Foolish Notions Read Online Free PDF Page A

dustpan.
“You’ll agree.”
    James made a grunting sound.
    Ginger looked up and eyed him. “You
will.” She stood and moved to the trashcan. “And when you
do, everything will work out. You’ll see.”
    “We have one more nurse coming
today. My mom will do the interview. Her name is Samantha. She should
be here around noon.” He took the tray on the counter. “I’m
going to take this up.”
    * * * * *
    “Good morning.” James
handed Marie the paper he had already read and neatly refolded. When
she tucked it under her arm, he set the tray across her lap.
    “Thank you,” Marie said as
she viewed the tray. “What would I do without you?”
    The question was, what would he do
without her? That was something he would not allow himself to think
about. If he did, it would be like he was admitting she wasn’t
going to make it.
    “You’ll never have to find
that out.”
    She smiled tenderly at him.
    “Sleep well?”
    “Yes. It’s the first time
in days that I’ve been able to sleep through the entire night.”
She stretched her arms over her head and looked out the window. The
morning sun cast warm golden light into the room, highlighting
particles of dust and lint, which appeared to float weightlessly
through the air in all directions. “It must be the beautiful
weather.”
    “You look good.” He wasn’t
just saying it to encourage her, either. Her cheeks held a hint of
soft, pale pink. He noticed how her blue eyes had flickered
brightly—with mischief—when he had leaned over and set
the tray across her lap. She must have gotten up early, because her
hair was neatly combed and she wore a matching jogging suit instead
of her nightdress.
    “I feel good,” she added.
“I think that was all I needed, a good night’s rest.”
    “No pain?” He moved to the
window and cracked it open to allow the richly scented breeze in.
    “Just a little. Nothing to worry
about.” She nibbled on a piece of toast.
    “I can get you something.”
He turned toward the bathroom.
    “I don’t need anything. I’m
fine, really.” When he stopped, she smiled at him. “Nothing
I can’t handle. Besides, I’m not going to pop a pill
every time I feel a little twinge.”
    James took a seat in a Victorian floral
tapestry chair, which was only a few feet from the bed. “Ginger
made a loaf of her famous cinnamon bread.” He motioned to her
plate. “It’s delicious toasted. I think I should hire her
as our cook instead of our housekeeper.”
    Marie took a bite of the crisp bread.
After she swallowed, she spoke. “This is delightful.”
After a moment she added, “Did you call Samantha last night?”
    “Yes, I did.”
    “And?”
    “She’s coming over sometime
today.”
    Dropping the toast, she clasped her
hands together and smiled. “Thank you.”
    He lifted a brow. “That doesn’t
mean she’ll be able to take the job.”
    “I understand, but it will be
good to see her.”
    He looked at his watch. “I need
to go. I have to get in early so Shelly can type up a proposal. The
earlier I get there the happier she will be.” He pushed out of
the chair and kissed her cheek. “Call me if you need anything.
Don’t forget Ginger’s here, too.”
    “I’ll be fine.” She
lifted the tray off her lap and set it aside.
    “I need to get my lazy butt out
of bed, that’s what I need to do.”
    He looked over his shoulder. “Just
don’t overdo it.”
    “Have you ever known me to overdo
it?”
    James stopped midstride and slowly
turned so his large frame faced into the room. His eyes locked with
his mom’s. By her expression, he knew that she was very aware
of the huge can of worms she had just so unwisely opened. “You
really don’t want me to answer that, do you?” he asked,
as his disdainful gaze challenged her.
    She cocked her head hopefully. “Is
that a rhetorical question or an authentic one?”
    “Take a guess.”
    She looked heavenward, her hands
quickly folding into prayer. Her expression was split