Read Online A Lonely Sky by Linda Schmalz - Free Book Online Page B

Under the eagle eyes of Mrs. O’Brien there was no way she could leave with Sam.
    “No really, Mrs. O’Brien,” Kim said, as Julia thought frantically for a way out of this mess. “We’re running a bit late as it is, and by the time we get through customs and security, we won’t have time to use the bathroom, let alone hit the bar, not that we would, for we certainly learned our lesson, didn’t we group?” She shot a pleading look at the guys.
    Bob and Chris nodded like two converted cult followers.
    Kim continued. “Let’s just say our fond farewells and you, Mrs. O., can jump back on board with Gunther and we’ll hightail it to the plane. At the speed old Gunther drives, if you leave now, you’ll catch the tour bus.”
    “Well, I don’t know. If I left and anything happened to you…”
    Julia attempted control damage of her own. “Really, Mrs. O’Brien. We’ll be fine. I just want to get on that plane, get home, and put this horrible mess and my horrible behavior behind me.”
    “And I promise,” Kim added with the sincerest expression Julia had ever seen. “That we’ll head straight to the plane.” She took Mrs. O’Brien by the elbow and led her to the front of the van. “You really should be heading back. I’m sure Jeannie misses you.”
    “Oh, Jeannie!” Mrs. O’Brien said, clasping a hand to her heart. “I almost forgot. She’s singing the solo at the monastery in Austria tomorrow. I don’t want to miss that.”
    “No, you certainly don’t!” Julia added for extra measure. “It’s so lovely .” She tried not to choke on her words. Jeannie sounded like a frog in heat when she sang.
    Mrs. O’Brien drew a heavy breath. “Okay.” She wagged a menacing index finger. “I’ll go. But get right on that plane!”
    Bob, Chris and Kim promised to be good little children, but Julia could barely nod her head. She sighed with relief as Mrs. O’Brien pulled herself into the van and Gunther tore away from the curb.
    “We did it!” Kim said, clapping her hands.
    Julia felt her knees go weak and her whole system tense. In a few moments she would be on her way to England. This was it . One dream coming true! Of course, this was totally different than the way she pictured winding up in England someday. She had envisioned possibly going there on a honeymoon with…
    “John!” Julia spoke aloud.
    “What?” Kim and the guys startled at her outburst.
    “Kim, I need to talk to you a minute.” She pulled Kim aside, offering Bob and Chris an apologetic smile. “Girl stuff.”
    Standing a few feet away from Chris and Bob, Julia felt secure to speak. “Kim, you can’t tell John about this.”
    “Why would I?”
    “Well, if it comes up when you see him and he asks about me, you might slip, so be cautious.”
    “Believe me,” Kim said. “The last thing I’m going to tell your boyfriend is that you ran off with a older man.”
    Julia cringed. “It sounds awful when you put it that way. Sam is a friend.”
    “And a darn good lookin’ one at that,” Kim laughed. “But don’t worry, my lips are sealed.”
    “Thanks.” Another sigh. Were there any other last minute details to think about?
    “But you know, Jules,” Kim said. “You’ve been thinking about breaking up with John for a while. If I told him about this, he might break up with you first, problem solved.”
    “John doesn’t deserve to be hurt like that.”
    A noisy car horn startled the group. They watched as a beat-up, red Dotson pulled to the curb. Sam emerged. Julia’s heart began to race either from excitement or terror, she wasn’t sure which.
    “God he’s handsome,” Kim said, under her breath.
    “I know,” Julia answered, admiring Sam in his tight, blue jeans and white polo shirt.
    “You know,” Kim said, thoughtfully. “He just doesn’t look like a serial killer.”
    “Kim, stop that!” Julia said, elbowing her friend. “Or I’ll be boarding the plane instead.”
    Sam approached the group and smiled.