Lakeside Reunion Read Online Free PDF Page B

in the faint scent of his cologne that lingeredon her sweater. It signaled memories—sunrise picnics at the lake, long walks in the park, stolen kisses in her backyard.
    What was she doing? Acting like a sixteen-year-old with her latest crush. Ridiculous. She had more important things to worry about.
    Her cell phone chimed. She dug it out of her purse. The low-battery signal flashed. Great. Her charger was back at the inn.
    â€œHello?”
    â€œOh, Lindsey. Hello. I’m sorry I didn’t answer when you called. The Andersons called and asked if they could come in a day earlier, so I was making up their room.” Rita, her assistant manager at the inn, sounded out of breath.
    â€œWhere’s Amanda?”
    â€œShe called off. Her daughter has strep. Poor thing. I called in Cheryl and Lynn to help for the rest of the afternoon. Hope that’s not a problem.”
    â€œNone at all. Sorry to leave you with one more thing to deal with. I’ll be back as quickly as I can.”
    â€œDon’t think about that for a single minute. We’ll manage. Your mama needs you. Have they discharged her yet?”
    Lindsey shouldered the cell phone and straightened the magazines on the table. She told Rita about her mother’s surgery.
    â€œGracious sakes, Lindsey. Don’t you worry your pretty head about a thing. Paul and I will take care of everything. Stay with your mother and help her to get better.”
    â€œYou’re a lifesaver, Rita. I’d be so lost without you. Don’t forget the Topliffs are arriving later this afternoon. Mrs. Topliff is allergic to flowers, so be sure to switch out the fresh flowers with silk ones from the supply closet. Ask Paul to fill the birdfeeders with that new sunflower mix I bought last week.” A beep sounded in her ear. “My cell phone is about to die and the charger is in my office. Is there any possible way you could call Tony at the garage and find out about my car? Depending on what’s happening with Mom, I may be able to swap cars this evening if my convertible is done. Call Mom’s house and leave a message, if you don’t mind?”
    â€œOh, not at all, doll. I’ll do it right awa—” The rest of Rita’s words were cut off as the phone died. Lindsey tossed it into her purse.
    She strode to the window that overlooked the parking garage. Kicking off her pumps, she dug her toes into the nubs of the industrial-grade berber carpet. How long before she could take that hot bath, put on warm pajamas and crawl into bed for about twelve straight hours of sleep?
    Scalloped clouds crowded out the September sun. What there was of it. As the afternoon wore on, rain had returned and assaulted the sidewalks with a raging force. Rivulets raced down the pane and bounced off the window ledge. Lightning slashed the sky like an impatient sword as thunder echoed between the buildings, rattling glass and brick.
    Lindsey closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against the cool glass. Come on already. She needed some news. Any news.
    Someone tugged on her skirt. “Lindsey?”
    She turned. A woman sitting in a wheelchair smiled at her.
    Lindsey dropped to her knees and threw her arms around the woman’s bony shoulders. “Aunt Claire! When did you get here?”
    â€œAbout fifteen minutes ago. I met Mom and Dad in the hall and chatted with them for a few minutes. I would’ve been here sooner, but work was crazy today.”
    â€œWell, that’s what happens when you own the trendiest boutique in Shelby Lake. Loved the pictures you emailed. And the fab website. Not bad for being open a year.”
    â€œYes, I’ve been blessed. Enough about me. How are you doing? Honestly.”
    Lindsey tucked her feet under her and shrugged. “Tired of waiting.”
    â€œI know, hon.” Aunt Claire reached for Lindsey’s hand. “Waiting is the toughest part. I’m sure there will be news soon. In the