Frannie sat there, unharmed, looking across the room at Dave. With her eyes, she tried to relay her plan. Of course, he couldn’t read her mind, so she sat there in frustration. Charles looked like he was losing it furtherby the minute, and she was afraid for their lives at this point. What did he mean, he’d done this before?

“Charles, tell me about what happened before…when you got caught?”

Charles smirked and proceeded to tell her. “I was following someone. Like I’ve been doing with you. And, well, things got a little out of hand. She got injured, and I got arrested, but charges were dropped, and that’s all you need to know! You see, I told you I was very, very wealthy. I mean, you think Perot is wealthy!” He snorted out a laugh. “The Bartholomew family has more wealth in shipping lines and oil than he’ll ever have. So, my dear, see what you could have married into?

“But as I was saying, Flora—that’s the woman I thought I loved—got slightly unnerved at my way of fun and games. Which, like I told you, is planting myself near the object of my desire and watching her daily. Playing little tricks and whatever I feel like doing while she thinks she is completely safe. She didn’t find it amusing or flattering that I’d go to all that trouble to adore her from afar.” He grinned and chewed briefly at a ragged nail on his index finger.

“So one night, as I was doing my usual midnight visit, she woke up, got out a gun, and we struggled. It went off, piercing her shoulder, and the neighbors, hearing the shot, called the police. So there I was, sitting in the country jail until my lawyer bailed me out. Flora was convinced, in a monetary way, by my family, that I meant no harm and charges against me were dropped. It was documented that my ‘eccentricities’ were harmless and posed no public threat. But, I’m not an idiot! I know if I’m hauled in again, it could be really bad for me.” He waved the gun around, causing Dave to flinch and duck.

“Now, who’s this guy?” He waved the gun in Dave’s direction.

“He’s a friend—” Frannie started to say.

“I’m her boyfriend! I guess an ex-boyfriend, but I still care for Frannie more than ever. I heard her call and came right over—”

“Heard her call? What call?” Charles asked.

“The radio. The ham radio. She’s a ham—didn’t you know that?” Dave said snidely. “I thought you knew all about her.”

“I do. But that doesn’t matter now. But I guess that’s why the cops showed up. You shouldn’t have done that, Frannie. Look what you’ve caused! Things could have been settled much more peaceably.”

“Please, Charles–” Suddenly a loud crash and explosion of glass startled the trio as a smoke bomb started emitting disgusting-smelling fumes.

Chaos erupted. Men in dark clothing could be seen hanging on the balcony through the billowing drape over the now-shattered sliding glass door.

Coughing, eyes watering like rivers, they three staggered about the living room. Charles was heading for the bedroom, probably again refusing to surrender. Dave was trying to grab for the doorknob, scrabbling to undo the chain lock.

Frannie drifted toward the shattered glass door, then thought better of it. She could get cut! She turned and headed for the front door ,which Dave finally threw open and staggered out, a haze of smoke following him.

“Police! Hands up!” a voice shouted at Dave, who threw his hands up high as he tried to see where the steps were. Frannie bumped into him, nearly knocking him down the cement stairway. They made their way down slowl,y and Frannie was met halfway by Pete, who hugged and kissed her wet face.

The first policeman grabbed Dave and twisted an arm sharply behind his back before Frannie could tell him, “Please! Stop! He’s not the one! Charles is still in there! Dave’s okay….”

The officer said, “Sorry,” and released Dave, who rubbed his wrist furiously and then wiped the tears from his eyes.

“He’s still in there?’ asked a couple of cops, who started up the stairway. They slipped masks over their faces and continued on up to the apartment.

The men all gathered about Frannie and Pete and offered their help. Frannie looked around at the sea of concerned faces in the glare of the parking lot lights and felt a sense of relief. Help had come. These were her friends on the air, and they hadn’t let her down. She hugged each and every one of them.

Finally, the police emerged from the hazy apartment with Charles in custody. He was angrily babbling, and tears streaked his handsome face. He didn’t even look at Frannie as they placed him in the backseat of the police cruiser. Frannie turned her head and buried it into Pete’s chest.

Dave stood about looking uncomfortable. “Um, I’m Dave Harvey.” He extended his hand to Pete.

“Pete Lake. Nice to meet you.” They shook hands firmly.

Dave could see that Pete cared for Frannie in a way that he never could. The look of love and concern on his face said it all. He only hoped one day he would be able to love a woman so completely and openly.

“Frannie?” said Dave. “I guess I’d better be going now. I’m glad we’re…you’re okay. I tried to help—”

“I know you did, Dave. I appreciate it very much. You’re very, very brave.”

“Well…I knew you were in trouble, and I just did what I could. You’ve got a very nice man here, Frannie and I wish you both well. Good night.”

Frannie had never seen him so humble. Maybe this scare had changed him? “Thank you again, Dave. You’ll be fine.” She patted his shoulder as Pete encircled her waist, hugging her against him.

Dave smiled shakily and waved his hand weakly, then turned to find his car. The other men, relieved that it was all over, said their good-byes and good-luck; then they, too, left.

“Oh Pete. It’s finally over. I was so scared! I should have told you about Charles, but I didn’t think he was that important! He was really a crazy person….”

“You got that right!” He closed his eyes and started thinking of ways to guard against ever losing this woman. “I think it’s time you move in with me. Once the smoke clears, we’ll go in an get your clothes and things. Hear me?” he said sternly. “And then I want to hear all there is to know about this character.”

“Yessir!” she replied with a smile. She should have listened to him in the first place!

* * *

A few weeks later—way before April 1^st—Frannie and Pete got married. Pete couldn’t wait a moment longer. He’d come too close to losing this wonderful woman, and he didn’t want to let any more time elapse before she became his wife.

The last they’d heard about Charles Bartholomew, his family had admitted him to a mental hospital, where he’d be spending quite some time to avoid prosecution. That was fine with Frannie, though it did bother her that another woman might some day have to face the same terror she had, if he was ever let out to continue his wacky ways. But she was not going to let it worry her. She had a new life now with Pete!

They had invited the ham club members to attend the ceremony, and they had quite a turnout. Her parents even flew out for the event. Frannie had never looked lovelier in her beautiful peachy-cream dress with a matching veil and shoes.

Pete looked like a matinee idol dressed in a cream and gray tux with a peach-colored cummerbund. They were perfectly matched.

The wedding was held at the Unity church and the reception at a large hall wonderfully decorated by the Radio League ham club. They even provided Frannie and Pete’s beautiful three-tiered cake! It was wonderful and exciting and the two had never been so happy. They had made so many incredible friends!

“I guess I can legitimately say I found love on the radio waves now, can’t I?” said Frannie, smiling up at her handsome husband.

He answered her with a kiss that curled her toes.

THE END

“Help me! If anyone can hear me, call 911! I’m in the closet, can you hear me! I’m at 465 Northrop. Apartment 121! I need help! Apartment 121! Someone’s trying to kill me—” she screamed and sobbed, trying to secure the door with one hand as she talked fast. She had to let go of the radio when the door was finally flung open and there was Charles! He looked insane as he grabbed for her. She hoped to God someone heard her.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Frannie. Why are you running from me?” Charles said, gripping her arm tightly.

Oh damn, Frannie thought, as a new production of tears rolled down her cheeks.

Dave Harvey was listening to his scanner in his new, expensive, but lonely home. All of a sudden he thought he heard Frannie’s address! He listened again, turned the scanner up. Yes! The police dispatcher had repeated her address! He jumped up and grabbed his jacket and ran out of the house to the garage. He hopped into his BMW and took off like a bullet.

Frannie was frantic as Charles held her in a chokehold by the throat. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this,” he panted near her ear, his hot breath searing her skin. “Be nice to me…I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Why?” she said in a strangled voice. “Let me go! I won’t run.”

“Promise? I’m not going to hurt you, I swear…I never intended on frightening you.” Charles let up a little on his hold.

“Yes, I promise,” Frannie gasped, her mind racing 100 miles per minute as to what to do to get away! Hopefully someone had heard her on the radio and help was on the way.

Charles released his grip on her slightly and steered her into the living room. “I just want to talk…I mean you no harm, Frannie. I want to explain.”

“You’ve been stalking me, haven’t you?” she said defiantly. This creep had been through her things! “Why? What do you want from me?”

“I want you. I want to marry you. Granted this was the wrong way to go about it—”

“I’ll say….” Frannie interjected.

“I’m sorry if I caused you fear and grief, but I couldn’t help myself. I’ve done this before, Frannie…followed the object of my desire. Never had anyone reject me. But they were never the right ones for me anyway…only you. And now you go and get engaged on me, for heaven’s sake!”

He led her over to the sofa and sat her down. “You see, it’s my way of showing how much I care…what lengths I’ll go to prove how much I could love someone. With all the others, it was a game, so to speak…I knew you were different from the start.”

She knew by the look in his eye he had to be insane! She closed her eyes and wished she were anywhere but here at this moment.

Pete was on his way…he was running through yellow lights, praying for a cop not to stop him. He knew the cops were on their way and hopefully were there already. He’d heard Frannie’s call for help and nearly leaped out of his skin at the terror he heard.

He’d just gotten ready for an early night, was in the middle of changing clothes, when he heard her plea. He threw on a pair of sweatpants and ran out of the house, pulling on a T-shirt as he raced to his vehicle. He had no time for shoes!

Now, speeding to her apartment, his heart was racing a mile a minute. She had to be okay…had to be! Miraculously, he heard other hams talking about racing to her apartment to help. Once again, he said a prayer of thanks.

Frannie held him off with her hand. “Charles. I believe you aren’t going to hurt me…but I need some space. I can’t have you right in my face. Please?”

“Okay, okay. Anything you say.” He backed off a bit. “I’m sorry for scaring you. But I’ve got it all planned out. We’ll drive to Reno—that’s not far from here, is it? Two-three hours?”

“Two. And I can’t leave right now—”

“Oh, yes you can. You can do anything you want. Just like I can. And we’re going. I suggest you pack an overnight bag.”

She looked at Charles like he was totally out of his mind…which he was…. “I can’t do that! I’m engaged to be married. I told you that… Look!” She thrust her left hand in his face, flashing the ring Pete had given her.

“Ha! I can do better than that. Out in the car I have a magnificent ring for you. I went to the trouble of purchasing some clothing for you too. I know what size you wear as…well, as you guessed, I have been in here before,” he chuckled.

“Um, I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll pack my overnight bag while I’m in there. Can I get up?” She had a plan.

“I guess so. You aren’t going to try any funny stuff are you?”

“Well, what kind of a marriage would we have if we can’t trust one another?” she smirked. “But I’m not about to go to the bathroom in front of you!”

“Okay…don’t get your panties in a bunch. You’re free to go.” He indicated with a sweep of his hand for her to go on into her bedroom. Frannie got up and walked swiftly across the room. The gun was in the nighstand drawer.

Looking back at Charles, she smiled sweetly at him. Then casually, she grabbed a small bag and opened a dresser drawer, taking out two pairs of underwear and a bra. She was taking her time and working her way toward opening the nightstand drawer.

Finally she could reach it. She opened the drawer swiftly, but to her horror, the gun was gone!

As she stood there in mild shock, Charles appeared coolly in the doorway, dangling the gun between his fingers. “Looking for this?” he asked innocently.

“When…how…?” she sputtered. How did he get it?

“I took the liberty while you were in the bath…just in case. I knew you had it, of course. I told you I’ve been here many times.”

Frannie was so angry, she forgot about being afraid. She lunged at him with a fearless fury. He was surprised and caught off guard. She slammed him hard in the chest with her outstretched hands and her momentum.

He staggered back but recovered very quickly. In a flash, she sailed on by him, but he was able to reach out and grab her about the neck. Abruptly, she was held fast and pressed tightly against him, his arm encircling her neck.

“Mmmph! Let me go,” she struggled to say as she fought to escape.

“Frannie, stop struggling. I’ll let you go, but I don’t want you trying anything like that again. Hear me?” Charles whispered in her ear.

She nodded her head as best she could.

“What?” he said. “I couldn’t hear you.”

“Yes,” she gasped. “I won’t—”

“Good.”  He led her over to the sofa, still gripping her in a chokehold.

He let go as he sat her down. She rubbed her neck and glared at him. “What makes you think acting like this is going to win me over?” she said.

“You’ll change your mind. I know it. I have faith in you,” he leaned toward her and grinned. Holding the gun in his right hand, he aimed it toward the floor. She glanced at it out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t think she’d be quick enough. She prayed that someone heard her plea on the radio, but chances were slim to none since she had been in the closet.

Suddenly she heard loud, hurried footsteps coming up her stairway. A couple of loud bangs hit her door. “Frannie! Frannie, open up!” It was Dave!

She looked at Charles, who glared at the door. He took aim with the pistol and pretended to shoot.

“No!” cried Frannie.

Charles grinned and put it down. The frantic knocking resumed. “Frannie. If you don’t open up, I’m going to have the manager open it up for me. Come on! I know you’re in trouble—”

The door flew open, and Dave was yanked inside.

* * *

Pete was almost there. He saw a police car ahead of him with its lights going but no siren. Must be going to Frannie’s, he thought wildly.

He rounded one more corner, following the police car, and suddenly was surprised to find five pickup trucks and another Pathfinder jammed in the parking lot in front of Frannie’s apartment!

Their drivers were milling about like they were confused. The police car slid to a stop with Pete right behind. He hopped out and started to fly up the stairs.

“Hold it, sir,” said one of the men in blue.

“It’s my girlfriend—she’s in trouble,” he gasped, with his hand on the railing and one foot on the step.

“We’ll handle it, sir. Let us do our job. Just stay down here, and we’ll take care of everything.” The two cops unbuckled their guns and headed up the stairway, lit only by the stairway light. The sun had set a couple of hours ago.

Pete stood back, and the other men converged on him to find out what was going on. It seems they had all heard Frannie’s frantic call. One guy Pete recognized from the Radio Club meeting.

“Say, you all, thanks a million for coming…I don’t know what’s going on myself…but thank God we heard her.” He looked up at her door where the cops stood on either side with their guns up in front of their chests.

“Open up in there,” said the younger cop after three hard knocks. “Police!”

Nothing.

The police officer repeated his action.

* * *

“You’ve got to let us go!” Frannie begged. Dave was sitting in a chair across the room, with his eyes as large as saucers. “You won’t get into trouble if you let us go now. Please Charles.”

“Nope, too late.” He was peering through the peephole, then stepping back to the side quickly.

“Charles…think about it! We can say it was all a misunderstanding! Please! You won’t get into trouble! I swear!” Dave could only stare at her not, saying a word. How did Frannie get herself mixed up with this guy? He was crazy as a loon!

This whole scene was nuts! Here she was, pretty, yes, but not enough to warrant some loony, love-sick rich guy to stalk her, and an ex-boyfriend with a never-say-die attitude rushing to her rescue… and God knows what’s truly going on outside her door! She would have burst out in hysterics if she didn’t have such a grip on herself. She prayed for Pete… Pete, who had saved her life before, in the snowstorm…where was he now?

The three loud knocks repeated on the door. Frannie was afraid they might kick it in and Charles would go berserk!

“Please—”Frannie begged.

“Shut up!” Charles hollered. He was pinned against the wall next to the door, gun held up to his chin. He was breathing very hard. “You don’t know anything…..”

“What do you mean?” Frannie asked.

“I mean you don’t know anything! About me! I was arrested once for this, and I will not go quietly. Next time I get put away for a long time.” He looked over at her, and she knew exactly what he meant.

“Hey you—” Dave piped up. He was wiping his sweaty hands on his straining thighs. He didn’t think he could sit still a moment longer.

“Dave! Be quiet.” Frannie spoke sharply. She shook her head slowly at him. She was craving a glass of water.

They could hear the cops’ footsteps retreating down the cement stairs. Don’t go! she wanted to scream.

* * *

“Well? What’s going on?” asked Pete when the cops reached him. The other men were gathering around, looking very concerned.

“We need backup,” the younger one told him as the other officer spoke rapidly into the cruiser’s radio.

“Now, what’s your girlfriend’s name? And what do you know of this situation?”

“Nothing! I heard her on her radio, ham radio, just like these gentlemen did, and here we are. But I…well, I have to say, we think she’s had someone breaking and entering her apartment over the last several weeks–”

“And you didn’t report it?” the cop cut in.

“Well, she didn’t want to…said she really couldn’t be sure that someone had broken in. Nothing was ever taken that I know of. She did feel that she was being watched. I know she has an ex-boyfriend named Dave something or other, but she was certain he wouldn’t do anything like that.”

“Well, you never know about people,” replied the cop as he quickly wrote down all that Pete told him onto a small pad.

Pete nodded in agreement. “I tried to convince her to move in with me, but that didn’t fly.” He looked up at Frannie’s window, wondering just what the hell was going on in there. It took all his power to stop himself from running up there like some maniac and busting in the door.

“Look, what are you going to do? You’ve got to make sure she’s all right!” He ran a hand through his hair nervously. “I can’t just stand here not doing anything!” He started to pace. The cop placed a hand on his arm.

“I’m sorry, but believe me, we’re doing everything we can. We’re getting another team out here, and we’ll do what we have to do to get her out.”

“Hang in there, buddy,” said Jack from the Radio Club.

Just then another unit pulled up and two more police officers emerged.

Charles had been waiting patiently night after night outside her apartment. This was finally the night that he was going to make his move. The boyfriend had not shown up, and Charles was sure that he wouldn’t.

Charles watched her bathroom light go on. Great! He made a mad dash from his car, raced up the stone steps two at a time, and slipped the key easily into the dead bolt. He was in! No screams, nothing. She must still be occupied. He could hear the water running from the bathroom. Charles had lucked out.

Smiling, he walked over and sat down casually in a kitchen chair. He started to take out a cigarette but thought she might not like that, so he put the pack back in his pocket. Remembering something, he tiptoed quickly into her bedroom for one important thing, then returned to sit down at the table once again.

Frannie sang to herself as she ran the sea sponge over her body, trailing fragrant, soapy bubbles over her creamy skin. She’d have to work on her tan this summer. But of course, within reason. No more burning for her! Too dangerous!

She wished she could see Pete tonight, but he had to get up early tomorrow and drive up to Redding again. He was almost ready to start a business of his own here in town, and she knew with their two incomes, he could make it. Then once he got securely established, he promised she could quit working when they decided to have a baby.

Ahhh, only three months to go and she’d be Mrs. Peter Lake. Mrs. Frances Lake. She loved the sound as it rolled off her tongue.

Frannie stepped out of the tub. She wrapped herself in a large, fluffy towel and headed for her closet to slip into her pink sweats. The bedside clock read 7:20.

She hummed as she dressed, the bedroom door open. Charles could see her as she moved about the room. He held his breath as he actually spied her totally nude. The sight filled him with extreme excitement! She was like a Greek statue! A goddess! So bountiful! His eyes misted over as he sat there thinking of how their life would be together.

Frannie finished dressing and walked over to the TV in the living room to turn it on.  She stopped in her tracks, stunned, as she stared at who was sitting at her kitchen table! She turned and tried to make it to the front door, but he was on her.

She fought him and broke his grip. She saw the open closet and bolted for it. She slammed the door and tried to hold it shut. Her ham radio was in her coat pocket. Scrambling for it, she gripped it in one hand.

Pete once again had to drive up to north for a job. He’d made such good contacts up there that his good name was passed around from job site to job site.

Normally, Pete would have been overjoyed, but now it meant leaving Frannie, and he was resenting it more and more. He had to get his act together here in Sacramento. No more traveling so far. Once they were married and pooled their resources, he’d have a good chance at doing that very thing.

“Sorry, honey, but I’ve got to get up early in the morning and head out to Susanville. This time I’ll be gone for three days. Can you stand it? I know I can’t.”

Frannie cradled the phone between her cheek and shoulder as she folded dishtowels. “Well, you have to do what you have to do. I’ll have to dream alone tonight,” she teased. “Keep in touch with the radio, okay? I’ll leave it on all the time.”

“You bet I will. It’s our ‘link to love,’ baby,” he teased.

“Yeah. You know, I’ll really miss you, Pete. It’s nice to know that you’re around in case…well, in case I need you.”

“Are you nervous about something?” he asked. He could sense a tension in her voice.

“Um, no. But it’s nice to know you’re close.”

“Frannie. It sounds to me like you are concerned about something. Come on…what is it?” Pete wasn’t going to let this drop.

“Nothing! I swear! I’m sorry I made it seem that way. I’m just going to miss you, that’s all. I gotta get going. Look, call me on your way out in the morning, okay? I love you.”

“Love you too. Have sweet dreams, you hear?” He blew her a kiss and hung up.

Whew! She got out of that one. She just wasn’t ready to mention Charles to Pete. Especially with him leaving town. He’d worry needlessly, and he needed that job. She’d keep Charles a secret, and he’d disappear eventually.

Suddenly she heard Pete on her radio. “KF6SJB KD6QQZ.”

She ran over and grabbed her radio, returning his call.

“I’m on my way over. I’m bringing you something. KD6QQZ mobile clear.”

Now what in the world was he doing? She ran to the bathroom to check and see if she was presentable enough. Her hair looked a little wild, so she tamed it down and licked her little finger, wiping a small smudge of liner into place under her left eye. There! She was ready for him. Her heart was all aflutter.

* * *

“I have something else I want you to keep. I know you won’t like it, but I’ll feel better knowing you have it.” Pete pulled out a holster containing a .38 Special.

Frannie’s hands flew to her mouth. “I can’t! I don’t know how to use it!”

“That’s okay. All you need to do is show it. And I mean at a distance! You never let the criminal near you in case he grabs it from you and uses it on you! You make sure you’re barricaded in the bathroom or bedroom and shout out you have a gun. That’ll make them know you mean business!” He put it in her hand.

“Well, maybe.” It wasn’t like she hadn’t held a gun before. Randy had a couple of them. She even had gone target shooting with Randy once and actually fired it a couple of times.

“Great. Makes me feel better already because I have to leave town. Put it in your bedstand drawer or under your pillow.”

“Okay. I’ll put it in the drawer.” She knew she’d never think to use it…but in a sense, it did make her feel a little better.

Frannie still hadn’t told Pete about Charles Bartholomew. She kept figuring the guy would go away now that he knew she was getting married. Why bother Pete about it? He’d just get on that kick about her moving in with him and they’d already settled that matter.

Pete spent an hour with her, making sweet passionate love before he left her to go home around 10:00. On the drive back to his place, he did feel better knowing she had some form of protection from whatever was frightening her. If she wasn’t so darn stubborn!

* * *

Pete was heading back home from Susanville. It was about 4:00 in the afternoon, and the traffic was beginning to pile up. He decided to take an unfamiliar exit and try to cut across country to save some time. He was only an hour and a half from Frannie’s.

As he ended up on a two-lane stretch, he picked up his radio to call Frannie. Suddenly without warning, a large yellow dog darted out from the side of the road. Pete whipped the wheel to the left and narrowly avoided an oncoming vehicle.

Brakes screeching loudly, the smell of burnt rubber in the air, he ended up in a ditch on the opposite side of the highway bumping his head smartly on the steering wheel.

The dog loped off, frightened but unscathed. Two vehicles stopped to see if Pete was all right. He was very shaken, and the car he’d missed was parked up the road a few yards, driver still inside.

It all had happened in a matter of seconds. Pete drew a shaky hand across his brow, and his fingers came away with blood on them. He said a brief prayer of thanks to the Lord that he was still alive!

“Are you okay, man?” asked the young man driving the VW bus, and his worried young girlfriend peeking out from behind him.

“Yeah…I think so. My head hurts. I need to check my car….”

“Looks okay from here. You only dipped down in this small ditch. But nothing seems out of whack.”

Pete opened the car door and tried to stand, but his legs felt like loose noodles! “Whoa!” said the young man as he helped him back in the vehicle to sit down. “I don’t think you ought to be walking around. Stay put.”

Pete laid his head back on the headrest. Two more men approached him and asked if he was okay. “Do you need an ambulance, sir?’ asked one older man. “I already called 911.”
“Well, I don’t know. My head hurts and I’m a bit dizzy… just shaken.  It was a dog…just ran out—”

“I saw that. The dog took off,” the older man said.

A Highway Patrol cruiser slid to a stop. The CHP officer hopped out.

“Are you in any pain?” the officer asked hurriedly, scanning the situation as the driver of the vehicle Pete had almost nailed walked up. The older woman was trembling but thankful they hadn’t collided.

Pete explained what had occurred and how he ended up on the wrong side of the road.
“You were very lucky, sir. And you, too, ma’am. I have an ambulance coming, and I don’t want you moving about. Can I see your identification?”

Pete finally ended up in a hospital in Marysville an hour later. Some shortcut, he chided himself. Nearly cost him his life!

He did manage to get a call out to any hams that happened to be listening and gave them Frannie’s work number. Luckily, Lloyd happened to catch his call. Lloyd was always monitoring and tended to any repeater problems.

Lloyd had a friend of his pick up Pete’s Pathfinder, which had been left at the scene. Luckily, Pete had a spare key in a magnetic box under his wheel well. Lloyd told Pete not to worry about a thing. He’d get his vehicle home and his girl notified. They’d even drive her up to get him if necessary.

“Frannie, you have a call,” said Cyndi at the front desk. Frannie was just on her way out the door to go home.

“Oh damn,” she muttered. “Hello? Frannie Chandler speaking.” Her face paled as she listened to Sharon tell her Pete had been in an accident.

“Thank you so much for taking me up here,” Frannie said to Sharon and Lloyd. “You people are so wonderfully kind. I could have driven by myself—”

“No you couldn’t, honey. That’s why we’re here. Friends helping friends. We’re a tight-knit group as you’ll eventually find out. We’ll get you down to the hospital and bring you both back. He’s supposed to be released tonight…at least, that’s what Lloyd was told.”

Lloyd nodded. Frannie sat back and twisted her fingers nervously. She was so glad for their help. Of course she could have driven up to get Pete…but her nerves really were frayed, and their never-ending kindness was overwhelming enough for her to give in and let them take care of her.

“His car is fine, if that helps you any. He only got a bump on the head from his steering wheel. Probably had a couple of stitches put in. And of course, they like to observe you for a while.”

Frannie left Lloyd and Sharon in the waiting room and went to locate Pete. When the nurse pointed the way, she took a deep breath and walked toward the curtained bed. Pulling aside the white drape, she saw Pete…as pale as the sheets, and with a large bandage covering half his forehead.

His eyes were closed, but they opened when he heard Frannie’s intake of breath.

“Oh honey!” said Frannie as she rushed to his side. “Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?”

“Hey sweetie,” he said a bit groggily. “I’m fine. Just a bump on the noggin. I got a hard head. Sorry I didn’t make it in time for us to have dinner or something.” He lay there looking at her, then closed his eyes. He was safe now. He smiled.

“What are you smiling about?” she said as she kissed his nose.

“I feel so happy at this moment. Like I’ve died and an angel is watching over me,” he chuckled.

“Oh you!” Just then a gray-haired nurse breezed in to check on him.

“Mr. Lake? Are you ready to get dressed and go home?” she asked in a brisk but motherly tone.

“Um, yeah, I guess so. Where are my clothes?” He lifted his head and looked about the small room.

“There they are, over on that chair.” said Frannie as she picked them up. A pair of jeans and T-shirt and a flannel shirt. The blue T-shirt had blood on it. “I think we can toss this—what do you say?” She held it up for Pete’s inspection. He nodded.

On the way back from the hospital, Frannie hugged Pete in the back seat of Lloyd and Sharon’s Jeep Cherokee. The thought that he could have been killed had crossed her mind several times by the time they reached Pete’s house. It was pretty scary.

They thanked Lloyd and Sharon profusely and told Lloyd to thank his friend for driving Pete’s Pathfinder home. They promised to see them at the next Radio Club meeting.

Frannie got Pete into bed and tucked him in. Then she lay down beside him, fully clothed.

“Aren’t you going to sleep over?” he asked.

“Do you want me to?”

“Of course I do!”

“Well, it is Friday and I don’t have my car…I guess you have me trapped Mr. Lake! Thank God I have a toothbrush over here,” she laughed and kissed him. “But I have no nighty!”

“Hmmm, guess you’ll just have to sleep naked!” he kissed her. “See what a dilemma that pooch caused?”

Later that night they lay snuggled naked under the covers, just cuddling. No sex, as Pete’s head was beginning to throb from the stitches as well as from the bump. They talked about how lucky they were that the accident hadn’t more serious…and how quickly something like that can change your whole outlook on life. They drifted off to sleep, happy in their thoughts that they still had each other and in one piece!

Wanda Forlander had the biggest smile on her face. “What’s gotten into you?” asked Frannie as she walked with her to the coffee machine.

“I did what you said! It worked. Oh Frannie, I feel like we’re back where we started. He admitted he was getting turned off by my constant whining and complaints about my weight. He said he loves me the way I am and plans to grow old with me. He said he only minded my weight when he thought I did!

“When I complained, he thought if I was miserable enough I should do something about it…but I never would. I really don’t want to diet and like myself the way I am, so we cleared the air and we’re fine!

“We decided to wait on getting married any time soon, but that’s okay. As long as I know he loves me, and after last night! Wow!” She rolled her eyes. “You really hit the nail on the head, girl.”

“I’m happy for you. Really. I’m glad you two talked it out, and that was the only problem.”

“Yep, it could have been worse! Well, I’m ready for that meeting this morning. Let’s go knock them dead!”

* * *

During their lunch hour, the women decided to check out the nearby mall for a wedding dress for Frannie.

They happened to be having a small fashion show and they got to see, of all things, the new spring wedding line!

“They’re so pretty,” sighed Frannie, knowing she could never fit into a gown so tight and come off looking like the princess the model did. But there were other dresses she had in mind.

“Let’s go to Nordstrom’s. I think I’ll just get a nice classic dress. One I can wear later if I need to.”

They browsed the whole floor looking for that perfect dress when suddenly Frannie found it. “Wanda! It’s perfect!” She held up a creamy peach-colored dress that was empire cut, flaring gently out from the bodice. It hit her about mid-knee. It was perfect. Now if it only fit!

Frannie knew she looked stunning. She walked out of the dressing room and found Wanda, who was waiting patiently.

“Oh!” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Frannie! It’s lovely! You’re lovely! It’s you!”

Frannie purchased it that afternoon and took it home to hang in her closet. She’d get the shoes later on. But knowing she had the dress made her feel so good. Like it was really going to happen. A little shot of fear raced through her. Usually, when things were going too good, something bad always seemed to happen to mess it up. She shook her head to dismiss the negative thought. No, nothing was going to rain on her parade!

* * *

Charles left the hotel and sat in his car fuming. She was absolutely rude to him! Plus now she was engaged! He was taking way too much time dragging his feet on this one. But wait! Maybe this made it all the more challenging? So what if she was engaged? Was he around? Seemed to Charles that the guy hadn’t been around much lately.

He smiled as the thought of a new plan took shape. Yes, he’d just bide his time and put the moves on her big time. It had to be timed just right.

He leaned forward and keyed his engine to life.

* * *

That evening Frannie went home and barricaded herself in. Why was that Charles still showing up? God, she hoped he didn’t find a house here in town. She’d hate to think of running into him all of the time.

He was a handsome man and had lots of wealth, so why wasn’t he married yet? He said he liked to follow the Large Women’s seminars….was that strange? Probably not. She knew there were men who actually went on talk shows declaring their desire for the over-abundant woman.

Thank God Pete didn’t have a problem with her weight! She had worried about it, but it was needless. He made her feel so desired. She cuddled a pillow to her bosom and wished Pete were with her now. She glanced over at her radio, but it was silent.

Suddenly it sparked into life, but it was a guy named Richard calling for Ben. She listen idly to their chatter for a while, then got up to make some popcorn.

She missed Pete. She smiled at the thought of his handsome, rugged face. He loved her! Just then, she heard something at her glass door on the balcony. Sounded like a pebble hit it.

She got up slowly from the sofa and turned her radio down. She walked over and pressed herself against the wall next to the drape covering the door. Dare she peek? If someone was outside, they’d see the drape move. She decided to just wait it out.

A loud “plink” noise made her jump. There it was again! It was as though someone were tossing pebbles at her door! She was suddenly frightened, for she knew no one who would do that to her. Dave wouldn’t…or would he? He might just be nutty enough for a trick like this. What about Charles? No. he didn’t know where she lived! She remembered foolishly giving him her business card…but still, that didn’t tell where she lived!

She made her way back to the sofa and sat there still as a mouse. No more sounds. Finally, about 11:00, she dragged herself off to bed, wondering why Pete didn’t call her.

Charles watched the lights go out, and then he waited for another ten minutes. Then he started up his car and drove off slowly.

Frannie was awakened by the sun streaming through her window. Shielding her eyes, she groaned and rolled over. The clock read 8:00. Oh wow! She’d slept in! What was she going to do today without Pete? He was due home tomorrow. Well, cleaning her closets sounded pretty good.

She jumped in the shower and slipped into a cotton sweater and sweatpants. Perfect for scooting around on your knees in the bottom of a closet.

She turned her radio on in case Pete tried to call. Sure enough, no sooner than she’d turned it on, there he was!

“Pete! I missed you last night!”

“Sorry. I turned in early. I was exhausted. The job’s going well. In fact, I’m there now, just came out to my car to give you a holler. Everything okay?”

“Fine.” She didn’t want to tell him about the late-night pebble-thrower. “Just miss you.”

“Yeah, me too. I’ll try to get outta here tonight, but I don’t know. Tomorrow for sure. I’ll be in touch though. Don’t you worry—88s to you. Gotta go. KD6QQZ clear.”

“And 88s to you, too hon. KF6SJB clear.” 88s. That was such a delightful sign for hugs and kisses.

The day was gone before Frannie knew it. She’d cleaned her apartment from top to bottom and cleaned out both her closets. She felt she’d accomplished a lot. Now it was time for dinner. Pete had called her once again during his lunch break.

What to cook for dinner? She stood in the kitchen and frowned, trying to think of what to throw together. Then she decided on a delicious stir-fry with chicken.

She thawed out a baggie of chicken pieces she’d frozen a couple of weeks before and got out a Create-A-Meal of veggies.

Within fifteen minutes she was sitting on the sofa watching TV and eating her meal.

The phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hi, it’s me.”

“Oh Wanda. What’s up? I was just eating dinner.”

“Oh sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt—”

“No that’s okay. I can eat and talk at the same time. What’s up? You seem kinda down.”

“Well, I just wanted to talk, I guess. Barry is being a butt. He went out for a drink because he got mad at me.” Wanda sighed miserably on the other end.

“Why? What did you do?” Frannie poked a forkful of chicken into her mouth.

“It’s not what I did, it’s…well, he’s on me about my weight!”

“Your weight! Since when?”

“Well, he always has been. I never said anything…but lately we haven’t had the best sex life…in fact it’s dwindled down to nothing over the last two months.”

“But what about New Year’s Eve in San Francisco?”

“Well, what about it? We had a good time, came back to the hotel, and went to sleep! I just don’t know anymore, Frannie. I’m forty-five years old and wear a size twelve. Face it, I’m never gonna be slim and trim! But I can’t live my life being with a man who can’t accept me the way I am—”

“But he used to, Wanda. What’s different?”

“Well, you’re right. Maybe it’s me. I think I’m going through a mid-age crisis.”

“I thought middle-age started at sixty?” Frannie laughed. “You’re too young for that!”

“Oh you’re right,” she chuckled. “Well, I think it is my fault. Barry’s going bald, and I think my whining about my weight and achy bones is making him realize we’re getting older. He’s losing his hair, but not his sex drive. It’s me that puts him off.”

“Well, then don’t! Jeez, Wanda. Go get something sexy and surprise him! You do have a great figure, you know. You have a Mae West look!”

“Really?”

“Yes, you do! I think you need to turn the tables on Barry and seduce him. Make him feel that he’s the most desirable man on earth. Let me know how it turns out.” She talked around a mouthful of veggies.

“You know, I knew I’d feel better talking to you. You with the new man in your life! While he’s out, maybe I’ll go to the mall and hit the Frederick’s store for a surprise when he gets back. Thanks a lot, Kiddo, and I’ll see you at work.”

Frannie went back to the sofa and thought about Wanda and Barry. They’d been living together for the last three years and seemed happy. She didn’t know Wanda was going through such a bad time. Well, she was glad she’d confided in her and maybe she helped after all. She felt a little like Ann Landers.

Now, if I could only help Dave find a new love and get on with his life, I’d feel so much better, she chuckled.

* * *

Pete made it home around 4:00 Sunday evening. Frannie was expecting him, as he had called from the road, and had a big dinner waiting.

After dinner, they made love and caught up on the last couple of days. Finally about ten o’clock, he left for home.

“Soon we won’t have to be doing this you know. I can’t wait.” He kissed her and talked to her on the radio as he drove home until he pulled into his garage.l

Charles was in Frannie’s apartment once again. He had used a special tool to get in through the deadbolt. It took him almost ten minutes, but no one spotted him. It being New Year’s Day, people were either out on holiday or watching football games. He knew Frannie had spent the night with her ‘friend’, and hopefully she’d be gone most of the day.

But if she came home and caught him, that wasn’t such a big deal. He knew how to handle that situation. The apartment was cool; the heater had been turned off. He took his time and walked around, peering under magazines, checking out kitchen drawers. Ah ha! He found a set of keys in one drawer.

Charles took the keys to the front door and twisted the dead bolt locked. Then inserted one of the keys. Bingo! It worked. Smiling at his find, he pocketed the keys.

* * *

The following week after the wonderful New Year’s weekend just flew by. Frannie chalked it up to her being so happy. She was busy with her work, and Pete luckily had jobs in town, so she didn’t have to worry about him being on the road.

They made dinner plans for Friday night. Pete insisted on taking her out, even though she offered to put together that Mexican pizza again.

Now here they were, sitting across the table in the Casa del Sol restaurant, waiting for their order of fajitas. Pete had come by to pick her up after work.

“I don’t think I can wait until Valentine’s Day for this, Frannie. I want you to have this.” Pete handed her the little black velvet box across the table. He couldn’t wait to show her his surprise. He probably should have waited until they got home, but he couldn’t wait.

“What is this?” she asked knowing full well what it was. She opened it slowly, and the sight took her breath away. “Oh my God! Pete…this is so beautiful!” She felt the tears begin to well up in her eyes. The one carat diamond surrounded by a row of smaller chips gleamed brightly from the box. It was exquisite, and her heart swelled with emotion.

He kissed her lips and held her close. “Now do you believe that I’m serious? That I’m a good guy…trustworthy guy?” He gave her a sincere look.

“Oh Pete! I know you are. I want to move in with you. I’m sorry that I feel this way. I’m so used to my freedom, but I’m willing to face the fact that I’m in love with you. And I’m guessing that this ring means that you really, really love me, too?” Pete got up and slid around to her side of the booth.

“You better believe it! I love you, Frannie, I’ve told you that many times now. Will you be my wife?”

“Yes!” She threw her arms about his neck. “Yes, I will! You’ve made me so happy,” she wiped at the tears streaming freely down her face.

“What do you think of a spring wedding? April? May? I’m giving you the time you need, Frannie. I’m not pressuring you to move in. I’m giving you what you want and I’m trusting that you know what’s best for you. I will not be a controller.” He was reciting the things he’d repeated over and over in his mind. The things she would want to hear even though he might not agree totally. But she was a skittish woman, and he had to tread lightly.

“I know that if you think someone is truly following you, that you’ll come to me for protection. You’re an independent woman, and I have to let you decide when you want me to help—” Inside, he was gritting his teeth.
“Oh Pete. You don’t have to go on and on. You make me sound like a nincompoop! Like I don’t need you. Of course I need you! But we’ll move in together when we get married. How about April 1st?”

“April Fool’s Day? I’m no fool!” Pete protested jovially.

“Oh you…it’ll be a day you’ll never forget. None of this ‘I forgot our anniversary, honey’ stuff,” she laughed.

“You’ll never get that from me,” he said nuzzling her neck affectionately.

They went back to her place and spent the rest of the evening together. They made passionate love on a blanket he spread out in front of the fireplace. They were perfectly relaxed and moved together like it had been done a hundred times over. It was just as incredible as always. Frannie loved him so much. Now she had a wedding date! She needed to make plans! Her head was swirling…and not only from Pete’s kisses.

* * *

When she pulled into her parking space at the hotel the following morning, she didn’t notice the Taurus that followed her and parked several parking spaces away. The driver slumped low in his seat and watched her as she walked briskly into the hotel. He noticed she had a pronounced bounce in her step. Obviously she’d gotten laid last night, he grumbled to himself.

Frannie made her way to her desk, then flashed her ring obviously as she ran her hand through her hair. Wanda caught on in a flash!

“Let me see!” she shrieked. She ran over to Frannie and grabbed her hand. The sparkling diamond was blinding. “Oh sweetie. It’s lovely. Is this what I think it is?”

Frannie nodded. “April 1st.”

“Get out of here. Really?” Wanda was beaming at her.

“Yep. He agreed. I don’t want to go to Reno…I want to get married in the Unity church. That’s the church I went to as a child. The one over on North street. I’ve got to let my parents know.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you!” Wanda hugged Frannie tightly. “I have got to meet this man!”

Just then Frannie’s intercom buzzed. “Frannie? You’ve got a visitor up front.”

“Maybe that’s him?” said Wanda hopefully.

“No, he had to go to Stockton on a job.” She got up and went down the hall.

When she rounded the corner she was so surprised you could have knocked her over with a feather. It was him again!

“Yeah, hi,” she said with the smile disappearing from her face. “Can I help you?”

“Help me? Frannie, this is a social call. I’m hurt that you even thought it was business.” Charles held his arms open as if he wanted a hug.

She just stood there looking at him. “Are you still here on business?”

“Yes, and I’m looking for a place to live! I really like northern California, and another home here would be great. I have a home in Aspen and an apartment in New York, but a California getaway would be nice, too. Would you like to come with me and look at houses some afternoon?”

“No, I don’t think so. Um, maybe I didn’t make myself clear enough the first time, Cha- it is Charles, isn’t it?” Frannie knew full well it was, but maybe if she pretended not to remember his name he’d get the picture now. “I thought I mentioned that I had a man in my life. A fiancé,” she added meaningfully.

“Oh, he’s a fiancé now?” He glanced down at her ring finger and saw the offending gem. “Hmmm, I see a change has been made since I saw you last.”

“Yes, very much so. I’m getting married. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, good luck with your house-hunting.” She turned and walked stiffly back to the door taking her to her office.

Charles stood there for a few minutes longer. Finally noticing that the girl behind the counter was watching him, he smiled brightly and left.

“God, that man gives me the creeps,” she shivered as she told Wanda what he’d said.

“To be honest with you, Frannie, it sounds very weird. Have you told Pete about him?”

“No. But I think maybe I should now.” She sat back down at her desk and soon found herself absently-mindedly flipping through pages of the report, not absorbing a thing. She wished to God that Pete were back in town.

Frannie had never had such a wonderful evening. But her mind kept drifting back to the stuffed animals on her bed: Someone had to have been in her apartment. She didn’t want to mention it and spoil her evening with Pete, but inside she felt like screaming! If she mentioned it, Pete would insist she move in with in for sure. And maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Nothing had been taken. She’d checked all around and didn’t notice anything of importance missing. But from the fact that those animals were placed in that way, with her being so consistent in their placement, she knew someone had been there.

The questions were: who, and why?

But she still didn’t want to put a damper on the evening. When she arrived at Pete’s, she was still shaken from the unnerving fear of knowing someone had entered her home. She took a few moments in her car to gather up her courage and put on a happy face.

When she walked in, he had deep red candles lit on the coffee table, with the Chinese food cartons surrounding two plates and sparkling utensils. A rose was in a bud vase, and a bottle of wine opened. It was so romantic!

“Oh Pete!  It’s so lovely,” she cried as she took in the sight. No one had ever done this for her. She kissed him on the lips, fears forgotten…for the moment. Maybe later she’d tell him.

“I want this to be a night you won’t forget, Frannie.” Pete whispered in her ear.

“Mmmm, by the looks of things, you’re on the right track!”

They ate dinner in silence, listing to the music Pete had put on his CD player. Of all things, it was a track of romantic country western songs by John Montgomery…she thought that was his name.

“We’ll watch the ball drop later if we’re not asleep by then,” Pete said.

“Oh, you’re taking it upon yourself that I’m spending the night?” she teased, knowing full well she’d packed a bag before she fled in a hurry from her place. The bag was in the backseat of her car.

“Sure am. What a way to start the new year, huh?” He kissed her. Once again, his kisses burned the flame brighter, and she was swirling in a dizzying fog of emotion for this man.

“Oh, Pete…” she sighed.

“Let’s go to bed.” He stood up and led her down the hall to his bedroom.

Their burning passion surprised them both. His touches brought her to heights she’d never known before! Her body felt as though it were melting in a pool of liquid.

Pete loved making love to her. She was all woman, and her added weight only fueled to his desire…she was all soft and cuddly. And she was like a work of art. The kind of woman you’d see on TV in those French art museums. Rubenesque, he thought they called it.

He knew he had to have this woman for his own. He planned on giving her a ring on Valentine’s Day, if he could only wait that long!

They fell asleep and didn’t make it to midnight. But as they lay sleeping peacefully and very satisfied, the horns and firecrackers split the night air, welcoming in the New Year.

* * *

When they awoke New Year’s Day, Frannie lay next to Pete, thinking hard. “Pete?”

“Yeah, Fran,” he mumbled throwing his arm over her belly.

“I want to tell you something. I didn’t mention it last night because I didn’t want to spoil the mood…”

“What?” he lifted his head to look at her, his hair like a tousled weedpatch. But he looked adorable.

“I…noticed something in my apartment that looked to me like someone had been in there–”

“WHAT! That’s it!” He slapped his hands down on the bed along his sides. “We’re calling the police, and you’re moving in here with me!” Pete sat up wiping the sleep from his eyes.

Groaning, Frannie flopped back on the pillow. “That’s why I didn’t want to mention it…I don’t know if it really happened.” And she proceeded to tell him how by habit, she carefully placed her stuffed animals. Pete believed her. Maybe he just wanted to believe her so she’d move in with him, but Frannie doubted it. He really did trust and believe in her.

“Let’s go out to breakfast,” Pete mumbled as he headed for the bathroom in the hall to shower. “You can use the master bath.”

“Could you first go out and get my bag from my car?” she asked, looking so deliciously sexy all wrapped up in the light blue bedsheets.

“For you, I’d go get anythinganywhere.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

They were eating a big breakfast at a Lyon’s chain restaurant, seated in a roomy booth near the window. Pete was unusually quiet as he ate steadily. Frannie wanted to say something but held herself in check.

“Frannie,” Pete finally spoke and set his fork down. “I don’t like this feeling I’m getting. Do you have an old boyfriend or someone you haven’t told me about?”

“No! I told you about Dave. He’s not bothering me. And I can’t imagine him breaking into my apartment! He’s just not like that!”

“Did he have a key?” asked Pete.

“Um, no. Never! I’m telling you it’s not him.” Frannie was certain.

“Well, if that’s the case, then it’s someone else whose prowling around or even worse…stalking you.”

“I-I-I don’t see how that’s possible—” she said weakly.

“Well, you seem to think someone’s been in your apartment. If that isn’t someone who’s out to spook you or worse, then I don’t know what is!” He picked up his fork and resumed eating his pancakes a little forcefully.

“Okay, I guess you’re right because I know someone’s been in there.” Frannie toyed with her eggs. “Then what should I do?”

“Move in with me. For a while! You can leave whenever you want, but for now I would feel better.”

“I’ll seriously give it some thought.”

Later, after breakfast, they decided to drive over to the Bay area. Walk around San Francisco and see the sights. Shop a little if Frannie wanted. Pete was so sweet at suggesting fun things to do. It took Frannie’s mind off of the ‘prowler problem’.

They found a parking space on the wharf and decided to leave the Pathfinder there for the day. They could explore the Wharf and then walk into the shops in the area. Plenty of restaurants for when they got hungry again.

“I wonder if we’ll see Wanda and Barry here…they spent the night.” Frannie said as they walked along. “They partied at the hotel—”

“Are you complaining about the way we partied last night?” he teased.

“Are you crazy!” She stood on tip-toe and kissed his cheek. “It was a wonderful night.”

They first checked out Pier 39 and took in some ‘touristy’ sideshows, knowing full well they were paying high prices for nothing. One show was re-living the great San Francisco earthquake. It was like a poor man’s version of a Disneyland ride.

But they had a lot of fun, and Pete bought Frannie a beautiful delicate cream and pink seashell in a tiny nautical shop they’d found. When she held it to her ear, she could hear the ocean roar.

“What’s it telling you?” Pete asked playfully.

“It’s telling me…oh! My goodness! I can’t tell you,” she teased, shaking her head. “It’s too X-rated!” She giggled, looking around to make sure no one in the small shop overheard her.

“Oh let me hear,” he pretended to grab for it. “If you don’t, I won’t buy it for you.”

“Yes, you will,” she countered.

And of course, he did.

After a while of traipsing around and investigating the unusual little shops, Frannie was getting tired. She felt like she’d been walking for miles! Her feet were tired even though she had on a casual jade-colored silk blend running suit and comfortable Nikes.

“Pete, I’m pooped! Can we find a deli or restaurant and get something to drink?”

It was now 2:00, and he suggested the unique English pub they’d happened upon. They went in and found a small table near the window. The waiter appeared promptly and took their order of Irish Coffees.

“Have you thought any more about moving in?” Pete asked hopefully.

“Mmmm, yeah…I’ve been straining my brain as to what to do. I think I should.”

“Oh great! Let’s go home right now and start moving your things–”

“What!”

“Just kidding. But we can move some things tonight. Clothes and things. You can stay tonight.” Pete said firmly.

“Well, okay. That sounds like a good idea. But I’d feel too rushed. I’d rather move in next weekend.”

Pete gave her a look that showed he was getting a bit agitated with her and her stalling tactics.

“Look Frannie. Either you want to move in or you don’t. Don’t string me along if you don’t. I’m concerned about your safety. Humor me, all right?”

“I’m sorry Pete. It’s just that I’m still afraid, I guess, that I’ll feel like I’m in your control and be vulnerable if you dump me.” She was sorry to be so difficult, but she couldn’t help it!

“I can’t believe my ears! You actually think I’m that kind of a person! Man! You’ve dated some doozies I guess!” He couldn’t believe her stubbornness and her lack of trust.

“Yes, I guess I have. I’m not used to a man accepting my weight, I guess. Bottom line. I can’t believe I ‘fessed that up to you!” she laughed softly draining her cup of Irish Coffee feeling like a fool.

“I think I should be offended at that comment.” Pete said slightly miffed. He didn’t want to be angry at her or her feelings, but he was certainly not that kind of a guy. He truly loved her. Yep, he admitted it. He had fallen hard in love with her. So much so it frightened him a little.

Pete took her to breakfast in the morning. He wanted them to spend the day lounging about his home. Pete thought if she was familiar with his territory, she’d finally agree to move in. He wanted her to spend the night…move a few clothes in. And of course, the toothbrush must be in residence!

They were returning from the pancake house, heading toward his home, when the radio sparked to life. Pete slowed down a few blocks from the house, and they listened to the guys talking, realizing there was a Radio Club meeting that afternoon.

“Let’s go!” Frannie said. “Let’s do something different and go! I want to see what it’s like.”

“Oh, it’s just a bunch of older folks,” complained Pete, but really he was thrilled Frannie wanted to go. He’d gone to one long ago and rather enjoyed the camaraderie. The people were exceptionally nice.

Just another plus in Frannie’s favor! He did know some of the guys from talking to them almost daily, but had never met most of them face to face. Too busy! But now, he’d make the time to go.

“Okay, we’ll go.” He picked up his mike. “This is KD6QQZ. We’re checking on the location of the Radio Club meeting.”

It took a minute before anyone replied. But they got the location and the time. Kind of an odd time to be having a meeting…right after Christams! It was to be held at the same site where Frannie had taken her test.

Later, driving over to the meeting was a trip. After-Christmas shoppers were going crazy, and the traffic was a mad rush everywhere they looked. Twice Pete had to slam on his brakes, throwing Frannie against the seat belt. Pete apologized profusely every time she slid forward.

“You know, that lady was really quick,” he said of a woman who had cut him off. “She was really the fastest Volvo driver I’ve ever seen!”

Frannie laughed and held on tight. They finally made it and walked into the modern community utility building where the meeting was held once a month.  They were greeted by a man named Lloyd. Several older men were milling about. Some were already seated. Frannie and Pete signed the sheet for newcomers.

Lloyd had a drinker’s badge of a nose and unusually dark hair for a man of his age, which looked to be pushing seventy. It was obvious to everyone, except maybe himself, that he wore a rug. But he was a jovial kind of guy and made them feel immediately welcome.

“I’m Pete, KD6QQZ.” He stuck out his hand for Lloyd to shake.

“Oh, yeah, Pete. Lloyd, KN6DL. Glad to finally meet you. You two go on and find a seat. We’ll talk later.”

The meeting itself was interesting after they got the financial and other business out of the way. A guest speaker talked about ‘Repeater Etiquette’. Pete and Frannie really got into it. But Pete thought Frannie was getting bored, as these guys were asking questions about antennas and 10-meter radios, dual-band type radios with 100 watts of power! He was wrong, though; she wasn’t.

About an hour later, the meeting broke up so people could mingle. Pete and Frannie were going to slip out.

“Well, where ya going?” asked Lloyd. “Aren’t you going to stay for coffee and donuts? We’d all like to get to know you better!”    Feeling sheepish, they stayed.

Later, sipping her hot coffee, Frannie chatted with Lloyd’s wife, Sharon, who was a petite woman with graying reddish hair, and found out they were quite an engaging couple. Traveled all over the country!

In fact, each of these people had an interesting story to tell. No wonder Uncle Will enjoyed his radio club so much! Pete was off mingling with his cronies, and she was having a ball!

“Oh yeah, Lloyd and I have been married for thirty years! He’d been on the radio long before that!” Sharon laughed until it turned into an ungodly smoker’s cough. When she recovered she added, “My dad was a ham, and I met Lloyd on the radio.”

“So did I! I mean, not Lloyd, but I met Pete on the radio. Right after I got my license.” She grinned at their love match similarities. “Is that what you call ‘radio waves to love’?”

“I never thought of it like that,” laughed Sharon, patting Frannie on the shoulder. “You’re a cute one!”

“I met my husband here at the club. Hi, my name’s Carol.” A slim, nice-looking young blonde offered her hand to Frannie. “That’s him over there…Jack Hanson.” She pointed to the good-looking man around his late thirties standing near Pete, talking animatedly. She could see Pete was enjoying himself.

“Jack? Hmmm, I think I’ve talked to him a time or two,” replied Frannie.

“Oh I’m sure. He’s KD6TLD.”

“Oh yeah. I hear him a lot!” Frannie laughed. Wow! This was so cool! “I’m KF6SJB.”

“Oh, I hear you all the time, too!” she laughed. “I’m KE6GMZ. I’ve been coming to the meetings for several years with my brother and dad. Then I met Jack….”

“Yeah,” agreed Sharon, “and I’m KD6TTH. You know, this being right after Christmas, we didn’t think too many would show up for the meeting, but as usual…we hams manage to get together. We love our meetings.”

This is so much fun! thought Frannie. “I think it’s terrific to be so dedicated.”

A couple of guys who’d come in late were in the corner, letting out muffled guffaws that were getting pretty annoying. Sharon, Carol, and Frannie turned to look at them. “I don’t know those guys…they’ve never been here before,” said Sharon.

One guy looked like a big mountain man, with a bushy black beard and torn flannel shirt, and sort of looked like he’d been rolled and pressed in the dirt. The other was hefty and blond, with a soiled baseball cap sitting atop his big, bland face.

The blond one said something once again to his pal, and this time they laughed out loud and probably had to restrain themselves from exchanging a high five. God knows what they were laughing at. But at a professional meeting such as this, it was really uncalled for. Even the other guys shot them furious glances, but yet no one approached them.

Then they started over towards the women, heading for the donuts. The bearded one looked Frannie over boldly from head to toe. She glanced away quickly. The other guy’s eyes were dull, and he sent out a five-foot zone of body odor.

Frannie, Carol, and Sharon moved quickly away from the table. Pete was over talking animatedly to Lloyd. “Let’s go see what they’re talking about,” Frannie said.

Sharon agreed. The man’s horrendous body odor was clinging to them. “God, I hope they don’t show up here again…”

“So that’s how it’s done, huh? Very interesting,” said Pete as Frannie walked up. “I never knew that. One of these days I’ll get an antenna put up and get myself a control station for the house. Hey babe, ready to go?” he asked Frannie.

“Yeah. This was a lot of fun, though. I’m glad we came and met you all. You’ll be hearing us on the waves.” She shook hands with Lloyd and Sharon. Lloyd’s baseball cap had his call sign stitched boldly across the front.

There really had been quite a turnout. Pete had counted about sixty-plus people. Ten of them were women. And everyone they spoke to was remarkably nice. Frannie didn’t see anyone speaking to those two ruffians.

“Oh, no doubt. If you hear us, give us a hello. I’m the only Lloyd so far. KN6DL.”

“And there’s not too many women who talk on the radio, so you’ll recognize my distinctive whiskey voice,” laughed Sharon, once again the laugh turning into a hack. She was obviously a long-time smoker or had just quit, or she was getting over an ungodly cold. Frannie didn’t dare ask.

“Hey, sorry about those two characters crashing in. They aren’t hams…just checking us out. I think our cold shoulder routine and the class of people we are discouraged them. At least, I hope so. They left without saying a word to me about testing.”

“Well, thank God for small favors!” exclaimed Frannie.

They finally said their good-byes and promised Lloyd they’d return for another meeting one of these days. And Pete wasn’t kidding. He’d found it informative, and he was getting into this radio thing.

He’d begun his interest in amateur radio originally because of a guy he’d worked with who’d turned him onto it. Said it made for good company during long lonely drives, plus the fact if you were stuck somewhere, you’d be sure to find help. So he’d taken his test a few years ago.

He’d gotten his handheld first, just as Frannie had, then purchased his mobile rig. He didn’t think he’d need one for the house, but now that he’d made a few more acquaintances, and Frannie, too…it would be fun to have one for the home. Get an antenna for the roof, and they’d be set. It would be a fun hobby for both of them.

On the way back to Pete’s, they stopped for a very late lunch—or an early dinner, according to Pete—at a Mexican restaurant. It was turning out to be a very nice Saturday afternoon. She was having so much fun.

The day after Christmas, and spending the day with the man you loved…how nice. Did she love him? Looking at him eating so heartily across the table, she had to say Yes.

“Are you glad we went?” she asked him as she stabbed at an elusive piece of green pepper.

“Yeah. Lloyd was a character. He told me a lot about antennas that I needed to know. I should have gone to a meeting long ago. See? You inspired me!” he smiled with a cheekful of tortilla.

“Did I? I love it when I do that!” She took a bite of her tortilla, filled with seasoned chicken. “This is great food.” Pete had his mouth full but nodded in agreement. “And I’m having such a wonderful time with you,” she added.

“Continue on, my little Water Moccasin,” he chuckled deviously. Frannie squealed with delight when he teased her in a creepy voice.

“I’ll continue on…wait till we get home,” she looked at him with a playful glint in her eye.

“Ohhh, I like that. When we get ‘home’! I’d like that to be our home,” Pete said seriously.

“Mmmm, that would be nice.” But then Frannie dropped that line of conversation and continued to eat.
* * *

Sunday morning was surprisingly sunny. It promised to be a nice day in the high fifties. New Year’s was just around the corner, and the only plans they’d made were to stay home that night. Get a bottle of champagne and order Chinese food in. It promised to be a wonderful cozy evening.

“Let’s drive over to San Francisco,” suggested Pete.

“What? It’s 10:00! I’d rather have left earlier.” Frannie wasn’t exactly a spur-of-the-moment gal. She had left Pete’s the previous evening around 9:00, after a movie on HBO. Then Pete had come by to get her this morning for a late brunch. “Let’s just go eat and do some errands, okay?”

“Sounds, fine with me.”

As they pulled out of the parking lot, no one noticed the rented blue Taurus sitting under the carport by the dumpster.

Charles watched them leave and smirked. Tomorrow was the day he’d stop in to visit little Miss Frannie at her job. He knew where she worked, though she’d probably forgotten she’d given him her card!

She looked very pretty as she clung to her boyfriend’s arm. He was a jerk. He wore jeans and cowboy boots and a tight T-shirt with a leather jacket. He looked like a renegade! Charles adjusted the collar of his Ralph Lauren polo shirt and smirked.

* * *

As they headed for the mall, Pete glanced over to check out what Frannie was wearing. Hmmm, jeans and a light jacket…low-heeled boots. Yep, they just might manage to do it.

He pulled a right onto the freeway and headed north instead of south to the mall.

“What are you doing?” Frannie asked as the change of direction was so sudden.

“Just sit tight. I have a surprise for you. I only hope I’m not overstepping my bounds,” he chuckled.

“What? Where are we going?” Frannie was concerned now. Pete had such a devilish look on his face.

They drove in silence for another fifteen minutes, and now they were out in the countryside near Roseville. Frannie was just about to speak up when she saw a sign that read “Horses For Rent”. Pete turned into the dirt drive.

“What are you doing?“ she asked sternly. No way was she prepared to ride!

They trotted the horses down the wide dirt drive and headed off toward the creek. The weather was still a bit cool, slightly hazy, but nice.

“I still can’t believe you did this to me,” she laughed, reining her horse in closer to Pete’s. She’d gotten a bay mare named Babe, with a great disposition, and Pete was on a black gelding called Sparky.

“I wanted to do something completely off the wall. Wanted to surprise you and also wanted to see how you’d handle this situation. You did fine. Didn’t even yell at me.” He laughed.

“Well, what could I say? I was wearing boots and jeans…I know you checked that out before making this decision. And besides, it is fun. I haven’t been on a horse is ages. I used to love to ride with my girlfriend in junior high on weekends.”

“It’s pretty out here, don’t you think?” said Pete, looking about. Even though it was still winter, the bare trees looked eerily beautiful, and the sparkling creek added to the view. There was a clearing ahead—perhaps they could stop there.

They were kissing tenderly. The horses stood quietly, tied to a tree. Sitting on a log, Pete and Frannie were relishing the quiet and being one with nature. Pete put his arm about her and squeezed her tight. “So Ms. Chandler…what are your plans for the future?”

“My plans Mr. Lake? Well, I plan on working at my career, working at my exciting ham radio hobby, and…” she looked slyly up at him, “and I plan on finding a good man.”

“Oh yeah? Anyone I know?” he laughed and kissed her on the nose.

“Oh, Pete,” she laid her head in the crook of his arm. “I feel so comfortable with you. Let’s get on these horses and ride away into the sunset…never to return.”

“Sounds great to me. We could live in a log cabin, no electricity–”

“Have to have electricity!” she cut in.

“Okay, with electricity. A cold, deep well with fresh water, a big barn filled with cows and pigs and chickens, so we’d never starve–”

“Can’t eat our animals!”

“Oh yeah, we turn vegetarian.” He spread his hand out like he was looking out into the horizon seeing the future. “There you are, standing on the porch with two little ones on each hip…glaring at me for getting you into this mess.”

“What?” she laughed and poked him with her finger in the ribs. She loved it that he was thinking along those lines. Maybe he truly was the one for her…she should lighten up.

They mounted the horses once again and continued on. Pete checked his watch: They had thirty minutes left of the hour. He kicked his horse a little to catch up with Frannie. “Let’s make it two hours, okay? Time’s going too quickly.”

“Fine with me. I’m having a great time. Let’s check out that trail over there disappearing into the trees.”

The trail led the through a forest of tall, dried-out-looking trees. On the other side was a large pasture with the trail running along side of it. As they passed the acreage, they noticed a huge red and white bull grazing not too far away. He snorted once as he looked up at the passing horses.

“Uh oh,” said Frannie as the bull started walking toward them. She could easily see the ring in his nose now. His white-rimmed eyes looked frightening, and his loud snorts seemed to reverberate. “Pete. Let’s get going. He’s coming.”

“Mmmm, yeah, I see that.” He was getting a bit concerned as well at this point. The bull couldn’t crash through the barbed wire, but he could sure as hell try if he was crazy enough.

They kicked their horses into a fast trot. The bull was now trotting toward them and blowing hotly through his nostrils.

“Eeee!” Frannie squealed as the bull ran right up near them, looking for all the world like he could catch them. He must weigh thousands of pounds, she thought, as she could swear she felt the earth move as he ran.

Frannie’s horse got frightened and tried to bolt suddenly to the left, nearly unseating Frannie. She held on tight to the saddle horn and gave Pete a terrified look. He couldn’t believe what was happening, and all within seconds.

“Frannie! Hang on, I’m coming!” He saw the bull had been stopped by the barbed wire, but he was still snorting menacingly as he shook his horned head at them. Frannie’s horse was tossing her head and dancing sideways, and Frannie’s pale face said it all.

Finally Pete worked his horse in closer and grabbed a hold of the horse’s bridle and calmed her. “You did good, Frannie. You held your reins just right and didn’t let her panic.”

Frannie gave him a relieved look but couldn’t speak. She’d thought for sure she was going to be thrown, but she’d held her reins wide apart, which confused the horse. And she’d kept gentle pressure on the bit to keep the horse from taking off for home. It all came instinctually, but she was so glad Pete had come to the rescue.

“I think we can head back now, don’t you?” Pete said, taking one last look at the old bull, who was still giving them the evil eye.

“Yes, let’s get going,” she agreed.

Once they made it back to the stables, they told the man they’d be back to ride again. They didn’t mention the old bull giving them the frights. They told the old cowboy they’d had a wonderful time, and the horses had been very well-behaved.

They spent the rest of the day shopping for groceries and cooking a delicious pasta dinner together. But by the end of the day, Frannie’s tortured butt and thighs hurt like crazy!

* * *

“Barry’s taking me to San Francisco for New Year’s. Isn’t that wonderful? We’ll be staying at the Hyatt.” Wanda told her as they met at the coffee bar. “Did you have a nice Christmas?”

“Oh, the best. Look,” she pulled her hair back from her ears and Wanda squealed as she saw the sparkling 1/2 carat studs.

“Beautiful! He sounds like a sweetie. Don’t let him go!”

“Don’t worry. You know, we’re staying in on New Year’s, and I may spend the night.” She shot Wanda a sly smile. They walked down the hall to their office. “He wants me to move in—”

“Are you? I think you should!” Wanda said adamantly. She lived with Barry and was so happy. She wanted Frannie to feel the same.

“Well, I’m still hedging. I like being on my own…and I just can’t get over the trust thing….”

“Oh Frannie. He sounds wonderful! Just because you got burned by that first guy, then ‘Dave the Magnificent’ pesters you, you can’t think all men are like them. Sounds like Pete is trying to prove to you he’s different.”

“Mmmm, yes he is different! Sometimes I can’t believe my good luck at finding him! Maybe that’s my problem. Everything is so perfect with him, I’m afraid something will come along and spoil it!”

“Do you mind if I ask why you are walking so funny?” Wanda asked curiously.

“Oh! Horseback riding! I’m very sore…Pete surprised me and took me out to a stable near Roseville. It was lots of fun. But we sure had a fright!” She filled Wanda in on the bull and his antics.

Charles sat out in the parking lot watching the front of the hotel. He’d planned on going in this morning but now was thinking otherwise. He was enjoying this spying and snooping. He had all the time in the world…why not continue his present pleasure? She’d know of his arrival soon enough.

* * *

Frannie had to work New Year’s Eve but got off work at 6:00. She got home and cleaned up, planning to be over at Pete’s by 7:30 at the latest. He would have the food there by 8:00.

She primped in the bathroom after her bath and padded naked into the bedroom. As she pulled a comfortable deep pink tunic top and matching stretch pants from the closet, she noticed something odd.

Her stuffed animals were not where they should be! Frannie always placed her bear and cat on top of the pillow shams. Always facing the door. It was just something she did automatically and had done it that way for years. Now, the bear was facing the cat and the cat was facing the bathroom door.

A cold chill raced up her spine, making her heart pound.

People would think Charles a strange and scary man, he was aware, if they knew his secret passion of following and seducing heavy women. He supposed any normal man would not go to these extremes, but Charles Bartholomew was not your normal man!

He was filthy rich! Rich as they came…and that gave him power. One of these days he would settle down and marry, but for now, stalking women he liked was his sole entertainment.

And maybe Frannie Chandler would be his wife. He had the confidence that he could turn her around. Then he’d see if, after the chase, he still wanted her.

“Excuse me, Miss,” he called the waitress over. “I’ll have another piece of pumpkin pie, please.” This was a remarkable meal. He was eating in the hotel restaurant…Dawson’s it was called. Great service, great food and drink. He knew that Frannie and her friend had taken off for the afternoon. He’d be back at her place later tonight to watch for her return.

He could park under the carport and look right up to her bedroom window. Then he could imagine her getting ready for bed, making love to that guy of hers, and finally slipping into an innocent sleep.

She did not even having an inkling that she was being watched. That was part of his thrill.  He smiled charmingly as the waitress set another piece of this delicious pie down in front of him.

He was moving into a condo in a few days, not too far from Frannie’s apartment. He planned to stay in Sacramento until his mission was accomplished. He called to check in with his family in Dallas a couple of times a week. To his parents, he was just on another jaunt across the country. His longest “jaunt’ away had been six months!

* * *

Finally, time for dessert and coffee. “Pete made the pies. He cooks, too,” Frannie chuckled as she cut the mincemeat and pumpkin pies. Pete piled on the whipped cream from the can.

“Really?” said Randy. “Well then, Frannie, I suggest you hog-tie this guy and not let him go!”

“She’s already got me,” Pete laughed and handed him a huge slice of pumpkin pie. “I just need you to convince her!”

Randy took the pie and joined in the laughter. He wouldn’t mind having a brother-in-law like Pete Lake. He had a feeling Pete would take care of his sister just fine.

By the end of the visit, Uncle Will and Randy knew Pete Lake was very much in love with Frannie, and he was very much for real.

* * *

It was late when Frannie and Pete decided to head back to Sacramento. It was 6:00 and already dark. Snow had been falling all day, and the roads were covered with at least ten inches. But the Pathfinder didn’t have any problems as they drove slowly and carefully for the first fifty miles.

Once they got back onto I-80, the road graders were working, and the rest of the trip was a breeze.

“Did you have a good time?” Frannie asked as they drove silently heading to her place.

“I did. You’ve got a great uncle and brother. I wish I had a family. My mom died when an aneurysm burst in her head when I was fifteen; then my dad died of cancer five years later.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that! Here I’ve known you for all this time and you never said. And I never assumed–”

‘Well, it didn’t come up. I would have told you pretty soon. I’m used to being alone. But not now. I like having you around, Frannie.” He quit talking to concentrate on his driving.

She sat there beside him, content, with a smile on her face. No need to speak.

She picked up the mike and started talking. “WD6APY, this is KF6SJB calling.”

“Yeah Frannie! Where are you two?”

“We’re just past Auburn, Uncle Will. Just thought we’d say what a wonderful time we had, and such a great meal! Merry Christmas again to you two!”

“From me, too!” added Pete loudly. “I’m going to get her home and give her my gift. She can call you later and let you know how she liked it.”

“Ohhh, can’t wait! Bye for now guys! KF6SJB mobile clear.”

“So you got me a gift, huh? Well, I got you one, too. I was just waiting to see if I was going to get one before giving you yours! If I didn’t get a gift, yours was going back!” She laughed uproariously. “Just kidding. I wanted to give it to you tonight. I hope you like it.”

They made it back to Frannie’s about 8:00. They were tired but looking forward to having the weekend to themselves. Pete took a large wrapped box out from under the back seat and brought it in.

“What’s that? My gift?” she shrieked. “It’s so big!”

“Come on, let’s get settled and we’ll open our gifts. Want a glass of wine?”

“Yeah… and first I want to take a quick bath…get the road dust off of me.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips.

“Hurry up…I’ll be waiting,” he whispered back.

While Frannie bathed, he got the wine ready and placed the two packages on the coffee table. Frannie had a nice setup here, but he wanted to get her to move in with him.

Her furniture was fairly new and would go perfectly in his home. He could sell his old furniture or put it in the den. He settled back on the comfortable sofa and flicked on the TV.

Charles lit a cigarette as he watched the bathroom light go on. He knew she must be in there. It had been ten minutes and the light was still on, so she must be primping… bathing. He envisioned her nude, covered deliciously with bubbles. What he wouldn’t give to be washing her back… and other delicious parts.

This was a great Christmas present for Charles. Just to be near the object of his desire was a great thrill in itself. He checked his watch’s indiglo dial and wondered just how long Romeo was going to stick around.

* * *

“Oh, my God! Pete! How did you know this was what I needed? I love it!” Frannie slipped the deep emerald jacket on over her silky pink pajamas. Standing up, she modeled it for him.

With her hair up on top of her head in cascading curls, the pink of her pajama bottoms, and her body wrapped in the down jacket, he thought she looked incredibly sexy.

“You don’t know how much I want you at this moment,” he said seriously. By the look on his face, she knew he meant it. “I have another gift for you.”

“Oh no! Really? Well, you have to open mine first!” She walked swiftly into her bedroom, returned with a large, gaily wrapped box, and handed it to him. “For you.”

“Aw….” he smiled. He opened it quickly and pulled out two well-made buffalo-checked flannel shirts. Great colors; black and olive, and black and red. They’d look terrific on him.

“Thank you, sweetie! I needed new warm shirts.” She was the right woman, for sure. He secretly loved for a woman to pick out his clothes. Take good care of him. That’s one thing his ex never wanted to do.

“I would have gotten you more, but I haven’t known you that long—” she giggled.
“Okay, now for the last present.” He handed her the small box. She looked at him like she wasn’t sure she should take it.

But she did. He was nervously smoothing his mustache as he watched her. Opening it slowly, she held her breath. He wouldn’t have….

Inside, nestled in velvet, were two diamond earring studs. “Oh, Pete! They’re wonderful! But you shouldn’t have!”

“Oh no…I wanted to!” He watched happily as she took out the gold hoops in her ears and replaced them with the diamond studs.

“They look terrific. Just as I knew they would.” Pete kissed her, and she returned it. Their kisses grew with desire, and in a few minutes they had to retreat to her bedroom.

An hour later, as they lay together nearly falling asleep, Pete decided he’d better get going. It was Frannie’s rule that she didn’t want sleep-overs. He was only abiding by that rule.

“Pete? Do you want to stay the night?”

He lay back down with a happy sigh. “Um, yeah. I’d like that. I’d like to wake up with you in the morning.” He turned to her and kissed her again. She turned her back to him, pressing her ample rear into him to fit like a spoon.

“Okay then. Go to sleep,” she said with a smile and closed her eyes.

Charles checked his watch one more time: 11:30. He was tired. Tomorrow was Saturday, and he knew she would be spending time with that guy again. His plan now was to stop in to see her at her job. Perhaps Monday.

Smiling to himself at this freshly made plan, he started his engine and drove slowly from the parking lot.