Getting Back To Work

Libby Tyler

Getting home from work around six pm, Libby kicked off her shoes inside her front door. She walked into her den and sank down into the sofa with a sigh. She still had a hard time believing this house was really hers.

She'd spent the holidays unpacking, moving things around, looking at furniture and other household stuff online, trying to get a feel for how she wanted the place to look. She was finding out just what home ownership involved, she thought to herself with a smile. And now that the holidays were over, she didn't really feel one bit closer to having things the way she wanted them. Wasn't really even sure yet what she did want.

The holidays. She gave another sigh. This had been the loneliest Christmas and New Year she could ever remember having. Frank had come over briefly on Christmas Day and she'd gone out to the movies after that. It had kept her occupied, but it hadn't made her happy.

Richie. That was who she'd been thinking about on Christmas. She'd pictured him and Michael with Nonnie and her uncle, and then she'd pushed that thought away. Thinking about it just made things worse.

Think about how happy it makes Richie, she'd told herself firmly. Think about what a great holiday he's having with his son here. She'd managed to do that, but it hadn't eased her own loneliness in the slightest.

On New Year's Eve, she had sat right here in the den, watching TV, and ringing in the New Year with a glass of wine, but no one to kiss. Because there'd only been one person she was interested in kissing, and he was somewhere kissing Nonnie Scott.

Libby was relieved to be back at work. It kept her occupied and gave her less time to think about things like that. And for the past couple of weeks, she'd also been occupied with studying for the licensing exam for private investigators. Looking at the pile of books and notes on the table, she grew excited about that.

She took the exam in two more days. She'd been working her butt off after she finished at the paper every day. Frank had quizzed and questioned her on every subject to be covered by the exam and probably a lot that weren't as well, she thought, grinning wryly. He was a tough taskmaster.

And he was going to be one tough boss too, he'd reminded her. He'd offered her the chance to work for him until she got some experience under her belt and Libby had jumped at the chance. She'd be working on her own, but he'd be around to mentor and guide her and that was just what she needed. Now, she just had to pass the darned exam!

Yawning, Libby rose and headed for the kitchen to get herself something for dinner. Something easy like cereal. She didn't have much of an appetite these days and, with no one else to cook for, she never went to a lot of trouble.

Now, if Richie were here... She could really use his support and encouragement right now, she thought wistfully. If only...