Playing With Fire Read Online Free PDF Page B

cover-up for Jessica.
    Ned shook his head. “I don’t know, honey. I hear he’s already negotiating with a big design firm from San Francisco.”
    Alice lifted her brows in surprise and distress. “How do you know? And why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
    Ned’s face assumed that slightly bemused expression that always came over him when they discussed his wife’s career moves. “I found out from Marianna on Friday,” he said offhandedly. “It didn’t seem important at the time.” Marianna West was a partner in his law firm.
    Alice held her breath for a moment. She was unhappy with her husband’s lack of interest in her work, but she had no desire to make an issue of it on this bright, clear Sunday morning. Exhaling slowly, she changed the subject. “What were you and Marianna talking about, dear?”
    Elizabeth tuned out the rest of her parents’ conversation and barely heard the phone ringing in the other room. Still upset about Jessica, she could hardly even concentrate on finishing breakfast.
    Alice couldn’t help noticing her daughter’s glum mood. “What’s the matter, Liz? Did you and Todd have a fight last night?”
    â€œOh, no, Mom. We had a good time.”
    â€œSo why the sad face?”
    â€œIt’s nothing.” Elizabeth attempted a halfhearted smile. “I’ll be all right.”
    â€œSure you don’t want to talk about it?” Alice asked.
    â€œI’m sure, Mom. Really, I’m fine. I just didn’t sleep too well last night. Pass me the cartoons, OK? Maybe a little Peanuts will help.”
    Elizabeth was busy trying to lose herself in the comics when Jessica breezily entered the kitchen.
    â€œGood morning, people!” She was as bubbly as a newly opened bottle of soda despite a mere three hours’ sleep. “How are all of you this morning?” Without waiting for an answer, she planted a firm kiss on everyone’s forehead.
    Elizabeth was stunned. She couldn’t remember the last time her sister had been up so early on a Sunday morning.
    â€œWhat’s gotten into you, Jess?” her father asked, a chuckle in his voice.
    Mrs. Wakefield smiled. “Can’t you tell, Ned? Obviously she had a great time at the dance.”
    â€œThat’s right, Mom,” Jessica said, pouring herself a glass of orange juice. She leaned against the tile counter and stared dreamily off into space. “I think I’m in love,” she announced at last.
    â€œWith Winston?” Her mother threw her a surprised look.
    â€œAbsolutely not! Winston’s a nerd, Mom. I’m talking about someone extra special.”
    Elizabeth groaned, but no one heard. All eyes were on her twin.
    â€œWho’s that, dear?” Alice asked.
    Jessica paused for dramatic effect. “Bruce Patman.”
    â€œThe Patman boy, eh,” her father noted approvingly.
    â€œBut, Jessica, what happened with Winston? I thought you went out with him last night,” her mother asked a little suspiciously. She was well aware of her daughter’s tendency to go after what she wanted with total disregard for other people.
    â€œI did, but he had his eye on someone else,” Jessica hedged, shooting a quick, hard look at Elizabeth. “We agreed to go our separate ways at Ken’s party.”
    Elizabeth wanted to challenge the lie, but she held back at the last moment. From Jessica’s behavior Elizabeth knew that her twin was no longer mad at her, and she didn’t want to upset the equilibrium. At the same time, though, she wasn’t sure if she could stand to sit through her starry-eyed sister’s retelling of her night with Bruce. It was like listening to someone who’d been hypnotized.
    â€œâ€¦ and he told me we were made for each other. Isn’t that the most romantic thing you’ve ever heard?” Jessica directed the question at Elizabeth, who remained