Simple Gifts Read Free

could have seriously injured someone. Hitting a pump could have blown us all to kingdom come. Why hadn’t I just driven past the pumps when I recognized Vic, and returned later? Now, here I was, headed to a vet clinic, when there was nothing wrong with me but a colossal case of sheer stupidity.
    Two men loaded me into the front seat of a pickup, Vic behind the wheel. Why did men age so much more gracefully than women? If anything, Vic looked better than ever. Though never handsome, he was striking; a man’s man, tall, a ruddy complexion, dancing dark eyes, and a hint of silver at his temples.
    He started the pickup, and I blurted out the principal thought on my mind. “ Where are you taking me?”
    He grinned. “The medical clinic. Did you think I was planning to take you to the veterinary clinic?”
    â€œWell, I wondered.”
    â€œI could check you out, but I’d have the law breathing down my neck. Besides, I’d like to know why you fainted. We’ll let Doc Johnson decide the cause.”
    He was worried about me. Guilt hit like a steamroller. Marlene, you can get yourself into the worst messes. When are you planning to grow up?
    Doc Johnson was older, barrel-chested, and brusque, with white hair and penetrating blue eyes, and a failing memory. He barely remembered my name. “Fainted, huh? You make a habit of doing that?”
    I shook my head. “No…this is a first.”
    â€œWell, come on to the back and we’ll see what’s ailing you.”
    He ran a preliminary exam, asking questions and checking my vitals. I faked grogginess. The ruse had gone on too long to confess now, even with my conscience taking bites out of my pebbling gooseflesh.
    I had misled so long that lies were coming almost naturally.
    About the time CSI came on, Dr. Johnson gave up on the tests when he (duh) failed to find a physical reason for my fainting spell. By now my hair and clothing had dried and I had finger combed my curly locks into a semblance of order.
    Someone had stuck my purse near my jacket. I fumbled around to find a tube of lip gloss and ran it over my dry lips. When Vic walked back into the brightly lit room, my appearance had improved to merely semi-pathetic. I wanted to cry. He looked so together—I’m talking confident and focused. The years had been kind to him.
    I, on the other hand, must have looked like a dried fig.
    â€œHi,” he said, studying me carefully.
    â€œHi,” I murmured. “You waited.”
    â€œI wanted to make sure you got home all right.”
    I tried to glance away, but the years fell back, and suddenly it was Vic, my best friend Vic, looking at me, his features grave with concern.
    â€œSo. Long time no see.”
    â€œWay too long.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “You gave me a scare.”
    â€œSorry.”
    â€œI didn’t know you were expected back. You didn’t say anything when we talked at Christmas.”
    â€œAunt Ingrid finally decided to be sensible. She’s agreed to let me settle Beth’s estate. Guess she got tired of fighting me.” Aunt Ingrid was technically my father’s stepmother, but she had always seemed like another aunt to me.
    He pulled up a chair and sat down beside the table. “I’ll bet you didn’t know I was mayor of Parnass Springs, did you?”
    â€œNo kidding? “Vic? Town mayor? He’d broken out enough city-hall windows to own the place, so I guess that was only fair.
    â€œWell, acting mayor while Eric Wells is on a fact-finding mission.”
    I shook my head, trying to look lethargic. “Mayor? I never expected you to go into politics.”
    â€œNext stop, the White House.” He reached for my hands and his eyes turned grave. “Doc says you have diabetes. Why didn’t you tell me?”
    For the same reason I hadn’t told him a lot of things. Health issues meant I was weak. Noel walking out meant I was a