do that, to touch him and see if the gift shead been given was real, before she remembered he wasnat a client. Curiosity lit his eyes, then turned his smile warm and amused. Lara, cheeks afire, stopped where she stood, and Kirwenas smile grew broader still. aAm I that bad, then?a aNo. No, I just forgot you werenat here for a fitting, Mr. Kirwen. Iam not used to men dropping by for any other reason.a While true, the statement had a ring of pathos about it, and stung her into a straighter spine and lifted chin. aReally, Iam very sorry about Kellyas behavior this afternoon. She doesnat know when to quit.a aOccasionally we all need someone like that in our lives. I have d.i.c.kon finagling us a table at Troquet, so I hope that despite the unorthodox approach you might have dinner with me tonight anyway?a aIa"a Puzzlement took hold. aHow did you find me?a Kirwen laughed. aIf I answer, will you say yes to dinner? No.a He pa.s.sed off the bargain with a wave of his hand. aYour friend mentioned you were a bespoke tailor. There are only a handful of shops in Boston that do that kind of work. I set my a.s.sistant on Google while I recorded the eveningas weather report.a He nodded toward a window, where rain still spattered against the pane. aFortunately, it didnat require much guesswork as to how it would turn out.a An inkling of humor worked its way through Lara, though she kept her expression cool. aSo youare a stalker, Mr. Kirwen?a Dismay shattered across his face. aNo, no, not at all. I just wana"Oh. Youare teasa"No,a he said again, this time with more dignity. aBut my a.s.sistant takes stalking a.s.signments as routine when necessary.a aIam sure she does.a Lara ducked her head, partially to hide amus.e.m.e.nt at Kirwenas story, but more to take refuge in the meaningless phrase. Iam sure she does: people usually meant it sarcastically, or as a way to pa.s.s off a topic they were uninterested in. It was one of a handful of things she could say, though, without triggering her own discomfort. Particularly when someone like Kirwen was making light of something but still spoke essential truth. Lara was certain his a.s.sistant took stalking, or at least Internet searching, in stride. She looked up, smiling. aIam not sure, Mr. Kirwen. Your a.s.sistant was the one who did all the work. Maybe I should have dinner with her.a Genuine surprise filtered through his expression by degrees, and though they didnat stand close together, Kirwen fell back half a step. aI imagine that could be arranged, although I donat think Nata"my a.s.sistanta"is, um, I donat think she typically dates wom aa He trailed off, peering at Lara in much the same way Cynthia had moments before. aThis is impertinent, Miss Jansen, but would your friend have been trying to set us up on a date quite so enthusiastically if you preferred dating women?a Laughter bubbled up and broke. aNo, but it seemed like your a.s.sistant ought to get some benefit from doing your dirty work. She finds me, you get a date, and she gets a?a Kirwen, hopefully, said, aI could bring her the leftovers from Troquet? Okay,a he admitted as Lara arched an eyebrow at him, aI wouldnat be impressed with leftovers, either. What, then? Roses? A paid holiday in Bermuda?a aI was thinking more in terms of a box of chocolates, although if youare inclined to offer paid holidays to Bermuda, I think Kelly might want to talk to you about a job.a aKelly? Not you?a Kirwen smiled. aI thought that kind of job perk would make anyone stand up to be counted.a Lara shrugged one shoulder, then glanced back toward her office. aI like my job, Mr. Kirwen, thatas all. Iave never been inclined to say Iad want something that I donat. Even jobs whose side benefits include trips to Bermuda.a aHow extraordinary,a Kirwen murmured. Lara looked back at him and he shook himself, a hopeful smile reappearing. aDoes that mean youave said yes?a aI suppose it does,a she said, surprising herself. Kirwenas eyes lit up, and Lara, truthfully and teasingly, explained, aKelly would never let me live it down if I refused.a His face fell comically. Lara laughed, then gestured toward her office. aLet me get my coat and call her, and we can go.a

Four.

Kirwen hailed a taxi outside Lord Matthewas, and the driveras gaze locked on him as they climbed in. Almost before the door closed, the cabbie launched into a diatribe about the weather in general and Davidas inability to correctly predict it specifically, and ended with a plea for a sunny weekend, because his daughteras thirteenth birthday party was Sat.u.r.day and he would go crazy if locked in the house with a dozen teenage girls all day. Lara exited the taxi wide-eyed and bemused to see Kirwen give the man a handsome tip. aDoes that happen to you a lot?a aOnly on days I leave the house.a The delivery was wry but honest. aI get blamed for the weather but rarely praised for it.a aAnd occasionally asked to intercede, like he just did?a Lara scurried for the door, throwing a rueful glance toward the sky. aI had no idea being a weatherman was so much responsibility.a aNeither did I, when I started. But it sends me interesting places at times. I covered the hurricanes last year.a Kirwen reached over her head to push the door open, its weight coloring his fingertips white. Lara slipped under his arm and pushed the hood of her coat back, trying to shake off the rain.

aI remember. I remember thinking a job that sent you to Florida would be wonderful, except Iad want to go when the weather was good.a Kirwen grinned. aSo would I, but the station doesnat seem to think suns.h.i.+ne and Disney World make for exciting weather stories. All right, if weare lucky d.i.c.konas here before us aa He trotted up the stairs ahead of Lara, coat flapping dramatically, then waved and turned back to Lara with a bright expression. aAnd weave got the best seats in the house. Now, arenat you glad you agreed to come out with us?a d.i.c.kon waved a greeting from a table beside enormous picture windows overlooking the Common. Even with the gray skies and rain, the polished wood floors reflected light, making the narrow room comfortable, and Lara smiled. aI think I am. Iave never been here. Is being a famous weatherman enough to get you the best table on short notice on a Friday night, or does it just work midweek?a aIave never tried on a Friday.a Kirwen gestured Lara toward his cameramanas table, admitting, aI doubt itas enough. d.i.c.kon, this is Lara Jansen. Miss Jansen, d.i.c.kon Collins, my cameraman and the only one with sense enough to come out of the rain.a aNice to meet you, Miss Jansen,a d.i.c.kon said over Laraas murmured aLara is fine,a then corrected himself: aLara.a He stood up to offer his hand. Lara nearly took a step back, astonished at the manas height and breadth, though he wasnat fat, only barrel-chested.

Rue crossed his face. aI have that effect, sorry. I look smaller sitting down. Thereas a reason they put David in front of the camera, not me.a aI was just thinking youad looka"a Lara put her fingers over her mouth, and he c.o.c.ked an eyebrow curiously. aIam sorry. I tend to redress people mentally as soon as I meet them. It can come across as rude, but I donat mean to be. I just like imagining people at their best.a She flattened her fingers further over her lips. aIam not making this better, am I?a Kirwen, less rea.s.suringly than Lara might have liked, said aItas all righta to Collins as he pulled Laraas chair out and invited her to sit. aShe was dismayed at my clothes, too. Youare in good company.a aIam in your company, anyway.a d.i.c.kon sat back down, grinning at Lara. aProbably giving you a hard time isnat the best way to make a good first impression, is it? But I figure weare safe, because everybody knows who David is, anyway. Itas too late for a first impression.a That, at least, was true, if not for the reasons d.i.c.kon outlined. Lara glanced at David, who shed his raincoat and sat down beside her. aI wasnat dismayed. I just forgot you werenat a client for a moment. You have the kind of build clothing designers dream of. And,a she added to d.i.c.kon, aI was only going to say, youad be very imposing in a well-made suit.a aIam imposing out of one.a Collins pursed his lips. aThat came out wrong. Maybe I better shut up now.a aI think thatas probably one of your better ideas,a David agreed. aWeare not really rapscallions, Miss Jansen.a aRapscallion,a Lara murmured. The word sent s.h.i.+vers over her skin, not precisely mistruth, but a waiting on tunefulness. aA sort of rascal, a dishonest or unscrupulous person, though thatas a darker definition than people usually mean. Popularly itas more like youthful wickedness. Mischievous. So Iad say you are that, Mr. Kirwen, but no harm meant.a Both men gawked at her, d.i.c.konas smile coming to the fore more quickly than Davidas. aWow, what are you, a walking dictionary? That was kind of cool.a Lara shrugged, embarra.s.sed and pleased all at once. aI like to be precise with word choice. I have a pile of dictionaries and thesauruses at home so I can compare synonym definitions for precision.a Color climbed her cheeks before shead finished speaking, and she wished for a gla.s.s of water to hide behind until the heat faded. aItas more interesting than it sounds.a David Kirwen watched her with interest, though amus.e.m.e.nt played on his lips. aActually, it sounds interesting. Whatever made you start doing that?a aPeople donat use language very carefully, and it bothers me. Trying to change them is futile, but at least I can say exactly what I mean.a It was an explanation shead given before, all true without being all the truth. Lara smiled. aBesides, once in a while I can use it to tease handsome men who take me out to dinner.a aHandsome,a Kirwen said with satisfaction. aNot well dressed, maybe, but handsome. Itas a start. Is your friend as pedantic as you?a aKelly?a Lara glanced toward the stairs, as though Kellyas name might summon her. aNo, but she doesnat get impatient with me, which is probably better. I wonder if I should call her.a aI donat think youall have to.a d.i.c.kon spoke with a new degree of admiration, and got to his feet as Lara turned to look toward the stairway again.

Kelly waved a greeting, thigh-length trench coat already unb.u.t.toned over a figure-hugging green knit dress Lara was certain she hadnat owned an hour ago. She swept down on them, shook both menas hands, then seized Laraas upper arm with bright-eyed antic.i.p.ation. aYou know how it is, a woman canat go to the restroom alone. Come with me, Lar, please?a A protest faltered on Laraas lips as the men laughed, d.i.c.kon asking, aWhat is it about women and bathrooms?a in a mutter he clearly intended to be overheard.

aIt allows us to talk about you while pretending weare attending to natureas call. Pretending weare attending, that rhymed. Camon, Lara. Itas a feminine duty. Please?a Kelly dropped her coat over the back of a free chair and caught Laraas hand, tugging her toward the restrooms.

aDuty calls.a Careful word choice, made easier by Kellyas laughing description of what duty was. Lara shook her head and, smiling, followed Kelly. aYou look fantastic, Kel. The dress is great. Wheread you buy it?a aI shouldave known I couldnat trick you into thinking Iad run home and changed clothes. You know my wardrobe better than I do.a Kelly stopped inside the restroom door and turned to the mirrors, smoothing a hand over her hips nervously. aItas not too tight? I thought, wow, I look hot, but now Iam kind of all, wow, maybe Iam just fat.a aNot from the way d.i.c.kon stood to attention when you came in,a Lara said drily, then smiled at their reflections. They were each otheras opposites, Kelly tall and lush, Lara pet.i.te and conservative. aYou donat look at all fat, Kel. Youare beautiful. The dress is fantastic on you.a aG.o.d, one of the best things about being friends with you is I know youare not bulls.h.i.+tting when you say that. And d.i.c.kon did stand up, didnat he? I mean, I know you mean that literally, because youare you, but can I take it figuratively, too? Heas cute, isnat he? In a big-redheaded-lug kind of way? Lara!a Kelly caught Lara in a hug, then set her back with equal enthusiasm. aLara, you have a date! You have seized the bullas horns! Congratulations!a Lara laughed. aI havenat seized anything. I just knew you would never stop hara.s.sing me if I said no, especially after he actually showed up at Lord Matthewas.a aYou could have not told me.a aExcept you would have eventually asked if Iad ever heard from that weatherman, and I wouldave had to tell the truth.a Impishness crossed Kellyas face. aThatas true. You know, your weird truth-telling thing is handier for me than you.a aI do know. Did you have to pee, or were you just hauling me off to talk about the men?a aOh, I just wanted to talk about them,a Kelly said blithely. aSee, Lara, he liked you. He went to the trouble of finding you! Has he said anything that makes you goaa"she clawed her hands and bared her teeth, physical action replacing wordsa"ayet? So heas from Wales? I never met a Welsh guy before. Whatas he doing here? Wa"a aKelly!a Lara held her hands up. aI donat know. Weave only been here five minutes. And if you donat have to go to the bathroom, I bet youad find out a lot more answers by talking to him instead of me.a aOh no. You talk to him. Iall keep d.i.c.kon distracted. And if he turns out to be a pathological liar you can knock your water gla.s.s on me so we can make an escape.a aIf David does, or if d.i.c.kon does?a aOoh, sheas graduated to calling him David,a Kelly announced to their reflections. aThatas a good sign. And either of them.a She ran her hands over her hips again, then nodded. aOkay. Weare ready to go now.a aWe are?a aI am,a Kelly amended with a sniff.

aI donat understand why youare nervous, when youare the one who all but shanghaied me into going on this date.a Lara nudged Kelly out of the restroom to the sound of mumbled excuses.

David stood again as they returned to the table, d.i.c.kon a beat behind him. aSomeday,a Kirwen said to his cameraman. aSomeday Iall have you well enough trained that you wonat need reminding to stand when women enter the room.a aAt which time a woman will happily take him off your hands.a Kelly moved Laraas coat from the back of her chair and took the seat herself, then smiled merrily at Lara. aYou can sit across from David.a d.i.c.konas eyebrows rose as Lara came around the table to sit by him. aI bet sheas deadly at weddings, huh? Rearranges seating arrangements and s.h.i.+a"stuff?a aAs a matter of fact, she does. We know two couples who met at weddings because Kelly is a busybody.a aI am not!a Lara smiled. aYes, you are, but you mean well.a She nodded thanks as a waitress offered menus and poured water, and for a few moments let herself become engrossed in nominally studying the choices, and actually peeking over its edge at David Kirwen.

He had a knack, like Kelly did, for putting people at ease. A more useful talent than her own, certainly; knowing the truth had never talked someone into joining her for dinner. The idea made her hide a smile behind her menu. Kelly would no doubt find a way to use the truth to get a dinner date.

Lara shook her head. It was easy to compare herself unfavorably to her boisterous friend, to envy Kellyas quick way with words and willingness to risk embarra.s.sment in pursuit of the things that interested her.

Things like David Kirwen. Well, no: Kelly had gone after David purely for Laraas benefit, which she was certain of for two reasons. One, shead have heard the lie if Kelly had been interested in Kirwen for herself, and two, the slender weatherman genuinely wasnat Kellyas type. His broad-built cameraman, though a Lara hid another smile in her menu. Kelly would call it instant karmic feedback, trying to set Lara up for a date and finding a hunk of her own by doing so.

aYou must have gotten a much more entertaining menu than I did.a David Kirwen tipped Laraas menu toward him so he could peer down it. aIt looks the same aa Lara clapped the menu shut, then, fl.u.s.tered, opened it again. aOh. No. No, I was just thinking. I hadnat even looked at it.a Kirwen flourished his fingers, coming up with a s.h.i.+ning coin. aPenny for your thoughts, then?a aOh!a Lara reached out, startled, to catch the penny from his fingertips. aHow did you do that!a aYouad have me give away all my secrets on the first date?a Kirwen tsked. aYouave taken the penny, so you owe me a thought now, donat you?a aOoh,a Kelly said loudly enough to be heard, though her innocent expression suggested she didnat intend to be, athat implies thereall be a second date. Thatas promising.a Lara aimed a kick at her under the table and instead crashed her booted toes into the pedestal with a thonk. Kelly burst out laughing as Lara sank into her seat, face buried in her hands. aWay to be subtuhl, Lar. She was thinking a second date had better not be a double,a Kelly told David. aBetter not ask her while d.i.c.konas around. Heall horn in on it.a aOnly if my barbecue is rained out!a Lara risked peeking through her fingers in time to see Kelly give d.i.c.kon a frankly lascivious once-over and lean in to purr, aHoney, Iall make sure your barbecue never goes out.a d.i.c.kon, brightly, said, aCheck, please!a and beneath their laughter Lara murmured, aI was thinking it would be easier to be like you and Kelly. She makes friends in a heartbeat, and you seem to expect that, too. Iam not that outgoing.a She held up the penny, smile turning wistful. aWas that worth a penny?a aIt was.a David reached out to fold the coin into her palm, briefly cupping his hand over hers. aAnd if we were all as forthright as Kelly, then we would miss the delight of coaxing the shy out of their sh.e.l.ls. Some things, Miss Jansen, are worth the wait.a aGood,a Kelly broke in cheerfully. aWait until Sat.u.r.day.a David released Laraas hand, sending a rush of disappointment through her. She quashed it, feeling absurd, and frowned at Kelly. aWeare helping Rachel move on Sat.u.r.day.a aExactly! David can spend the whole day coaxing you, and weall have a couple of big strong handsome men around to help.a David turned to his cameraman solemnly. aI believe weave been hornswoggled, d.i.c.kon.a aI believe we have,a d.i.c.kon said just as solemnly, then squinted at Lara. aHornswoggled means tricked, right?a aOh no.a Kelly looked dismayed. aYou havenat already done your walking dictionary trick, have you? I swear, Lara, I leave you alone for five minutes a !a Lara lifted her chin and sniffed, trying to dismiss Kelly playfully, and shook her head at d.i.c.kon. aItas like rapscallion. The real meaning is darker than the way itas used now. You have an old-fas.h.i.+oned vocabulary, Mr. Kirwen. Is that a Welsh thing?a aItas certainly the way of my people,a Kirwen replied lightly. aWhat time will you need us to help move your friend?a aUs?a d.i.c.konas voice rose. aWho said anything about us?a aYou wouldnat leave a fair lady in distress, would you, d.i.c.kon?a David gestured to Kelly, who fluttered her eyelashes and put on an unconvincing expression of helplessness. d.i.c.kon laughed and raised his hands in defeat. Lara smiled at the banter, listening as plans were made, and watched David Kirwen quietly, thoughtfully.

aItas the way of my peoplea was a very careful phrase. Lara thought even she might have overlooked it had it not highlighted something head said earlier, that his name was Welsh aby most accounts.a He laid no claim to that account himself.

Curiosity blossomed in Laraas chest, stealing her breath. Handsome, witty, and not only mysterious, but cautiously mysterious. Very few people she knew could disguise the truth in such a way as to not trigger her sixth sense. Even fewer would have any reason to.

Disarmed by her own interest, Lara sat forward to rejoin the conversation and enjoy the prospect of dinner with a man who could keep a secret from her.

Five.

aI havenat stayed up this late in months. I wonat be able to see the pins tomorrow.a Lara frowned at her feet, having difficulty focusing on where to place them, much less the more dubious prospect of fine needlework on the morrow. The steps leading down from the restaurant seemed distinctly more treacherous than they had upon arrival. aHow much wine did you give me?a aI believe you asked for that fourth gla.s.s,a David Kirwen said in amused self-defense. aCareful, now.a He offered his elbow and Lara clung to it gratefully as he escorted her down the stairs. Kelly and d.i.c.kon waited at the bottom, neither of them as impeded as Lara. She scowled lightly at Kelly, who made a dismissive sound.

aI drank as much as you did. I just have a lot more body weight to slosh it around in. You okay?a aI think so.a Lara released Kirwenas elbow and smiled up at him. aIt was a lovely dinner. Thank you.a aMy pleasure. I hope we can do it again sometime.a aSat.u.r.day.a Kelly put on a winsome smile so transparent that Lara laughed. aPizza after moving day. You donat mind, do you?a aHow could I resist such a heartfelt plea? Weall be there.a Kirwen arched his eyebrows at d.i.c.kon. aWonat we?a aYeah, yeah, yeah.a Despite his grumble, the cameraman didnat sound at all put out, and shook first Kellyas and then Laraas hands. aIt was nice to meet both of you. Weall see you Sat.u.r.day.a A chorus of farewells followed, and Kelly took up Davidas position of balancing Lara as they made their way down the sidewalk toward Kellyas car. The instant they were out of earshot, Kelly began singing, aHey there, you with the stars in your eyes!a aHnf. The laws of physics donat allow for stars in the eyes, Kelly.a She glanced over her shoulder as they climbed into the Nissan. aHe is awfully handsome, though, isnat he?a aIf you like skinny blond boys with exotic accents, sure.a Kelly grinned as they pulled into traffic. aYou liked him. After all that fuss over his name this afternoon, you really liked him, didnat you?a aHeas interesting. No, I mean it!a aOf course you mean it. You donat say things you donat mean. Define interesting, by Lara Ann Jansenas standards.a aHe doesnat tell lies, but heas very careful about what he says. He never said he was from Wales, did you notice?a Lara folded her arms around herself and scooted down in the seat like a much younger girl. aI hate it when people lie to me, Kel. Not about the small things, you canat help that. But bigger things, it just feels so wrong. But heas not lying, heas just aa aInteresting,a Kelly finished triumphantly. aWho knew it would be the man she couldnat see right through who would catch her eye?a She pursed her lips, then shrugged. aOf course, if I put it that way itas kind of obvious, isnat it? Although, really, Lara, I think if you were trying to get him to slip up, you probably should have been pouring the wine into him, not into yourself.a aBut I wasnat! I was just having a good time.a Lara caught Kellyas fingers, squeezing, then released her so she could put her hand back on the wheel. aThanks, Kel. I never would have gone if it werenat for you. I had fun. Thank you. And what about you? You and d.i.c.kon seemed to hit it off.a aItall be a double wedding,a Kelly said cheerfully.

Lara sang, aSlow down, you move too fast!a then laughed at Kellyas expression. aWhat? You started it with the stars in your eyes song, and how often do I get to sing something true?a When she could, or when she heard songs performed with genuine integrity, they always seemed strikingly powerful to her, but it was a rare occasion that either happened. Lara shook her head, smiling out the window. aI donat want to think about weddings, Kel. Iam just looking forward to Sat.u.r.day.a aYou remember how you were looking forward to this?a Kelly crouched beside another box as Lara put her hands into the small of her back and pushed forward, trying to pop her spine. A series of small clicks rattled her and she gave a breathless oomph, bending forward to touch her toes and finish the stretch.

aI wasnat talking about the heavy-lifting part, Kelly. But they say many hands make light work.a Lara craned her neck, watching Rachel and her girlfriend stagger out the door carrying precariously balanced hatboxes. The four women would have been enough, but d.i.c.kon and Davidas presence sped things along: it only took the two of them to move things that all four women would have had to cooperate on.

aAnd it must be true right now, or youad be saying too many cooks spoil the broth. Except there arenat any cooks or any broth here. G.o.d, youare literal.a Laraas eyebrows rose. aI didnat say a word, Kel. That deconstruction was entirely on you.a aOh. Well, fine. Going to help me with this?a They took the box up togethera"filled with clothes, it was only awkwardly large, not heavya"and Kelly led the way toward the door. d.i.c.konas shadow warned them to stop before a crash ensued, and he leaped aside, flattening himself against the door as best he could when he saw them.

aWant me to get that?a aHm.a Kelly peered past the box toward the living room. aSo far youave gotten the television, the computer, fifteen boxes of graphic novels, all the canned goods in the house, and an oak bed frame. I think we can manage one box of clothes. Go on.a She jerked her chin, indicating he could go past them. He did a credible scurry for a man of his bulk, getting out of the way. They careened through the door and Kelly yelled a curse as she ran into David, who flattened himself more successfully and shot an apologetic look over the box. Lara grunted and they pushed past him, taking the stairs faster than wisdom dictated.

At the bottom, Kelly gave Lara a breathless g