Nightingale's Nightmare (Cassadaga Book 4 by Elizabeth Owens Page B

Meryl Streep, what an actress. But I also like Cher and Nicole Kidman.”
    “What’s your favorite movie?”
    “ Full Metal Jacket .”
    Jorie raised her eyebrows. “ Oh, I wouldn’t have guessed that one. Kind of violent.”
    “I was in Viet Nam. The movie was accurate. I could see myself in every scene.” Zach turned the corner into the parking lot.
    “I love the Sound of Music, Gone with the Wind and You’ve Got Mail.” Jorie gathered her purse and opened the door. “But I could name a whole bunch more that I adore.”
    “Romance,” Zach said flatly.
    “Yes. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are perfect together. I love their movies.”
    “Romance,” Zach repeated. He was not a fan of romantic movies, comedy or otherwise.
    They walked toward the entrance of the theatre and spotted Margarite coming out.
    “Well, are you two going to the movies?” Margarite stood back a bit, taking in the view of Zach and Jorie.
    “Yes, I haven’t been out of the house in ages,” Jorie replied. “Zach is so sweet to take me to the movies.”
    Oh, now that bit of news would flow like lava all over the community, Zach thought. Be nice to someone and suddenly there’s a romance going on. Shit!
    “Well, have fun. You deserve it.”
    Margarite walked away to her car and Jorie tucked her hand into the crook of Zach’s arm.
    What the hell had he gotten himself into?
    ~~
    Later that night, Zach was brushing his teeth before bed. He looked into the mirror at his frothy mouth, th e froth matching his hair color, reviewing the evening spent with Jorie. He had actually told her he didn’t like blonds, that he preferred Asian women. Yes, he had been that direct with her, after she had insinuated there could be more to follow their evening.
    Maybe he shouldn’t have been so blunt. Maybe he should have thought about her feelings before he was so honest with her. He swished some mouthwash around in his mouth and spit it into the sink. Maybe, maybe.
    But then, wasn’t it better to be honest? Why lead her on when he really didn’t want a relationship? And Jorie definitely wanted a relationship. She’d been married for a good number of years to Joe. The woman was used to cohabitating with a man and no doubt preferred that arrangement.
    But Zach had always lived alone since Viet Nam. His personal habits were his and his time belonged to him. He enjoyed living alone. He didn’t have to answer to anyone or be responsible in any way to another. Why, he didn’t even have a pet! And if he didn’t clean off the bathroom mirror, which did happen at the moment to have flecks of toothpaste splattered on it, no one had to be concerned. The mirror could stay like that for a month. Or he could wash it off. It was his choice. His choice.
    Zach ambled into the bedroom and crawled in between the sheets, sighing. It felt good to be in bed, alone. No commitments. He didn’t have to worry if he snored. Why, he could blow the house down with his snorts. It didn’t disturb him one wit.
    ~~
    The next morning, Jorie drove herself to Wal-Mart. She picked up a couple items and returned home. After lunch, she spread out newspapers on the bathroom counters and floor where she stood. Then she opened the box of hair color. Jorie was about to return to her natural roots. The dark brown ones, the ones she’d been bleaching for years.
    The next time she looked into the mirror after rinsing the color from her hair, she saw a brunette staring back. A damn cute brunette, too, she thought.

Nineteen
     
    Margarite was chatting with Ralph outside of his house when Helen walked up. She was growing suspicious that Margarite had eyes for Ralph.
    “Helen, come join us,” Ralph said, motioning at her. “Margarite was just saying that Zach and Jorie went on a date.”
    “Mercy, what would she see in Zach?” Helen stood beside Ralph, close enough to remind Margarite that they were a couple.
    “I don’t know, but Jorie looked plenty happy about it.” Margarite acknowledged