Looking For You All My Life Part 83

ture on her part, but she wanted Jed to see her and perhaps

think about what he was missing Out on by setting their rela-

tions.h.i.+p aside. Not that she had any intention of pus.h.i.+ng

Leah out of the picture. Not at all. But all this being put on

the back burner was taking its toll on her self-image. Besides,

it wasn't very often she had the opportunity to dress up in

their rural mountain town. She finally decided on a black Looking for You All My Life131

wool designer suit that she hadn't worn since last winter in

L.A. It was a fine wool, the heaviest weight you could get

away with in a warmer climate, but cut to perfection.

Beneath this she donned a cranberry-red silk blouse with a

strand of black pearls that had been her grandmother's. She

started to pull her hair back in the usual barrette, and then

changed her mind and let it fall loose upon her shoulders.

She added matching pearl earrings and a touch of cranberry-

red lipstick. She had to admit that the overall effect was very

cla.s.sy.

"Wow, don't you look great," commented Audrey as

Maggie stopped by the kitchen to tell her and Spencer

goodbye.

Spencer's eyes grew wide. "Mom," he said as only a

teenager can. "I thought this was just a business dinner with

that slimeball developer. Why'd you get all fixed up for

him?"

Maggie laughed. "It is a business dinner, Spence. And

sometimes it's worthwhile to look just as sharp as you can-

it builds up your confidence level and gives you the upper

hand." She winked at her son.

He nodded wisely. "Okay, I think I get it. Well then, give

him what for!"

She squeezed his arm. "You sound just like Clyde!"

"And don't you be out too late, young lady," chided

Audrey with a twinkle in her eye. "It is a school night, after

all!"

L.

_he hotel restaurant wasn't as busy as it had been last

Sat.u.r.day night, but at least there appeared to be

several tables filled. Maggie glanced around to see if

Cohn Byers was already seated while at the same time care-

fully searching for Jed's party.

"Good evening," came a male voice from behind. She

turned to see Cohn approaching, wearing a brown tweed

sports jacket over a fine-gauge sweater, probably cashmere.

He smiled and shook her hand. "Thank you for meeting me

on such short notice, Ms. Carpenter. Cindy reserved a spot

for us right over there." He gently took her elbow and

guided her to a table next to the big fireplace. "Will this be

too warm for you?" he asked as he politely pulled out a chair

forher.

"Not at all. It's perfect." She sat down and looked up,