Hail the size of quarters pounded the house on and off, making the roads so dangerous that Nicole stayed home. She wandered the house fitfully, unable to settle down to anything.There were a few pleasant interruptions to break the monotony of the day. Cecilia called for a girl chat, and they talked about the party to introduce her to the neighbors, which was to be held the following day. “I’m looking forward to this,” she told Cecilia. “It means a lot to me that you’re throwing a party to welcome me here.”“I’m happy to have you for a neighbor. Caroline chose well,” Cecilia said. “I want you to know I’m not the only one who thinks so, either.”Nicole hung up, still smiling because she’d enjoyed her conversation. She found Cecilia easy to talk to. She usually found making friends an effort, but not so with this woman. Her smiled faded as she thought about Cecilia telling her at Michael’s request that something had come up and he wouldn’t be able to stop by; she let it slip that it had to do with Edwards Inc.
