First and Again Read Online Free PDF Page B

positive things they can receive by cooperating with the school, you’d be amazed by what they can do.”
    “I don’t think I understand,” she said, shaking her head. This principal certainly was different from any she’d had in school.
    “It’s quite simple, really. Instead of punishing Rebecca we offer her a positive incentive to cooperate with counseling. What’s something she loves, something that might entice her to see the counselor?”
    Bridget knew the answer immediately. “Horses. She loves to ride.”
    “Excellent. Perhaps you can offer her a chance to go riding if she’ll talk to the counselor.”
    “Yes, perhaps.” Horses were Rebecca’s passion. But even if she found somewhere for her daughter to ride, how was she supposed to pay for it?
    “Please think about what I’ve said and get back to me as soon as you can. I don’t want to expel Rebecca, even for a short time, but if she continues to be disruptive I may not have any other choice. I have to think of the other students.”
    Bridget nodded, feeling numb inside. She’d failed Rebecca so many times, from breaking up her family to taking her out of her favorite school. This time she couldn’t fail her, no matter the cost. It was their last chance.
    * * *
    The Friday night crowd at the bar kept her busy all evening. A sudden afternoon thundershower had halted progress on the harvest, making the crops too wet to combine, the hay too soggy to bail. As a result, several of the local farmers and ranchers had headed into town to relax and visit with neighbors.
    The bell tinkled over the front door, and she glanced up to see Celia entering the bar. Her jaw tightened. Celia was the last person she wanted to see today. Or any day. Did she think she was just going to get over her betrayal, as if it had been nothing, as if she hadn’t been shattered to her core? Bridget’s hand shook as she put glasses on her tray.
    Celia immediately headed toward her, a grim expression on her face.
    “I didn’t think it was possible,” she said.
    “You didn’t think what was possible?” She avoided looking Celia in the eye.
    “That one person could manage to avoid another for this long in a town as small as Paradise. You must have set a new record.”
    “I’ve been busy.”
    “Too busy to pop into my shop for a visit and a lousy cup of coffee? Too busy to return my calls? My hair salon is just down the road, so you can’t use distance as an excuse for not visiting me anymore.”
    Bridget grabbed a cloth from behind the bar and wiped a couple of empty tables. The last thing she needed was a lecture from Celia. “I didn’t feel like visiting.”
    “I know the move’s been a big adjustment for you. All the more reason for you to rely on your family. Why don’t you and Rebecca come over for dinner on Sunday? We’d love to spend some time with you, get to know both of you better.”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “Why not?” She could hear the frustration in her sister’s voice.
    “I don’t want to talk about it right now.”
    “You’re always angry about something, Bridge. Ever since we were kids you’ve been mad at me for something. What is it this time?”
    “Don’t talk to me as if I were a two-year-old having a tantrum.”
    “Then quit behaving like one. If something’s bothering you, just tell me instead of acting like some kind of martyr. I’m tired of walking on eggshells around you all the time.”
    She threw down her wet cloth. “Unlike one of us, I’m not the chatty type. I don’t gossip about things that are none of my business.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    She lifted her eyes to Celia’s, keeping her voice low. “Don’t insult me by playing dumb. You know exactly what I mean.”
    Celia threw up her hands, her voice rising. “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. You want to fill me in on my supposed crime?”
    Conversation abruptly stopped around them as people turned to stare. Bridget grabbed