both Brenda and Tim.
“I’m off.”
“Want any coffee before you go?” he asked. “I brewed a fresh pot a few minutes ago.”
“No, thanks. I’ll grab some at home.”
Sydney let herself out and almost tripped over something on the bricked porch. She glanced down.
A vase of white roses stared back at her.
Her stomach dropped. This was the arrangement Wake always sent to her. They’d once been Sydney’s favorite flower. Now, she couldn’t stand the sight or smell of them. Wake had sent white roses to her office in New York after their separation and again several times once she took the job in Boston. They’d arrived on her birthday and their anniversary. No card had been attached but she’d known they were from Wake.
The arrangements’ appearance on Dash’s doorstep meant Wake knew she was in LA and seeing Dash, but why here? Why not at home? Maybe Wake didn’t know where she was living. She’d never told him anything about her past. He had no idea who her parents were or anything about her Hollywood lineage.
Sydney figured that her ex-husband had somehow tracked her through Brenda. That was the logical explanation for the flowers appearing here since Brenda worked out of Dash’s house. Sydney scanned the neighborhood before her. Tim had just collected the newspaper and hadn’t mentioned the arrangement. He would’ve brought the roses in if they’d been on the porch when he went outside. Her heart began beating wildly in her chest.
Was Wake watching her now?
She didn’t think so. In fact, she hadn’t laid eyes on him since their divorce. It was more his style to hire someone to find her—and awful not to know who that someone might be.
Sydney bent and picked up the vase. Getting rid of the flowers was priority number one. She looked to see if any trashcans were set out for trash pick-up at the curb but didn’t spy one. Taking them home was the last thing she would do.
A car pulled up into the driveway and Leo got out, giving her a friendly wave. She started toward him.
“Hi, Leo.”
“Lover Boy giving you flowers?” The trainer laughed. “That’s so not Dash.” He grinned. “That’s why I know it’s real between you two. Dash is a new man these days.”
Sydney gave him a weak smile. “Enjoy your workout. Nice seeing you, Leo.”
She walked to her car and watched Leo enter the DeLauria residence. Holding the vase brought a feeling of nausea over her. Where could she dump them?
Then an elderly gentleman appeared with a golden retriever, out for their morning walk. It gave her an idea.
Sydney hurried to the end of the driveway. “Hi, I’m Sydney. Could I ask if you’re married?”
The man had the dog heel and gave her a quirky smile. “I’m Bob and I’m very married. And way too old for you, Sydney.”
She held up the flower vase. “I just found out I’m leaving town and won’t be able to enjoy these beautiful roses that were just delivered. Would you like to take them home to your wife?”
Bob beamed. “I think that’s a splendid idea. She’s always been fond of roses. Thank you, dear.”
“You’re the one doing me the favor, Bob.” Sydney handed the vase over. “Nice meeting you.”
Her hands shook as she returned to her car. She started the vehicle and turned the air conditioning on high, letting it hit her directly in the face. Pulling out her cell, she texted Brenda.
Need to see you ASAP. Coming over now. Wait for me.
CHAPTER 20
“How could The Creep know?” Brenda asked, exasperation in her voice. “I told no one at work and only mentioned to my parents that I was moving across the country. I didn’t even bring up California, much less LA.”
“I hate to think this but could your phone be bugged? Or what if something was slipped into your purse or luggage back in the Boston airport? It’s the only thing I can think of,” Sydney said.
“That really freaks me out,” Brenda said, unease on her face.
“Me, too, but I know how clever Wake is.”
“I never saw him at the airport. You know I have his face memorized, Sydney.”
“Wake’s smart enough to pay somebody to do his dirty work. In fact, I doubt he’s in LA. Someone put those flowers on Dash’s porch, though.”
“It gives me the creeps.” Brenda reached into her purse and pulled out her phone. “I don’t know how to open it to check and see if it’s been bugged. I guess I should get rid of it like