Page 26 of The Man Next Door
“They don’t sound like keepers then.”
“Somebody’s keeping them. Probably Ursula,” Louise grumbled.
“Ursula?”
“Never mind,” Louise said with a flick of her hand. “Do you fancy an iced tea?”
Zona got the message. “That’s a great idea. I’ll make a pitcher.”
By the time they’d finished their drinks, Bree had arrived with writing supplies and a Starbucks blended drink.
“Oh, sweetie, that was so thoughtful,” cooed Louise.
“Mom and I figured you might get inspired and start your book. Maybe you can write a thriller about a woman who gets murdered on a cruise.”
Louise frowned at that. “I’d hoped to do some research on the cruise.”
Research into available men. Zona kept the remark to herself. Instead, she said, “You never know where you might find inspiration. Maybe something right here at home will inspire you.”
“Yes, I can write about a woman who breaks her leg and falls in the shower and drowns,” Louise muttered. Then, catching herself being cranky, added, “Never mind me. I think I need a pain pill. And a nap.” She grabbed her crutches and struggled to get up. Both Zona and Bree rushed to help her. “I can do it,” she said irritably, then fell back on the couch and swore.
“You’ll get the hang of those crutches,” Zona said. “You just have to get your sea legs.” Oops. She pretended not to see her mother’s scowl as she helped Louise to her feet.
“Poor Gram,” said Bree once Louise was medicated and resting in the bedroom.
“Poor both of us,” said Zona.
“I can stay with Gram if you want to go out,” Bree offered.
And what?thought Zona.Go shopping? Ha!Like that would be happening anytime in the future. The temperature had climbed, and it was too hot to go for a hike or even a walk. Her biggest excitement would come in the evening when temperatures dropped and she took Darling out.
“I’m fine,” she said to Bree.
“You don’t look fine,” Bree countered.
Zona was pretty sure she hadn’t looked fine in a long time. She shrugged.
“I’m sorry your life sucks,” said Bree.
“So does yours, thanks to me.”
Bree didn’t correct her. Instead, she said, “At least I got to go to the beach.”
“You went to the beach? Who’d you go with?”
Bree suddenly looked wary. “Just a friend.”
“Fen?” guessed Zona.
“Like I said.”
“I don’t blame you for being cautious,” Zona began.
“It’s more than cautious. Never going where you’ve been, Mom.”
“I’m sorry I scarred you.”
“I’m not scarred. I’m smart. I learned from watching what happened to you.”
