Read Online The Princess Bride by Diana Palmer - Free Book Online

from her lobes. Her hair was cut very short and feathered toward her gamine face. She had just a hint of makeup, just enough to enhance her high cheekbones and perfect bone structure. She looked expensive, elegant, and six years older than she was.
    â€œI’m absolutely shocked,” Lettie said after a minute. “My dear, you are the image of your mother.”
    Tiffany’s face softened. “Am I, really?”
    Lettie nodded. “She was so beautiful. I always envied her.”
    â€œI wish I’d known her,” she replied. “All I have are photographs and vague memories of her singing to me at night.”
    â€œYou were very young when she died. Harrison neverstopped mourning her.” Her eyes were sad. “I don’t think he ever will.”
    â€œYou never know about Dad,” Tiffany remarked, because she knew how Lettie felt about Harrison. Not that she was gauche enough to mention it. “Why don’t you go out with us tonight?”
    â€œThree’s a crowd, dear. Mark will want you to himself.”
    â€œIt isn’t like that at all,” Tiffany said gently. “He’s mourning his girlfriend and I’m mourning King. We have broken hearts and our work in common, but not much else. He’s a friend—and I mean that quite sincerely.”
    Lettie smiled. “I’m rather glad. He’s very nice. But he’ll end up in Europe one day in a villa, and that wouldn’t suit you at all.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    Lettie nodded. “And so are you, in your heart.”
    Tiffany glanced at herself in the mirror with a quiet sigh. “Fine feathers make fine birds, but King isn’t the sort to be impressed by sophistication or beauty. Besides, the tabloids are already predicting that he’s going to marry Carla.”
    â€œI noticed. Surely you don’t believe it?”
    â€œI don’t believe he’ll ever marry anyone unless he’s trapped into it,” Tiffany said honestly, and her eyes were suddenly very old. “He’s seen nothing of marriage but the worst side.”
    â€œIt’s a pity about that. It’s warped his outlook.”
    â€œNothing will ever change it.” She smiled at Lettie. “Sure you won’t come with us? You won’t be a crowd.”
    â€œI won’t come tonight. But ask me again.”
    â€œYou can count on it.”
    Â 
    Mark was broody as he picked at his mint ice cream.
    â€œYou’re worried,” Tiffany murmured.
    He glanced at her wryly. “No. I’m distraught. My girl is being seen around town with a minor movie star. She seems smitten.”
    â€œShe may be doing the same thing you’re doing,” she chided. “Seeing someone just to numb the ache.”
    He chuckled. “Is that what I’m doing?”
    â€œIt’s what we’re both doing.”
    He reached his hand across the table and held hers. “I’m sorry we didn’t meet three years ago, while I was still heart-whole. You’re unique. I enjoy having you around.”
    â€œSame here. But friendship is all it can ever be.”
    â€œBelieve it or not, I know that.” He put down his spoon. “What are you doing for Christmas?”
    â€œI’ll be trying to get back from a location shoot and praying that none of the airline pilots go on strike,” she murmured facetiously.
    â€œNew Year’s?”
    â€œI have to go home and arrange a business party for my father.” She glanced at him and her eyes began to sparkle. “I’ve had an idea. How would you like to visit Texas?”
    His eyebrows arched. “Do I have to ride a horse?”
    â€œNot everyone in Texas rides. We live in Jacobsville. It’s not too far from San Antonio. Dad’s in business there.”
    â€œJacobsville.” He fingered his wineglass with elegant dark fingers that looked very sexy in the ads he modeled for. “Why not?