The Trouble With Angels Page 0,30

have showed. Keeping his anger in check, he'd pointed out that there hadn't been any damage to either vehicle and it would be difficult to prove personal injury. He hadn't mentioned anything about her making an appointment with a doctor. No need to give her more ideas.

"You say your father's a mechanic," Ted said. "Then I'd like to suggest he give Edith a thorough checkup."

"I talked to him about what happened, and he said it wasn't possible. The only feasible explanation was that I hadn't put on the emergency brake, but I know I did." She paused as if attempting to recall the events of that evening. "I could have sworn her engine was running at the time of the accident. I remember how frustrated I felt because I was going back to my office to phone triple A.

"Then not only does Edith start up, but she does so without the key in the ignition, backs out of the parking space all on her own. It was as if she were aiming for your...Blythe's car. But that's impossible."

"Sounds like one for the textbooks to me," Ted agreed.

"Here's something else for the books," she said, holding up the letter she'd been reading when he'd first arrived. "It's from radio station KIWI. I don't even listen to that station, unless they're broadcasting the Lakers games."

"They wrote you a letter?"

"It's more than that. The letter says my name was a winner in their drawing for two courtside seats for Friday night's basketball game."

"That's fabulous." Frankly, Ted would give his eyeteeth for those tickets. Courtside, no less. The game was scheduled against the red-hot Seattle SuperSonics and was sure to be one of the best of the year. From what he understood, the Forum had been sold out for weeks.

"I know, but for the life of me I can't remember entering their contest."

"You can't?"

She shook her head.

"Maybe someone put your name in for you?"

"Who?"

"A friend. Your father." As far as he was concerned, she shouldn't be asking so many questions.

Joy frowned. "That's not likely. I was trying to decide what I was going to do."

Ted couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Going to do? What do you mean? You'd be crazy to ask questions. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to look a gift horse in the mouth?"

"I know, but - "

"Those are the hottest tickets in town."

"I know that, too. The Forum's been sold out for three weeks."

"Do you follow the Lakers?"

She stared at him as if that were the most ridiculous question she'd ever heard. "Doesn't everyone?"

Ted laughed. Blythe hated anything having to do with professional basketball, but she was a good sport about letting him watch the games when they were televised. But he hadn't been to a game all year, and his mouth was watering at the thought of attending this one, especially with courtside seats.

"If you're thinking about selling the tickets," he said casually, "I'd be interested in buying them."

She looked more confused than ever. "I don't think so."

"If you haven't thought of anyone you'd like to take with you, I'd like to make a suggestion."

"What?"

Ted grinned, and then surprised even himself. "Take me."

Chapter Seven

Maureen was convinced barbecue sauce was smeared from one side of her face to the other. No matter how many times she checked the mirror, she was certain she'd missed a spot. Or several.

She'd let Thom know he wouldn't find her so easy to manipulate a second time. He knew exactly how she felt about this outing, yet he'd purposely used the girls' friendship to orchestrate their evening together.

Maureen planned on giving him an earful the minute they were alone. That had been her intention, only it never happened. The girls were so pleased to be together, and Thom couldn't have been more charming. Early on, she decided she'd have dinner with him, but she was determined not to enjoy herself.

Her resolve lasted all of ten minutes.

Then, before she knew it, she was wearing a plastic bib, and the most delicious smoky-flavored sauce was dripping from her chin. The spareribs were the best she'd ever tasted.

Soon Thom and the girls had her laughing, and against her better judgment, against every dictate of her will, she had a wonderful time.

"I hope you plan to invite me in for coffee," Thom announced when they pulled up in front of her small rental house. He turned off the ignition before she could answer. Apparently she wasn't being given a choice.

"I'll carry in Paula's overnight bag for her,"