What a Mother Knows Read Free Page A

grateful, some of those East Coast schools have a direct pipeline to the Ivy League,” Cathy said. “Our high school has been ruined by budget cuts. And it’s impossible to get into UCLA anymore.”
    â€œMaybe Julie can help,” Michelle offered. “She’s in the English department.”
    Julie downed her champagne and poured more.
    â€œCody is more of a math and science kid,” Cathy said, watching her son hang on Lexi’s every word. “Maybe he’ll be a doctor.”
    â€œMaybe,” Michelle said, smiling. “But you might want to tell him that Lexi is already dating a doctor.”
    The doorbell rang. The boys went to the door and staggered back with an orchid plant so large that it seemed to erupt with white blossoms. The men came around to clear room on the table, where it dwarfed the spring bouquet. Cathy handed Michelle the gift card. “‘With love, Victor,’” she read.
    â€œProbably left over from a commercial shoot,” Drew said, unimpressed.
    Lexi plucked a fallen petal from the soil. “No, Michelle’s boss sent orchids to the hospital every month. You would have noticed if she didn’t give so many away to other patients.”
    â€œThat’s our Michelle. We’re so glad to have you back,” Kenny said, echoing Cathy’s words. He leaned in for a light hug.
    â€œThanks, Coach. Did you find a player to replace Tyler?”
    â€œWe did. But as a matter of fact, our shortstop has the flu, so if you could spare your son on Tuesday, I’d like to have him play.”
    â€œI’m sure he’d love that, thanks.”
    Drew put his arm around Kenny’s shoulder. “Kenny’s been a real godsend. Handled all the legal work after your accident.”
    â€œAll I did then was put the estate in order,” Kenny said, wincing at the morbid implication. “The insurance company has their own attorney.”
    â€œThank you,” Michelle said.
    â€œYou’re welcome. I was coasting on a fat contingency fee that fall. But now…” He looked at Drew, who raised his hand like a stop sign.
    The doorbell rang again. “I’ll get it,” Julie said. “If it’s more flowers, I’ll be happy to take them off your hands.” She came back leading a trim black man in a tailored suit. “Not flowers, but the same offer goes.”
    â€œDr. Palmer,” Lexi said. “When I invited you, I didn’t think you would actually come.”
    â€œI missed the hospital gathering, so I wanted to drop this by.” Dr. Palmer set a gift bag of French Roast coffee on the table and smiled at Michelle.
    â€œHow thoughtful,” Michelle said, pushing herself up to stand before anyone could notice the blood rushing to her cheeks. “Drew, you remember Dr. Palmer, don’t you? The one Lexi calls Dr. Frankenstein?”
    â€œOf course,” Drew said, shaking hands with the younger man.
    â€œDr. Palmer is my orthopedic therapist,” Michelle explained to the others. “He tortured me twice a week, rain or shine.”
    â€œNice work,” Cathy said. “She seems good as new—except for the arm.”
    Dr. Palmer smoothed his silk tie. “That’s a bit tricky. This may be the best we can do.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Cathy said. “I didn’t mean to…”
    â€œNo, it’s all right,” he interrupted. “Believe me, I wish I could do more. Mrs. Mason, I have to head over the hill before the traffic gets ugly. I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed working with you.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze and waved good-bye to the others. Lexi walked him out.
    â€œThanks for the coffee,” Michelle called, watching him go.
    â€œYou okay?” Julie asked.
    â€œJust feels strange. He was around more than my husband.”
    Drew overheard. “Only because I was busy working to pay him,” he said a