That Certain Summer Read Free Page B

other side of Margaret’s chair.
    Karen moved into position, and between the two of them they had Margaret into her room and ready for bed in fifteen minutes flat. Once she was settled, they returned to the kitchen.
    â€œI made shepherd’s pie.” Karen picked up a pot holder. “There’senough for you and Kristen. I thought you might be hungry after the long drive.”
    â€œI appreciate that, but I stopped and got a salad along the way.”
    â€œThat’s all you’re eating for dinner? Lettuce?”
    â€œThere was chicken in it.”
    â€œThat’s not much of a dinner. This is a lot heartier.”
    Without comment, Val moved toward the counter as Karen peeled back the foil.
    Unfortunately, the dish hadn’t held up as well the second time around. The filling had spread over the bottom of the casserole, and small pools of grease dotted the surface. The once-fluffy potato topping had caved in and dried out, and the carrots were tired and limp.
    Karen caught the curl of distaste on Val’s lips before her sister masked it.
    Her blood pressure moved into the danger range.
    â€œIt looked a lot better an hour or two ago, when you were supposed to be here.” Hot spots burned in her cheeks.
    â€œHey, I appreciate the thought. But the salad was all I needed.”
    Turning away, Karen recrimped the foil over the casserole and shoved the dish into a thermal tote. “I have a daughter at home who’s probably starving. I’m sure she’ll be happy to eat your share.”
    â€œLook, I’m sorry. I know you went to a lot of trouble. This is one of Mom’s favorites, isn’t it? I bet she enjoyed it.”
    â€œNot that you’d notice. She said it was too salty.” Once more, tears pushed against the back of her eyes. Once more, she fought them into submission.
    â€œThat sounds like Mom.”
    â€œSometimes I wonder why I even try.” Karen zipped the tote with more force than necessary.
    â€œSo do I.”
    She fisted her hands and faced her sister. “Look, I don’t need any more criticism tonight, okay? I try because I have no choice. I live here. I have to make an effort to get along with her.”
    For a moment, Val regarded her in silence. “You do have a choice, you know. And maybe you try too hard.”
    â€œThat’s easy for you to say. You don’t deal with her every day.”
    â€œBy choice.”
    â€œI couldn’t walk away.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œMy life was here. I was married.”
    â€œAlso a choice.”
    And not a good one.
    Although Val didn’t say the words, the message resonated.
    Karen picked up the casserole. “I need to leave.”
    â€œI did too.”
    There was an odd undertone in her sister’s quiet response, but she was too angry to dwell on it. “That didn’t absolve you of family obligations. I’ve had to do everything around here since you went off to college seventeen years ago and never came back. Didn’t you ever feel guilty?”
    A shadow crossed Val’s eyes. “Why don’t we leave this discussion for another day? I’m tired and you’re stressed.”
    â€œFine with me.” Karen hoisted the casserole into the crook of her arm and grabbed her purse. “Call me tomorrow and I’ll fill you in on Mom’s therapy schedule and medications. Do you need any help bringing your stuff in from the car?”
    â€œI can manage.”
    â€œI made up your old room for you. There are fresh towels in the guest bath.”
    â€œThanks.”
    At the door, Karen paused. Val was leaning against the nicked Formica countertop that had been in the kitchen for as long as she could remember. Not much had changed in the house since they were kids.
    In any way.
    But walking out in a huff wasn’t going to improve things.
    â€œI don’t know how we got into all that stuff tonight, but I doappreciate your