B is for Belinda - Gini Roberge - Bog

It started with Eva and now we have our next best friend Belinda.
---I was widowed when my son was three; he's now fourteen. We have lived a quiet life...until now. Thanks to my wonderful group of friends, my new business is taking shape and my son has invited a houseguest to stay with us. Not just any houseguest...but one that makes my heart race. My son sees him as a father figure, which is a bit unnerving because the last thing I want is my son hurt. But when an adventure with Eva doesn't go as expected, I'm the one that may get him hurt.
Book Five Excerpt:
"Pam?" Eva asked.
"Yes," She nodded. Her brown eyes looked anxious as she sat up straighter and looked between the two of us. "I was only expecting one person."
"My name is Eva, and this is my associate Belinda." Eva said without explaining why two of us were there.
We sat on each side of her; Eva could see the front door and I could see nearly all the patrons in the café. The waitress brought the coffee then she and Eva chatted for a few minutes about the weather and suggestions for breakfast. I had the feeling Eva was trying to give Pam some time to relax. I read the menu as they talked and glanced at Pam and gave her a calming, sweet smile. Her shoulders lowered as she took a deep breath. Eva's resounding laugh drew my attention back to her just as the waitress laughed and tossed her hands in the air at something Eva had said. Seriously...nerves of steel my friend has. But I could tell the laughter made Pam relax even more as she took a drink of water.
"This one wants a big plate of French fries and a diet coke," The waitress pointed at Eva and grinned at me. "You want the same?"
"Oh, no!" I gasped with a laugh. "My hips don't need that! I'll go with your fruit plate and wheat toast."
The waitress chuckled and looked at Pam, "Fries or fruit for you?"
All four of us laughed. Eva had done an excellent job of relaxing the accuser.
"I'll be adventurous and go for the fries too." Pam smiled. Still a little stiff but her facial muscles had relaxed.
"Hell of a breakfast!" The waitress laughed and turned back to the kitchen.
"Oh, she's funny," Eva chuckled and sighed as she relaxed back in her chair.
We were quiet a moment; all not sure how to get this started so I just blurted out. "What are you getting your degree in?"
"Biology with an emphasis in botany." She answered with a slight blush.
"That's my degree!" I exclaimed.
Until our food arrived, we discussed the different classes and job opportunities. She didn't mention Professor Brackston and neither did I. Once the food arrived, when she wasn't talking, Pam devoured the French fries. It was as if she hadn't eaten in weeks. I noticed the man behind her turn and look at her...or actually glare at her. As the conversation continued I watched him in my peripheral vision. He continued his glaring looks and at one point he moved slightly toward her and opened his mouth as if to speak. When he saw me looking at him, he turned away quickly and nearly buried his face in the newspaper. I could see the redness rise up his neck and into his face. What the hell was that about?