Chapter 6

Traffic was at a standstill and it was pouring rain outside. The deluge of water whacked against my windshield, proving my wipers almost useless. My hair was still soaking wet from making a mad dash to my car after work. No need for an umbrella in Portland? Yeah, right. Granted, I hadn't seen it this bad out since I'd moved here. The weatherman had promised only a light drizzle, but this was anything but. Funny how they could get it this wrong and still keep their jobs. If I'd made this kind of mistake, I'd be explaining myself in the boss' office, for sure.

I hummed along with my MP3 player as 'Here Comes the Rain Again' blared in my car. It was only befitting. My cell rang and I turned off my music. Monroe's name flashed on the display.

"Hey, so you're going straight in tonight, right?" Monroe asked before I could even say hello.

"Yeah, I'll be in for the night," I assured him. "So, what happened to only light drizzles?"

"Yeah, well, we get a good rain every now and then. This one just happens to be now."

"So what are your plans tonight? Are you gonna chain yourself down in your basement or something?" I asked with a chuckle. The heavy sigh and the jostling of the phone from Monroe's shaking head was more than the response I needed.

"I'm ignoring that last comment," he said finally. "If you hear anything out of the ordinary tonight you call me or call Nick. Or better yet, call both of us."

"I'm sure Nick will appreciate it if I wake him up in the middle of the night because I hear a noise."

"That dude has gotten me out of bed for lesser things, so yeah, you call him."

I wasn't going to call Nick Burkhardt. What would I say? 'Yeah Nick, there's a guy with a scythe trying to break in.' I'm sure that would go over well considering he still didn't know my secret. This weekend would be a different story once I filled him in, however.

"I'll keep my phone close by," I said. "Monroe, I'll be okay," I added while trying to put a smile in my voice.

"I really hate leaving you alone," Monroe grumbled.

"What did we do last full moon?" Earlier today I'd finished putting the lunar dates into my calendar. On the last full moon in February we were definitely going out.

"Last full moon we went to the planetarium in the afternoon. You got off work early."

Of course, the planetarium! With all the events that had mounted in the last month, February seemed like eons ago. But it was coming back to me. Nice, normal, supernatural-free dates with Monroe. It was simpler back then. Granted, they were PG rated dates, but it was easier.

"You still there?" Monroe asked startling me out of my reverie. "Remember they even talked about the full moon, which at the time I thought was a little ironic that we picked that evening to go. But anyway, I had you home by four. Then I went back to my house that night, and well… que sera sera." He would recall that day better than I would from the sound of it.

"Yes, I remember," I said with a smile from the memory still lingering on my face. "Should I plan around these days in the future?"

"That's not necessary. I mean, I can still go do things. It's just better, and a ritual of mine for that matter, to stay in, play a little cello, have a nice glass of cabernet, and just mellow out. Maybe get a late night repair in, but that's touch and go, you know? But I'm debating forgoing it tonight and having you come over here."

"No, you need to stick with your routine," I said quickly. Routines were good for him. "Would it be all right to stay with you tomorrow night?"

"Yeah, of course. Wouldn't have it any other way." That genuine smile of Monroe's drifted through the phone and it warmed my heart. After a few more promises that I'd stay in tonight, I hung up with Monroe and went back to my music.

I thumbed through my MP3 player until I landed on Burt Bacharach singing 'Raindrops keep Falling On My Head.'

"'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'.
Because I'm free.
Nothing's worrying me…"

I sang along with the lyrics. Tonight I'd be just as worry-free as Mr. Bacharach was.

I dodged more rain to get inside the house and stepped ankle deep in a puddle before I'd made it to my stairs. Ugh. My toes squished in my black pumps. I kicked them off when I got inside and found a towel.

Once I was mostly dry, I changed into my comfy PJs and settled on the couch. As I got comfortable, I located my cell from my still damp bag and called home.

I dedicated an hour each day to phone calls with Mom, Chloe, and family. Sometimes it carried into two hours. Despite my horrible send off at the airport, I missed Louisville terribly. Mom always seemed in good spirits, but she was keeping the conversations light for my benefit. That was her way. Chloe kept me updated with her visits. Thank goodness she was making time to be with my mom. Fortunately, my Aunt Jenna was staying with mom at least until the end of April. Between her and Chloe, my mom had people around her that cared.

"So how are you and Monroe?" Mom beamed the words through the phone. She had cast the thoughts of me and my ex, Jack Monahan, getting back together to the wayside, which was a relief. Mom had told me earlier this week that she had really taken a liking to Monroe. She was pleased as punch that I was with 'such a kind and well-mannered man.'

"We're good," I said. "Just trying to get back to our routines now that we're in Portland again." Well, Monroe was trying to get back to both of his routines. I swam through a sea of flow charts and new protocols for a company our bank was acquiring in late spring. I'd welcomed the distraction and dove in, finishing much sooner on the groundwork than I'd wished. "How is Aunt Jenna?" I asked with a smile.

"Oh, she's fine. It's been good having her here with me. Now if I can keep Marjorie from feeling put out, then it will be better. She dropped by yesterday unannounced and stayed for dinner. I swear I had to literally shoo her out the door to get her to head home."

I stifled a chuckle. "I'm sure she just feels left out." Mom and Aunt Jenna had always been thick as thieves, but Aunt Marjorie felt like a third wheel. But when both of my mom's sisters got together it was always a disaster.

"Hopefully she'll understand I'm not playing favorites," Mom sighed. Of course, she was, but I'd never say that.

We talked more about little things Mom was doing to keep busy. I mostly listened and let her ramble on. She needed someone to listen more than anything.

"I'll call you tomorrow," I assured her as she said Aunt Jenna needed some help in the kitchen.

"Now, Sweetie, you know you don't need to call me every single day. I will be fine." That composure of hers came through the phone.

"It's more for me than it is for you," I reasoned.

"Well, if it makes you feel better, then you call anytime you like," she said thoughtfully.

"Good, because I need to hear your voice," I replied. "You should be getting a webcam in the mail in a week or so. Chloe can hook it up for you and we'll do some video chats soon."

"Oh, Renée, you know I'm no good with high tech things. I can use a computer just fine, but once you start adding gadgets I get lost."

"It's easy and Chloe will show you," I assured her.

"Okay, I'll try it, but if it's too complicated then you'll just have to make do with the telephone."

I laughed but agreed. Aunt Jenna was in the background, calling out about measuring spoons, so after telling Mom I loved her a few times, we hung up.

Next I gave a call to Chloe. She had plans to see my mom this week and was going to take her out on a shopping trip. My mom loved to shop as much as Chloe did, so that would be an expensive outing. The topic turned to our days at work.

"Girl, I had my hands full today. A sophomore decided to take all the mice from the science lab. After the principal gave him detention they sent him over to my office to talk out why he felt the need to set the mice free."

"That sounds like a fun chat."

"No, it gets worse. The kid was a Lausenschlange. He didn't set the mice free. The little punk ate them."

"Oh my... Well, that's awkward."

"Yeah, tell me about it. So, we had a nice little chat about eating school property. I told him next time I'd have to let his parents know. I don't remember Wesen in our class doing half the shit I catch these kids pulling. What's the Wesen world coming to?"

"You're asking the wrong gal," I replied.

"So, how was your day? Nothing crazy has happened since you two got back?"

"No, it's been quiet in Portland." Chloe had a direct link to my brain. She knew I was hiding something. I was trying to keep it a Reaper-free night, so I left it at that. "How's Harvey?" I asked, turning the conversation back toward her.

"We have another dinner date this weekend. If it's like the last one, then it's going to be all talk."

"Talking is good though, right?"

"Sure, it's just swell." Her sarcasm trickled out. "But you'd think there would be something more… anything more."

"You mean… not even a kiss yet?"

"No, Renée," she sighed angrily. "Not even a fucking kiss. Girl, I'm dying over here."

"Are you sure he doesn't want to just be friends?"

"No, he likes me. He compliments me and he keeps asking me out, so there's got to be something there, but… Dammit, I haven't had sex in like… Well, longer than I'd care to mention."

"Then why don't you make the first move?" Chloe was less old fashioned than I ever was.

"Well, what if I'm wrong and then it's all weird between us? Nah, he'll make a move this weekend. I've got this little strapless number that will have him wrapped around my finger, begging me to..."

I laughed. "Okay, I get the picture. So, um, any more news on Jack?"

"Like I told you the other day, Pete is still working on it. Jack's running around crying wolf to anyone who will listen. Most think he's finally hit a breaking point with his drinking and… you leaving."

"No one believes him though, right?"

"Girl, they just feel sorry for him. Which I guess is better than fitting him for a white coat. Although, that might not be a bad idea either."

"I just want him to get over it."

"Renée, that's just not happening. Maybe sometime… in a few years. But even with Pete's help he's not going to just ignore it. Can of worms, Renée. It's open and all over the place."

"Well, Pete should have my number, so let him know to update me."

"Why does Pete have your number?" Chloe asked suspiciously.

"Most of your siblings have my number… In case of an emergency." I coolly replied. She didn't need to know anything about the real reason.

"I'll let him know," she said, not questioning my response.

We said our goodbyes and I promised her I'd stay safe, as always.

After the phone calls the house was quiet. Unsettling even. The rain had picked up outside adding to the edgy ambiance. It was a dark and stormy night. Yeah, I'd read that creepy line one too many times. I moved about the house trying to find something to keep my mind off of being alone. I skimmed though a few of my books, tried to watch an episode of Ghost Adventures on The Travel Channel, (which really didn't help settle my nerves) and did some laundry. My legs were restless and I couldn't sit still. Thoughts of Reapers crept slowly back to the surface of my mind. I needed someone here. I needed… company. Natalie! Perfect! I dialed her number.

"Hi, Natalie!" I said into the phone once she answered.

"Renée! This is a surprise! How are you?" she asked.

"Good. Hey, I was wondering if you'd be interested in coming over tonight?"

Without Monroe here I was freaking myself out. Besides, Natalie and I had never had a chance to really get to know each other. It was a great time to build on that friendship, plus it would prevent me from having a panic attack.

"Sure," she replied. "Like, come to your house?"

"Yeah, if that's okay. We could watch a movie or just chat. I have a bottle of wine and ..."

"A movie would be fun," she chimed in. "I have the perfect one to bring over."

I gave her the address. "It's about two blocks from the yoga studio."

"Oh, wow. So, you actually live in Snob Hill?" she questioned. "Gosh, sorry. I didn't mean it like that. That's just the nickname for that area."

I chuckled. "It's fine, Natalie. I don't find it all that snobby, though."

"I'll be over soon," she said and we hung up.

I glanced at my PJs. I was content with trading comfort for company. I went to change into something more presentable. I was feeling better already.

A/N: While I've never specified where Renée lives, I do have a house picked out for her. I'm sure someone actually lives there, so I'm not going to divulge the street, but I will say she lives off of NW 23rd Avenue in Nob Hill. (Or "Trendy Third" as the natives call it.)

Natalie is coming over, yay!