Read Online Starting Over at Lane's End (Harlequin Heartwarming) by Shelley Galloway - Free Book Online

their conversation an easy one.
    Wearily, Gen reflected on her earlier chat with Margaret and was twice as glad she’d chosen to give her sister a call. It had felt good to speak to Meg one-on-one, without their mom changing little details in the translation.
    Obviously frustrated, her mother’s voice rose sharply. “What did you mean, Genevieve? When Margaret told me you weren’t coming home for Easter I was sure I had misunderstood. And now when I ask you what is more important than family on such a special holiday, you talk to me about work? I’m very disappointed.”
    Nobody could lay on the guilt trip like her mother. And nobody else could make her feel like an awkward twelve-year-old in the space of five minutes. “Momma, I’m new here. Since I’m the newest on the force, I have to stay.” Gen took a deep, cleansing breath.
    “You are not new. You’ve been putting your life in danger for years.”
    Gen didn’t dare touch the life-in-danger jab. “Momma, here in Lane’s End I am the new girl. New girls work holidays.” Against her will, she cringed at her words. She would’ve given anyone else what-for if they’d even thought of referring to her as a girl, but if the excuse appeased her mother, she’d learn to live with the name.
    “You should have told them you had plans.”
    “How could I? Everyone knows I don’t have family nearby.”
    “Yes, you do, young lady. And we’re right here in Beckley, waiting for you to remember.”
    Gen winced. “Momma, I meant I’m single.” Trying again, she said, “Come now, you know I’m right. I should be working instead of someone who has a spouse or children.”
    “That should be you, too. You need to settle down like your sister.”
    Gen had heard those words a hundred times. But after hearing how busy Margaret had been when they’d talked just days before, Gen didn’t feel quite so stung by her mother’s comment. Maybe Meg’s life wasn’t always perfect, either.
    “Genevieve? Did you hear me?”
    Probably the whole town of Beckley had! “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Are you being cheeky?”
    “No, Momma.” She had to get off the phone. Had to before she broke the receiver from gripping it so hard. “I’ve gotta go.”
    “Why?”
    “I’m going to a basketball game. Basketball’s a pretty big deal around here. The high school team’s doing a real good job.” Gen closed her eyes in frustration.
    “Who’s taking you?” In a far more syrupy voice, her mother asked, “Do you have a date?”
    The doorbell rang. “Yes.”
    “Well, my goodness, Genevieve, do tell. What kind of man—”
    “He’s at the door, and I shouldn’t keep him waiting. I’ve gotta go, Momma. Love you. Bye.”
    Gen clicked off, ran to catch the door and opened it with a flourish. “Hi.”
    “Hi, yourself,” Cary said with a grin. “I didn’t realize you were living at Bonnie’s place.” As he took a quick look around the second-floor apartment, Gen was glad she hadn’t hesitated to rent it when Bonnie had given her a tour. “What’s it like living above her?”
    “Good. Why do you ask?”
    “No reason. It’s just that she can be a little...eccentric.”
    Thinking of her conversation with her mother, Gen laughed. “I can be that way, too.” Remembering their first chat about Lion pride, Gen held out her arms to showcase her gold-and-black outfit. “So what do you think? Am I spirited enough?”
    Cary skimmed his eyes over her black jeans, black T-shirt and gold scarf looped around her neck. “I think you look great,” he said with a slow smile. “I like those jeans.”
    They were a little more formfitting than the Levi’s she normally wore. Gen was glad she’d taken the time to look a bit more feminine. “Thanks,” she said simply, suddenly at a loss for what else to say. Good grief, was she blushing?
    Quickly she grabbed her purse, closed the door behind her, then turned the bolt. “I’m ready.”
    “Come on, then. I’m about to introduce you