My first thought, of course, was that Bella threatened her. “Mom, slow down. Are you all right?” “Yes,” she yelled, “but Otto has been beaten.” “Beaten?” I know I sounded like a dummy. “Who beat him?” “I don’t know!” I stifled the urge to tell her to use her inside voice. She was screaming at me,...
She appeared at seven one Thursday morning, while I was kneading dough for buns, and announced she was there to learn to cook. “After all, if I’m going to have a B & B and serve breakfast, I need to know how to do it.” I used a gloved hand to push back the hair that had escaped my hair net. “...
“It’s not what I expected, Kelly. I said $300,000.” “What does your realtor say?” I could hear the scorn in Mom’s voice. “She says to take it and run. But I don’t like to compromise.” “Mom, I think it might be the best offer you’ll get. When do they want possession?” “Thirty days. That means I ha...
I’ll give her time to collect things and get home. Then I’ll pay an unannounced visit. She doesn’t have to let me in, but I hope she will. I’ll be back in time to walk you home.” And with that he was gone. I wanted to call after him, “You really did need something sweet th...
I’d gotten so absorbed in thinking about what that tiny news brief did or didn’t mean that I lost track of time. I flew up the stairs, trying hard to be gentle even though I wanted to scream that we were all late and they better jump to it. They stumbled around, looking for toothbrushes and the c...
“Lunch plans?” she asked. “I want to talk to you about something that’s bothering me.” “Sounds good.” All I need is for Claire to have a problem. I hope it’s not the girls. “Want to meet at the Yucatan Taco Stand? It’s pretty good.” “Hmmm. Haven’t been there. Is it on Magnolia?” I assured her it ...