Chapter 60

His desire to see Gwen finally overcame his embarrassment, so he went next door and knocked on the Andersons’ door.

“Mom? Is that you?” called Gwen through the door.

“It’s Steve,” he responded. “Isn’t your mom with you?”

“I’m not dressed, so I can’t let you in. Mom went back to the car to get her phone. She should be back pretty soon, though. She left a few minutes ago,” replied Gwen.

Steve didn’t feel comfortable that Paula went back out to the car in the dark. They were in a reputable hotel, but the parking lot was inadequate and they had to park in an overflow area a little farther from the hotel. It had less lighting and wasn’t even paved. Not one to stand around and worry, Steve started for the parking lot.

He expected to meet Paula on her way back, but she never materialized. Steve walked all the way to the car without seeing Paula so he paused to consider where he may have missed her. She could have gone to a gift shop or stopped in a rest room.