1. That's What Friends Are For Read Online Free PDF Page A

course he loves you. Penny," Brad hastily assured her. "Who wouldn't? I just wonder what other reasons such a logical and analytical person might find to choose you for his mate, particularly since he's waited this long to marry."
    Who wouldn't? Penny's mind repeated in surprise, losing much of what he had said after that. Was it possible that Brad had actually intended to pay her a compliment? If so, it was the first she could ever recall receiving from him.
    "What other reasons could he have?" she asked, curious about his line of thinking.
    "Oh, there are all kinds of reasons to get married. Maybe he's tired of living alone. Maybe he wants a family, a hostess. Maybe he's marrying you for your money "
    "That's a pretty vivid imagination you've got there. Brad. Do you write those stories on television as well as act in them?"
    "There's nothing imaginative in any of that. It happens all the time."
    "Not with me, it doesn't. I doubt that my teacher's salary attracts him. After all, he's a very successful lawyer.''
    "Then why did he move to Payton?"
    Penny relaxed a little more against the door, watching Brad's profile. "Why not? It's a nice place to live, even though you found it dull."
    "I never found it dull," he pointed out mildly. "I just wanted to become a professional actor, and Pay-ton doesn't have that many job openings in that particular field." He glanced over at her and grinned when he saw that she was absently twisting a curl around one of her fingers. She only did that when she was agitated. Good. At least he had her thinking. "Besides," he went on blandly, "I wasn't talking about what you make. You're an only child and your family is very well off."
    "So what? I'm certainly not apt to be inheriting anything for years to come, and you know it. Good grief. Mom and Dad are still in their forties."
    "I know. They got married very young and they made it work but it was tough, which is why they're against teenage marriages."
    Penny looked at him in surprise. "How do you know that?" she asked. "I've never heard them say anything about their early years."
    "Never mind," he replied, deciding it was time to change the subject. "So if he isn't interested in your money, Gregory must want you to play hostess for him and preside over his home."
    "What's wrong with that?" she asked, puzzled by his tone.
    "Oh, Penny, that isn't you, and you know it. You've got too much vitality and sparkle for that kind of life. If you would just be honest with yourself, you'd admit that you're already bored with teaching school. How do you think you're going to feel playing helpful Harriet for a man who could pass as your father?''
    ''Would you stop with the stupid remarks about Gregory's age? In the first place, Gregory doesn't even look that old. As a matter of fact, you may have noticed that he looks a little like you—same hair coloring, similar build."
    He grinned. ''Is that why you fell for him? Because he reminded you of me?"
    She stared at him in horror. "Of course not! He's absolutely nothing like you, thank God."
    "You don't have to sound so thankful. I didn't turn out all that bad, did I?"
    She heard the hint of pain in his voice again, and wondered about it. Brad Crawford was too self-confident to be easily offended. And yet twice today she had heard a slight hesitancy in his voice as though he were unsure of himself.
    "You're living your life the way you want to, Brad. I can't fault you for that," she said quietly.
    "But are you living your life the way you want to? That's my concern at the moment."
    She glanced at him, puzzled. "That's the second time you've made a remark Hke that. I am not bored with teaching. I am very content with my life." She studied him for a moment in silence, then asked, "And why should you care what I do or how I feel, anyway?"
    "Come on, Penny, you know me better than that. I have always looked out for you and cared for you, ever since we were kids." He gave her a quick glance from the corner of his eye