Coming Home by Jay Northcote

Author:Jay Northcote [Northcote, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-11-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

ANDY AND JESSIE helped Mrs. Robinette into her house. She marveled at the “wonderful day” and hugged Jessie, who promised to visit again.

Jessie hurried back to the car to wait with Laura, who seemed to be descending into despair, a startling contrast to her earlier exuberance.

“Can I get you anything?” Andy asked Betty.

Betty took a tentative cane-assisted step. “Just a kiss on the cheek.”

Andy complied.

“Now don’t keep your lady friend waiting,” she clucked.

“Laura doesn’t look so good,” he commented.

“Today was a good day for her,” Mrs. Robinette said. “Outings like these are few and far between.”

Jessie got back out of the car and met Andy on the porch. “Laura isn’t ready to go home yet.”

“Ice cream, maybe?” Andy offered.

“You always could read my mind.”

Andy raised his eyebrows humorously. “I thought I wasn’t allowed to talk that way.”

“Don’t make me hit you.”

They drove to Betty’s shop, where her daughter, Kay, was running things. Laura, whose smile had made a faltering reappearance, ordered mint chocolate chip. Andy watched curiously as Jessie stepped up to the plate.

“Pistachio again?” He asked.

“Not tonight,” she said slyly. An immediate throwback to their childhood. “Okay, Mr. Andrew, go for it,” she challenged, making a sweeping gesture with her arm.

Andy ordered banana nut for her.

Jessie began laughing.

“Am I right?”

“Not even close. Are you serious? Banana nut?”

After settling on butter pecan, they sat at their old table. Laura was still a bit sullen, so Andy and Jessie attempted to put a positive spin on the end of a glorious day. They reviewed the various events and activities at the fair, and eventually Laura began giggling again.

Andy’s cell phone rang and he intended to let it go, until he checked the ID. It was his dad, who rarely called Andy’s cell number. Smiling apologetically, he headed outside where the reception was clearer.

“Andy, where are you?” His father sounded worried.

Where am I? “What is it, Dad?”

“Is Jessica still with you?”

Andy looked in through the shop window. Jessie noticed him looking and gave a gentle wave. “I’m not following you… .”

“Have you talked about anything?”

“Dad, just say it.”

His dad paused. Andy turned toward Elephant Rock, which was visible above the building across the street. Long shadows were already descending upon the mountain-enclosed village, matching the growing shadows of his own mind. His father was obviously troubled about something.

“What is it?” Andy repeated.

When his father finally continued, his tone was grave and his words were measured. “Andy, there’s something you need to know… .”

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