After Hours by JA Armstrong

Author:JA Armstrong [Armstrong, JA]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Bumbling Bard Creations
Published: 2021-05-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Andi’s call suggesting an escape to Burlington for lunch trilled Riley. Escape is what Riley needed. She guessed Andi was in the same position. Oddly, Riley looked forward to Christmas chaos. Leaving cookies and milk for Santa with Fallon and Owen would be a dream come true. She looked forward to watching Owen discover his presents under the tree. Riley was even excited about having a house full of kids on Christmas afternoon. She knew Andi was grateful to have Jacob and Dave home for the holiday. Christmas chaos lasted a day or two. Life had been insane for everyone for weeks. Emotional upheaval dominated the lives of everyone Riley loved since Thanksgiving. There didn’t seem to be any way to avoid stress. Murphy’s was the usual go-to for a night away from home. Everyone knew everyone at Murphy’s Law. Well-intentioned or not, people were bound to ask questions. How was Fallon handling things? How were Barb and the kids? How was Dave’s visit home? What did Andi think of his girlfriend? Would Barb stay in Whiskey Springs permanently? Any wedding bells in anyone’s future? No one intended to be intrusive. Their questions were purely inquisitive—and caring—for the most part. Riley felt no inclination to play Twenty Questions. Every question opened an emotional can of worms. Not the gift she hoped to open. She didn’t need to ask Andi to know Andi felt similarly. Escape. That’s what they both needed.

“I almost don’t want to ask,” Riley said.

“Things are okay,” Andi said. “Billie and I sat down with the kids last night and made our pitch.”

“For Dave and Becky to take Billie’s house?”

“Mm. And transfer to UVM. Let’s face it, it’s the best way for them both to finish school. And that gives them the best footing for the future.”

“Do you think they’ll accept? You know Fallon will give Dave a job.”

“I know she will. They want to accept,” Andi said.

“Let me guess, their struggling with pride.”

“I think so. I don’t think Dave wants handouts—from me and Billie or from Fallon.”

“Fallon could use the help,” Riley said.

“Fallon could use a lot of help,” Andi quipped.

“If he wants to do laundry, tell him to call me. I’m serious,” Riley said. “She needs some more help at Murphy’s.”

“Don’t tell me Carol is pregnant?”

“No. I think she wants to be, though. She told Fallon they’ve been trying. Unsuccessfully.”

“That explains a lot.”

“Did she say something?” Riley asked.

“No. Ida and I were down there the other afternoon. She was unusually quiet. I wish she would have said something.”

“I think she feels funny saying anything right now. Like it will come across as jealousy.”

“Nothing wrong with that feeling in this case,” Andi said. “At all.”

“No. There isn’t.”

“I’m glad she told Fallon.”

“Me too. You know Carol. She doesn’t like to talk about her problems. She prefers to talk about yours.”

“That’s the truth.”

“Fallon’s restless, Andi.”

“That’s because she thinks she’s supposed to be able to fix things for everybody and she can’t.”

“That’s part of it.”

“What’s the other part?” Andi asked.

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