The Prodigal's Return by Lynn Bulock

Author:Lynn Bulock
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2001-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

The first thing Laurel had done at the coffee house was have a phone installed. That way she could paint walls and talk to her sisters at the same time. It seemed as if she talked to them on the phone much more than she ever saw them. Carrie was always working odd shifts. Claire’s family and her work with The Caring Closet kept her busy, and she was involved in something with her husband Ben’s business, as well.

While Laurel painted, she also made calls to Gina. Though the painting made her feel that she was on track, talking to Gina comforted her in a far different way.

“So tell me again about this guy that took over for your dad. He still sounds like Andy Taylor or something.”

Laurel almost told her friend that Tripp was a far better kisser than the sheriff of Mayberry had probably ever been. But then Gina would have demanded a full explanation, and she wasn’t ready to give her that yet. So she went for an easier answer.

“Hardly. He’s got a much quicker temper than any jovial television lawman. And Friedens is hardly Mayberry, despite what you think about my entire home state.”

Gina laughed on the other end. “You almost made me upset my iced chai. And I’m sorry, but anyplace that is the way you’ve described that little town comes close enough to Mayberry to make me know I’m happier here, thank you.”

“Well, I’m still happier in Missouri. I think….” Laurel dipped the roller into the pan again, readying another width of wall to be covered with paint the color of café au lait.

“Oh? Do I detect a little uncertainty?” Gina got to the heart of the matter, as usual.

“Just a touch. I wish I felt a clear guidance on this whole issue. I thought I did, or I wouldn’t have started it—but now I’m not as positive.”

“What does your family think of this whole adventure?”

“That’s a good question. I have to admit I haven’t asked their opinions—just told them I was doing it.”

“Just jumped on in, huh? Gee, Laurel, it’s like you were used to living two thousand miles away from them or something.”

Gina’s teasing made her smile. “Okay, I see the point. Maybe I do need to work myself into the family again. Get used to answering to somebody, and having others to bounce opinions off. I know what Gloria thinks of this idea. But then, it was her building I bought, so of course she’d be happy about it.”

“And your dad?”

“I just assumed that if Gloria was happy with it, then he would be, too. Maybe talking to him about this whole issue would be best.”

“Maybe it would. I’m sure he has a definite opinion.”

Laurel knew Gina had heard too many stories about the whole Collins crew to be polite or tactful anymore. “That is true. So I get to solicit that opinion from a guy just recovering from major surgery. Won’t that be fun?”

“Oh, lighten up. It could be a diversion for both of you.

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