“No. I have a date tonight.” Reva checked her watch. “That’s what I came to tell you. I have to leave in a few minutes. Daddy’s going to drop me off on his way to his dinner meeting.”
“That’s okay.” Grace set the makeup down. Her hand still trembled from Rory’s phone call. “Actually, I’m still feeling kind of beat. I think I’ll stay here and just take it easy.”
“Whatever.” Reva smoothed her hair and strode to the door. “Catch you later.”
“Sure. Have fun.”
“Oh, I will,” Reva assured her with a grin. “I definitely will.”
As Reva closed the door, Grace collapsed onto the bed again. Reva didn’t believe that call was from my mother, Grace thought. But at least she didn’t keep questioning me about Rory.
Grace eyed the bedside phone warily. It stayed silent.
But Rory will call back. I know he will. It’s only a matter of time.
Rory isn’t finished with me yet.
• • •
Reva sat in the booth at Pete’s and tapped her foot impatiently.
Grant was five minutes late.
Where is he? she wondered, annoyed. Doesn’t he know I need him? He has to know about Traci. Liza must have told him I found her body. He should have been here waiting for me, worried about me!
Reva took a sip of her soda, then glanced around the pizza place. Still no sign of Grant.
If he doesn’t show up in three more minutes, I’m out of here. I’ll go home and . . . and what? Hang out with Grace?
What fun, she thought sarcastically. We can sit around and watch her bruise turn yellow.
Too bad Grace’s mother hadn’t insisted that she come home. Actually, Reva was surprised Grace hadn’t jumped at the excuse to get out of Shadyside. With Rory stalking her and Traci murdered, wouldn’t she feel safer at home?
But no! Never mind that she walked around shaking like a leaf and jumping at shadows, Grace wanted to stay.
And I’m stuck with her, Reva thought gloomily.
“Hey, why the long face?” Grant asked, sliding into the booth next to Reva. “Sorry, that was a stupid question,” he added, slipping an arm around her shoulder. “You must still be freaked about Traci.”
“Of course I am.” Reva gave him a cool look. “Plus, you’re late, Grant.”
“I know, I’m sorry.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “Hey, don’t be angry.”
Reva kissed him back, breathing deeply. His skin was cold and smelled of the outdoors. “I’m not too angry, I guess,” she murmured. “But I thought you’d understand how upset I am. About Traci, I mean. And I thought you’d be here waiting for me. I was counting on it.”
“I wanted to be here sooner, but . . .” Grant pulled away and shrugged out of his jacket.
“But what?”
“Something came up.” He smoothed his dark hair and smiled nervously. “So. Did you order yet?”
Reva shook her head. “What came up?” she asked.
Grant’s smile faded and he sighed. “Liza.”
“Liza?” Reva sat up straight and gazed at him icily. “You were with Liza? Is that why you were late?”
“No, nothing like that,” he replied. “She called me earlier to tell me about Traci. But I haven’t seen her today.”
“I don’t get it,” Reva told him. “You weren’t with Liza, but she’s the reason you’re late?”
“Yeah. I just can’t help feeling guilty about sneaking around behind her back,” Grant admitted. “When she called, she asked if we could get together tonight. I made up some excuse, and she bought it. Didn’t even suspect I was lying.”
“So? What are you worried about?”
“I’m worried she’ll find out.” Grant sighed again. “I’m worried about lying. I’m just . . . I don’t know—feeling guilty.”
Oh, this is fun, Reva thought. A guy who’s going to cry on my shoulder because he feels guilty about cheating on his girlfriend. This is almost as much fun as staying home with Grace!
Still, Grant is awfully cute. And I really do need him now, with everything I’m going through.
I deserve Grant.
And I know how to get him.
Smiling sweetly, Reva put her hand on Grant’s arm. “Listen, if you feel that way about Liza, maybe we should just forget the whole thing,” she told him.
“No!” He took her hand and squeezed it. “I don’t want that, Reva. I really don’t.”
Reva smiled. “Good. I need you much more than Liza does. So forget about her, okay?” She leaned close and kissed him.
Grant kissed her back, softly at first. Then harder. “I’ll try,” he whispered.