Read Online Frosted on the Ferris Wheel by Laura Pauling - Free Book Online

paper to the spot next to her. She sipped her coffee and forced herself to take pleasure in the small things: the nutty scent, the comfort of the warmth, and the fact that later she’d buy a copy of the Daily Paper and burn it.
    Lindsey leaned across the bar, taking a break from her work. “Darling, I can see you’re troubled. Now, as owner of this restaurant, I see and hear a lot. I don’t want to know the details. I don’t want to know the truth.” She patted Holly’s arm. “You’re in a tough spot, opening a new business. That takes courage. That takes spirit. I would know. So keep your head high. Be the better person. And you’ll make it out alright in the end.”  
    As Lindsey rushed away to fill orders, Holly appreciated her friend. Be the better person.
    That’s what she had to do.

    ***

    Coffee in-hand, hoping Millicent liked cream and sugar, Holly strolled down Main Street to The Daily News. So many conflicting thoughts, hard thoughts that made no sense whirled through her head. From Charlene’s abrupt turnabout to Millicent’s article filled with subtle slams only Holly would catch, to Lindsey’s advice to be the better person.
    That’s what Holly chose to do.
    She pushed through the glass doors and into the waiting room. Laughter sounded from the hall from Millicent’s office. Seconds later, Millicent exited, followed by a mother and child.  
    “This will make a great first article, spotlighting heroic acts in Fairview. Can I take your picture outside?” she asked to the young boy.
    He nodded.  
    Millicent cast Holly a suspicious look and went outside with the mother and son. Why was Millicent trying so hard to come across as this loving, good-hearted person? Was it to win Trent back? To earn her spot back in the book club by proving herself? Holly suspected it was both.
    Or maybe she’d truly experienced a change of heart, and Holly had left no room for her to show it.
    Normally, Holly would’ve used this time to wander into Millicent’s office and poke around. But she didn’t have the heart, or the motivation. If Millicent were going to attend the secret club at lunch, then she’d share any information at that time.  
    “Why Holly, what a nice surprise. Are you here to talk with me?”
    “Yes, I am.” Head up. Be the better person, Holly reminded herself.
    “Follow me.” Millicent took a seat behind her desk. “It must be about my article this morning. I’ve received emails from readers, responding to my article about relationships. I have enough questions for the next year.”
    “Wow. That’s terrific.” Holly wasn’t lying. Millicent’s article cut to the heart of anyone and everyone, because family and relationships were a part of life. No one could escape them.
    “I know. Isn’t it?” Millicent gushed, the joy radiating off her. She looked beautiful. “Or you’ve probably stopped by to apologize for your outrageous behavior recently. Sabotaging my date out of jealousy and poor sportsmanship.”
    Holly ground her teeth and desperately tried to control her rage. If Millicent pressed further, Holly didn’t know how she’d react. She had to get over this. Maybe inviting her to the book club was the only way.
    “But I completely understand. Trent’s a hottie. He’s a hard one to lose. I know from experience.” Millicent smiled sympathetically. “Or maybe you’ve stopped by for relationship advice. Like how to find the perfect rebound. Or cures for the broken heart.” She clapped her hands. “Perfect for my next article.”
    “How will you ever find the time to write two columns?”
    Millicent laughed and waved. “No problem. It just comes so naturally. I’m an excellent writer. The words flow. I barely have to do any editing. And lately, I’ve been inspired.”
    “So I’ve noticed,” Holly said.
    “What?” Millicent let out a gasp. “You read my article. That’s wonderful.”
    Holly thought more seriously about her plans to burn the paper. Maybe make