A/N: I still own nothing. Here's just a random update, simply because I was bored. Hehe, Sarge1, thanks for keeping up with the story . I appreciate it. And everyone, thanks for reading, and those of you who haven't already, please review.
Melinda sipped her coffee slowly, her gaze following the outside scene from the Village Java window. She had searched all morning, but had found no trace of Riley throughout the town. She was beginning to wonder if the ghost wanted to be found, and either way she'd have to go to work soon.
"Come on, Riley, where are you?" She murmured softly to herself, turning away from the window after her efforts proved unsuccessful. Melinda sighed and glanced at her watch. It was almost noon. Deciding to just head on over to her store, she stood up, coffee cup in hand, and walked out the door of the little café.
It was a cool, rainy day; definitely not one of Grandview's finest. Although it hadn't rained yet, the sky was dark with clouds, and there was an unmistakable dampness in the air. Melinda tried to ignore this as she headed briskly across the street and down the sidewalk a ways until she reached the antique shop.
Inserting the keys in the lock and turning them, she opened the door and walked in, changing the sign that hung from the door to read 'Open'. It shut with the usual jingle behind her. As Melinda looked around, she realized that the place was silent. Delia must not have come yet. Quietly, Melinda put down her cup and purse on the counter, and headed to the back of the shop to check up on everything. Their finest items had been put on display, and everything seemed in order back here. But just as she was about to turn around and head back to the shop, Melinda noticed something…or someone.
With a soft gasp, her heart pounded quickly momentarily, before she recognized Riley, who seemed to be finding amusement in Melinda's surprised expression. Calming herself, Melinda narrowed her eyes and sighed, walking over to sit in the chair next to the ghost.
"I've been looking all over for you." She stated calmly, looking the pretty redhead over quickly.
Riley's smirk grew wider. "Yeah, well, I figured you'd show up here sometime."
Realizing in annoyance that Riley had purposely made her job harder, Melinda rolled her eyes. "Did you find out anything?"
"What, about Matt? Hardly." Riley's expression hardened as her green eyes left Melinda and fell to the floor.
Melinda blinked. Was the ghost afraid of what she'd find if she re-visited her old boyfriend? All the same, she found herself nodding in acceptance. "Well, Thursdays aren't exactly busy around here, so I'm sure Delia can handle the shop for awhile when she gets in. Do you…want to go see him?" She asked tentatively.
Riley shrugged. "It won't do anything," She insisted stubbornly. "I'm not here because of any reason other than that I want to stick around for awhile. You can go ahead if you want, but I have…better things to do."
Melinda sighed. Talk about mood swings. She thought warily. But she wasn't going to let Riley win this one. "I'm going to need your help. You made him sound sort of cynical last night." She stated. "Don't you at least want to see how he's doing?"
Judging by the expression on her face, Melinda guessed not. Bracing herself for a refusal, she turned her own gaze away and let it stray to the front of the shop.
"Fine."
Melinda looked around in surprise. The ghost's face was reluctant, but resigned. A slight smile crossed her face, although she struggled with it. Riley didn't seem to take well to things like that.
"Okay, where does he live?" She asked at last.
Riley sighed. "We'll need to drive…."
000
The two headed outside the shop after Melinda had scribbled a note for Delia and locked up. Motioning for Riley to follow, Melinda headed down the street and toward where her car was parked. Before she reached the spot, however, a voice from behind interrupted her.
"Melinda! Wait."
She turned around to see Riley, who obviously hadn't been the one to speak, staring critically at a man who was hurrying to catch up. Melinda had to stifle a groan of exasperation.
Professor Rick Payne slowed his pace, approaching her in a slightly calmer fashion. This was one of those rare occasions where his expression seemed serious.
"Mr. Payne?" Melinda greeted with a tone that came out rather cooler than she had intended it to. From beside her, Melinda could hear Riley laugh slightly at the formality.
Rick also didn't seem to think that this was the time for Melinda's critical views of him. Looking slightly annoyed, he spoke.
"Look, something weird has been going on. I wasn't going to ask you, but things are getting a bit…out of hand at my office." He said.
Melinda sighed. "Well, can it wait?"
Rick rolled his eyes. "Oh, right, because you have such a tight schedule to run on." He remarked snidely.
"Actually," Her tone and expression hardened. "I am kind of busy at the moment. So, if you'll excuse me…" Melinda turned away, and opened the door to her red jeep.
"No, wait. Look, I'm sorry for bothering you, but this is serious."
For once, his voice was not traced with sarcasm or mockery, and perhaps this alone made Melinda pause and turn to face him, eyebrows raised slightly. "I told you, I'm busy, But if it'll make you feel better, I'll check 'whatever it is' out tonight." And with that, she got in her car and closed the door.
Rick looked even more annoyed now, and it seemed as if he were about ready to say something. But without waiting to find out, Melinda rolled up her window, smiled, and waved goodbye in mock cheeriness.
000
As they drove off, Riley having 'popped' into the passenger's seat, Melinda drove in silence. She knew the ghost was biting back some sort of remark about the incident, and now regretted even speaking to the professor at that moment.
"Well," Riley spoke at last after they had drove in a few more moments of that awkward silence. "I like him."
Melinda rolled her eyes yet again, smirking slightly, and drove on.