Heart of the Matter by KI Thompson Page A

seconds longer wondering what to make of that interaction. Sandra said she’d enjoyed herself. That was good, right? She didn’t want to ponder the question for long.
    She poured herself a cup of coffee and took it into the bathroom with her. After a few thoughtful sips, she turned on the shower and stepped in.
    ❖
    Kate heard the front door close and ran to the peephole. It was that woman , leaving Ellen’s condo, at seven thirty in the fucking morning. Didn’t Ellen have to go to work? What did that woman do again? Attorney, wasn’t it? Probably some ambulance chaser.
    Kate pulled away from the door, annoyed. She didn’t know why; she couldn’t care less what Ellen did, as long as it didn’t interfere with their arrangement.
    Of course, something was already interfering with their arrangement. Ellen’s sabbatical would begin soon and Kate had done her best to ignore it. However, she’d need to face up to it sooner or later. She needed to decide how she would make do while Ellen was away. She went into her office and looked at the notepad by her computer keyboard, double-checking for the hundredth time that Ellen’s cell-phone number was there, just in case.
    The phone rang and she looked at the caller ID. Give it up, Dean. The phone rang several more times before the answering machine kicked in. No way in hell would she consider a job in some place like Kansas. She’d just as soon collect empty bottles along the highway and return them for a deposit.
    She sighed. It was going to be another long day, but she’d better touch base with Ellen before it was too late. Ellen must have a lot to do before she left, and Kate didn’t want to wait until the last minute to have her tasks done. She picked up the phone and, as she began to dial, hesitated. Thinking better of the phone, she walked into the living room, out the front door, and into the hallway. After knocking on Ellen’s door, she folded her arms across her chest and stood waiting.
    Ellen opened the door, clearly surprised to see her. “Kate. Is something wrong?”
    “Hi, Ellen. No, nothing’s wrong. I imagine you’re on your way to work, but I wanted to make sure we could talk later when you get home, about…well, you know.”
    Ellen stared blankly at her for a moment. “Oh. You mean about my leaving and all?”
    “Yes, I—”
    The elevator pinged, freezing Kate in mid-sentence. She turned to look just as the doors slid open and out stepped Ellen’s friend.
    She slowed after a few steps, watching Ellen and Kate at the door, and when she noticed Kate’s face, she stopped walking entirely.
    Kate could see her staring at the scar, her eyes fixed on her face and not her eyes. Angrier than she’d been in a while, Kate stared back coldly.
    “Sandra.” Ellen could sense the angry waves emanating off Kate. “Did you forget something?”
    “Uh, yes…I think I left my car keys on your credenza.” Ellen reached back inside, picked them up, and handed them to her. She wasn’t certain whether to introduce her to Kate. The awkwardness was thick and she wished Sandra wouldn’t stare so openly at Kate. If she didn’t introduce them, though, the situation would be even more awkward.
    “Sandra, this is my neighbor, Kate.” Sandra murmured a polite hello and Kate simply nodded.
    Ellen felt oddly as though she had been caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to, but she couldn’t think of anything else to say. Sandra helped her out by saying good-bye and took the stairs rather than wait for the elevator.
    “Sandra,” Kate said.
    “Sorry?” Ellen asked.
    “Oh, nothing,” Kate replied. “So, I take it all went well last night?” She tried to seem lighthearted and upbeat, but the grin twisted into a smirk. At least someone’s life was moving forward.
    Ellen blushed. “Yes, thanks. I have to get ready for work, but how about having dinner with me tonight and we can talk about it?
    Talk about what we need to do while I’m away, that is.”