The Cherished Wife

Rowena was the first to lose it once they were out of the mall, bursting into laughter. "Oh my gosh. Did you guys see Winter's face? It was priceless. I couldn't stop laughing!"

She went to give Sean a friendly pat on the shoulder but realized he was way too tall, so she turned to Noelle instead. "But I'm totally lost. What was that whole act with Mr. Smith all about?" Noelle arched an eyebrow and casually took Rowena's hand off her shoulder. "We're just playing a part!" She turned to Sean with a questioning look. "Where's Charles? You said he was coming, right?"

Sean arched his eyebrow too and made a couple of tsk-tsk sounds, putting on a pitiful face. "Come on, do you have to be just like Charles? You're so distant! Remember, I'm the one who just helped you out. That Charles is acting like a scaredy-cat. He's too chicken to show up, so he made me fill in for him!"

Noelle could not help but laugh when Sean talked about himself that way. Before she could say anything, Rowena jumped in, "Oh, so you can admit you're just a fill-in!"

Sean scowled. "Hey, that's not very nice of you to say!" However, he grinned. "You did act pretty brave back there, though!"

do you think I am? But seriously, I've only been gone a few months. Why does it feel like I'm missing a big piece of the puzzle? What

driver's seat and glanced at Noelle next to him. "Charles and the gang are at The Majestic Lounge. Mr. Fischer and everyone are there too. Oh, and

up the engine, and they were on

in surprise. The Majestic Lounge was a good distance away, and Sean had obviously made a beeline to get there.

two and two together. She remembered being tailed before, and that last close call must have spooked

with Winter and the ladies? Sean was playing the

Noelle let the matter drop. Rowena and Teresa looked puzzled in the backseat like they were trying too figure out a riddle. Curious as they were, they seemed to understand

something did pique Noelle's curiosity. "When did Eloise get the

whom she had met a few times, was always the picture of serenity-hardly the fiery