Free Look Both Ways by Carol J. Perry Page B

certainly don’t tell him everything about myself, either.”
    She frowned. “Like about the gazing?”
    â€œExactly. And it happened again today. I looked into that blackened mirror and saw . . . something.”
    â€œOh dear.” She opened the oven and transferred the cutlets to a serving plate. “Was it anything . . . frightening?”
    â€œNot at all,” I said. “Actually, it was quite a pleasant scene. I just haven’t the slightest idea what it’s supposed to mean.”
    She put the steaming platter on the table and sat down. “Tell me about it.”
    I described the beach and the waves breaking on the shore. I told her about the crumbling wall and the woman and the small dog in the distance. “The woman threw the stick, and the dog retrieved it. Then she knelt and patted him and threw the stick again. The same action was repeated again and again, until they were little, faraway specks. Any idea what it might mean?”
    â€œNot a clue,” she said. “Could you recognize her? Anyone we know?”
    â€œShe was too far away. Anyway, she had her back to me. I couldn’t see her face at all.”
    â€œMaybe River can help you figure it out. You should call her.”
    â€œI will. This is delicious.” I felt relaxed and happy there in the familiar kitchen, sharing a meal with the woman who’d raised me. “Pretty soon I’ll invite you to my place for dinner.”
    â€œI shall look forward to it,” she said with a smile. “Now, tell me some more about your visit with Rupert.”
    Aunt Ibby and Rupert Pennington had begun “keeping company” the previous winter. At first I hadn’t been thrilled to see my boss and my aunt dating, but they seemed to have a lot in common, and they were each obviously happy in the relationship.
    â€œWell, as I told you,” I said, “the summer theater group will be presenting three plays in the student theater at the Tabby. Mr. Pennington said that he had me in mind for the job of property manager all along.”
    â€œThat must please you. What plays are they planning to do?”
    â€œI don’t know yet. He’s going to give me the scripts and general set outlines tomorrow. He said he’s been gathering up some props for the first play himself, so that gives me a head start.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re about to have a truly productive summer, Maralee,” she said. “Now, how about some nice strawberry ice cream for dessert?”
    â€œSounds good. And I’m going to take your advice and call River.”
    We cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher together. “I think I’ll sleep in my old room tonight,” I said. “I’ll set the alarm. Don’t want to be late on the first day of my new job.”
    â€œGood idea. Why don’t you just spend the evening here? Rupert and I are going to a poetry reading later, but I’ll be back early, and you can tell me what River says about your new vision.”
    I glanced around at the comfortable surroundings, thought about the near-barren space upstairs, and decided to do as she suggested. Besides, O’Ryan was already curled up on a needlepoint cushion on the window seat. “I think I will,” I told her. “O’Ryan and I will just play couch potatoes in your living room.”
    Aunt Ibby went to her room to change for her date, while I opted for my trusty old gray sweats and a seat on the couch, which may or may not have needed reupholstering. O’Ryan ran for the front door before the bell chimed, announcing Mr. Pennington’s arrival. Aunt Ibby, looking lovely in gray silk, waited as usual for him to ring twice so that she wouldn’t appear anxious. He stepped inside the foyer and the two, looking so darned cute together, peeked in at me through the arched living room doorway.
    â€œI won’t be late, Maralee,” she said. “You and