Rekindled Dreams Read Online Free PDF

throat and called out, “Maxie. You’re still working here.”
    “The one and only. Who wants to know?”
    “Vena Fenton. Do you remember me?”
    The half-door into the kitchen slammed against the counter, jarring the toasting rack, and Maxie’s head appeared. “Well, I’ll be jiggered. Get over here, Elfie, and give these old bones a hug.”
    Vena stepped into the kitchen—and back into a simpler time. Immediately, her senses were overwhelmed by the aromas of potatoes frying, bacon sizzling, and the moist steam drifting from the dishwasher. A metal jungle of cooking utensils and pots hung from an overhead wrought-iron wheel. Enveloped in Maxie’s bony-armed embrace, Vena felt quiet waves of homecoming wash over her.
    “Elfie, let me look at you.” Maxie broke the hug and held her arms straight. “Didn’t you turn out a pretty little thing. What happened to all your freckles?” She stretched backward to deftly flip several pancakes before facing her again. “What brings you back to Dry Creek?”
    Leave it to Maxie to get right to the crux of the matter. Hesitant about jinxing her project by discussing it, she stammered, “Uh, vacation. I’ve been working really hard. Now I’m following doctor’s orders, getting lots of rest.” Only a slight stretch of the truth. She had been sick with the flu the previous month.
    Maxie scowled. “You’ve got shadows under your eyes, and you’re too skinny. Sit on that stool, and I’ll fix you a plate.”
    “You just did.” Vena laughed. “I had the French toast, and it was delicious. I’ll bet Lottie is grateful you’ve stayed on all these years.”
    “Lottie. Hah.” Maxie snorted with laughter. “I own the place. Bought her out six years ago come November. Judy darlin’, come on back and stir this oatmeal. I want to talk to Elfie without yelling my throat raw.”
    “Sorry, but I can’t.” Vena laid a hand on Maxie’s arm. “Maybe another time. Finn’s waiting back at our table.”
    Maxie turned and stared, penciled eyebrows climbing into stiffly curved bangs. “You’re here with Finnian Quaid?”
    The older woman’s blatant surprise made Vena hesitate a moment. “We’ve spent the morning catching up on old times. Today is so beautiful that we walked here.” She flinched. That hadn’t come out right.
    “I know for a fact Bridget and Phelan are out of town.” Maxie’s face wrinkled into a frown. “Surely they canceled The Shamrocks’ guests.”
    “Guest?” Vena affected a nonchalant wave. “I’m practically one of the family.” She gulped, wishing she’d kept her mouth shut. “Besides, where else would I find an empty bed at one in the morning?” Shut up. I’m making things worse.
    Maxie squinted, leaning a veined hand on her hip. “You came in last night? And stayed at The Shamrocks?”
    “Bye now.” Unable to meet Maxie’s penetrating gaze, Vena gave her a quick hug and retreated to the booth where Finn waited.
    Finn leaned over the back of the booth, talking with a young couple showing off their baby girl.
    She bent down, fighting the allure of his woodsy scent, and spoke in an urgent whisper, “Pay the bill right now. I’ll meet you on the sidewalk.” She spun and darted out the door, daring a peek in the kitchen’s direction at the last minute.
    Her body bent over the front counter, Maxie had the telephone in one hand and was busy dialing with the other.
    ****
    As he headed to the register, Finn pulled several bills from his wallet. Why had Vena acted all weird? She’d been fine while they ate, but so agitated when she’d rushed back to their table. Maxie was busy with what sounded like an urgent phone call. He spotted Judy a few feet away and called her name. He waved the money and the bill before placing them on the counter.
    Maxie lowered the mouthpiece and turned, a finger pointing in his direction. “You’d better behave yourself, young man.” She turned back to the phone. “Yes, I’m sure.”
    His chest