Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Old Dogs: Blackwater Creek Series, #1
Old Dogs: Blackwater Creek Series, #1
Old Dogs: Blackwater Creek Series, #1
Ebook402 pages5 hours

Old Dogs: Blackwater Creek Series, #1

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars

()

Read preview

About this ebook

After a bitter divorce from her snobby, unfaithful husband leaves her with the dog and only enough possessions to fit in her Chevy Vega, Valerie Roark retreats to the dark water and pine woods of her Central Florida childhood. In spite of her overprotective and loving family's well-meaning efforts to draw her out, Valerie only wants to hide away and lick her wounds in private. She's discovered a benefit to living a hermit's life: no one can stomp on your heart. She didn't expect to become friends with her new next door neighbor. Daniel Hollingsworth is kind, handsome and British, the embodiment of Valerie's weakness. But Daniel is nursing his own wounds--the death of his wife--and plans to move back to England soon. Neither is looking for a relationship, but when a surprise from Valerie's past plays a visit, both realize that a good friend is what they really need, and friendship can transform into something more...

LanguageEnglish
PublisherDebi Matlack
Release dateFeb 15, 2016
ISBN9781480158122
Old Dogs: Blackwater Creek Series, #1
Author

Debi Matlack

Debi Matlack is a rare creature, a native-born Floridian. This means that the concept of snow and ice and mountains sounds good on paper, but is best experienced vicariously, through print and visual media rather than personal experience. She lives in Floridduh, land of the completely ridiculous, please God-don’t-let-the-perpetrators-be-from-Florida-(damn) news story, with her parents and husband and cats. Her main ambition, right behind not ending up as one of the aforementioned news stories, is to be successful as a writer. Proceeds will be used to support her and her family in a manner to which they would like to become accustomed. The quest continues.

Read more from Debi Matlack

Related to Old Dogs

Titles in the series (1)

View More

Related ebooks

Romance For You

View More

Related articles

Related categories

Reviews for Old Dogs

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
0 ratings

0 ratings0 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

    Book preview

    Old Dogs - Debi Matlack

    Chapter One

    Home is not where you live, but where they understand you.

    Christian Morganstern

    Come on, don’t die on me now.

    Each stutter of the engine made Valerie hold her breath. Everything she owned was in the Vega and to be stranded this close to her destination would be more than her nerves could take. The crappy old car decided to keep going, chugging in fits and starts along the forested highway. With an impatient tap on the accelerator pedal, she bullied the car into a reasonable velocity.

    To celebrate reaching the minimum speed limit, Valerie turned the radio on. Sister Hazel crackled from the tinny speakers. Today, the radio worked. Tomorrow, who knew? She had a love-hate relationship with the car, though the only thing worth loving was that it started. Most of the time. Long-distance drives seemed to affront its delicate sensibilities. Static replaced the music, the tune fading with a pitiful squeal and she switched the radio off, surprised the knob didn’t come off in her hand.

    Sighing, Valerie glanced in the rear-view mirror. Almost there, buddy.

    A large German Shepherd, hemmed in by boxes, rode in the back seat. He pricked his ears and tilted his head at her voice, intelligent brown gaze meeting hers.

    Sorry I haven’t been very good company. The car’s engine stuttered and she scowled at the hood through the dusty windshield. A cold nose nudged the back of her arm and she looked in the mirror again. Taser’s mouth gaped in a panting grin and his tail thumped cardboard.

    You’re such a dork. The thumping stopped. But you’re my dork.

    Wagging resumed with enthusiasm, his tail battering bundles of clothing jammed beside him.  Taser settled back into the small portion of the seat available to him and watched the passing scenery out the window, looking like a bored passenger in a taxi.

    She shook her head, smile fading. Taser was the only good thing that came from her miserable marriage. She’d endured eight years of being the Maddox family’s pariah, the price of accepting the golden boy’s proposal. After catching him screwing around, she’d had the impudence to say ‘screw you’ right back. Benjamin Harrison Maddox, Attorney at Law then finagled the bitterest divorce known to mankind. Putting him through law school really paid off.

    Not.

    Valerie ended up with no savings, no house and no job, struggling for months to make it on her own. Unwilling to linger within a hundred miles of the creep and his tribe of social elitists, she swallowed her pride and used what little money she still had to start again. She was through being a scapegoat, and ready to be around people who actually gave a damn about her.

    Home.

    Lakeford, Florida was a small town, despite the unholy growth visited upon much of the rest of the state. The speed limit dropped from highway velocity at the city limits, and the Vega was grateful. It showed its appreciation by stalling at the only traffic light. Growling under her breath sent Taser into a barking fit until she growled at him; his noise stopped like magic.

    The recalcitrant vehicle restarted with great reluctance and a puff of black smoke. If prayers and profanity uttered in the same breath could keep a car moving, then she and the Vega could make it to the moon.

    Feed stores and fast food restaurants gave way to pines again, and she felt an odd swing of anticipation in her belly. She fidgeted, fingers tapping against the steering wheel. The last time she’d been home was for her mother’s funeral, not the best way to remember the place. She loved her family with all her heart and knew they felt the same; otherwise she wouldn’t be crawling home like this. Still the feeling of accepting their charity didn’t sit well with her. There was more to the Roark family makeup than bright blue eyes and freckles. Pride and stubbornness were dominant characteristics as well and Valerie had more than her fair share.

    Her heart thumped as she turned from the highway onto a secondary road. Signs of human habitation were fewer here. The Vega’s tires hummed over a bridge and a dirt road appeared on the right; she slowed to make the turn, hoping something vital on the car wouldn’t fall off as they left the pavement. It wouldn’t be the first time.

    The road rambled under a canopy of moss-draped oaks and pine trees, an occasional mailbox or a gap in the vegetation indicating the locations of homes. She wound her window down, causing Taser some anguish because the boxes obstructed his attempt to stick his head out of the car. He whined in protest, but Valerie knew he was just complaining.

    You’ll have to wait. We’ll be there in a few minutes.

    The smell of the lake was strong now and Valerie caught the occasional glimpse of its sparkle through the trees. On the left side of the road was nothing but woods, protected state land. Houses stood spaced wide apart on the lakeside; many of the names on the battered and dusty steel mailboxes had been there for ages, but there were a few shiny receptacles standing guard by their respective entrances to indicate newer residents. Still, the road’s serenity and rural atmosphere remained the same. The ache of familiarity intensified; childhood memories of neighbors and growing up here crowded in, displacing her nervousness. Maybe everything would be okay now.

    Ahead, the road dead-ended into state conservation land. The only vehicles to venture this far tended to be forest rangers and Valerie’s family. Ahead on the right was the familiar driveway, bisecting the acreage. Two mailboxes stood by the end of the drive. One was newer and bore the last name of Mueller, but the older box was just as she remembered it. The legend on the side read, ‘Roark family’, faded but still legible.

    She turned down the drive, slowing to a crawl as they rocked over the ancient cattle gap, holding her breath until the car emerged unscathed on the other side. Wire stock fence overgrown with blackberry brambles and Virginia creeper flanked the lane. A large pasture stretched to the right, dotted with oaks and maples; to the left stood pine woods, dark and mysterious, and Valerie’s heart melted at the scenery, almost unchanged since her childhood. The trees were taller, the ruddy pine needle carpet thicker, and that was all.

    As the fence ended, the lane opened up into a wider grassy area and forked. Straight ahead was the lake and the old house, empty but for memories of family and a taint of sadness. It waited for her. For now, she took the newer path to the right

    Pasture merged into lawn, punctuated by a few ornamental shrubs among the native vegetation. The drive took one more curve to reveal her sister and brother-in-law’s place. The rambling Cracker-style house sat among large oaks and pines, the wrap-around porch bordered by boxwoods and gardenias in need of trimming. A fat yellow Labrador Retriever trotted to the edge of the driveway, barking a welcome or a warning; with Shelby it was hard to tell. Valerie stopped her car by a large pickup truck with a mobile veterinary shell over the bed and got out, calling the Lab while Taser whined inside the car.

    What are you barking at, Shelby? When she spoke, the Lab wagged her entire body and galloped to meet her, jumping on stiff legs, trying to lick her face. The whining from inside the car intensified until she opened the door and snapped the leash on Taser’s collar. The two dogs were nose to tail in a second, heads up, wagging as they assessed each other. The wagging and sniffing continued a few minutes, then Taser dropped his forelimbs to the ground in a deep play bow as Shelby did the same. Valerie smiled and walked around to the front of the house, both dogs bouncing around the confines of the leash. After they tangled her knees together a third time, Valerie muttered, Taser, heel, and stopped the nonsense.

    Hello? She mounted the steps to the porch, ducking around a massive Boston fern swinging in the gentle breeze. Hello?

    The front door opened and her brother-in-law stood there. Alan could pass for family in a crowd, fair haired and blue-eyed like her siblings. Valerie was the one who would be perceived as the outsider, with hair as dark as a seal’s pelt and curly to boot. He smiled and held out his arms.

    Howdy, stranger.

    Valerie dropped Taser’s leash and stepped into Alan’s welcoming embrace. Nobody else could hug like him; he made her feel safe and welcome all at once. This time he squeezed her so hard she felt a rib pop. She stepped back, her eyes prickling and blinked to get a handle on her emotions. Alan’s eyes were suspiciously shiny too.

    Don’t start already. All my girls need to see is Daddy blubbering.

    Valerie snorted, patting his shoulder. I’m trying. She looked down at Taser who watched her with rapt attention. Alan smiled.

    He sure became a handsome boy, didn’t he? Alan held out the back of his hand. Taser sniffed it, then licked him. Is he being friendly, or is he tasting me?

    Valerie chuckled. Taser’s a very sweet dog, but he’s also an excellent judge of character. If he decided he didn’t like you, he’d just turn away.

    Good to know. What about other animals and kids?

    He’s great, loves to play, very gentle with kids. He and Shelby are already dying to run.

    Alan nodded. Take him off the leash then, if he won’t wander.

    Valerie reached down and unclipped the lead. Be a good boy. Taser gave her hand a swift touch with his tongue then he leapt from the porch and streaked off toward the woods, the fat Lab lumbering after him.

    Alan watched the dogs vanish into the bushes. Maybe having Taser around will run some of Shelby’s gut off. His gaze fell on the Vega, its cooling engine ticking like a time bomb. His expression was incredulous.  You actually drove all the way from Miami in that?

    So it would appear.

    Shaking his head, Alan opened the front door and motioned Valerie to precede him. You’re brave or stupid, I can’t decide which.

    Try poor.

    Frowning, Alan closed the door, murmuring, We’re going to have to get you something better to drive.

    No, I’ll get myself...

    Touching a finger to his lips, Alan nodded toward the couch. A small body with a strawberry blonde ponytail sprawled there, fast asleep. Long shadows stretched across the floor, ceiling fan twirling slowly overhead. The interior of the house was cool and quiet, its homey atmosphere a far cry from the soulless McMansion with the prestigious address she’d lived in with Ben.

    Alan nodded toward the stairs. Nessa’s up there with the baby and Kelly’s down for her nap. He grinned. Otherwise who knows what chaos you might have come in on.

    Patting his arm, Valerie whispered, I like chaos. She tip-toed up the stairs and reached the landing. A desk and bookshelf nestled in the alcove of a dormered window, looking out onto the tin roof and the woods beyond. The work surface was messy with papers: invoices, bills and catalogs. A couple of pens decorated the pile and a large round stone, painted to look like a sleeping tabby cat, secured a heap next to the phone.  A real cat, curled in a similar position, anchored the rest of the detritus. Black and rotund, she yawned, blinking topaz eyes, chirped a greeting and rolled onto her back, shifting a section of the pile toward the edge of the desk.

    Hi, Phoebe. Valerie scratched her ears. A rattling purr commenced, a luxurious stretch sliding the paperwork to a more precarious position. Valerie rescued the disorder from certain disaster by grabbing a handful and stuffing it under the stone. She gave Phoebe one last rub and continued down the hallway. Light spilled from the nursery and Valerie paused in the door.

    Sun poured through a bay window, illuminating Noah’s Ark and the parade of paired animals painted on the walls. The crib stood under the benevolent guardianship of smiling hippos and giraffes. In the corner, next to the changing table, was a large wooden rocker, occupied by her sister and new niece.

    Vanessa slumped deep in the chair, the baby cradled in her arms. Both were sound asleep. Nessa’s head leaned back against the chair, her blonde hair draped over her shoulder. A soft snore disrupted the quiet, though from which one, Valerie was unsure. She smiled, crept out of the room and descended the stairs.

    She went into the kitchen and found Alan with Kelly. Perched on his hip, she lay drowsing against his chest. He gestured. Who’s that?

    Bleary-eyed and unkempt, Kelly stared, then sprang to life, wriggling to get down. Aunt Valerie! Alan set her down and the four-year-old galloped around the table and tackled her around the knees.

    Hi munchkin! Valerie scooped her niece up and hugged her tight. There was no way Kelly could recognize her by sight, but Valerie had made sure to talk to the little girl every week when she called. Kelly was a precocious child, but sweet-tempered and easy to get along with. Valerie swung her around then sat down at the table with Alan, Kelly still secure in her arms.

    You hungry? Alan asked. Valerie shrugged.

    Tired mostly. It’s a chore to drive that car so far. I spent the whole trip worrying the engine was going to shimmy loose or the transmission was going to fall out the bottom.

    You wasted perfectly good money on a Vega.

    It was there and I could buy it for the cash I had in my pocket. Six hundred and fifty dollars, tax, tag and title. It got me out of Miami. I call it money well spent.

    Mouth grim, Alan shook his head. He glanced at Kelly. She was oblivious, absorbed in watching the traffic at the bird feeder outside the window. Reaching across the table, mouthing ‘asshole’, he tapped Valerie’s naked left ring finger.

    She nodded. I concur wholeheartedly.

    Jaw still set, Alan got up and opened the refrigerator. He rooted inside then withdrew with a beer and a soda in either hand. Brows raised in inquiry, his normal sunny expression had returned. The storm had blown over, for now. With a smile, Valerie nodded toward the beer. He sat back down, placing the bottle before her and cracking the soda for himself.

    Twisting the cap off, the beer released a soft hiss, and Valerie raised it to her lips. I shouldn’t drink this. She took several swallows, the cool crisp flavor refreshing. I’ll probably be up all night.

    His cornsilk brows drew together in concern. It’s still bad?

    Valerie took another long pull. Every night. She set the bottle down in the center of the table, picking at the corner of the label absentmindedly. Condensation beaded the glass, glue softening as it worked itself under the paper. But before, there were nights I didn’t sleep at all. It’s a little better since the divorce was finalized. Without all the worry looming over me, I only have to worry about starving to death.

    Alan snickered. Starve? Here? His gesture indicated the bulging pantry and cookware displayed on the shelves.

    Valerie nodded, familiar with her sister’s penchant to cook an army’s worth of food at a time. Well, just dying in a fiery car crash then.

    Winking, Alan raised the soda to his lips. We’ll work on getting you out of the deathtrap.

    Why didn’t you tell me she was here?

    Alan blinked at Nessa in the doorway. Because you were asleep?

    That’s no excuse. Nessa came into the kitchen, groggy and surly as a bear.

    Widening his eyes at Valerie, he mouthed ‘help’.

    Valerie got to her feet, put her niece down and hugged her sister. You and the baby were both snoring so loud, I thought the windows were going to break. I figured you probably needed the rest.

    Chuckling, Nessa stepped back, and held her at arms’ length, assessing her from tip to toes. You look terrible. You’re still not sleeping, are you?

    Valerie took a seat at the table again. Ahh, so good to be home. No greeting, she cut a glance at Nessa, just complaints and nagging.

    Smirking, Nessa gave her head a shove, then pulled out a chair and sat beside her. You love it and you know it.

    Valerie sobered, then nodded. It’s preferable to everyone simpering and saying how good I look, then burying a knife in my back the second it’s turned. She sighed and stretched. Glad to be done with it.

    Kelly patted Alan’s knee and he lifted her into his lap. And we’re glad to have you home, even if some of us, he looked pointedly at Nessa, are lacking in social graces.

    She stuck her tongue out at him.

    Promises, promises, he countered.

    Valerie snorted, clapping a hand to her face to contain her drink. Innuendo flowed thick around these two, especially with small children.

    Pwomises? Kelly inquired, innocent of the real meaning in her father’s comment.

    Yeesss.... Alan lilted. Mommy pwomises. Nessa arched her brows and Alan snickered, waggling his eyebrows back. He gestured upstairs, making elaborate winks.

    Val knew what I meant. Nessa ignored her husband’s display.

    Alan slumped, crestfallen, his lower lip quivering.

    Kelly put her hands on his face. Don’t be sad, Daddy!

    Tell Mommy to be nice then.

    Kelly turned and gave her mother a stern look. Be nice, Mommy!

    Nessa shot Alan a mock-threatening glance but grinned down at her daughter. Yes ma’am.

    Sitting up straight, Alan pasted on a cheesy smile and Kelly threw her arms up in triumph. Yay! they chorused in unison. Mommy’s gonna be nice! He blew a raspberry on her neck and Kelly squealed in delight. Then he looked at Valerie. Did you know what Nessa meant?

    Valerie chuckled. Yes, I did. She made a smoochy face and kissy noises at her sister. Love you too.

    Nessa gave Alan a meaningful glance. He offered her a slight nod in return. Valerie was sure the silent exchange had nothing to do with tongues, promises, or being nice and everything to do with her.

    Val, Nessa touched her forearm. Alan and I would like you to come work for us.

    Bingo. Already the family was sacrificing the fatted calf for the prodigal daughter’s return. You guys don’t have to—

    Actually we do. Alan sighed. Barbara just quit to take care of her grandson. Your coming home right now is a godsend. He gave her a hopeful look then his brow creased. Unless you’ve got something else lined up already?

    Conflicting emotions washed through Valerie, relief and apprehension warring for supremacy. No, nothing lined up. I don’t know if I’m any good at reception work. She looked at Nessa. Remember? Better with animals than people? Her brows drew together. Aren’t you afraid I’ll scare away your clients?

    Nessa grimaced. Got a point there.

    Well, thanks. Valerie rolled her eyes at her sister. Your confidence is underwhelming. Despite the fact that Valerie started it, Nessa’s response stung. To be fair, Ben or his mother wouldn’t have bothered to veil such a judgment with a joke; they’d have said it and meant it.

    Nessa shoved her shoulder. Don’t be all Ms. Hypersensitive. You can do anything you set your mind to. Kelly wove around her mother’s chair, singing Frere Jacques to herself before flopping across Nessa’s lap.

    Valerie rolled her eyes. Yes Mom.

    Alan looked back and forth between them. I’m confused. Does this mean you’ll do it?

    Valerie took a deep breath and nodded. Against my better judgment, yes I will. But if your clientele starts hauling ass after I start answering your phones, you only have yourselves to blame.

    Kelly and Alan waved from the porch. Muttering a prayer under her breath, Valerie turned the key and, wonder of wonders, the Vega started on the first try. A little rough, but it was running. Nessa shot her a sharp glance, which she ignored.

    Taser trotted out of the woods and stopped on the lawn, striking a heroic, Rin-Tin-Tin-like pose. Shelby followed a moment later, and sprawled flat on the grass, panting like a bellows.

    Nessa snorted. Worthless dog.

    It’s her first day at Taser speed. It’ll get easier for her. Valerie made eye contact with the big Shepherd and whistled. She put the car in gear and aimed toward their childhood home, now Valerie’s, on the lake shore. Taser trotted after them, easily keeping up with the Vega’s snail pace.

    The driveway from Alan and Nessa’s house became a winding hundred-yard tunnel of greenery, massive live oaks and other moss-draped hardwoods making a natural arch overhead. Valerie had spent countless hours as a child playing in the drive, pretending to be a great explorer, the arching branches overhead sometimes assuming the role of ancient caves in her imagination. It opened out into pasture and a clearing on the shore, once a perfect African savannah for her long-ago fantasies.

    Perched on the water’s edge was a simple, low-slung block house, recently repainted a pale azure, the trim a dark marine blue. The shore was built up and walled into a ten-foot bulkhead to keep it dry during the wet season. A porch went right to the edge of the bulkhead, merging into a long wooden dock extending over the water, terminating in a broad deck with a covered boathouse on one side.

    Valerie parked in a graveled area on the landward side of the house. When she turned the key off, the Vega did an uncanny impression of a percolator then sighed into silence. Nessa didn’t even give her a look this time. Valerie opened her door, got out and pushed the seat forward, grabbing an armload of her possessions. Nessa followed suit. They walked along the overgrown graveled path, reached the porch deck and rounded the corner for a spectacular view of the lake. The water shimmered like diamonds, a soft breeze blew the curls off her face and Valerie couldn’t help grinning.

    Nessa smiled too. Balancing her box on one knee, she fumbled a key loose and fitted it into the lock. The door swung open wide to accept them. I came down this morning and opened the windows. It was getting a little stale in here.

    The living room and dining room faced the front of the house, a bank of generous windows open to let breezes blow through. A fireplace ran the width of the living room wall, the bricks painted white. A few items still graced the mantel: a ceramic horse, a maneki neko cat with his right paw raised and waving, the left one clutching a fish, and an old family photo. Mom, Dad and all three kids were clustered around Mickey Mouse. Dad looked bored and Nessa looked terrified. Valerie smiled. She barely remembered the trip to Disney World. Her brother had been about ten, which would make Valerie five and Nessa just shy of a year old at the time. She heard a step and Nessa’s snort. I never did much care for Mickey Mouse. Now I remember why.

    Nothing had changed. The walls surrounded her, embracing her, welcoming her back. One more stalk of straw fell from the crushing burden of stress that weighed her down. Hefting her boxes, Valerie made her way to the furthest bedroom, which lay at the front of the house, closer to the lake.

    Don’t you want your stuff in the master bedroom? Nessa trailed in her wake, another large box in her arms. Vic’s old room is small, Val. Take the bigger one.

    Valerie shook her head as she pushed the window open. The sounds of the water lapping against the bulkhead came in on the breeze.

    Nope. In here is fine. She gestured to the French doors. I won’t have to go all the way to the front door to let Taser out in the middle of the night. She looked around. Speaking of whom... where is that dog? I thought he was right behind the car. She pushed the doors open and stepped onto the smaller side deck hanging over the water. Putting two fingers in her mouth, she whistled a shrill blast.

    Geez, warn a person, willya?

    Sorry. Valerie waited, listening. No other sound than the wind and water came to her. She turned to her sister, taking her by both hands and looking her in the eyes. Vanessa? I’m going to whistle again. It will be loud. There may be shouting, even swearing to follow, but I’m warning you in case the dog doesn’t respond again. Is that okay?

    Nessa yanked her hands out of her grasp and pushed her. Smartass.

    Not only is my ass smart, my mouth is smart too. Valerie scanned the shoreline.

    Nessa wrapped her in a fierce hug. I’m glad you’re home, Val.

    Oh yeah? With a grin, she put her fingers in her mouth again. Another blasting whistle rang out, followed by the warning Taser, come NOW!

    A clatter of toenails on the decking heralded the arrival of the dog. He rounded the corner, leaving a trail of water droplets and mud on his way to them.

    Looks like he’s discovered the lake, Nessa laughed.

    Tongue lolling and tail lashing, Taser made a beeline for the French doors until Valerie shouted Whoa! He slid to a halt. She raised a clenched hand. He sat. She flattened her hand, palm toward the ground. Taser lay down like a sphinx, head up, long forelegs stretched in front of him. Valerie then raised her hand, still flat and waved it once toward him in a motion that looked like ‘stop’. Taser sighed, settled his hind legs over to one side and laid his head on his fore paws, getting comfortable. Valerie turned to re-enter the house and saw Nessa staring at her.

    When did you become the Dog Whisperer?

    When eight-week-old Taser took an instant dislike to Ben. I told you I took him to obedience classes. I just kept going on into protection training too. She glanced back. Until I tell him otherwise, he’ll stay there, all night if I don’t release him.

    Wow. Nessa gave her a speculative look. You know, there might be some interest in obedience classes at the clinic. You could pull in some extra money that way.

    Valerie shrugged. I’m probably as good a teacher as I am a receptionist but I’ll keep it in mind.

    They finished unloading her things and got Taser hosed off so he was allowed inside. Fortunately for Valerie, the house was still furnished, though with a mishmash of styles and quality. She made a face at the acres of dated wood paneling. Think Dad will care if I tear this out and paint?

    Not one bit. Nessa opened the last box and laid the contents out on the dining room table. He said you were to do whatever you wanted with it, it’s yours now. She picked up the bundles of clothing and carried them through the kitchen, into the house beyond. Her voice filtered back down the hallway. There’s a bunch of stuff still in the closets. Do whatever you want with all of it too.

    Okay, but I don’t want any whining when I chuck it out and you say, ‘You threw out my Leonardo DiCaprio t-shirt!’

    Yeah, yeah, whatever, drifted back from the bedroom. Besides, that shirt fell apart long ago.

    Valerie stood in the living room and looked around. The house was as she remembered from her childhood. From the paneling, to the faded curtains, to the terrazzo floors; it was unchanged. She could close her eyes and listen to the waves lapping against the bulkhead fifteen feet from the front door and forget she wasn’t twelve years old. She almost expected to hear her mother’s voice calling her to get cleaned up for supper. There was the dull thump of approaching footsteps.

    With a prickle of regret, she opened her eyes. She saw Nessa watching her and she grimaced.

    I still miss Mom.

    Her sister nodded, slipping an arm around her and leaning her head against her shoulder. 

    Me too.

    Chapter Two

    Begin at the beginning, the King said, gravely, and go till you come to the end; then stop. '

    Lewis Carroll

    Driving to the clinic Saturday morning didn’t take long, but it was enough time for Valerie to spill her coffee on her lap and fire an obscene gesture at the responsible driver who zipped out of a driveway at top speed without looking. She slammed hard on the horn, which emitted a tiny, innocuous bleat and her fury transferred to her vehicle, especially since the other driver fled in their snazzy convertible with an apologetic wave.

    Stupid, worthless piece of junk! She slung the cup to the passenger floorboard where it dribbled the last of its contents onto her unread newspaper. She pressed the gas; the car responded with a sluggish lurch, bucking and chugging before something engaged to send it down the road again.

    When she walked in to work, juggling her bag and wet newspaper, Vanessa chuckled at her.

    Val, you need a Sippy cup. I’ve got one left from when Kelly was a baby if you want it.

    Valerie rolled her eyes at her sister. Yeah, I’ll be right over to pick it up. Right after I track down the idiot that nearly ran me over and caused all this.

    Vanessa took her paper and bag from her and pointed. There’s clean scrubs in the office, today’s newspaper too.

    Thank you. Valerie sighed and headed down the hall. Her

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1