Read Online Late Edition by Fern Michaels - Free Book Online

had a chance to come back with another snide remark, the driver pulled up to the front of the house. Toots sprang from the vehicle like a bird from a cage, running to greet Bernice, who stood on the front porch, her arms open wide. Toots practically fell into them.
    Now this is home, she thought, squeezing her dear friend in a tight hug.
    â€œDamn woman! You trying to kill me or what? You found someone out in California to take my place?” Bernice asked, her gravelly voice filled with humor.
    â€œGood God, no! You could never be replaced. Let me look at you,” Toots demanded, then stepped back. Bernice, she observed, hadn’t changed one little bit. Nearing seventy-one, she still had a few good years left. She was petite, with a bit of a hump on her back from osteoporosis, her white hair was cut almost as short as a man’s, and her piercing blue eyes still didn’t miss a thing. Bernice had a heart of gold. She and Toots were closer than most sisters, which made her homecoming even better. Toots had missed her friend much more than her house.
    Ida, Sophie, and Mavis, who held Coco close to her chest, waited at the bottom of the steps while Toots gushed over Bernice.
    â€œStop standing there and staring! Come inside.” Toots motioned, then turned back to Bernice. “I don’t suppose you have any sweet tea with mint? I’m as thirsty as a desert thorn.”
    Ida, Sophie, and Mavis followed Toots inside.
    â€œYou know damn good and well I do,” Bernice called over her shoulder. “Just because you’ve been living the high life in California doesn’t mean we’ve followed suit here in the South.”
    â€œI’ve been home ten minutes, and you’re starting in already. Bernice, pour us a glass of tea while I tip the driver. He has our luggage stacked by the front door. I’ll be right back.”
    Toots raced out the door, grabbing a handful of twenties from her wallet. Outside, she held the wad of money out for the driver. “I’ll double this amount if you bring the luggage and sewing machine inside and take them upstairs.” She counted out five twenties.
    Apparently he knew a deal when he saw one. “Just tell me what goes where,” he said, “and I’ll take care of it.”
    After the luggage and Mavis’s sewing machine were placed in the appropriate bedrooms, Toots handed the driver a hundred-dollar bill. “Thanks,” she called to his retreating back.
    He waved, returned to the limo, and drove away. She stood there watching until his taillights could no longer be seen.
    Breathing deeply, Toots drew in the fresh air, the familiar smells and sounds. The chirping of birds, the occasional sound of crickets rubbing their legs together, frogs croaking, sounds she hadn’t realized she’d missed until just then. The sounds of home.
    She opened the door and walked down the long hallway leading to the kitchen. It was still her favorite room. Her red cabinets were intact, and her much-loved fireplace still dominated the room. Toots opened the drawer where she always kept a supply of PayDay candy bars and extra cigarettes. Yep, it was fully stocked. Good old Bernice. Maybe. Shoot, she hadn’t checked the pantry.
    Before she joined the rest of the gang, who’d moved to the large enclosed patio in the backyard, which overlooked her two angel oaks and a variety of greenery, Toots parted the wooden doors. Yessiree! She counted six extra-large boxes of her favorite cereal, Froot Loops. Mavis would have a hissy fit, but too bad. It was time for Toots to indulge her sweet tooth. She’d had enough healthy meals in Los Angeles to last her a lifetime.
    Then Toots joined the group. “I had the driver take our luggage upstairs. I’m ready to relax and catch up.” She reached for the pitcher of tea, poured herself a glass, and reclined in her favorite white wicker rocker.
    â€œOkay, Bernice, you’ve had