Part 114 (1/2)

start looking for an apartment. Then we're going to live just the way

we always planned it.”

”Yeah. Well, over the first hurdle.” They stepped out of the elevator

and walked down the wide, quiet hall to Johnno's condo. ”Let me do the

talking,” Emma warned. At Marianne's bland look, she sighed. ”I mean

it. The last time you did the talking we ended up polis.h.i.+ng pews for

three Sat.u.r.days running.”

”I'm an artist, not a lawyer,” she muttered, then put on her best smile

when the door opened.

”Johnno!” Emma launched herself into his arms. ”Surprise,” she said,

then kissed him.

”Hold up.” He was only half dressed, and groggy with after-dinner wine

and sleep. With his hands on her shoulders, he held Emma back. She'd

grown tall. In the last eighteen months she'd sprung up like a willow,

slim, graceful, with hints of elegance. Her pale blond hair was scooped

back with combs, so that it fell full and straight to brush her

shoulders. She wore snug faded jeans with a skinny ribbed s.h.i.+rt tucked

into them. Wide gold hoops swung at her ears. ”For Christ's sake, you

look like an off-duty model.” He s.h.i.+fted his gaze to Marianne. ”And

here's my favorite redhead. What have you done to your hair?” He rubbed

a hand over Marianne's short spiked do..

”It's what's happening now,” she told him, then leaned her cheek in for

a kiss. ”Did we get you up?”

”Yes. I suppose I should let you in before I ask what the h.e.l.l you're

doing here.” He glanced down. ”With suitcases.”

”Oh, Johnno, it's so good to be here. The minute I got in the cab at