The door opened easily. She stepped inside, set down her suitcase, and fumbled for a light switch. She could see now that the windows facing the street belonged to the living room. A small table and two chairs sat under those three windows. A full-size couch sat underneath the second bank of windows. An end table with a small lamp filled the space between the couch and the wall separating the living room from the master bedroom, and a radio cabinet sat flush against the wall opposite the street. The entire room measured, perhaps, fourteen by thirteen.

Adjacent to the living room was the tiny kitchen, featuring an electric stove and oven, an icebox against the wall next to the door to a small pantry, and a double sink with cabinets above it. Now I can cook for myself. She didn’t mind the cafeteria food, but cooking for herself meant she didn’t have to mingle and socialize if she didn’t feel like it.

The bed in the master bedroom was full-size and already made for her. Her clothes would fit easily in the closet, and the nightstand on the far side of the bed featured three small bookshelves for her books. So far, so good.

She left her bedroom and wandered into the smaller, second bedroom. As in her room, the twin bed in here also was made up with fresh sheets, a blanket, and a bedspread. The bathroom, located just off the bedrooms, was tiny, but at least she wouldn’t have to share it. The idea of a hot, private shower almost made her moan with pleasure.

When she’d been through the entire place, she returned to the living room and twirled in a circle. Welcome home, Nora Lindstrom. I think you’re going to like it here.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Mary whistled tunelessly to herself as she changed out of her uniform and back into her dress. There were so many things to love about the day shift. First, she didn’t have to struggle to stay awake. Then there was the added bonus that, every now and again, she could catch a glimpse of the elusive Dr. Nora Lindstrom.

As she boarded the bus, she easily conjured an image of Nora, her long, purposeful strides carrying her regally across the cubicle room floor. She unconsciously tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear as she walked.

What is it about that woman? It was far from the first time Mary had wondered this. No matter how many times she tried to put Nora out of her mind, her thoughts kept circling back in that direction. What kind of doctor was she? Where was she from? Did she have a husband? A boyfriend? Where was she living? And how could she get close enough to ask Nora all these questions?