Read Online Covered Bridge Charm by Dianne; Christner - Free Book Online Page A

Fannie wielded her spatula, slipping the crisp brown strips of fried mush onto a platter. “Bring everything into the dining room where I cleared off the table”—she shot Carly an accusing look—“so it would be special for tonight.”
    A renewed sense of failure sagged Carly’s shoulders as she carried a platter of fried eggs into the dining room. The table was dusted and set with Fannie’s best dishes, increasing her humiliation. Jimmy prayed and they passed the food before Fannie posed the questions which would steal Carly’s appetite. “What happened at the meeting today? You don’t look so good. And why are you rubbing your neck?”
    Fiddling with her fork, she explained, “They liked my idea. Vote was three in favor and two opposed.”
    Fannie appeared startled. “Ach! That’s good. I suppose Simon voted no.”
    “Jah. And the man he has in his pocket.”
    “What! Surely not.”
    “No, I shouldn’t have said that. I’m just angry.”
    “Spill the beans, girl.”
    “This Mr. Moseman added a stipulation to the proposal before the vote. It put Simon in charge of the program.”
    “Ach my,” Auntie said.
    “But Simon wouldn’t want the responsibility if he doesn’t support the program. Would he?” Jimmy asked.
    Carly steepled her hands. “At that point in the meeting, I was thinking the same thing. But I knew something wasn’t right.”
    Fannie waved her hand. “Well, what happened?”
    “He congratulated me.”
    “That’s hard to believe. So why so glum?” Fannie frowned. “Did you fall off your bike again?”
    “Jah. But back to my story. I was admiring Simon for it until he asked me to make a copy of my proposal for Sherie. Said he was putting her in charge of the entire program. He bumped me out.”
    Fannie slammed her fist on the table so hard it rattled the china passed down from her mother. “That rat!”
    “That does it!” Jimmy pushed back his chair. “I’m gonna go talk to him.”
    “No!” Carly grabbed his arm and flinched at the sudden pain that shot through her neck. “He knows how I feel. I slapped my proposal on his desk so hard it rattled his teeth and told him to give it to Sherie.”
    She dropped her hand. “I’ve thought about this all day. It was preplanned that Moseman would add that stipulation. And everything was legal. I could tell some of the committee didn’t like it.” She thought about Mr. Coblentz’s firm handshake and Mrs. Nissley’s attempts to help her. “But they didn’t call him on it. It hurts that he doesn’t think I’m capable.” Her voice broke. “Sometimes I think he hates me.” She didn’t add what they were probably all thinking, because of Dale.
    Jimmy pulled her up into the embrace she’d needed all day. She dug her fists into his shirt until her sobs subsided. When she pulled away, she feigned a smile, “Watch the neck.”
    “Sorry.”
    “The rat,” Fannie mumbled.
    Carly sat back down and started to cut her mush into bite-sized pieces. “I’m fine now. But I don’t understand why he doesn’t just fire me.”
    Fannie puffed with indignation. “Because you’re the best caregiver he has.”
    Jimmy gripped the back of his chair. “I still think I should talk to him.”
    Fannie argued, “Even though I think he’s a rat, it wouldn’t do a bit of good. Sit down, Jimmy. Let’s think this through.”
    But he moved behind Carly’s chair and gently massaged her shoulders. “You’re the best caregiver there. He doesn’t deserve you. But the residents do.”
    “That’s right.” Fannie wrung her hands. “Jimmy. Get my Bible from my bedroom. And be sure to close the door and check on that rabbit.”
    “You just told me to sit down.”
    Carly giggled in spite of the situation and felt her appetite returning. “I’m sorry you went to so much trouble when—”
    “Shush now.”
    Jimmy returned. “Cocoa was on his belly, sleeping with his legs stretched out behind and in front. What a life. Now he’s chewing on