No one answered. He knocked again.
Finally a voice from inside mumbled something. Whoever it was sounded half asleep. “I'm too early,” Luke said with a groan. Disturbing Mattie's sleep couldn't be helpful. Someone from inside unbolted a lock, and Luke readied an apology.
Meryl peeked around the edge of the door. “Oh, it's you. I had no idea Mattie was expecting you…not at this hour.”
“She isn't. I'm sorry for waking you up. I can come back later.”
Meryl swung open the door. “You're here. You might as well come in.”
Meryl barely resembled the exotic and exciting woman he'd met the previous night. Curls, like springs gone awry, spiraled straight out from her head. Oversized pajamas dragged on the floor, sleeves hung below her hands, and a baggy bathrobe was draped half on and half off her slim frame.
“Well, are you coming in or not? I realize I'm not a lovely sight first thing in the morning, but that's no excuse for bad manners.” She wore a half smile.
Realizing he'd been staring, Luke stepped inside. “Is Mattie up?”
“She's in the shower. That's why I'm here. Otherwise, I'd still be getting my beauty sleep.” She peered at a mirror hanging on the wall and screwed up her face. “I could certainly use some.”
Trying to tame her curls, she ran a hand through her hair, then giving up, she grabbed a cigarette case off the kitchen counter and dropped onto a straight-backed chair. Removing her silver lighter and a cigarette from a matching silver case, she tapped the cigarette several times on the case, then lit up, taking a deep breath. She coughed. Pressing a hand against her chest, she said, “The first drag of the morning can be a rough one.” She smiled, her hazel eyes beginning to look more awake. “You smoke?” she asked, offering the case.
“No, never took it up.”
“I suppose growing up in the backwoods the way you did protected you from the sins of the world.” Mischief lit her face.
“No, there was plenty of sin. Smoking is just one I passed up.”
She took another puff, this time without coughing. Looking at a door on the far side of the room, she pulled herself out of the chair and crossed to it. Knocking, she said, “Mattie, you've got company.”
“What? What did you say?” a voice asked from behind the door.
“You've got company.”
The door opened, and Mattie stuck out a towel-covered head. “What?” Her eyes stopped on Luke. “Oh. Luke.” She dropped back, disappearing from sight. “What are you doing here?”
“Now that's a cordial welcome,” Meryl teased, returning to her seat and tapping her cigarette against the edge of an ornate ashtray.
“I didn't mean it that way. I'm not dressed. I wasn't expecting anyone.” She peeked out again. “I'll be right out.” The door closed.
“Have a seat,” Meryl said, draping one leg over the other and swinging a slippered foot back and forth. She closed her eyes. “Oh, I could have used another five hours at least.” She peered at Luke. “Did you get up with the birds?”
“Earlier.” He smiled.
“About the time our feathered friends got up, I went to bed.”
Luke's hopes of a premature ending to Mattie's date withered. Although he knew he had no say in her life, he hated the idea of her being out at all hours dancing and having fun—with Steve. “I was afraid you two had gotten in late. I'm sorry for coming by so early.”
“Actually I got in late. Mattie was a wet blanket and headed home just after you left.” Meryl's eyes held mischief.
“Oh.” Luke's spirits lifted. Maybe she hadn't had much fun.
“'Course, I didn't really mind.” Meryl grinned seductively. “That meant I got Steve to myself. He wasn't happy with Mattie for leaving him stranded.” She tossed her hair. “I didn't mind being a substitute though. I think he likes me.”
“You didn't have a date?” His mind still on Mattie and Steve, Luke didn't consider the rudeness of the question.
“No. I didn't have a date. Neither of us did, really. We went on our own, but I think Steve expected to spend the evening with Mattie.” Meryl yawned.”'Course, now he knows what a party pooper she is.” She smiled playfully and stretched her arms over her head.
“So, has she been talking your ear off?” Mattie asked, stepping out of the bathroom. She'd dressed in a casual yellow sweater and tan skirt and had braided her black hair into a single plait that hung over one shoulder. The yellow sweater enhanced the golden hue of her skin, and Luke thought she looked even more beautiful than she had the night before. She crossed to the kitchenette and poured herself a cup of coffee. “You want some?”
“I'm dying for coffee,”Meryl said dramatically.
“You couldn't get it yourself?” Mattie asked.
Meryl's mouth dropped into a pout.
“I can get my own,” Luke said, walking toward Mattie. “You always did make good coffee.”
“I still do. But these days we're stingy with it. Seems there are shortages on everything.”Mattie filled three cups. “Good thing I started perking this before I climbed in the shower,” she said, handing a cup to Meryl. She looked at Luke. “You want cream or sugar?”
“Black's fine.”
Mattie gave Luke his coffee, then took her own and sat on the sofa.
Cradling the hot cup between his hands, Luke sat on the opposite end.
“So, what are you doing out and about so early?” Mattie asked.
“Woke up. Couldn't sleep. So I had some breakfast, then started walking and ended up here.” Luke looked at Meryl who was watching him intensely. He wished she'd go back to bed. He wanted to talk to Mattie...alone.
“So, why do you think you ended up here?” Meryl asked pointedly.
