Sweetheart Reunion by Lenora Worth

Author:Lenora Worth
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-05-24T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Alma looked from Julien to Mollie. “Mollie, I’m glad you’re concerned about Pierre, but we don’t repeat such things around here, okay? No need to spread rumors. Miss Virginia would be hurt by that.”

Mollie walked up to them and then glanced around. The restaurant was mostly empty. “I’d never do that, Alma. I want to help Pierre. He’s funny and cute, but he seems so sad at times. I just want him to find the love of the Lord again.”

Julien shot Alma a tormented look then turned to Mollie. “How long have you known Pierre?”

“I knew him in school,” the girl explained. “He was a few years ahead of me but I’ve always liked him.”

“How old are you?” Julien asked, concern replacing the torment in his expression.

“I’m eighteen,” the girl said with a soft smile. “I’ve waited long enough. I’m legal now.”

Julien grimaced and stared at Alma. “Legal don’t make it good, suga’. My brother has certain…issues.”

“I know all about his issues,” Mollie retorted. “That’s why I want him to come to church with me.” She leaned close, her brown eyes centered on Julien. “He drinks too much because he’s still missing your daddy, Julien.”

Alma watched as Julien’s expression changed. The brightness she’d always loved in his eyes seemed to dim and go out. “C’est vrai, we all do.”

Mollie nodded. “I’m not trying to get in your business, but Pierre’s been kind of forgotten. I mean, nobody much bothers to see how he’s feeling. I think spring reminds him of all the things y’all used to do with your daddy and he said your daddy’s birthday is coming up. He told me it’ll be a year in September since your father passed, but he said nobody ever talks about that.” She brushed a hand across the counter.

Julien sat up straight. “I talk to the kid all the time.”

Alma shot him a warning look. Didn’t he understand what Mollie was saying? “Do you talk to him?” she asked in a gentle tone. “Or do you talk at him?”

Julien’s dark eyes widened, then he squinted them shut. “At him, mostly. Only because he needs somebody to talk at him. He’s making bad decisions.”

Mollie heard Winnie calling her. Backing toward the kitchen, she said, “I’ve been talking to him and letting him talk back to me. No disrespect, but there’s a big difference.”

Julien grunted. “Well, yeah, but then you’re Pretty Mollie and I’m just Mean Old Big Brother.”

Alma hid the soft smile cresting on her face. Mollie was nothing if not blunt. But the girl had good intentions. Only, Julien was too close to the situation to listen. And too hurt right now.

Julien played with his melting ice cream. “I guess that little girl is wise beyond her years.”

“She’s a woman with a big crush. Not so wise, just hopeful.”

He relaxed and shook his head. “Did you use to feel like that about me? You know, talking to me and listening to me when I was so bullheaded. Did I ever listen back?”

Alma leaned over the counter.

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