Read Online The Silver Rose by Rowena May O'Sullivan - Free Book Online Page B

cooking.”
    â€œNo danger of starvation tonight.” Aden inhaled the aromas coming from the table, and his stomach rumbled.
    â€œYou’ve outdone yourself, Beth,” Rosa agreed. “This must be the best yet.”
    â€œIn honor of our guest.” Beth was pleased. “I didn’t know if you ate meat at all so I made a vegetarian dish as well just in case.”
    The aromas from the oversized vegetarian lasagna, veal masala, and baby potatoes smothered in butter and garlic were enticing. A bowl of salad greens decorated with nasturtium and marigold picked fresh from Beth’s garden, a dish of runner beans, and another with crusty homemade garlic bread threatened to overload the old oak table. And there was dessert too. Silver spoons on the table and the light flickering from the oven told them that.
    â€œI’m so hungry I could eat everything.” Alanna rubbed her hands together, sat, flicked out the napkin, and placed it on her lap. “Come on, you lot. It’s getting cold.”
    Pulling out the chair at the head of the table, Beth signaled for Aden to take a seat but she addressed Alanna. “Did you work all last night?”
    â€œI stopped for basics. You know, water, bathroom, a snack bar. Although I still can’t say what the piece is going to be. It looks like a big blob of nothing at the moment. It stinks I had to work in the gallery today; otherwise it might have been something worthy of reporting by now.”
    Rosa couldn’t help herself. She just had to point out the obvious. “Maybe it’s as well. Your judgment could be compromised from lack of sleep.”
    Alanna glared at Rosa. “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.” She reached out for a spoon and began to fill her plate.
    â€œTesty as well as hungry,” Rosa concluded and took her seat opposite.
    â€œNo more bickering,” Beth warned them both. “Let’s forget about work for one night.”
    â€œDamned good idea,” Aden said. He picked up an uncorked bottle. “Who wants more?”
    â€œMe!” Alanna held out her glass and leaned in close to him, her flirting so obvious Rosa fought not to give her sister a swift kick under the table. “So! What do you make of our little town so far?”
    â€œSmall,” Aden acknowledged. “Everyone appears to know everyone and everything.”
    â€œDon’t we know it,” Rosa agreed.
    â€œI made several new close friends today,” he told them.
    Alanna hooted. “A secret isn’t a secret for long, that’s for sure.”
    Surprise flickered in his eyes. “I’m a secret?”
    â€œYou’re not,” Beth interjected and signaled for Aden to tuck in. “You’re famous, and your early arrival has given the community an injection of fresh energy. I swear this year’s festival is going to be the best yet. I just know it. And I’m so happy you’re staying next door.”
    Rosa raised her glass. “A toast. Here’s to our special guest, Aden Dragunis.”
    Aden kissed his glass with hers. “And to an eventful festival.”

Chapter Nine
    Every Wednesday, the sisters met for breakfast at the Cookery Nook, a few stores down from the gallery. After a late night, all three were bleary-eyed and more than a little hungover. The welcome party had gone on well into the wee hours, but it was Alanna who looked the worst; once again she had gone most of the night without sleep.
    â€œOK,” Rosa began without preamble to Alanna once their meals were served. “You were right. I was wrong.”
    â€œOf course I’m right!” Alanna stirred three sachets of sugar into her coffee. She paused and looked up. “Refresh my memory. Just what is it I’m right about?”
    Rosa’s hand skimmed the dolphin resting against her sternum, the feel of it new and comforting. She guessed it was because silver was one of her