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-
tionship aside. Not that she had any intention of pushing
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
classy.
"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
Saturday 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,