Read Online The Truth About Mallory Bain by Clare Hexom - Free Book Online Page B

popped a chunk of carrot into his mouth.
    He crunched down and grinned at me, then brushed his finger along my cheek. “You’re pale.”
    I pinched my cheeks back to pink and stepped over to the counter to peer into the stainless toaster. Whenever sick or lacking sleep, my brown eyes become deep-set and dark-circled. I tried rubbing the darkness away, without much luck.
    â€œThe combination of orange juice on an empty stomach and the heat of my morning shower made me ill.”
    After throwing up, however, I passed out on the bed pulling on my socks. I suppose we both had a hunch this was more than a bout of the flu but neither of us mentioned our suspicions to the other.
    He pulled me close again. “Stay well for finals. I’m making plans, you know.”
    I chuckled. “I’ve heard.”
    â€œI’m serious. See a doctor Monday.” His mouth curled into a sweet smile.
    â€œCan’t Monday. Dental hygiene final.”
    â€œAfter.” He fingered a lock of hair away from my face and tucked it gently behind my ear.
    â€œYou’re in such a hurry, getting engaged already.”
    Ben remained quiet for a long moment. Instead of answering me directly, he said, “I’m talking to your dad when he gets home tomorrow.”
    I let out a quiet laugh. “His blessing you’re old-fashioned about.”
    â€œHe’ll appreciate my respect. I want him to like his new son-in-law.”
    â€œHe does like you. And he will like you in three years after you finish grad school and we’ve started paying back your student loans.”
    â€œI won’t wait that long to marry you, Mallory.”
    â€œFine. Just not next week.”
    â€œNext week is out anyway. I might head up to Canada. Come with and meet my family.”
    â€œI could. It’s been awhile since you went.”
    Ben snuggled me close. “We’ll manage. I love you, babe.”
    â€œI love you back.”
    We kissed until I pulled away giggling. “Enough now. They’ll be here soon.” I tilted my head in the direction of the veranda. “Finish up out there.” I traced his lower lip. “Later.”
    â€œWe need steak sauce. I’ll pick up anything else you need.”
    I hesitated suggesting he stop at the pharmacy. “We’re good.” I checked the clock. Nearly three. “Hurry back.”
    A short while later, I shuddered when I passed the front window and caught a glimpse of black creeping toward the house from a few doors down. I pushed the drapery aside for a good look, and sure enough, there it was: Aunt Judith’s station wagon with the crack running along the windshield, rust feeding upon the edges of its fenders and doors with malignance.
    I let the drapery drop. I stood arms akimbo. Allowing that woman in the house was suicide. We’d formed such a festering bond of contention so long ago I had little memory of us being otherwise. For years, our conversations were a battle of wits.
    Mom must have let slip they’d be away. Leave it to her sister to stop by uninvited when I was scrambling to prepare salads and make the house presentable for
invited
guests.
    I dashed upstairs to hide Ben’s duffel in Rick’s closet before Judith pulled in the driveway. My brother had gone up north with our parents to visit Grandma Bain. If it hadn’t been for finals, we would have gone, too, and skipped Chad’s party altogether.
    I pulled the closet door closed, satisfied my nosy aunt would pass on Rick’s room, although I just knew she’d make it her mission to snoop around mine. She’d phone my mother and the argumentwould start. I hurried back downstairs and out the French doors off the kitchen moments before the side door slammed.
    â€œMallory Anne!” her tinny voice droned.
    Mind your manners. She’ll leave quicker if you do.
    â€œOn the veranda!”
    Judith appeared phantom-like the other side of the screen.