Remember the Time Read Online Free PDF Page A

never understood why it wasn’t perpetually full.
    Mike’s voice reached her. “Kate? Where are you?”
    “In here.”
    “Where?”
    “Just follow the sound of my voice.”
    “My, we’re in a good mood,” Mike said, entering the den. He took in her rumpled shirt and puffy eyes. Her dark auburn hair, which usually hung in gleaming waves to her shoulders, had been pulled back in a barrette that now stuck out at an angle. Wisps of hair had escaped and formed odd cowlicks. “And you got all dolled up just for me. You really shouldn’t have.”
    “Nice to see you, too.” As she spoke the words, her hands went to the barrette and removed it. She ran her fingers through her hair. “I was taking a nap.”
    Mike leaned against the built-in bookcase and folded his arms across his chest. “Late dinner for two last night?”
    Kate eyed him for a split second, then retorted, “Yeah, me and David Letterman.”
    “Y’know, if you actually went to sleep before two A.M . you wouldn’t wake up feeling like crap every day.”
    “Don’t start, Mike. And not that it’s any of your business, but I do go to sleep before two A.M .”
    “Falling asleep on the couch with the TV on isn’t what I’d call getting a good night’s sleep.”
    Almost too weary to argue, Kate fixed him with a look that would crumble stone. “I don’t need another mother, thanks. And how the hell do you know where I sleep?”
    “I got in late last night. Saw the light.”
    “What is it with you Fitzgeralds? If you’re going to lecture me like I’m a child, then you can go home now.”
    Not wanting to be banished, he unfolded his arms and held them up in surrender. “Hey, I’m sorry. Can we start over?”
    Kate looked down at the carpet. “Yeah, sorry. It’s been a bad day.” Her head came up and she tried to smile. “I could use a cup of coffee. Want one?”
    Mike angled his body into one of the kitchen chairs and, with his foot, pulled another chair toward him and propped his long legs on it. Homer, always glad for any company, sat at his side and let Mike scratch his head.
    Kate measured coffee into the filter and then took the carafe to the sink. Forgetting the cold water tap was practically welded shut, she grunted when it wouldn’t turn. Swearing under her breath, she set the pot down to free both hands. It still wouldn’t budge and Mike, hiding a grin, asked, “Can I get that for you?”
    “Thanks, but I can do it,” she answered, removing the pliers from the drawer again.
    He shook his head, but didn’t say anything.
    Once the coffee was perking, Kate realized she still hadn’t started the dishwasher. Pulling two mugs out of the top rack, she began washing them.
    “Are you sure this isn’t too much trouble? We could always go to the Beverley.”
    Kate turned and gave him a warning look as she dried the mugs with a paper towel. All the dishcloths were in the dryer.
    Setting a mug on the table next to him, she asked, “You take milk, right?”
    He nodded and watched her open the refrigerator. She stood in front of it for what seemed a very long time, and Mike suddenly understood why. “Hey, I can drink it black if you’re out.”
    “No!” Her voice wavered momentarily. “No, I must have something you can use.”
    Mike’s legs slipped off the chair and he sat up. “It’s okay. Really.”
    She had closed the door, and moved to the cupboards, her hands pushing aside cans and jars. Mike stood as she began frantically pawing through drawers. When her fingers closed around a small packet, she felt triumphant, until she saw it was a Wash’n Dri. Slamming it down on the counter, the tears finally came. Mike’s hand on her shoulder made her flinch.
    “Stop it, Kate. Forget it.”
    “I know I’ll find something,” she said between sobs.
    “Katie, darlin’, I can’t stand to see you like this.”
    Her voice took on a hard edge. “Then go home, ’cause this is what I am now.”
    It took all the strength he had not to