Read Online Abound in Love by Rosemarie Naramore - Free Book Online Page B

angles and rugged lines.  She was drawn to
his sky blue eyes, the straight nose, strong jaw and firm, well-shaped lips.    
    Laura
suddenly wondered if he was dating anyone.  As a teen, he had had his fair
share of admirers.  Girls had flocked to his good looks, but Laura knew he was
more than a handsome face.  Despite his inclusion in the ‘it’ crowd, she
remembered Dalton had had many friends in every tier of high school
popularity.  He had always been kind to others. 
    Perhaps
she had been drawn to him as much for this reason, as for his looks.  At least
she hoped she hadn’t been so superficial as to fixate on his outward appearance. 
She gave herself a shake, when she realized she’d been staring intently at him.
    She
missed the smile that tugged at his lips, since she turned toward the front
window when a pair of headlights illuminated the living room. 
    “And
there Candace is now,” Dalton said, still smiling.  “Well, you ladies have a
good evening.  I need to get moving.”
    “Be
safe,” she told him, as she rose to open the door for him.
    He
paused at the door and caught her eye.  “I will.”  He left the house and passed
Candace at the base of the porch stairs. 
    “Howdy,
Dalton,” she said.
    “Candace. 
It’s nice to see you.”  He strode to his car.
    Candace
noticed Laura at the top of the stairs.  “Hello, are you ready to go?” she
asked with what sounded like forced cheer to Laura’s ears. 
    She
briefly searched her sister’s face.  She looked exhausted.  “Yes, I’m ready. 
Are you sure you’re feeling up to going out?  You worked all day, didn’t you?”
    “I did,
but I’ve been looking forward to tonight.”  She gave her an imploring look.    
    “Just
let me grab my coat.  Would you like me to drive?  Or follow you?”
    “I’ll
drive,” Candace said.  “There’s no need for both of us to drive—with gas prices
being what they are.”
    “You’re
right about that,” Laura said.
    Once in
Candace’s car, Laura eased against the seat and took a steadying breath.  She
hadn’t been alone with Candace in years.  She couldn’t remember the last time
it was just the two of them in a car together and driving off to talk.  If
memory served, it had never happened.
    “How do
burgers sound to you?” Candace asked, as she drove down the driveway and to the
main thoroughfare back to town.
    “Anything
is fine,” Laura answered.
    The two
attempted to make small talk as they headed into town, though Laura sensed
Candace felt as awkward as she did.  It was strange that two women—sisters—who
had grown up together could scarcely find anything to talk about.  But then,
they had had so little in common as kids.  Did they have anything in common
now?
    In
town, Candace drove into the parking lot of a national fast food chain.  She
made an apologetic face.  “I hope this is okay.  I’m kind of on a self-imposed
budget these days and…”
    Laura
waved her hand dismissively.  “This is fine.  But I’d be happy to take you out
this evening.”
    Candace
shook her head.  “No, I invited you.  This is my treat.”
    She
parked the car and the two women entered the restaurant.  “Do you know what
you’d like?” Candace asked.
    “Well,
let’s see…”  Laura studied the menu board above.
    “Would
you like to sit down for a moment?” Candace asked, looking behind her.  She
pointed at a nearby booth.  “If we sit there, we can see the menu and make our
selections.  I’d be happy to place the order once you decide…”
    Laura
headed for the booth.  She was actually grateful for the opportunity to sit
down.  And Candace was right, she could easily read the menu from their table.
    Candace
sat down across from her at the booth and smiled awkwardly.  “Gosh, it’s been a
long time, Laura.”
    Laura
nodded.
    “I
understand you really like living in Georgia.”
    She
nodded again.  “I really do.  The countryside is beautiful.