Read Online After All These Years by Sally John - Free Book Online Page A

Writing was the love of his life, though Brady had tried to convince himself it was Nicole.
    Cal had never warmed to her. She and Brady met at college. She always had a prissy look on her face and looked down her nose at Valley Oaks. The worst part, though, was her influence over Brady. She discouraged him from joining in the usual affairs with his old friends. Over time he became less sure of himself. After she left him and he pulled that crazy stunt chasing after her in California, things really went haywire. Brady stopped trying to convince Cal to trust in Jesus.
    At first Cal was relieved, until he realized the impact of what that meant. It didn’t mean Brady went carousing with him. The guy never did that, hadn’t even in high school. No, it meant that if what Brady believed all these years was nottrue, then life really was hopeless. Looking back, Cal knew it was the impetus he needed. Even when he didn’t swallow everything the guy preached, he had always depended on Brady’s steadfastness. When that was gone, Cal finally started reading the Bible and the other books Brady had given him.
    After a time he confronted his friend. “Is it all a lie?” Cal asked. He would never forget how Brady’s face crumpled.
    Since then their friendship had deepened. Cal watched over him, and in time Brady’s faith worked like a grappling hook to pull him from despair. The process spoke louder than all the words Brady had spoken. Cal began to trust Jesus. Scars remained in his friend, leaving Brady vulnerable. Cal ran interference for him, much as he had during football when Brady played quarterback.
    And now there was Gina. It seemed Brady had found true love this time because he wasn’t a basket case with this woman. He was just…contented and happy, happier than he’d ever seen him since sophomore year when they blew Clifton High out of sectionals.
    Cal stopped now and scanned the crowd in the dim light, the bright band shell a backdrop behind it. He saw Isabel with that reporter, Tony Ward. They were laughing like old friends. Well, maybe they were. But he was still an unknown in Brady’s life. Tomorrow Cal would grab some computer time and see what he could learn about the guy’s background. It was apparent Isabel didn’t want to pursue the subject. She was still snubbing him.
    â€œCal!” It looked like Lia coming through the shadows toward him. A little girl followed.
    â€œHi.”
    She smiled. “Hi. Chloe, this is the Peppermint Teddy Bear, Deputy Huntington.”
    Chloe held her small hand out. “How do you do, Deputy Huntington? Thank you for taking care of me last week.”
    Whoa
! Where had this kid come from? “You’re welcome, Chloe. It’s nice to meet you with your eyes open.”
    She giggled and turned to her mother. “Now may I?”
    â€œYes, sweetpea. I’ll be right over.” The girl hurried off. “She can’t wait to learn how to line dance.”
    â€œIt’s tonight’s big event.”
    â€œSo I hear. Cal, I need to ask you a favor. Another favor. I promise, I’m truly not a nuisance.”
    He believed her. Somehow he couldn’t imagine her as a nuisance. She was calmer now than earlier but still not as sturdy as she had been that rainy night, even after he had surprised her in the shower. “What can I do for you?”
    â€œWill you walk us home in about an hour?”
    He couldn’t help but glance to the left of the band shell, over the heads of those in the crowd. He could see the pharmacy just across the street, not even a football field’s length away. “No problem.”
    â€œOh, good. Thank you so much. We’ll find you!” She began to walk away before turning and calling over her shoulder, “I can’t wait to learn line dancing either!”
    Now why in the world would a woman who left the key in her door be afraid to cross the street with half the