A Heart Full of Diamonds Read Online Free Page B

laughed for the first time in weeks. “You’re not
supposed to ask ladies their age, Derrek.” She chuckled at the look on his
face, as he screwed his nose up in disgust at her answer.
    “Why not? How am I supposed to find out how old you are if I
can’t ask?”
    “It isn’t a proper question. Why do you want to find out how
old I am?” The smile was still on her face. A crafty look came into his eyes
and he ducked his head a little.
    “Oh, I was, um, just wondering, that’s all. It’s no big
deal.”
    Marilee felt there was more to his answer than she’d been
given, but didn’t want to spoil the mood. They spent the time waiting for her
cab having a nice chat, frequently punctuated with giggles.
    When the taxi arrived, she was somewhat reluctant to leave
the engaging youngster. He’d lightened her mood, and it felt good.
    They stood and smiled at each other. He then disappeared
into his side of the duplex, taking the phonebook and telephone with him, and
Marilee dashed to hers. She grabbed her purse, locked her door, ran and climbed
into the taxi. She asked for the nearby grocery shopping center Mr. Brimblecom
had told her about.
    A smile lit her face as the taxi turned around and drove out
of the driveway. Maybe there was life after Tony, and just maybe it
would be pleasant.
     

Chapter Nine
    “Honest, Dad, you should see her! She’s beautiful! Long
brown hair, blue eyes, great shape…” the plates rattled as Derrek set them on
the table.
    Richard Gilman chuckled. “Since when do boys your age know
the definition of ‘great shape’?” He continued fixing dinner for the pair of
them.
    “I watch TV. I know a great shape when I see one!” His voice
had a braggy sort of “I’m-older-than-I-look” sound to it that tickled Richard,
but he kept the mirth out of his voice.
    “Too much, apparently. Get your homework done today?”
    Derrek rolled his eyes. “Yeah. There wasn’t much. It only
took about half an hour. Then I saw old Bramble…”
    “Mr. Brimblecom,” Richard corrected absently.
    “Mr. Brimblecom,” Derrek repeated automatically and
continued, “take her in there. And then she came over to use the phone. She
needed to call a cab.”
    “Did you let her in?” His voice was probing.
    Derrek blew upward at the hair dangling on his forehead, his
voice impudent. “No, but I took the phone out on the porch for her. I thought
it was a good compromise between ‘don’t let strangers in the house while you’re
not here’ and ‘love thy neighbor’.” His grin was saucy, his eyes playful.
    “Compromise?” Richard questioned the word.
    “Yeah, you know. It means each of you give and take a little
and come up with a workable plan you can both handle.”
    “I know what the word means. Now I know you know what the
word means and you can’t duck that one any more trying to get everything your
own way.”
    Derrek’s grin said ‘rat’s, I’ve been caught’, and Richard
smiled at him. The boy was growing up too fast. Richard realized the need to be
more careful and be more specific with rules and instructions in the future.
    Richard nodded his approval of his son’s decision, though,
and Derrek continued. “You need to go meet her. Maybe we could invite her for
dinner when she gets back from shopping. I bet she doesn’t have any food yet. ‘Member
how it took us a couple of days to get settled in so we could cook? What’cha
think she’s gonna eat tonight, huh?”
    “I think she’ll probably eat out tonight. I also don’t think
we have to worry about her. I think she’s grown up enough to take care of
herself, Derrek.” Richard carried their dinner to the table. They seated
themselves, and after a brief prayer, began to eat.
    How Derrek managed to talk around or between his food amazed
Richard.
    “I still think we should’ve invited her to eat with us. Besides,
Dad, she looked lonesome and like she needed to be part of a family.” His gaze
was hopeful.
    Richard set his fork