CHAPTER 37

Cindy could barely focus on what Raymond was saying; her mind kept straying back to the lonely image of Gerard sitting in front of that television with her image frozen on-screen. There was something so stark, sad, and desolate about the memory that it ate her up inside every time she thought about it.

“You seem preoccupied.” Raymond’s gentle voice intruded on her thoughts, and Cindy was startled back to the present and the man sitting opposite her. He really was a nice man, tall, lean, and almost handsome, with dark eyes, slightly thinning black hair, and a warm smile. Cindy really liked him but not enough to seriously consider dating him.

“I think this was a mistake,” she mumbled, and he frowned. “It’s too soon. It just doesn’t feel right for me to be out with you.” He smiled in understanding.

“I was wondering where your mind was,” he said.

“Maybe . . .” she began, and he covered one of her helplessly fluttering hands with his own.

“Some other time?” he completed, and she nodded gra