Read Online Summer in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 2) by Cindy Kirk - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Cindy Kirk
Ads: Link
question.
“Sure.” Prim knew whether she agreed or not, her decision would be questioned, debated, not just by Ami but by Fin and Marigold. Heck, her dad might even weigh in on the matter.
But Prim already knew what her response would be—what it had to be. The welfare of her boys came first.
“I dropped an extra umbrella in here for you.” Ami changed the subject, patting her large bag as they reached the sidewalk. “Remember how Mom always carried an umbrella in her purse? Even when there were blue skies and zero chance of rain?”
“I miss Mom and her umbrellas,” Prim said with a sigh.
Ami reached over and squeezed her hand. “It helps having you back. I mean, Dad is great, but lately he spends so much time with Anita.”
Anita Fishback, her dad’s girlfriend . Just the thought of the two together made Prim ill.
Prim paused for traffic at the corner of Market and Main. “I keep hoping Anita will show her true colors, do something that will be such a turnoff that he’ll never want to see her again.”
“Your mouth to God’s ear,” Ami muttered and made Prim grin.
Prim touched her sister’s arm as the two started up the walkway toward the doors of the majestic Hill House. “Tell me how this will play out.”
“We’ll follow the agenda we received. Basically we’re just going to be updating Eliza—and the others—on where we are in regard to our part in the upcoming Independence Day festivities.” Ami continued in a matter-of-fact tone, “As I’m coordinating the Cherries’ involvement in the pancake feed the morning of the Hometown Heroes parade, I’ll report on those efforts.”
“What will I do?”
“Just listen, get a feel for how everything works.” Ami offered a reassuring smile. “Since you recently came on board, no one expects you to know much of anything yet.”
The explanation sounded logical and made perfect sense. But Prim’s unease still grew with each step.
The house hadn’t changed. The massive staircase to the left was still impressive, and the ornate crown molding still drew the eye.
Hearing the click of heels on the hardwood floor, Prim looked up and caught the heavy scent of designer perfume just before Eliza stepped into the foyer.
“Everyone is in the parlor waiting.” Eliza’s gaze fixed on Ami. “We’re ready to get started.”
If the barb had struck its target, Ami gave no indication. Her sister merely glanced at the grandfather clock, which showed the time as 12:55. “The meeting is still set for one?”
“It’s always at one.”
“Just wanted to make certain nothing had changed,” Ami said equitably.
“If we’re late, it’s my fault,” Prim interjected. “It took me longer to—”
“We’re not late,” Ami snapped, then softened the words with a smile. “We still have five minutes.”
When the executive director remained silent, Ami’s head tilted. “Isn’t that right, Eliza?”
“As long as you are seated and ready to proceed at one.”
Her sister may have appeared unfazed, but Prim knew Ami had tender feelings. Since Ami was apparently determined to act as if Eliza’s barbs didn’t matter, Prim let it go.
She wanted to say more but they’d reached the parlor. As her gaze took in the scene, Prim was surprised how many of the women she knew around the semicircle. Katie Ruth was there as well as Lynn Chapin and Max’s mother.
If Prim remembered correctly, the two women had been high school classmates and were still good friends.
Catching the warning glance sent by Eliza in her direction, Prim stifled the urge to greet everyone and slid into an empty chair next to Katie Ruth. Ami slipped in beside her.
The clock in the foyer chimed the start of the meeting. Eliza made a few announcements, including a brief welcome to Prim.
The executive director cut off the words of greeting with one slice of her hand. “Lynn, would you like to report on the state of the Fourth of July preparations?”
Lynn Chapin, dressed in
“Sure.” Prim knew whether she agreed or not, her decision would be questioned, debated, not just by Ami but by Fin and Marigold. Heck, her dad might even weigh in on the matter.
But Prim already knew what her response would be—what it had to be. The welfare of her boys came first.
“I dropped an extra umbrella in here for you.” Ami changed the subject, patting her large bag as they reached the sidewalk. “Remember how Mom always carried an umbrella in her purse? Even when there were blue skies and zero chance of rain?”
“I miss Mom and her umbrellas,” Prim said with a sigh.
Ami reached over and squeezed her hand. “It helps having you back. I mean, Dad is great, but lately he spends so much time with Anita.”
Anita Fishback, her dad’s girlfriend . Just the thought of the two together made Prim ill.
Prim paused for traffic at the corner of Market and Main. “I keep hoping Anita will show her true colors, do something that will be such a turnoff that he’ll never want to see her again.”
“Your mouth to God’s ear,” Ami muttered and made Prim grin.
Prim touched her sister’s arm as the two started up the walkway toward the doors of the majestic Hill House. “Tell me how this will play out.”
“We’ll follow the agenda we received. Basically we’re just going to be updating Eliza—and the others—on where we are in regard to our part in the upcoming Independence Day festivities.” Ami continued in a matter-of-fact tone, “As I’m coordinating the Cherries’ involvement in the pancake feed the morning of the Hometown Heroes parade, I’ll report on those efforts.”
“What will I do?”
“Just listen, get a feel for how everything works.” Ami offered a reassuring smile. “Since you recently came on board, no one expects you to know much of anything yet.”
The explanation sounded logical and made perfect sense. But Prim’s unease still grew with each step.
The house hadn’t changed. The massive staircase to the left was still impressive, and the ornate crown molding still drew the eye.
Hearing the click of heels on the hardwood floor, Prim looked up and caught the heavy scent of designer perfume just before Eliza stepped into the foyer.
“Everyone is in the parlor waiting.” Eliza’s gaze fixed on Ami. “We’re ready to get started.”
If the barb had struck its target, Ami gave no indication. Her sister merely glanced at the grandfather clock, which showed the time as 12:55. “The meeting is still set for one?”
“It’s always at one.”
“Just wanted to make certain nothing had changed,” Ami said equitably.
“If we’re late, it’s my fault,” Prim interjected. “It took me longer to—”
“We’re not late,” Ami snapped, then softened the words with a smile. “We still have five minutes.”
When the executive director remained silent, Ami’s head tilted. “Isn’t that right, Eliza?”
“As long as you are seated and ready to proceed at one.”
Her sister may have appeared unfazed, but Prim knew Ami had tender feelings. Since Ami was apparently determined to act as if Eliza’s barbs didn’t matter, Prim let it go.
She wanted to say more but they’d reached the parlor. As her gaze took in the scene, Prim was surprised how many of the women she knew around the semicircle. Katie Ruth was there as well as Lynn Chapin and Max’s mother.
If Prim remembered correctly, the two women had been high school classmates and were still good friends.
Catching the warning glance sent by Eliza in her direction, Prim stifled the urge to greet everyone and slid into an empty chair next to Katie Ruth. Ami slipped in beside her.
The clock in the foyer chimed the start of the meeting. Eliza made a few announcements, including a brief welcome to Prim.
The executive director cut off the words of greeting with one slice of her hand. “Lynn, would you like to report on the state of the Fourth of July preparations?”
Lynn Chapin, dressed in
Similar Books
