Kiss Me If You Can Read Free Page A

friendship had predated their marriages and had remained strong to this day. Sylvia was Charlotte’s person, the one who was there for you in good times and bad. “Sylvia would bury the body for me,” Charlotte liked to say, while Sylvia would sit beside her friend and nod.
    Suddenly agitated, her grandmother began pacing the small apartment, muttering as she moved.
    Lexie walked to Charlotte’s side, placing her hand on her frail back. “What’s got you so upset?”
    â€œNothing.” Her grandmother waved her hand, dismissing Lexie’s concern. “I’m fine. Seeing that ring was a surprise that brought back memories. I’m okay now.”
    Not convinced, Lexie narrowed her gaze and studied her grandmother. Charlotte looked paler than she had earlier, though it was hard to tell beneath the heavy foundation and rouge she wore.
    â€œGrandma? Was the ring part of the original set?” she asked.
    Charlotte looked away. “I’m suddenly tired.” Her grandmother let out a heavy, clearly forced sigh.
    Lexie wondered what in the world was going on. Something about the ring on television had upset hergrandmother, but she didn’t want to discuss it. Not even with Lexie.
    Hmm. “Well, we can pick up your lesson tomorrow,” Lexie said. “Why don’t you go lie down?”
    â€œI think I’ll do that.”
    Lexie started to gather her things together. “I have to go out and meet Claudia about our newest client,” Lexie told her grandmother. “I may be late, so don’t wait up. I have my key.”
    Claudia Milne, a self-taught computer genius, did most of the coding for the sites Lexie designed. She lived, ate and breathed HTML and Lexie thanked her lucky stars they’d met on the plane ride from Israel to New York after Lexie’s first Middle East trip five years ago.
    A wanderer by nature, Lexie had the enviable ability to do her job from anywhere. She saw no reason to lease an apartment in between travels when she could stay in her grandmother’s spare bedroom whenever she was in town. Charlotte loved having Lexie over and Lexie appreciated being able to do things for her grandmother when she was around.
    â€œWhat site are you working on now?” her grandmother asked. Charlotte was always interested in Lexie’s client list, and often offered input on design. Most of which Lexie politely ignored.
    â€œAthlete’s Only. The Jordan sisters and Yank Morgan asked for an overhaul,” she said of the sportsand PR powerhouse agency—and Lexie’s first client when she’d started her own Web design business.
    â€œIsn’t it late for a meeting? Do I need to call Yank and tell him they’re overworking you?” Charlotte asked.
    Lexie and Yank Morgan were old friends. They’d met during her childhood spent at the skating rink. And thanks to that friendship, Lexie had garnered her first major client in need of a high-tech Web site and entrée into the prestigious and lucrative sports world.
    As a result, Lexie’s portfolio now included an array of sports-oriented clients, from sport drinks to sports teams—much to the surprise of her parents, who had at one time tried to mold their daughter into a competitive ice skater.
    To their never-ending dismay, Lexie had rebelled against the rigid, competitive world of schedules and conformity. The only good that had come from those years was her grandmother’s friendship with Yank. Charlotte and Yank shared a love of unconventional eccentricity. They also understood the notion of being true to oneself, and together they’d convinced Lexie’s parents to stop pushing their desires onto their daughter.
    Lexie would be forever grateful to Yank for that, and for his belief in her Web-design talent. “Grandma, I never mind working late. Don’t you dare say a word.” Evening meetings suited Lexie’s lifestyle perfectly.
    When