Be Sweet by Diann Hunt

Author:Diann Hunt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2010-09-07T16:00:00+00:00

seventeen

Let me just say, the trip to Russ’ s office was humiliating beyond measure. I had to wear a bib and keep my drool to a minimum while he prodded around in my mouth as though excavating for diamonds. The good news is my toothache is gone—or at least I think it is. One side of my head is numb, so it’s hard to tell. The other good thing is, instead of paying for the filling, I get a free meal out of the deal, as in a dinner date with Russ to Sok’s Restaurant.

Once I return to bed in the wee hours of the morning, my dreams take me to a quiet café located on a brick-lined street bustling with quaint shops and happy tourists. Caramel-colored walls, white trim, and white café round tables and chairs adorn the inside. The espresso machine whirs in the background, and the sweet smell of sticky buns and bagels perfumes the air. Russ sits across from me dressed in a crisp navy oxford, open at the collar, muscles bulging against the sleeves. Nice jeans and sneakers give him a casual appearance, but he’s still classy all the way in my book.

A dozen yellow roses—my favorite—burst from a crystal vase in the middle of the table, compliments of Russ. He’s holding my hand, gaz-ing deep into my eyes. Without a word, he leans toward me, closer, closer, and just as our lips are about to meet, Mom’s voice comes crashing through.

“Land sakes, Charlene Marybelle, what are you doing sleeping on that couch? It’s time for church.” My mother’s sharp voice still causes prickles on the back of my neck, and I break out in a cold sweat. Considering my aversion to heat lately, that should say something. To point out that this is a rude awakening is an understatement. But nothing compares to having Russ’s face within reach, then blinking my eyes open and seeing my mother’s skinny jowls hanging inches from my face. Took five years off my life, I’m sure of it.

“Hi, Mom.” I rub my eyes, and she straightens.

“Don’t ‘Hi, Mom’ me. You should be dressed and ready to go.” She adjusts her purse on her shoulder.

“Be nice to her, Mom. She bruised her ankle and had to have a tooth filled in the middle of the night,” Janni says, grabbing her coat from the closet.

“She what?” Mom looks at me as though she can’t believe she gave birth to me.

Janni explains everything. I haven’t the strength. To my surprise, Mom’s face turns soft.

“I’m sorry, dear,” she says, tucking the blanket in around me. “Do you need me to stay home with you?”

The music to Psycho screeches through my mind, and my body gives an involuntary shudder.

“I’m staying with her,” Stephanie says in no uncertain terms.

Mom looks from her to me. “Well, if you’re okay with that, Char?”

“Yes, Mom, that’s fine.” It’s kind of nice to have Mom’s attention like this, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say I want her to stay here with me.

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