Love a Little Sideways Read Online Free PDF Page B

lot happier.”
    “So do you.” The last time she’d seen Josh, he’d been sitting on her front step in New Mexico, sulking because he was trying to convince himself he’d done the right thing in leaving his best friend Katie behind to see the country, and failing. Luckily, he’d figured it all out and returned to the Northern Star Lodge and to Katie, who was Rose’s daughter.
    “Katie’s at work,” he said, looping an arm over her shoulder as they walked toward the front porch. “She was going to close the shop, but nobody was sure quite when you’d get here.”
    Katie Davis owned the only barbershop in Whitford, so it was probably a big deal when she closed it down for a day. “I understand. You two set a wedding date yet?”
    “Not yet. We’re trying to let Ryan and Lauren go first, but if they don’t hurry up, we’re going to stop being nice.”
    Liz laughed, then gave a squeal of delight when the screen door flew open and Rosie stepped out.
    “My girl’s finally home!” Rosie threw her arms around Liz, barely giving Josh time to get out of the way, and squeezed her hard.
    Rose Davis had been the housekeeper at the Northern Star all of Liz’s life and, since Sarah Kowalski died when Liz was seven, she’d been the mom of the house, too. She considered the Kowalski kids as much hers as she did her own daughter, Katie, who she’d practically raised at the lodge along with them. And while Katie had been a tomboy, running with Liz’s brothers, Liz had spent her time with Rosie, helping her clean and bake and learning to knit. Now that she was home to stay, it was safe to admit to herself that she’d missed her horribly.
    “When did you get in?” Rosie asked, practically pushing her through the house to the kitchen, where most of the visiting usually took place.
    “Last night. I know I should have called then, but by the time I got settled, it was late enough so I thought you might be in bed already.”
    Rosie’s eyes narrowed. “You stayed at Lauren’s last night?”
    Liz remembered the photo on Facebook. “Yes, but before you jump to any wrong conclusions, I had a small accident and—”
    “An accident? What happened?”
    “My car hydroplaned and sideswiped a tree. I’m fine.” She put her hands up and made a slow circle so Rosie could see for herself. “Drew lent me his Mustang, which is why it was parked in the driveway at midnight.”
    Josh laughed, pulling a chair away from the table so he could turn it around and straddle it backward, ignoring Rosie’s frown. “When people find out you were in the house when the picture was taken, they’ll have something to chew on for a while.”
    Liz felt pinned down by Rosie’s look. She knew Liz and Drew had history, however brief. They’d talked about it before Liz went back to New Mexico and they’d both agreed it was best Mitch not know about it. Liz could only hope Rose’s opinion on that wouldn’t change now that Liz had moved home.
    “Of course not,” Josh replied. “It’s ridiculous. Drew’s too good a friend to Mitch to try something with you.”
    It was ridiculous, all right, but not for the reason he thought. “How come nobody assumes I’d try something with him?”
    “Girls having a crush on their older brother’s best friend is typical. It’s up to the best friend to keep his hands to himself.”
    “That’s so insulting.” When she saw Rose’s mouth tighten, Liz realized she didn’t really want to continue down this conversational path. “Not that it matters, but two adults worrying about what big brother will think is pretty juvenile.”
    She watched Rose put water on for tea and she thought about mentioning the caffeine thing, but then reconsidered. One cup of tea wouldn’t hurt. Probably. Besides, she still had a lot on her to-do list and she could use the extra jolt.
    “I’m glad we don’t have to worry about that,” Rose said, and it took Liz a second to realize she was still talking about the Mustang