Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery Page B

in the security business in and around Houston. We meet for lunch every third Wednesday of the month. Now we’ll be five strong. What do you say?”
    â€œI say my third Wednesday lunches are all booked from now on!” Nicole smiled at her.
    â€œGood for you. Let me give you my card. Call me anytime to ask questions, bounce ideas off me, or just to whine.” Kelli went to her desk. She took a business card from a holder on it. “Whining into a sympathetic ear can be therapeutic,” she quipped.
    Nicole was touched by her gesture. Although she’d never admit it to anyone but her father, the last three weeks had been scary and full of tension. Her throat tightened unexpectedly with emotion. She took the card and stared at it.
    â€œThanks, Kelli. This is the most welcome I’ve felt in this town since I got here.”
    Something in Nicole’s voice must have given her away. Kelli came back and sat in the chair next to her again. “Listen, don’t let it get you down, especially not on yourself. Call me . I mean it.”
    â€œI will.” Nicole inhaled deeply and let it out. With the release of air went some of the strain of feeling alone.
    â€œGood.” Kelli patted Nicole’s shoulder.
    â€œKnock, knock.” A thirty-something man with a boyish grin stuck his head in the door. “Didn’t mean to interrupt, but—”
    â€œYes you did,” Kelli cut in. She smiled at the man with affection. “But you’re forgiven as usual. Nicole, this is my husband, Jamar.”
    Jamar came all the way into the room with a wide smile and his hand outstretched. “Nice meeting you. Look forward to seeing you at the Black Chamber of Commerce meetings.”
    â€œHere we go, girl. He’s recruiting again,” Kelli said in a stage whisper.
    â€œIgnore her,” Jamar said. “We’re a viable organization helping Black entrepreneurs get a leg up in a tough business environment.”
    â€œSounds like something I need.” Nicole shook his hand.
    â€œExcellent. Give me your card and I’ll send you more information. I’ll send you to our website.”
    â€œHere you go.” Nicole took one of her cards from the sterling silver case in her purse. “My e-mail address is on there.”
    â€œGood deal. Well, ladies, I’ll order us lunch from the Health Nut Deli. How about a taco?”
    â€œI could go for one of—” Nicole began.
    â€œThanks, sweetness, but I’m treating Nicole to a lunch out with our group,” Kelli broke in.
    â€œOh, okay. Well, have fun. I’ll be in touch, Nicole.”
    â€œGreat.” Nicole waved to him.
    â€œEat healthy.” Jamar gave his wife a look that seemed to hold a message.
    â€œBye, babe.” Kelli waved him out the door. She went to her desk and retrieved her purse.
    â€œSo we’re having lunch with the others?” Nicole stood.
    â€œI just made that up. Those tacos are made with soy burgers, soy cheese, and soy taco shells with organic lettuce. You don’t even want to know what the sauce is made from!” Kelli shook her shoulders and groaned.
    Nicole laughed as she followed her out. To save time they went to a small restaurant not far from Kelli’s office. Kelli kept Nicole entertained for the next hour and a half over their grilled chicken salads.
    â€œHoney, you haven’t lived until you’ve gathered evidence for a custody battle over who gets the pythons.” Kelli rolled her eyes. “A word of advice, stay away from people who seem a little intense over their pets.”
    â€œI’ll remember that.” Nicole laughed. “I’ve learned a lot in the last couple of hours listening to you. I really appreciate it.”
    â€œMust be tough stepping into Hosea’s shoes. At least I had Jamar for support before me and the other ladies got together.” Kelli wore a sympathetic expression.
    Nicole pushed her