Being Emma Read Online Free

packed with people. Craig sat next to brothers, Miles
and Joey. Miles was in town for a week from his home in London.
    “So how’s London, Miles?” Craig passed the
platter of steaks to Miles. He took one and passed it on.
    “God, it’s fabulous… There’s always some
great event going on and if not, I love the museums or just a walk
in Covent Gardens. And then there are the theatres. You should come
to England next time you visit your grandparents in Scotland.”
    “Sounds like a good idea…. Say, didn’t you
have a girlfriend? I remember one at Meg’s wedding a few years
back.”
    He looked embarrassed. “…I had one — Kate…She
was great.”
    Joey laughed. “And then he screwed it
up.”
    Lily looked over at Joey. “That’s not very
nice, Joey.”
    “Maybe not nice, but true,” said Joey looking
at Miles.
    “Yeah… Okay. I’d rather not talk about
it.”
    Most everyone at the table had been talking
for a while and passing various dishes around, when Sandy looked at
his daughter, Janie. She seemed glum. He noticed Craig had been
glancing at her occasionally. Sandy wondered what that was all
about.
    “Janie, how’s work going?” She looked up from
her plate and smiled.
    “Really well, Dad. The Sheriff’s Department
just got some money from the town fundraiser and we’re buying new
equipment.”
    “Are you buying new weapons?” asked her
mother.
    “Yes, and probably a new vehicle as well. The
money’s come at a good time. We were getting pretty low in
supplies.”
    “What about the archery competition?” Miles
asked her while slicing his steak.
    “What about it?”
    “Aren’t you and Craig preparing for the state
competition?” He looked at her and then Craig. When she didn’t
answer, Craig wiped his mouth with his napkin.
    “Well, the tournament’s in two months down in
Vegas and we hope to be ready. Janie and I have been practicing
almost daily.” He looked over at her. “Haven’t we, Janie?” She
glared at him and didn’t respond.
    “Janie?” asked Sandy.
    “Yes… If you’ll excuse me, I really need to
get going. Early day tomorrow…”
    Lily looked confused. “But you’re not done
with your dinner…”
    She got up and took her plate to the kitchen
sink.
    “Thanks for dinner, Mom and Dad. See you
later.” And she left.
    Everyone
was stunned. What was that about? Then Sandy turned to Craig. He shrugged his
shoulders.
    “Is she upset about something, Craig?”
    “You know, you really need to ask her. I’m
never too sure when it comes to Janie.” Then he got up. “If you’ll
excuse me, I need to go too.” He put his plate in the sink and
walked over to Lily.
    “Thanks so much, Lily. I’ll talk to you
soon.” And he left.
    Everyone blinked in surprise. Miles was the
first to find his voice.
    “Lovers’ quarrel?”
    “Not a chance. Janie?” Joey laughed while
Miles raised his eyebrows.
    Later after dinner when everyone had left,
Sandy sat down on the couch in the family room by Lily. He took her
hand.
    “What’s going on between Janie and
Craig?”
    “I don’t know, but they’re always mad at each
other it seems. It’s hard for them to say a civil word
sometimes.”
    “I wonder how they’re able to practice
together.”
    “It’s unusual. They’ve been friends since
childhood and have always gotten along so well. But recently all
they do is scowl.”
    Sandy smiled at her. “It’s never dull at the
Johnson ranch, is it? We got Meg married to Carter three years ago
and now they have a little girl.”
    Lily smiled and continued, “And before that,
Jesse married Audrey and Colt married Mandy. They have children now
too, but remember the troubles all of them had before taking the
big step.” She looked at him.
    “You don’t suppose that Janie…” Sandy shook
his head.
    “No, I don’t. Janie has always said that love
was the last thing on this planet she wanted. I’ve always taken her
at her word.”
    “Yes, me too…”
    They looked at each