Out of the Shadow by J. K. Winn Page A

"Hunky-dory. She insisted I come by for dinner, but I refused. Naturally that set off fireworks. A fun time was had by all."
    "Did you tell her how you felt about needing more space for yourself?"
    "You have to be kidding. It’s impossible to tell my mom anything she doesn’t want to hear."
    He raised a brow.
    "Okay." She stuck out her hand. "Slap me now. I know I’ve been bad, but how do you tell your mom you have trouble being around her? If you think of a polite way of saying it, let me know."
    "You can’t put this off indefinitely."
    "Watch me. I excel at keeping Julie in the dark about my life. If I open the door even a crack, she’s rummaging around inside, rearranging my mental furniture. Where do you think she’ll put the surround sound?"
    "You don’t trust her, right?"
    "Elementary, my dear Frankin."
    "Did you ever figure out what bothered you about your uncle the other night?"
    She topped off their drinks and placed the pitcher down on the coffee table. "I think it was his cologne or aftershave. That’s as close as I’ve been able to come."
    "You don’t know the type by chance, just in case I wear it. I wouldn’t want to offend you."
    "How could you?" She poked him playfully. "Can you stay long? I’ll make dinner."
    "I have to go back to school for an acupuncture class, but I actually stopped by to see if you’re free tomorrow. I’ve been thinking about a hike over to Independence Square. I haven’t done anything but study for weeks, and I thought it would be fun to spend the afternoon with you. I’ll even take you out for a bite afterwards."
    The possibility of being with him pleased her. Even though she’d considered punishing him for his recent lack of availability,  the idea instantly vaporized at his proposal. Why was it so damn hard to stay angry at him? "Sounds like an offer I don’t want to refuse."
    "Good. I’ll come by around noon."
    He stood. "And don’t worry about your mom. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to."
    "Metaphysical mush, but sweet nonetheless. May I escort you to the door?"
    At the door he turned toward her. "Out with you," she said, and gave him a playful shove forward before she had a chance to take him up on what his eyes offered. "Go back to work. I’ll see you tomorrow."
    The thought alone would get her through the night. She quickly closed the door behind him and leaned back against it. The idea of spending time with Evan sent a warm wash over her. Then she considered his unexplained absences of late, and the warm feeling turned into a cold splash of reality.
    Again she reminded herself she had better take her time with him. She didn’t want to lose her heart before she found her head.
     
     
    Two days later, Angela caught up with Becca on her way out of Mrs. Wilson’s hospital room. In a thoughtful mood after her date with Evan, Becca just wanted to finish her work and find her way back to a quiet place. Not that Evan hadn’t been the prefect gentleman. They’d had a super afternoon visiting the historic district, admiring the renovated houses of historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross, as well as Independence National Historical Park. But the kiss he had given her at the end of the evening had set off so many conflicting emotions, she needed time to process through them all. The moment she spied Angela, she realized that wasn’t about to happen.
    Angela’s cheeks glowed with uncharacteristic elation. "You have a minute? It’s important."
    Sensing her need, Becca melted. Angela was worth the temporary deferment of her own desire. "Two for you. Come with me to the nurses' station."
    They found facing seats in the back of the station.
    "I have a big favor to ask of you," Angela said. "I hope you don’t mind."
    "You want me to empty Bergman’s bedpan. Right?"
    Angela made a face. "That’s beyond big; that’s criminal! No, it’s more of a personal favor."
    Becca narrowed her eyes. "Doesn’t have anything to do with