Chapter 56 Xander's Illness

Eleanor settled into her couch; phone cradled between her ear and shoulder like an Italian grandmother who was receiving a call and crocheting at the same time. "I'm telling you, Owen, that dinner was incredible. I'm still dreaming about that filet mignon," she said, licking her lips as if she was tasting the filet once again. Owen's warm chuckle came in through the phone's speaker. "I know, right? I've been thinking about it all day. And the company wasn't bad either." She smiled, even though he could not see it. "Oh, yeah? And what made the company so special?" "Well, for starters, the conversation was great. And the view wasn't bad either." "Oh, really? And what was so great about the view?" "Well, I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, Eleanor. You looked stunning that night." She tried to respond, but the words stuck in her throat, and the only thing she could utter was, "Hmmm." "I'm just stating facts, Eleanor," Owen replied, his tone turning serious. "You're