Culture Shock by Ginger Simpson Read Free Book Online Page B

and engrossed herself in a Faith Hill song on Country Music Television. Resting her head against the back of the sofa, Cynthia closed her eyes and let the image of Alex's handsome face drift through her mind. She tried to imagine his strong arms around her, his lips pressed against hers. On impulse, she picked up the phone and started to dial his number, but quickly hung up. If she acted too desperate she'd scare him away. Best to wait and let him call her. As she wondered what he was doing at the moment, images of the four missing women slipped into her head again.  She hadn’t fully realized the danger of her situation until this very moment.
    She had just finished the last drink of juice when someone knocked. Her jangled nerves locked a lump in her throat. The killer wouldn't rap on a victim's door would he? Rising, she set the empty glass in the sink then opened the door only as far the wimpy security chain allowed. She breathed a sigh. "Alex! Hi!" She unfastened the chain and fully opened the door. "Come in."
    "I just got home ... actually I haven't even been home yet." He almost stammered. "I just wanted to stop by and see if you'd like to grab a bite to eat."
    "Sure! I'd love to." She didn't hesitate a moment, but glanced at her well-worn slippers. "I don't suppose you want me to wear these though."
    Alex eyed her feet. "I don't know. Are they the style right now?" His boyish grin dimpled his cheeks. "With women's shoes, you never know. They don't look any worse than some of the boots I've seen on women recently."
    "What's wrong with boots?"
    "I'm of the opinion that only military women should wear combat boots...and only because they have to."
    Cynthia chuckled. "Oh, you dislike the clunky ones. I get it. I promise not to wear my combat boots tonight, but let me put on some shoes and powder my nose. Have a seat."
    She shuffled into the bedroom.
     
    ***
     
    Cynthia had enjoyed the evening, his personality, dinner; everything had been perfect. Her biggest chore now was keeping her expectations in perspective. She hoped to spend more time with him, but what if he viewed their date in a different light?
    Alex held her hand and pulled her up the stairs. "C'mon. Move faster. Work off some of that dinner."
    "Are you insinuating I'm fat?" She made a pouty face.
    "Well, now that you mention it, I did notice a little extra weight on your left earlobe. But, then I like a girl with some meat on her bones." He gave her ear a tug.
    At Cynthia's door, she pulled her hand from his and searched her purse for her keys. "I know they're in here somewhere," she said as she dug through the contents. "Do you want to come in for a cup of coffee?"
    Alex glanced at his watch. "What the heck. It's only nine-thirty, but can we make it decaf?"
    With the door unlocked, she, reached inside, and flipped on the light switch. The overhead fixture flickered a few times before the bulb came to life. "Ah, Shangri-la," she said, dropping her purse on the coffee table. She walked to the counter to start the coffee. "Sit down and get comfortable."
    Alex closed the door and walked to the couch. He started to sit, but caught himself. "Uh uh! I'm not being swallowed up again." He laughed and moved to the other end. "By the way, where’s that new deadbolt you were going to buy?“
     
    She glanced over her shoulder and flashed a pout at him.  “Sorry, I‘m a flake.  I totally forgot.”
    “I figured you would, so I got one for you.  I’ll switch them out tomorrow night if that’s okay.”
    “That’s so sweet of you.  I’d really appreciate the help, but only at your convenience.”
    Cynthia poured water into the coffee pot then turned the brewer on. The overhead light flickered in threat, but continued to shine. She crossed to the end table and turned on  the rustic-looking lamp, then switched off the ceiling fixture. "No use risking another blackout, besides I look better in muted light anyhow." She wanted to swallow her last statement because