Catch of a Lifetime: A Cricket Creek Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

your head?”
    “First, because someone wrote a sonnet to a clam. And second, because you knew the answer.”
    Madison shrugged. “I am full of useless knowledge, unless, of course, I’m ever on
Cash Cab
.”
    “Maybe someday you will be.”
    “Yeah, but with my luck, I’ll be with Aunt Myra. She’ll answer before I get the chance to open my mouth and get the answers all wrong, but then argue with Ben Bailey and get us kicked out before we even reach our destination. Hey, did anybody ever tell you that you are queen of changing the subject?”
    “Yeah, you.”
    “It’s true. Mom, listen. Ty McKenna’s glory days are over. And, like Olivia, you are a woman of substance. Maybe you’re just what Ty McKenna needs. Did you ever think of that?”
    “I don’t think of Tyler McKenna at
all
,” she insisted, and added a prim little sniff.
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
    “No, your pants are not on fire.”
    “It’s really creepy when you read my mind,” Jessica said with a slight grin. They started walking across the street. “Okay, I’ll admit that the man is . . . sexy.” What she wouldn’t admit was that it had been so long since she had even had a date that Jessica was simply scared. Her teen pregnancy had taken her out of the dating pool early on. Culinary school and then long days at Chicago Blue Bistro had left her little time for a social life, so she had never really mastered the art of flirting. She was so confident in other areas of her life, but not when it came to men. And sex? Dear God, it had been
years
. Ty McKenna was used to beautiful, chic women who knew their way around a bedroom. Jessica shook her head. She would be laughable.
    “Come on, stop shaking your head. You need to go for it. You’re not getting any younger.”
    “Gee, thanks.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.”
    Madison stopped and pulled her to the side just before they arrived at Sully’s. “We’re not your typical mother and daughter. We’re like the Gilmore Girls.”
    Jessica had to chuckle. “Yeah, but you’re more like crazy Lorelai, and I’m sensible Rory.”
    “Mmmm, true. But there was that season when Rory cut loose. Maybe this should be your season to do that.”
    “Madison, I have Wine and Diner to run.”
    “Yeah, but it doesn’t have to consume your life. You deserve more,” Madison replied. “Plus, my matchmaker radar says you two would make a great couple.” She crooked her index fingers at the top of her head like antennae. “I’ve seen the way you look at him when he walks into the diner. You love it when he comes in to eat. Admit it.”
    “Oh, you and Olivia with your matchmaking schemes!” she scoffed, admitting nothing.
    “Hey, she hooked up Jason and me, and I got Olivia and Noah together. And just look at Aunt Myra and Olivia’s father, Owen. No one could have seen that coming, but quiet Owen is the perfect man for our crazy aunt. Mom, it is your turn!”
    “Oh, Madison, you tried last summer when Ty came into town and we chaperoned the Cricket Creek prom. Remember? It was . . . awkward,” she said, even though it wasn’t really true. The night had been fun. And that kiss . . .
    “You kept needling him!”
    Jessica rolled her eyes. “He totally deserved it. The man is so full of himself.”
    “Well, maybe you’re just the chickie to take him down a notch. Ever think of that? Huh?”
    Jessica groaned, but a tiny voice in the back of her mindwondered if there was something to what Madison was saying.
    “I just want to see you happy.”
    Jessica put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “Sweetie, I am happy.” Wasn’t she? Of course she was!
Okay, maybe. Well, sort of . . .
    “Oh, Mom.” Madison paused and put her palm over her mouth, sniffed, and then said, “You’ve worked so hard and given up so much for me. . . .”
    Jessica’s eyes filled with hot moisture. “Madison, I love you more than anything in this