Free Coffee Sonata by Greg Herren

on the waterfront, near the pier. Mike’s done a great job restoring it. It took her at least a year, since she did most of it with her own two hands.”
    “Michaela Stone. It rings a bell—”
    “I can introduce you. She’s succeeded where most people wouldn’t stand a chance. I think you’d appreciate her.”
    “She sounds quite remarkable.”
    “Want to get together at the café tomorrow after work?” Eryn held her breath, unable to believe what she’d just asked. “I’d like to see you again. Like this. In private.” Shut up, Goddard. You’re making a fool of yourself.
    Manon slowly removed the napkin from her lap with measured movements and placed it next to the bowl. She nodded toward their waiter and then focused on Eryn, a guarded expression in her dark green eyes. “So you think I’d like to meet this Mike Stone?”
    That’s an elegant way of answering a question with another question, Belmont. “I thought you might. You did say you love good java. Unless you’re busy.”
    Manon didn’t show any emotion, though Eryn could practically hear the wheels turning as she considered the invitation. The muted light picked up the highlights in her shiny hair, making it shimmer. Eryn loved trying to decipher her enigmatic expressions.
    “You said earlier you work long hours.” Manon’s eyes were impenetrable beneath her thick lashes. “Do you have time?”
    “Sure,” Eryn answered readily, never one to dodge a direct question. “I’m working late tonight, but tomorrow I get off around six. I can be there in less than ten minutes.” She grinned, as much from nerves as from the possibility of seeing Manon again. “I’ll be the one in black leather.”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    “Motorcycle outfit.”
    “Oh.” A smile spread over Manon’s features. “I see. Well, I’ll be there. The old marina. Give me a call if something comes up, and I’ll do the same, all right?”
    “Sure.” Our plans, eh? Eryn’s breath caught as Manon’s smile seemed to illuminate the entire room, pulling her in. With trembling fingers she reached into her purse for a business card and a pen. She scribbled down barely legible numbers. “Here’s my cell number and my new home number.”
    “Thank you.” Manon glanced at it before putting it into her briefcase.
    When the waiter showed up and handed Manon the check, Eryn shook her head, a credit card already in her hand. “This one’s on me.”
    Manon hesitated only a second before handing the leather folder across the table. “Thank you. Lunch was delicious.”
    Eryn was pleased that Manon didn’t argue. Their financial circumstances didn’t compare, but in all fairness, she had asked Manon to lunch.
    Out on the sidewalk, Manon stopped and turned to Eryn. “Can I give you a ride?” She motioned toward the limousine parked nearby.
    “No, I’m fine. I’m off to a photo shoot just around the corner. Thanks anyway.”
    Manon squeezed Eryn’s hand firmly. “See you tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow,” Eryn repeated. Her heart fluttered, and she recognized the weakness in her knees for what it meant. She was attracted to Manon Belmont.

    *

    Something cold and wet nudged Vivian’s cheek. Drowsy, she fumbled as she ruffled soft dog ears. “Hello, you. Good boy. Where’s your brother?” she whispered. Squinting, she made out Mason’s shape, but recognized him from the way he whimpered. He sat down and wagged his tail, thumping it on the hardwood floor. “Perry’s sleeping, as usual?”
    As Vivian started to get up, a sudden, yet familiar, pain stabbed the back of her eyes. She blinked against the light filtering through the half-closed shades but saw only unrecognizable shifting patterns. Reaching for her anesthetic eyedrops, she accidentally knocked the bottle off the bedside table.
    “Blasted thing,” she murmured, and sat up. “Mason, move. I have to…” She jerked the cord that pulled the blinds back completely and let the stinging sunlight in; tears