Read Online Suspicions by Christine Kersey - Free Book Online

now.”
    Stacey could hear voices in the background.
“Do you have a lot of people over there now?” She could hear her
own voice becoming shaky as she recalled her doubts about Jason's
innocence and she wanted to get off the phone as soon as
possible.
    Amanda laughed humorlessly. “Yes, I have a
houseful.”
    “Um, maybe I can stop by later then? When
it's not so crowded?”
    “Okay. Whatever works for you. Thanks,
Stacey.”
    Stacey hung up the phone with relief. She
knew if they had talked much longer she would have burst into sobs
from the stress of her uncertainties about Jason. Wandering over to
the couch, Stacey sat down heavily and tried to control the shaking
in her hands.
     
     
     

Chapter Nine
     
     
     
    The sound of subdued chatter greeted Stacey
as she entered the upscale restaurant. This was where Patricia
always took Stacey when they had one of their little lunch dates.
It was usually a treat for Stacey to go out to eat, but today she
was barely holding herself together. She looked around the room and
saw Patricia waving her over to a table for two.
    Walking over to the table in the corner,
Stacey realized that, really, Patricia was just doing her job. The
directors were encouraged to take their beauty consultants out to
lunch occasionally to keep up communication and morale. At first
Stacey had truly enjoyed these outings, but lately Patricia had
begun to get on Stacey's nerves. Something about her really
bothered Stacey. Not sure what it was, she tried to ignore the
feeling and be friendly.
    Stacey slid into the chair and forced a smile
on her lips in response to Patricia's greeting.
    “Are you feeling all right, Stacey?” Patricia
asked, seeming concerned. She reached across the table and touched
Stacey's hand.
    The comment warned Stacey to shape up before
more questions were asked. Sitting up straighter, she put a more
genuine smile on her face. “Of course. Why?”
    Patricia pulled her hand back to her side of
the table. “You just look a little tired or something.”
    “No. I'm fine. What was it you needed to talk
to me about?”
    “I wanted to tell you about some new items
before your party tonight.” Patricia beamed.
    Stacey felt a spark of irritation. “Couldn't
we have done that over the phone? Today really wasn't a good
day.”
    Patricia's smile was patronizing. “We haven't
done one of these little lunches in a while and I had to give you a
good excuse to get out of that house, didn't I?”
    Stacey sighed inwardly, deciding to enjoy the
lunch even if she didn't particularly enjoy the company. “I suppose
you brought the products with you, then?”
    “Actually, no.” Patricia lifted one eyebrow.
“I didn't want to lug them here, then into your car. I'll still
come by your house tonight.”
    “Okay, whatever,” Stacey said, trying to hide
her irritation. “How are things with you, Patricia?” Stacey wanted
to keep the conversation away from herself and her problems.
    Patricia seemed surprised by Stacey's
interest and hesitated before answering. “Things are okay, I
suppose.” Her eyes began to narrow. “Why do you ask?”
    Was it such an unexpected question? Stacey
thought. “I was just wondering how you and your husband are.”
Stacey smiled tentatively.
    Patricia jerked her head back as if she'd
been struck and her mouth fell open. “Haven't you heard? I thought
everyone knew.”
    Stacey's heart began to pound, knowing she
must have just made an incredible faux pas. “I'm so sorry,
Patricia. I haven't heard anything.”
    Ignoring Stacey's discomfort, Patricia busied
herself by readjusting the napkin in her lap. “No matter. It's all
in the past.”
    Her interest was now piqued, but Stacey said
nothing more on the matter, instead waiting for Patricia to take
the lead.
    “So,” Patricia began brightly, “How are
things in the Hunter household? All is well, I assume?”
    The rapid switch in conversation caught
Stacey off guard and she felt her face pale. Trying to