Arms of Serenity (Rock Services) Read Online Free PDF Page A

eyebrows at Becca through the reflection. “Wow, catty much? You really don’t like her, do you? She is your cousin, Becca. You two grew up together.”
    “I think that’s the problem.” Becca sighed and remembered how she and Victoria would spend their days together. They would climb trees in the back yard, run barefoot through the mud puddles, and pick flowers out of the fields. They were inseparable and exactly alike in almost every way.
    “I guess I just miss who she was and who we were. She’s changed into someone I don’t have anything in common with, and even talking with her is difficult. She lives in a totally different world than I do, and it’s one that I don’t want any part. The only reason I’m going is because Mom had insisted and dragged me to the first two weddings. She kept telling me that no matter how people change, family is always family. She would want me to be there.”
    At the mention of Becca’s mom, Anne looked at her picture on the nightstand. “I miss her. She was such a great person.” She turned back to Becca. “Have you been out to the house lately?”
    Becca glanced at the picture of her mom. It had been close to a year since her mom had passed away, and there wasn’t a day that she didn’t wish she was still there to talk to or hear her laugh.
    “I went out last week. I still can’t make a decision on whether or not to put it up for sale. This apartment is small, but the house is just too big and empty without her.” Becca shrugged, then smiled. “You can’t beat my commute to work here, though. Considering I never can get up on time, at least here I can just stumble down the steps. Can you imagine if I lived out there? Your chocolate chip, walnut, and raisin pumpkin muffins would never get made.”
    “You made them.” Anne sat up excited. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
    “Against my better baker’s judgment, yes , I made you a batch. They’re in the fridge down in the shop.” She turned around to face Anne and placed her hands on her hips. “Just know that if the cravings get any weirder and you ask me to make something with pickles or sardines in it, I’m totally drawing the line.”
    Anne wrinkled her nose at Becca. “That won’t happen. Pickles make me want to vomit. But, oh goody I can’t wait to scarf up those muffins. I’m grabbing a couple on my way out today. That reminds me. Do you still want me to watch the shop when you go to this gala ?” Anne emphasized the last word and laughed when Becca scowled at her.
    “Yes, please and thank you , and since we are back on the topic—when do want to go shopping with me for a new gown?”
    “Not that I don’t enjoy watching your misery when I drag you from store to store, but why don’t you want to wear the one you got? You look beautiful.”
    “Have you seen this and this?” Becca pointed at her chest and then to the hem of the dress. “I would never wear something this short or revealing normally. You know that. I don’t look anything like me.”
    Anne shook her head . “That’s the point, Becca. It’s a masquerade party. You’re not supposed to be yourself. It’s an opportunity to put on a mask and be whoever you want to be for the night. Nobody is going to know you. You’re the only person going from our town. Go, and have a good time.”Anne waggled her eyebrows. “In fact, I think you should embrace that inner vixen that I know you have in you and get a little black-tie action for the night.”
    Becca laughed . “Have I told you that you’re incorrigible? I haven’t embraced anything in a long time. I’ve given up on dating, remember?”
    “Who said anything about dating? Find a hot guy in a tux and have some fun for the night. It’s New Year’s Eve. Maybe then more than one ball will be dropping in New York City that night.”
    Becca shook her head laughing as she watched Anne stand up and start moving toward the door.
    “I have to get home and make dinner for Josh,