Mattie's Call Read Online Free PDF

dining room table before he entered the room. She pulled his chair back, waited for him to be seated, and gently placed a napkin across his lap. She joined him, taking a seat to his right.
    Clanking silverware was their conversation. Beryl devoured the meal, dousing his steak with A-1 and heaping his potato with butter, sour cream, and bacon.
    â€œHallowed—”
    â€œDon’t start.”
    â€œIt’s not about the situation.”
    â€œGood.” He chewed, considered the glower on Alice’s face. “What is it, then?”
    â€œWell, we were all invited to the Christmas pageant at Grand Oak. I didn’t commit to Mama, but it would be so nice to go. The food, Christmas carols, it would be like old times.”
    â€œOld times for whom? We don’t participate in those affairs.”
    â€œWhat’s the harm?”
    â€œI said no.”
    Mattie’s face flashed in Alice’s mind. An uncharacteristic surge of courage coursed through her veins and danced on her tongue. “Have you ever thought of what your life would be like without me?”
    Beryl took a long swig of lemonade. “My Smith and Wesson holds enough bullets to help anyone rest easy. Always has, always will.”
    The threat made Alice shiver.
    To solidify his point, Beryl offered, “Where would you go? What would you do? Selfish Gigi doesn’t even let you all in the house. You’d have to move out Joshua’s women to stay at his house. All it takes is for me to make a few phone calls and you couldn’t rent an apartment, buy a house, or secure a divorce lawyer in this town.”
    Her shoulders slumped. She wished she could summon the moxie of the old Alice, the one who shopped, loved clubs, and defended herself against anyone who disrespected her.
    â€œDid you hear me? You’re not going anywhere.”
    â€œYes, Hallowed.”
    â€œAnd another thing.” Beryl pointed his steak sauce-filled fork toward Alice’s face and waited for her to repeat the mantra.
    â€œHusband first. Always.”

6
Nowhere To Be Found
    K aren tried to lift Mattie’s funk with no luck. She had smuggled Mattie’s favorite peaches from the cafeteria along with three cinnamon packets. The cups of untouched peaches sat on the table, along with a warm cup of cranberry ginger ale. Karen sat next to Mattie on the bed.
    â€œMs. Mattie, is everything okay?”
    â€œNot right now, but it will be.”
    â€œIs it about Ms. Emma?”
    Mattie shook her head. “I’m not sad. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
    â€œYou sure could’ve fooled me. Looking lost and sad. This is not my Mattie.”
    â€œIf you want your Mattie, loosen up my curls some. I asked Kennedy to keep them tight for the pageant tonight. I want to look good when I join in the songs.”
    Karen removed the scarf from Mattie’s head. She found her favorite plastic pick in the top drawer and gently fluffed out her curls. Mattie took great pride in her appearance; her hair was thicker than a lot of the women at Grand Oak. Some of them envied Mattie because she didn’t wear a wig.
    â€œAm I loosening your curls for singing, or Mr. Kauthon?”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œDon’t act like you can’t tell he’s sweet on you.”
    â€œKauthon is my TV buddy, nothing more, nothing less. He’s a good guy and tells a lot of funny jokes. As innocent as he looks, he tells dirty jokes sometimes, too. He’s just a friend to pass the time away.”
    â€œMmm-hmmm, Ms. Mattie.”
    â€œHe is. Agatha is the one who’s sweet on him, but he said she gossips too much. He needs a more discreet lady friend. You know Grand Oak is nothing but a little Peyton Place.”
    â€œPeyton Place?”
    Mattie looked at Karen. “It was a book and a TV show, but when people use the phrase they mean a place where a lot of messiness happens.” Mattie touched