Unresolved Conflicts by Brenda Adcock

Author:Brenda Adcock [Adcock, Brenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“I’M STARVING, GRAN!” Lacey announced loudly as she walked into Irene’s home. Irene came out of the kitchen and hugged her oldest granddaughter tightly.

“All your favorites are waiting in the kitchen,” Irene said.

“That’s why I didn’t bring more clothes, Aunt Harriett,” Lacey laughed. “I expect to gain at least ten pounds while I’m here.”

“You can always go jogging with Jess every morning before dawn,” Harriett smirked.

“That’s why she jogs,” Lacey said. “She’ll be eatin’ Granny’s goodies until she leaves.”

“And that’s such a chore, I’m sure,” Harriett said, shoving Jess playfully.

“It’s good,” Jess said with a shrug. “And I have a weakness for sweets.”

“Among other things,” Harriett teased with a hip-bump.

Jess blushed one of the few times Harriett had ever noticed. “Uh...where should I put Lacey’s bag,” Jess asked.

“Upstairs to the right,” Irene said. “End of the hall.” Looking at Lacey, she said, “Now let’s get you fed. What are you eating? You could stand to gain ten pounds, girl.”

For the next two-and-a half hours, the four women talked and laughed, the time broken only by periods of snacking. A little before four that afternoon the front door popped open suddenly and Jamie burst into the house, followed by Ali. Lacey jumped up and rushed to greet her cousin.

“Jamers!”

“Lace!” the two shouted simultaneously as they hugged and jumped up and down in one another’s arms. When they finally stopped, Lacey flung her arms around Ali, swaying side-to-side. “It’s so good to see you again, Ali,” Lacey said. “Still takin’ good care of my cuz?”

Ali nodded and stared at the adults in the living room, unsure what to say.

“There’s food and drinks in the kitchen,” Irene said. “Help yourselves.”

Jamie grabbed Ali’s hand and dragged her to the kitchen.

When Lacey resumed her seat and picked up her drink, Harriett cleared her throat and asked, “How long have you known?”

“Known what?” Lacey asked.

“Don’t try that with me, Lacey,” Harriett fumed. “You know damn well what.”

“About a year-and-a-half,” Lacey mumbled. “I thought she’d already told you, too.”

“Two damn days ago! Your Aunt Lorri isn’t happy and blames me. You girls have put me in a very bad situation.”

“I’m sorry, Aunt Harriett. You and Aunt Lorri must be the last ones to know. Even Erin knows.”

“Erin knows!” Harriett covered her eyes with her hand. “She’s only twelve! Please, please don’t tell your Aunt Lorri or I’ll get blamed for that, too,” she groaned. She sat up and took a deep breath. She glanced at Irene. “Did you know before Jamie’s little revelation Saturday?”

“I...I may have suspected, but until Jamie said something, I didn’t think it was my place to bring it up,” Irene admitted.

“Fabulous,” Harriett muttered.

Jamie and Ali finally wandered into the living room carrying two plates of food. Jamie set hers on the coffee table and pulled two large pillows onto the floor. She picked up her plate, crossed her legs, and lowered her body onto the pillow.

“Did you leave anything for the rest of us?” Lacey asked as she examined the food piled on Jamie’s plate.

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