Read Online All-American Girl by Justine Dell - Free Book Online Page B

was tucked into Samantha’s side of the booth. They were nestled close to each other, in a deep discussion about dinosaurs.
    Candice set down the plates. “It seems you two hit it off.”
    Samantha looked up at her before neatly lining her silverware up. “Yes, Jax tells me he’s quite the little handyman.”
    “He is—his dad has seen to that.”
    Samantha wanted to ask who the boy’s father was, but she bit her tongue. It wasn’t any of her business.
    The three of them munched happily on their breakfast. The conversation flowed easily between them, from the beautiful Vermont weather to Candice’s diner. Jax had a lot to say as well. Samantha found it oddly comforting to have a conversation about nothing important. By the time Samantha was done with her meal, she felt somewhat happy. She hadn’t been expecting that.
    Samantha looked down her watch. “Oh, I didn’t realize it was so late. I have a meeting at the shop in a few minutes with a carpenter. I have to go.”
    Candice didn’t look surprised as she stood. “Are you having some work done somewhere?”
    “Gram’s house. It needs some improvements before she can come home.”
    Candice smiled mischievously at Samantha. “Oh, I know someone who could help.”
    “Really?”
    “Yeah, this guy is great. I’ll give him your information and send him your way if that’s okay.”
    “Yes, please,” Samantha said, relieved. The few people she had talked to on the phone weren’t helpful at all. She hated the way men thought they knew everything about everything. Up until now she had only found one carpenter who she even dared to invite for a quote, and based on the phone conversation, it wasn’t promising. Hopefully Candice’s contact would be a good one. “I’ve got to run.”
    “That’s fine. It was good to sit and talk with you, Samantha.”
    “Yes, it was. I mean—well, with you. Umm…” Saying thank you to anyone made her feel awkward. No one but Jenny had done anything for her in a long time, and Samantha hadn’t even thanked to her. God, she felt terrible for that. She had to start somewhere, so she forced out the words. “Thank you, Candice. Breakfast was nice.”
    “Go ahead,” Candice said lightly. “We don’t want you to be late for your meeting.”
    “Okay,” Samantha said as she turned to go.
    “Bye, Samantha!” Jax called out.
    “Bye, little man. See you around?”
    “You bet!”
    With that, Samantha straightened her shoulders and walked out of the diner, head held high. Although she still had a long way to go with her relationships and herself, she felt better than she had in a long time.
    Baby steps.

Chapter Four
    “Fear, uncertainty and discomfort
are your compasses toward growth.”
~Unknown
    L ANCE H UNG U P H IS C ELL P HONE and walked over to the hose at Mr. Johnson’s bungalow. He washed his hands for the tenth time and wiped them dry with a clean rag. Mineral spirits were a pain to get off. Traces of red paint from the cat lingered on his hands as well. At least Snowball was a light shade of pink now instead of bright red. Mrs. Johnson was still upset, but Lance promised he’d return tomorrow to try again.
    Lance was glad Candice had called and mentioned how nice Samantha had been when she stopped in the diner. He would have to swing by and say thank you. His lips quirked—he would enjoy seeing her again. When he thanked her, he imagined the look on her face would be priceless.
    Collecting his things, he walked to the curb and hoisted them into the bed of his truck. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of Cole coming up the sidewalk. His limp made him easy to spot; he’d never gotten used to that prosthetic leg, even after so long.
    “Well, if it isn’t the man himself,” Cole said, scratching the gut hanging over the cinched belt of his worn-out jeans.
    Lance slammed the lid to his tool box and turned around. “Cole,” he acknowledged, not taking the bait.
    “What?” Cole held his hands out to