Free Knight Vision by Johanna Bock Page B

on.  She was right on the money earlier; her mother was waiting for her.  Jeff got out of the car and moved around to open her door.  He reached for her and guided her out.  Holding hands, he started to the door of her house.  “Jeff,“ she said, stopping him.  “It is okay.  I can go from here.“
    He looked at her strangely and started to open his mouth to say something.  She quieted him by pulling him into her arms and kissing him.  Backing out of their embrace, she whispered.  “See you tomorrow.“
    “Yes, you will, my beauty.  Sleep well,“ he answered, kissing the tip of her nose.
    Annie watched him return to his car.  At the door, he turned to her and waved.  Waving back, she felt cold.  She stood still and watched his car until it disappeared around the corner.  Turning, she looked at the brightly-lighted living room and sighed.
     
    ***

Chapter Eleven
     
    Annie took a deep-cleansing breath.  She had to face her mother; she knew it would take every ounce of her strength to endure the next couple of minutes.  As she grabbed the doorknob, she mentally willed herself to maintain her emotions.  She plastered a partially-fake smile on her face and opened the door.  As she expected, her mother was seated in the chair under the lamp, reading a book.  “Hi, Mom,“ she said happily, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
    “Hi, dear,“ her mother responded, putting aside her book.  “Did you have a nice time?“
    “Yeah, it was great,“ Annie answered, wondering at the strange expression on her mother’s face.  Could she tell? she asked herself.  “We had dinner at the club.  You know, the one Leah and I hang out all the time.  We ate, drank and danced a little.  It was a blast.“  She was not lying.
    “Annie, I am glad you had a good time,“ her mother responded.
    “You did not have to wait up for me,“ Annie said, turning to head to her room.  “I am tired.  I will talk to you more in the morning.“
    “Annie,“ her mother called before she could take another step.  “Is he married?“
    Annie froze in her tracks as her mother’s question repeated in her mind.  Why would she ask that question , she thought.  She turned to her mother.  “What?“ she asked, shocked.
    “I said,“ her mother repeated, “Is he married?“
    “Good God, no,“ Annie stated flatly.  “Why would you even think to ask?“
    “Annie, dear,“ her mother slowed her speech.  “He is wearing a wedding band on his left hand.“
    My GOD , Annie thought.  I have been with him three times and I never noticed.   How naïve or stupid am I?    She had been to his home tonight.  At least she thought it was his place.  Her mind shifted gears quickly.  She focused on her mother’s frowning face and said, “Mom, I have to be honest.  I didn’t see the ring.  I don’t believe he is married, but I cannot tell you he is not.“
    Her mother looked at her dumbfounded.  “Are you telling me that you have seen this boy several times and you never noticed?“ she asked.
    Annie nodded, staring at her mother straight in the face so she would believe her.  “Truthfully, Mom,“ she began, “If I had noticed the ring, I would have asked him.  I just did not see it.“  Her mother looked at her so sympathetically she felt like she was two again.  “Mom, we have plans for tomorrow night.  I promise I will find out about it,“ she vowed, walking out of the room. 
    “Be careful,“ her mother’s voice carried to her as she entered the bathroom and closed the door.
    Annie leaned back against the closed door of the bathroom and her hand subconsciously twisted the knob to lock it.  She needed to think; she needed privacy with her thoughts.  Pushing herself off the door, she stared at her reflection in the large mirror over the sink .  He is married , her mind screamed.  He is playing you .  How stupid could she be?  She leaned up against the sink cabinet and pressed her forehead on the