Read Online Reading Up a Storm by Eva Gates - Free Book Online Page A

greet a new dawn.
    Charles studied my preparations. He didn’t look impressed as I laced up my boots. Hiking was not to Charles’s taste, but I suspected that those birds out in the marsh were. I’d often find him sitting in the window, gazing longingly outside. I poured kibble into his bowl.He jumped off the bed and strolled casually into the kitchen, fluffy tail high, as if to say he was only eating it to make me happy. I knew better.
    When he’d dined to his heart’s content, we went downstairs. Charles was a big cat. He was a Himalayan, with a dark brown and tan face, pointed ears, and thick tan fur. He spent his days among the books, resting on the shelves, greeting patrons, and accepting the adoring praise he considered his due. He was particularly loved by the children, and spent story time curled up on one little lap or another. I left him to check if any mice had gotten into the library during the night, and went outside.
    I was locking the door behind me when I heard Butch’s car turn into the parking lot. He soon joined me on the path leading to the marsh, also dressed for a good hike.
    â€œEverything okay last night after I . . . uh, left?” he asked.
    â€œWe didn’t stay much longer,” I said.
    â€œI’m sorry about storming out. I know Stephanie has a job to do, and someone has to represent those creeps. They’re entitled to a defense, but it gets my goat sometimes. Did she say anything about me? Was she mad at me?”
    â€œShe said she’s used to it. Cops and defense attorneys are natural adversaries, I guess.”
    He mumbled something noncommittal, then said, “She got home okay?”
    â€œI drove her. I got the impression she’s not used to drinking. She’s having a difficult time looking after her mom. It’s not nice to realize our parents won’t be there for us forever.”
    A flock of Canada geese passed overhead in the classic V formation, honking loudly, heading south for the winter. We walked along the boardwalk in comfortable silence.
    The space inside my head was anything but comfortable. I was torn in all directions about my feelings for Butch. I liked him a lot. He was a great guy, kind, intelligent, funny. In any other circumstances, I could have fallen head over heels for him. I knew he liked me, and I suspected he was waiting for me to make the next move. Josie kept dropping not-very-subtle hints.
    But in these circumstances there was Connor. Also kind, also intelligent and funny. Also, I thought, waiting for me to indicate my feelings.
    How’s that for irony? Most women in my position would be absolutely delighted to meet one guy like Butch or Connor. I had the attentions of two, and I didn’t know what to do.
    Never again would I want to be in the situation I found myself in over the summer, when I had mistakenly made a date with both of them for the same night. Not just a common or garden date either, but the grand opening of Jake’s Seafood Bar with Butch and the Mayor’s Summer Ball with Connor.
    The whole thing had been hideously embarrassing for all concerned. So embarrassing that the three of us stepped away from one another for a while. The men continued to come to the library and to the book club, and we did things in a group with Josie or other friends, but no more casual flirting or talk of dates. If I wasn’t careful, I knew, I’d end up without either of them.
    But I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Least of all me.
    â€œHow long’s Stephanie staying for?” Butch asked suddenly.
    â€œUntil her mom can manage on her own. She’s doing some of her work remotely, and has taken leave from the rest. She has to be taking a big financial hit, and Pat doesn’t have much.” I said nothing about what had been revealed last night. It was not my story to tell, and I was sworn to secrecy.
    Sun sparkled on the marsh. The long grasses moved as small animals