Read Online Vi Agra Falls by Mary Daheim - Free Book Online Page B

remark in front of Billy’s sister-in-law as well as a couple from Iowa who’d left the social gathering in the living room, apparently to ask about the loud noise. “This is Billy’s brother’s wife, Marva Lou. They just arrived.” Judith smiled atthe curious Iowans under the archway between the living room and the entrance hall. “The neighbors are celebrating their recent move from Florida. No need for alarm.”
    Marva Lou waved a plump hand. “Oh, pay no notice to Billy. He likes to think he’s a cowboy. You got to see him do tricks with his lasso.”
    The Iowa guests returned to the living room. Joe, however, went out into the cul-de-sac. Judith had a feeling he was going to speak to Billy about discharging firearms in an urban setting.
    Judith turned her attention back to the registration form. “Fill this out, and I’ll give you your keys,” she said to Marva Lou. “One is to your room, the other is to the front door. We lock up at ten every night. When my husband gets back, I’ll have him move your luggage upstairs.”
    â€œThat’s real nice of him,” Marva Lou said, scribbling down the required guest information. “I sure hope you enjoy having Billy around. Isn’t he a hoot?”
    â€œI haven’t met him,” Judith said, watching Marva Lou sign the registration with a flourish. “He and…his wife are gone quite a lot.”
    Marva Lou nodded, as Judith handed her the keys. “Sounds right to me. Billy never was one to stay put. Restless, that’s Billy. Frankie’s just the opposite. Hard to get him out of the house. Funny how kids in the same family turn out so different. The roving kind, the stay-at-homes, and the in-betweens. My own sister’s another gadabout. A good thing she went to work for Amtrak. After fifteen years, you’d figure she’d have her fill of traveling, but she still loves it.” Marva Lou paused, frowning. “We wouldn’t have made this trip if it wasn’t for…” She paused again. “Well, let’s say family matters. I suppose I ought to go freshen up. Or at least comb my hair.” She patted her short, honey-colored curls. “I’ll bet the party’s already started.”
    â€œBoth parties,” Judith said, glancing at her watch. It was twenty minutes to seven. “Our Block Watch is having its annual get-together. It’s a citywide event.”
    Marva Lou nodded. “We have those in Oklahoma. A good idea.” She clasped the B&B keys in her hand. “I’ll go up to the room now. See you at the party. Or parties.”
    As Marva Lou disappeared up the stairs, Joe returned. “My first meeting with Billy Buss was a bust. He didn’t appreciate my words of wisdom about shooting off a gun on Heraldsgate Hill.”
    â€œI assume he didn’t do that in Florida,” Judith remarked. “Maybe it would be different in the wide-open spaces of Oklahoma.” She started down the entry hall. “I’m going to take Mother to the Block Watch party. She’s probably chomping at the bit. I’m almost fifteen minutes late.”
    â€œSkip it,” Joe called after her. “She’s already there.”
    Judith turned around. “She is?”
    â€œVivian came to escort her,” Joe said wryly. “Your mother’s at the Buss party.”
    Judith sighed. “Oh, well. I suppose that’s okay. It’s awkward, though. I refuse to abandon our neighbors. I’ll stay on the potluck side of the cul-de-sac.” Seeing a faintly sheepish expression on Joe’s face, she took a couple of steps toward him. “Well? What about you?”
    Joe grimaced. “I thought I’d do both.”
    Judith glared at him. “Have fun. You and Mother make a cute couple.” She continued on through the dining room to the kitchen.
    Joe didn’t follow her. Five minutes later,