Read Online Secret Valentine by Marissa Dobson - Free Book Online Page A

began to text. Meet for lunch, say noon at Tony’s Grill?
    * * *
    Something happened inside me when the letter arrived; maybe things weren’t as bad as I thought. Today I planned to make a change. I couldn’t keep moping around the house. So, I got out of bed, bright and early for the first time since I moved back home, and made breakfast.
    “Something smells scrumptious,” Gran said walking into the kitchen.
    “It’s your favorite, buttermilk pancakes with bacon.” I flipped the pancake onto her plate and smiled as I took the sizzling bacon from the pan. “You were right last night, things have to change. I have an appointment to get my hair done with Gracie and then I’m meeting Kasey for lunch. I love you, Gran.” I set the plate down and kissed her cheek.
    * * *
    Leaving Gracie’s Salon, I felt like a million bucks. Gracie could work miracles. She was able to take my dull blond hair and make it vibrant again. She added golden sun-kissed highlights, and gave me a haircut that framed my face. By the time I met Kasey for lunch, I was exhausted. Tossing and turning all night doesn’t produce much sleep.
    As I walked into Tony’s Grill, I spotted her there waiting with a table. One of the best things about being back in town was being able to see her all the time.
    She looked about to burst when I arrived at the table. “You look fantastic! I love what you did with your hair. I’m so glad to see you out of the house.”
    “Thanks. Sorry I haven’t been much of a friend lately. I just needed some time to myself.”
    “I understand, but that bastard husband of yours isn’t worth your tears. You should have left him long before you caught him cheating.” I went still. She must have noticed because she changed the subject. “But we didn’t meet for lunch to talk about him. Tell me what’s been going on. I have missed you so.”
    It was just like old times with Kasey. She was always so full of life. She had a bubbly personality, and you couldn’t be sad for too long with her around. “I’ve missed you, too.” I gave her my biggest smile. “Things are better. Gran’s wonderful. Thankfully I can work anywhere as long as I have my laptop and Internet access. But something weird happened last night…”
    Kasey’s interest piqued, and she leaned closer, but before I could give her the details the waiter showed up.
    “May I take your order?”
    Kasey sat back and let out a hefty sigh. Talk about bad timing!
    I chuckled before turning to the waiter. “Two of Tony’s specials. Sound good, Kas?”
    Still in a sour mood, she replied. “Yeah, sounds fine.”
    As soon as the waiter was out of ear shot, she sat back up. “Spill it.”
    “Oh man, I forgot to tell the waiter I wanted…” I turned slightly in my seat to see if he was still around, but before I could raise my hand to get the waiter’s attention Kasey, grabbed my wrist.
    “Oh no, you don’t. You’ll tell me everything now, and then you can order as many of whatever it is you wanted.”
    I let out a quiet laugh. One of Kasey’s less attractive traits was how impatient she was. “Okay. This was weird. Last night one of the workers at Pete’s came by to deliver a letter.”
    She seemed disappointed. “What’s your point? We get letters all the time.”
    “Not like this.” I pulled the letter from my purse and passed it to her.
    Finishing the letter, her eyes grew as big as saucers. “Who you do you think it’s from?”
    “I have no idea. Has to be someone who knew me when I was younger, because he says he’s been watching from afar for too long. I was hoping you could help me figure it out. You know what has been going on around here while I was away.”
    “Umm, sure.” She glanced about. “Let’s eat, and catch up now. How about I stop by your Gran’s place tomorrow after work? I don’t know if we should be talking about this in public. You know how nosey the residents of Cedar Grove can be.”
    * * *
    The next night as Kasey