Kate's Vow (Vows) Read Online Free PDF Page B

isn’t a billable appointment. I’m going to see Davey Winthrop.”
    Zelda propped her chin on her hand and contemplated her boss with a look that was openly speculative. “Oh, really?”
    Kate glowered at her. “I’ll check in for messages about six. Don’t beep me unless it’s an emergency.”
    “You got it. I don’t suppose you’re planning to have a cozy mediation meeting between father and son over a snack of milk and cookies?”
    “No. I’m sure your hotshot set designer will still be in his office. I’m out of here. Call Davey and let him know I’m on my way.”
    She found him waiting on the front steps, wearing a neatly pressed cotton shirt and jeans with creases so sharp they could have sliced through butter at the very least. His expression was thoroughly dejected. The weekend had obviously not gone nearly as well as she’d hoped. She took a seat beside him.
    “How you doing?” she asked.
    “Okay,” he said without looking up.
    “How’d things go with your dad?”
    He glanced at her then. “Not so good. I think he was mad at me for talking to you.”
    “What makes you say that?” she asked, infuriated by the thought that David Winthrop might have taken her visit out on his son.
    “We started to talk when he got home Friday night, but then he got mad and then I got mad.” He shrugged. “Nothing’s changed. Not really. He acted like everything was all my fault. I think he’s really mad about what I did. I knew he would be.”
    “He was probably more embarrassed than mad. Sometimes grown-ups don’t want other people to know about their troubles.”
    “I guess.”
    “Did you do anything together?”
    “Not really. He stayed at home, though. I guess he’s trying.”
    Staying at home didn’t sound like much to her. He obviously wasn’t trying hard enough by Kate’s standards. “Why don’t you and I have dinner together?” she suggested impulsively. “Do you have plans?”
    His expression brightened. “Really? You can stay?”
    “Absolutely. We’ll work out a settlement plan to propose to your dad. Will your housekeeper mind if you invite a guest?”
    “Heck no. She always makes a ton of stuff anyway, just in case Dad comes home. He almost never does,” he added forlornly.
    Mrs. Larsen gave Kate a thorough once-over when Davey introduced them. The lines in her face suggested her mouth was always turned down in a perpetual frown. Still, she was polite enough when she was told that Kate had been invited to stay for dinner.
    “I hope you don’t mind,” Kate said.
    “There’s plenty,” Mrs. Larsen responded succinctly. She scowled at Davey. “Young man, have you washed your hands?” she demanded, hands on ample hips.
    Davey grinned, not put off in the least by the older woman’s brusque tone. “You ask me that every night.”
    “Because you never wash until I do,” she retorted. “Now get along with you.”
    When Davey had gone, Kate asked, “Are you sure you don’t mind my staying?”
    “It’ll be good for Davey to have company,” the housekeeper said grudgingly. “The boy’s alone too much. He eats in the kitchen with me most nights, but I’m afraid I’m not much company by that hour. I like to watch the news and, tell the truth, I’m pretty worn out after taking him this place and that all day long. I’m sixty-five. I don’t have the stamina I once did.”
    Kate sensed this was the start of a familiar lament. “I’m sure a boy Davey’s age is always on the go.”
    “Indeed,” Mrs. Larsen said. “Summertime’s the worst. It’s hot as the dickens here in town, and the boy’s into everything. In my day, a child’s friends all lived in their neighborhood. Davey’s are scattered all over the county.” She shook her head, clearly disapproving of the changes in society.
    “How do you think Davey and his father get along?” Kate ventured cautiously.
    “I’m not one to gossip, miss,” Mrs. Larsen replied sternly.
    “I’m sure,” Kate agreed.