Condemned Read Online Free PDF Page B

her as ease.”
    “Andrea!” Sadie gasped. “Do not joke about doing something
like that. Your mother and grandmother would descend on us like a swarm of
locusts and sweep you away from me before we knew what hit us.”
    “I’m sorry. You always make me feel so welcome here that I
forget the battles you and Uncle Hank used to fight so I could visit all those
summers. I’ve never understood why Mother resisted so strongly.”
    “Having you with us was worth every harsh word those women
ever uttered. I suppose there’s no harm in telling you, now that you’re not
living under their roof anymore.
    “Years ago, when Hank was first starting out in business,
your grandmother had a friend she introduced him to with hopes they would
marry. Clara was a few years older than Hank so she always insisted she knew
what was best for him. He was one to try to keep the peace so he dated the girl
she pushed at him a few times, just to make her happy. One day, I was on a
picnic with my family and Hank was strolling in the park with the girl. My
brothers and I were throwing a ball around and I literally wound up in Hank’s
arms when I was running backward to make a catch. I ran right into him and we
ended up on the ground, all tangled with each other. He was holding me on his
chest since he had twisted on the way down to protect me from harm. I remember
looking into his eyes and knowing I belonged there.
    “He kissed me right then and there, much to the horror of
the girl he was with. When he helped me to my feet, he whispered that he would
get rid of her and asked me to wait there for him. We were never apart again.
Of course, your grandmother was furious. I don’t think she ever forgave him for
not giving in to her wishes as he always had. She refused to come to our
wedding and it was years before she actually spoke to me.”
    “How romantic.” Andie sighed. “I guess Grandmother passed
the grudge on to Mother. Thanks for finally explaining, Aunt Sadie. I always
wondered why they were so cold to you but I learned not to ask them.”
    “I should thank you for insisting that you wanted to come
stay with us. Hank treasured every moment as much as I did. He’d be pleased
that you’re here now.” Sadie squeezed her hand in an uncharacteristically soft
gesture. “Let that be a lesson to you young people. Nothing should stand in the
way of true love. And when you find it, fight for it.”
    Both men muttered assurances. When he had the chance, Jesse
winked at Andie, indicating again that they were doing the right thing, trying
to get Brett to see her for who she was. The rest of the meal continued with
comfortable banter. When they were finished eating, Jesse volunteered to help
Andie with the dishes.
     
    As soon as they were alone, Sadie turned on Brett. “So.” She
watched his expression closely. “What do you think of them?”
    “Jesse and Andie?” He stalled. “They seem fine together.
Why? Do you have some objection to him?”
    “Not at all, not at all. He’s a decent boy. On the occasions
I’ve been around him, he seems steady enough. He’s not at all intimidated by me
and he teases me almost as well as you do.”
    “Then what is it?”
    “I don’t know exactly. I can tell Andie likes him well
enough. I just don’t think they’ll ever move beyond friendship.”
    “Not everyone falls in love the way you and Hank did. They
just started going out. Some people take time and fall in love gradually.”
    She snorted. “As if a playboy like you would know anything
about love. Boy, you wouldn’t know love if it stood in front of you and slapped
you right in the face.”
    “I resent that.”
    “Why? It’s true. We both know your latest bit of flash won’t
hold your interest. I give her a few more weeks and that’s only because she’s
holding back. Once she gives in to your charm, you’ll be bored in no time. When
are you going to realize that you need more than a pretty face? I had hopes for
you and Andie but