Read Online Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban - Free Book Online Page A

disappointed about receiving flowers instead of an assistant. “I guess this is the school’s way of saying, ‘Sorry, no help this year.’”
    “Really? I don’t recall any other teacher without an aide getting flowers.” When Kate’s eyes narrowed with the same speculative glare as Becky, Isabelle’s heart sank.
    Something didn’t feel right. She plucked the tiny card off the plastic clip. Becky probably delivered them to the wrong classroom. She started to open the envelope then halted. Unless… Charlie?
    “Isabelle. Read the card.”
    “I don’t have time. I’ll read it later.” She tossed the card on the table and swooped up the vase of flowers.
    Kate picked the card up. Before Isabelle could snatch it back, Kate started reading.
    “ Isabelle, Sorry about everything. Let’s talk. Love, Charlie. P. S. Tell Humphrey hello.” Kate’s eyes narrowed. “You never have filled me in about you and Charlie.”
    Nor would she. Isabelle clutched the vase closer. “Kate, I better leave before Mrs. Johnson calls.”
    “You know, Mark told me Charlie’s a nice guy.”
    Isabelle sent Kate her best glower.
    Kate didn’t take the hint. “Isabelle, give him a chance.”
    “I don’t think his girlfriend would appreciate that.”
    “Girlfriend?” Kate’s eyes rounded. “Are you sure?”
    “Afraid so.”
    “Isabelle, I...” Just like that, color drained from Kate’s face. Loyal to the core.
    Isabelle waved a hand. “I know. He’s a creep.”
    “Isabelle, about today…”
    “I know. I better go.”
    “Yeah.” Kate shrugged. “I suppose you better.”
     
     
     
     

7
     
    Charlie stood beside his truck and narrowed his eyes at the storefront, Kitchen Comforts and Cozy Bath. A much bigger store than he imagined, but he was game. He pocketed his keys and crossed the parking lot.
    Ready to push through the door, he stopped mid step when someone yelled, “Wait up, Charlie.”
    He turned to find Erica, dressed in a black slinky dress, tottering toward him as fast as her high heels would let her. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
    “I told you I’d help you pick out a gift for the bride and groom.”
    “And, I told you no. Besides, I thought you decided not to attend.”
    “I changed my mind since everyone else in our graduate class will be there.”
    Great. “But since I don’t need your help, I’ll see you at the shower.” He took a step then pivoted back. He held up a finger. “By the way, why were you talking to my mother about us?”
    Erica narrowed her eyes. “Why wouldn’t I? We’re almost like family.”
    Charlie inhaled a steadying breath. “ Almost is the key word, remember that. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep my mother out of our issues. It only gets her hopes up for something that will never happen.” And makes his life miserable.
    “Mothers do know best, Charlie.”
    Charlie swallowed a snort. Now she sounded like his mother. “My mother’s opinions have no influence on my personal life. Remember that, too.” He turned and pushed open the glass doors.
    Erica dogged his steps. “As long as I’m here, I might as well look around.”
    Charlie tossed her a weary glance. “Haven’t you already bought them a gift?”
    “Of course.” She shot him a smug grin. “From one of the specialty shops at The Arboretum. I don’t shop at places like this.”
    Then why are you here? He kept that thought to himself. Best to leave it alone.
    One quick glance around and he knew he was in over his head. Literally. From floor to ceiling, shelves lined the walls, stocked with linens, knick-knacks of all sorts, not to mention small kitchen appliances, countless selections of dinnerware, and every other domestic gizmo known to man. More homey junk than he ever envisioned.
    For a moment, he was tempted to head back to his truck. He glanced at Erica. Her face was scrunched up, and she popped a fist on her hip. “How would someone even find their way around this store?”
    A lot of