Obsessed

I walk up next to her and give her a hug from behind. "I love you, Liz."

"Love you too." She squeezes my arm.

I pick up the small straw purse I brought with me. "Did you tell Mark about the letter?"

She sits silently before slowly turning on the stool to face me. "Did you mention it to anyone else?"

"Mrs. Adams knew."

"It must have been her then," Liz responds before turning back to her work.

"Yes, it must be her." I say as I walk out the door.

***

"Ms. Marlow." Oliver greets me as I arrive back at my apartment. I'm not certain walking the eight blocks from Liz's studio was such a good idea in the heat of this very humid, Sunday afternoon.

"Oliver." I smile at the elderly doorman as I use my hand to fan my face.

"There's a delivery for you."

I'm wary. Surprises have never been something I embrace. "What is it?"

"It's there." Oliver gestures to a grand package leaning against the wall near the elevators. It's square and at least four feet across wrapped completely in brown paper.

"I'm going to guess it's not flowers."

Oliver laughs. "No Ma'am. I'll get Phil to help me bring it up in the freight elevator."

I give Oliver a quick peck on the cheek. "You're a doll."

I stare at the mystery package as I wait for the elevator to arrive in the lobby. It's hard to focus on it given all the Jax details that Liz so willingly offered up this afternoon.

The elevator doors open and Mrs. Adams steps out.

"Mrs. Adams." I give her a quick hug. "How are you today?"

I watch the doors close behind her as the elevator races up to retrieve someone else.

"Dear, were you jogging?" She reaches to wipe some errant hairs that have clung to the perspiration on my forehead.

"No." I instinctively smooth my hair back into place. "I was walking. It's hot out today."

"That's why I brought this." She pulls a small black umbrella out of her bag. "Rule number one is a lady must always be prepared."

"Do you want me to walk with you?" I ask, concerned by the idea of her wandering on her own.

"Absolutely not." Her mouth transforms into a sly grin. "I have a date."

"Who's the lucky fellow?" I raise my eyebrow playfully.

"Rule number two." She holds up two fingers. "A lady

never kisses and tells."

"That's a very wise rule."

"I'm not one to mind anyone else's business, but I noticed Mark paid you a visit last night." Her voice has become a whisper now.