Casting About Read Online Free Page A

asked.
    â€œJust yourself,” I told her.
    â€œHow’re you doing? Getting more used to the idea of having a rug rat around the house?”
    I laughed. “You really make it sound very enticing. After I finish cleaning up the kitchen, I’m going to get her room ready. We’re giving her the guest bedroom with the attached bath. Plus, it has a pretty view out to the garden.”
    â€œYeah, true—I’m sure all eight-year-olds have a garden view on their priority list.”
    I realized once again how little I knew about kids. “Cripe, you’re right. She won’t care at all about what she sees out her window. God, Gracie, I’m not sure I can do this.”
    â€œI didn’t mean to stir up your stress level again. I was only joking with you. You’ll do fine. And you can always come to Aunt Gracie for advice. I’ve never had kids either, but we’ll get through this together.”
    â€œThanks. I’m sure I’ll take you up on that.”
    â€œHey, I have some interesting news to share…. There’s a fellow that’s been dropping by the coffee shop a lot. Very good-looking and don’t laugh, but he reminds me a little of George Clooney. Sounds like a cliché, I know—but he’s tall, dark, and handsome.”
    â€œHmm, that is interesting. Does he live on the island?”
    â€œNo, in Gainesville, right now. Originally from New Jersey. He asked me out for dinner next week.”
    â€œAnd are you going?”
    â€œYeah, I figured what the heck. Haven’t had a date in ages.”
    â€œWhat’s he do for work?”
    I heard a pause before she said, “He’s a developer.”
    To the locals on the island, she might as well have said, “He’s a leper.”
    â€œOkay, okay. I know…developers are right up there with the IRS. But he’s not looking to develop here on Cedar Key.”
    â€œAnd you know this, how?”
    â€œWell…I don’t for sure. But he’s working on some project in Gainesville. Anyway, it’s just a date.”
    She was right, and maybe I was being a bit too hard on her. “Then I hope you have a good time and it goes well.”
    â€œSo you’re ready to spring the news on the family tonight? I’m sure they’ll all welcome little Clarissa Jo with open arms.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re right.”
    Â 
    Opal was the first to arrive. She walked into the kitchen carrying her famous key lime pie and after setting it on the counter, leaned in to give me her requisite cosmopolitan kiss on both cheeks.
    With hands on my shoulders, she pulled back and said, “I do declare, marriage certainly agrees with you. Love your new bob cut, Monica. You could use a bit more blush, though.”
    I laughed as I gave her a hug. Considering that Opal was known for using about an ounce too much makeup, I took her beauty tips with a grain of salt.
    â€œThanks for the pie,” I said, putting it into the fridge. “You’re looking pretty good yourself.”
    She waved a hand in the air as she perched on the bar stool at the counter, carefully crossing her shapely legs. Opal was a fashion plate—no doubt about it. The woman had style and didn’t shy away from making people take notice. Today she was sporting a black leather skirt two inches above her knees, with black silk stockings and a mint green silk blouse that accentuated her overly bleached, chin-length blond hair.
    â€œThis is so nice to have a family gathering tonight. I love spending time with Saren and Miss Dora. Now, where is that handsome son of mine?” she questioned, looking out to the deck.
    â€œHe went to pick up Saren. They’ll be here shortly.”
    â€œHello, hello,” Dora called from the hall.
    Opal leaped off the stool to run toward the front of the house.
    â€œWell, Eudora Foster, you’re a sight for sore eyes,” I heard Opal say in