Friends in Need by Joan Early

Author:Joan Early
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-58571-588-6
Publisher: Genesis Press, Inc.
Published: 2012-08-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Joanna usually came alive during the holiday season, and this year was no exception. The air was cold and crisp. Decorations were everywhere. She chatted on the way to the restaurant and continued when they were seated. Surprisingly, Walter went from chipper to woeful.

“I do appreciate you coming out today, and I’m sorry I had to bother you. We just discussed the need for rest and I know you need this break. In fact, we all do.”

“There is one exception in our midst.” His voice was cold. “I paid the cleaning people extra to work today so I wouldn’t have to look at the mess in my house. At least I’ll be able to enjoy tomorrow.” He ordered straight rye whiskey and gulped it down in one swallow.

Not wanting to hear more of his home disasters, she did not respond but changed the subject instead. “I’m getting a little anxious for Hope to have her baby. It’s a boy. She and Ron are trying to decide if they want to close shop now that they have a boy and a girl.”

He didn’t answer right away and she felt the awkwardness of his silence.

“I know I’m not very good company, but I appreciate having lunch with you,” he finally muttered. “It’s nice in the city today unless you’re close to a shopping area. Too bad it’s not this way every day. Of course then I probably wouldn’t have a business.”

“Yeah, fewer businesses would lessen the need for any kind of office machine repairs.” Feeling trapped, she wished she had not asked him to lunch, but since she had, she decided to get the unpleasantness out of the way. “I’m starting to really worry about you and Shelby. I thought things were better yesterday. I haven’t had time alone with her, but I will make an effort to talk to her. She’s had a harder life than we have, so maybe you should cut her a little slack.”

“I’m sorry, Jo. I’m making you feel uneasy and I’m sorry. I really don’t expect you to have a solution for all of my problems. I was glad when you called this morning because I knew I would have pleasant conversation with an understanding and special lady. If Danny can’t appreciate having you in his life, he’s nuts.”

“We all have disagreements. Shelby probably told you that our current one involves the Christmas party. I wish I could call it off. I just can’t make Danny see that in addition to not wanting some of those loafers on his list at my house, that same house can’t hold them all. In fact, we could do this at both houses and still have an overflow.”

He stopped buttering his bread and gave her a sympathetic glance. “Yeah, I could tell yesterday. I mentioned the party and he rolled his eyes. I’m sorry. We can always use both houses. In fact, if this continues to be a problem, maybe we should throw separate parties next year, or none at all.

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