Girl in the Shadows (Shadows 2)

"Now who you asking that?" she said indignantly. "I have plenty to keep me busy and healthy here. Who has time to get sick? I can't depend on that man or that maid to keep this place up to snuff."

"Good," I said. "I want to thank you--"

"Stop before you start," she said sharply. "Strangers go through all that thank you for this and thank you for that business. We're beyond it. Just go do what you have to do and make yourself successful. That's the way to thank me. girl."

"Okay. Can I kiss you good-bye?"

"No. Just kiss me and get yourself on the road and you drive extra carefully, too."

"Yes. ma'am," I said. I hugged her. She felt so fragile and small and yet, she felt like a world of love. I didn't want to let go of her anymore than Echo wanted to let go of me. But I did. And I smiled and didn't cry.

"That maid of mine is late again." she muttered, turning away quickly. "Don't know why I keep her."

"Yes." I said, as if I had heard it a million times and would hear it a million more.

I walked out slowly. I didn't expect her to follow and wave to me from the porch. Trevor was at my car, washing off the windows.

"All right then," he said. "You take care, hear?"

"I will. And I'll be back for your harvest to help."

"Long as you remember to handle those grapes like liquid gold."

"I will. I promise. Take care of her," I said. I hugged him and he held on to me. too.

"Take care of her?" he said after I got in. "Fat chance. She'll be taking care of me until one or the other goes trotting off into the shadows."

"You keep those shadows back," I said. "Yes, Ma'am."

He stepped away. I started the engine, glanced back at Destiny, who looked very thoughtful to me suddenly. And then I drove out, pausing at the end of the driveway to gaze back at the house.

She was in the front window, watching. Despite herself.

She was there and always would be.