Journal of a Lifetime (Journals of Love) Read Free Page B

needed to remember the reality of how far she had come.
    Once again, Marie shelved the subject with a slight wave of her hand. “I was going to ask if you wanted to go shopping today, but I guess you need to pack.”
    “I do, and I have a few other things to take care of before I leave.”
    They finished their breakfast and walked out to the parking lot together. Marie gave her a hug and whispered, “Be careful, Lindsey. I know I haven’t been the greatest friend lately, but I do need you.” Marie didn’t give Lindsey time to respond. She turned away, climbed into her green, convertible Mustang, compliments of her ex-husband in a weak attempt for forgiveness, and waved goodbye.
    Lindsey was about to climb into her “I earned every penny of it” red Ford Expedition, when she saw Pete turning into the lot. She shut the door and waved as he spotted her.
    “You’re still here?” he asked through his open window as he pulled into the parking space next to her.
    “Yes. Can you believe it? I ended up getting out a little late after church.”
    He laughed. “I bet Marie was steaming by the time you got here.”
    “That’s for sure. Are you on your own?”
    He laughed again. “No. Mrs. Worth is sending her daughter here to meet me.” He winked. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”
    “Oh yes,” Lindsey teased. “I can only imagine how difficult it is for you to have to sit through meal after meal with women who give you their undivided attention. It must be awful.”
    Pete just shook his head. “Why don’t
you
just marry me and take me out of my misery?” he joked.
    “Sorry. Can’t do that today. I’m going to Canada tomorrow, and a honeymoon would really mess up my plans right now.”
    “For work?”
    “No. I found an old journal of Nana’s from a trip she took to Alberta.” She recounted her story once again.
    When she finished, Pete touched her on the arm. “I’m really proud of you for staying true to yourself and doing what you feel is best. I admire you, Lindsey.”
    “Save your admiration for when I return, safe and in one piece.” Pete’s reaction left her open to the small fear that she’d been denying.
    He took her into his embrace. “You’re going to be fine. God goes with you.” He kissed her cheek. “I’d better get in there. Don’t want to keep the young lady waiting.” He smiled as he turned away.
    “Thanks, Pete. I’ll call you when I get home.”
    She was surprised that she felt a bit sad that he wouldn’t be joining her on this adventure. He was definitely a man she could picture herself traveling with. She shook her head to tuck away those thoughts and pulled out her list of things to do before her trip.
    When her errands were complete, she arrived home to five messages on her machine, three of which were from her mother. Ann once more reminded her to be careful, keep her bags in her sight, and to call her once the plane landed.
    Lindsey smiled and shook her head as she set her shopping bags on the black and white tiled kitchen counter. Nana had gone through a “phase” ten years ago, and as a result the counter was a checkerboard of black and white, the cabinets were white, the sink and other appliances black, and the floor was white tile with a black square underneath the dining room table. More often than not, the room made Lindsey dizzy. She wasn’t much of a cook, so her time in the kitchen was limited to heating up soup from a can or making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She knew eventually she would remodel the kitchen, but couldn’t bear the thought yet of changing anything from the way Nana had wanted it.
    After listening to her mother’s voice on the machine, she was surprised to hear Helen’s.
    “Lindsey, I’ve been thinking more about this trip you’re taking.” She paused. “I really have a bad feeling about it and wish you wouldn’t go.”
    She heard Helen swallow.
    “It’s nothing that I can put my finger on . . . but