Read Online Finders Keepers by Fern Michaels - Free Book Online Page B

real world is like.”
    â€œThen it’s high time she found out. Get that thought right out of your head.”
    â€œI’ll go alone.”
    â€œI’ll cut off your funds, Thea. Or, I will do what you consider the unthinkable.”
    â€œDon’t threaten me, Barnes. I have enough to endure as it is.”
    â€œCoffee’s ready, Daddy,” Jessie called from the kitchen.
    â€œIt’s your choice, Thea. Join us or stay here.”
    Jessie’s voice was flat and devoid of all emotion when she said, “Oh, Mama, I didn’t see you at first. Aren’t you up early?”
    Thea took a deep breath before she replied. “I wanted to be ready to see you off. Daddy and I are going to miss you. This will be your first trip alone away from us. Give her some money, Barnes.” She sidled closer to her daughter, who inched away from her. It was so obvious Barnes had to turn away so he wouldn’t see the tears in his wife’s eyes.
    â€œI don’t need any money.”
    â€œThat is an absolutely horrendous outfit you’re wearing. I’ve seen ragpickers who look better. Where did you get that sweater? Red is not your color, Jessie. It washes you out. I don’t like red sweaters. Take it off.”
    â€œI like red sweaters, Mama. When I was little I had a red sweater.”
    â€œYou certainly did not,” Thea screamed.
    Jessie’s jaw dropped as she gaped at her mother.
    Barnes’s voice was gentle. “I think perhaps you forgot, Thea. Sophie’s mother gave Jessie a red sweater once.”
    â€œOh. Well, perhaps you’re right. You never wore it though, Jessie. Anything red on blond-haired people looks garish.”
    â€œMove past this, Thea, before it gets out of hand,” Barnes hissed in her ear.
    Her mother’s voice was so controlled, so tight-sounding, Jessie could only stare at her when she said, “Tell us about the party. How many people will be attending?”
    â€œA hundred or so.”
    â€œGood heavens,” was all Thea could think of to say.
    â€œIt’s time for me to go. It won’t be so hot and sticky this early. Do you want to say good-bye here or out by the car?”
    â€œI don’t want to say good-bye at all. You’re just going to Atlanta for a party. Promise me you’ll call the minute you get there.”
    â€œMama, stop worrying. I’ll call.”
    â€œWhere are your bags?”
    â€œI put them in the car earlier.”
    â€œWhat are you wearing to the party? You didn’t even tell me, Jessie. We used to share everything. If this party is so important, why didn’t you show me your dress?”
    â€œI didn’t buy a dress, Mama. I’m going to wear one of Sophie’s. It seemed silly to spend the money on a dress I’ll only wear once. Sophie and I are the same size. You should drink your coffee before it gets cold.”
    â€œWhen will you be home?”
    Jessie gritted her teeth. “I don’t know.”
    â€œCall us when you’re ready to leave.”
    â€œSophie wants me to stay for the week. I might.”
    â€œA whole week,” Thea gasped. “But that means you’ll only be home one day, and then it’s time to leave for college. You left everything to the last minute. You need new clothes, bed linens, a new trunk. . . .”
    Jessie shrugged.
    â€œWhat is that . . . thing?”
    â€œIt’s a knapsack,” Jessie said, slinging a heavy, green-twill bag over her shoulders. The red sweater stayed in place.
    â€œCome along, ladies, and I’ll escort you to the car.”
    â€œCome here, sweet love, and give Mama a big kiss and hug.”
    Jessie suffered through the obligatory kiss and hug. She pretended not to see the tears rolling down her mother’s cheeks.
    â€œDaddy, have a nice weekend. Take Mama for an ice-cream cone. She thinks that makes everything better.” She felt herself flinch when her