That Certain Summer Read Free Page A

rebellious stage. She’ll find her way back to God.”
    â€œHmph. God isn’t the only one she’s deserted. I haven’t had more than a glimpse of her since my stroke.”
    â€œIt’s hard for her to get around with the broken leg.”
    â€œIt wouldn’t kill her to make a little effort to see her grandmother.”
    â€œHow’s the shepherd’s pie?”
    The question came out before Karen could stop it. Prompted inpart by a need to change the subject, but more by the need to win her mother’s approval about something .
    â€œToo much salt.” Despite that critique, her mother continued to eat with gusto.
    The last vestige of Karen’s appetite vanished, and pressure built behind her eyes.
    No! Don’t you dare cry! Just hang on a few more minutes. As soon as Val gets here, you can escape.
    Two minutes later, after she managed to choke down a couple more bites, she heard the crunch of gravel in the driveway.
    Yes!
    She was already pulling open the back door as Val lifted her arm to knock.
    As her sister’s hand froze, Karen did a quick inventory. In the year since she’d seen her younger sibling, Val hadn’t changed much. Same sleek blonde hair. Same perfect figure. Same chic taste in clothes. Same aura of glamour.
    In other words, her polar opposite.
    Karen smoothed down her crumpled khaki skirt and rubbed at a spatter of grease on her blouse. She already knew she was a slightly overweight woman approaching middle age, with dull brown hair, drab clothes, and a mundane life—but standing next to Val, she felt downright dowdy.
    Then again, what else was new?
    Val inclined her head toward the table and spoke softly. “A little anxious for relief, are we?”
    Karen stiffened. “You’re late.”
    â€œThere was major road construction an hour north of here. My cell was dead or I’d have called. I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”
    â€œKristen’s waiting for me at home. She hasn’t eaten yet. I held dinner as long as I could, but Mom was hungry. I left you some in the oven.”
    â€œClose the door! You’re letting all the cool air out. My electric bill will be sky high.” Margaret waved a fork in their direction.“It shouldn’t be this hot in the middle of May. Must be that global warming they keep talking about. The world is going to pot, if you ask me.”
    A humorless smile twisted Val’s lips. “I see she hasn’t changed.”
    â€œShe’s sick.”
    â€œShe’s always been like this, sick or well.” Val took a deep breath. “Okay, I guess I have to face the lion.” She resettled her purse on her shoulder, stood up straighter, and stepped past Karen. “Hi, Mom. Your prodigal daughter has returned.”
    â€œIt’s about time.” Margaret looked her up and down and sniffed.
    â€œIt’s good to see you too.”
    â€œHmph.” Margaret pushed her glasses higher on her nose. “Well, of course I’m glad you’re home. Karen can’t keep up, and I need help.”
    â€œThat’s true.” Val’s reply sounded innocuous, but Karen caught the double meaning.
    Margaret didn’t.
    â€œWe’ll have to talk in the morning.” Margaret chased the last minuscule morsel of ground beef around her plate and forked it into her mouth. “I need to lie down. Karen, help me into the bedroom.”
    â€œI’m here now, Mom. I can take over those kinds of chores.” Val dropped her purse on the table and moved to Margaret’s side.
    â€œYou’re too thin to have any strength. Let Karen help. She has more meat on her bones.”
    A warm flush suffused Karen’s cheeks.
    That’s right, Mom, just keep rubbing it in .
    â€œWe’ll both help.” Val flexed one of her arms. “I’ve been doing weight training. You might be surprised how strong I am.” She motioned Karen to the