The Lure of White Oak Lake by Robin Alexander

Author:Robin Alexander [Alexander, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 1935216481
Amazon: B00BM8RK48
Publisher: Intaglio Publications
Published: 2013-02-25T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-one

“I know you’re bored, but you have to stay in bed and let your body heal just like the doctor told you. Hold on.” Jaclyn pulled the phone from her ear and looked at Austin. “Did you hear what I just told your Aunt Maddie?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Jaclyn stabbed a finger at him. “Same thing goes for you. Haul it back to the couch and lay down.”

“Can I sleep on the porch swing? I’m tired of being in the house.”

“Nope, you’ll be in the yard next. Back to the couch.” Jaclyn put the phone back to her ear. “I cannot believe I’m having the exact same argument with you.”

“Half my toe is missing, I’m not an invalid. Heath can’t be alone in the store. There’s no telling what he’ll tear up, and he took my car keys. Bring me yours.”

Jaclyn squinted as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She’d gotten one hour of sleep the night before and was in no mood for bullshit. Like her grandmother, Jaclyn didn’t scream when she was angry. Her voice dipped lower, and she spoke softly. She began her next sentence just as Augie had done when she’d put up with enough. “Now you listen to me, Madeline. The doctor said to stay off of that foot for a minimum of three days, and that’s what you’re going to do. If I find you hobbling the streets of White Oak, I’ll run you down myself. Now prop up that foot and button that lip that I’m sure is hanging down to your waist right now. Call me only if you need me.”

“Jerk,” Maddie said like a petulant child and hung up in Jaclyn’s face.

Austin, who at that moment was much wiser than his aunt, had retreated to the couch when he heard “the voice.” Jaclyn filled a glass with juice and set it on the coffee table. Their visit to the doctor that morning confirmed her suspicions—Austin was suffering from a severe sinus infection. “I have to go relieve Chet at the store. I expect to find you right here when I come back at lunchtime.”

“Okay, Mom.”

“I love you,” she said as she kissed his head. “You call me, if you need me. Sleep, it’ll make you heal faster.”

*******

The sky was blue, and a cool autumn breeze had chased away the humidity. The atmosphere seemed to be devoid of the haze brought on by the wet heat that permeated the air. Jaclyn inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air clear her muddled mind. She’d gone to the door many times with the intention of talking to Morgan the night before. The opportunity came when Morgan returned sometime after ten to collect her Jeep, but Jaclyn felt rooted to the floor as she watched her from a darkened window.

Whether they wanted to admit it or not, that kiss had changed everything. It made Jaclyn want things. Most of all, she wanted the freedom to let what she was feeling to grow at will. She despised complications, and that was just what this was—a complicated ball of emotions.

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