Everybody's Daughter Read Online Free Page B

we go?” Michael asked with trepidation.
    Jim’s eyes peeked over the paper. “Go.”
    As they scurried back up the stairs, Michael leaned over and whispered, “That was a great idea. I really liked teaming up with you.”
    “Yeah.” Connie smiled back. “Me, too.”
* * *
    “Hey, did you fall in the toilet?” Connie’s voice brought Michael back to the present.
    He opened his eyes, stood and splashed more cold water on his face, toweled himself off, heaved a deep breath, and returned to the living room.
    “What were you doing in there?” she asked. “Did you fall asleep? Did you fall in the toilet?”
    “Wasn’t sleeping. Just deep in thought.”
    “I know I don’t visit a lot, but I can tell I’m not really welcome here.”
    “It’s because sometimes you can be a pain in the backside,” he said. “But I hang on to the good stuff we used to do together.”
    She put her glass down and wiped the corner of her eyes.
    “Oh, no,” he said, surprised. “What’s wrong? I thought I said something nice.”
    Tears ran down her face faster than she could dry them. “You don’t understand. My life is a mess. I’m lonely and scared.” She fumbled with her purse. “I’m sure that makes you happy. Right?”
    “Of course it doesn’t make me happy. Why would you think that?”
    “I’m a loser. My husband left me, I’m eating cupcakes and cookies for breakfast, I don’t even feel like putting on makeup anymore and I’m spending Friday night drinking with my little brother.”
    “Gee, thanks.”
    “Oh, shut up, you know what I mean.”
    He burrowed through his pockets and handed her a tissue.
    She took it and dabbed her eyes. “Thanks.”
    They sat in awkward silence until Michael felt she had composed herself. “I’m expecting Elizabeth home soon.”
    “Oh, great,” she said. “I can’t let my niece see what a loser I am.”
    “Stop. You’re not a loser. Elizabeth doesn’t think that either.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “You think I don’t appreciate the times you helped me with her when she was young? The times you took her to the movies when I had to work. She told me how you spoiled her with candy and popcorn at the movies. She still remembers how you both laughed when you spilled a big bag all over the seat. She’ll always have those wonderful memories, and she brags about how fun and cool her Aunt Connie is.”
    A peaceful understanding of silence fell between them. “Let me call you a cab. You’re in no condition to drive and I won’t let you anyway. You know how I am about that.”
    She nodded and her body shook. “I miss Sammie so much.”
    “I miss her too.”
    She stood. “Look at me. I’m a mess.”
    He walked over and hugged her. “I’m not much better.”
    “Did Dad call?”
    “Me?”
    “Yes. Did he call you?”
    “You’ve got to be kidding. Why? Is the old man dying?”
    “That’s not funny.”
    “Is he dying?”
    “Now’s not the time to talk about this. I’m sure he’ll talk to you soon.”

Chapter Two
    A glint of light snaked its way through the jagged blinds, striking Michael in the face as he turned over to relieve the throbbing in his head. He slid under another pillow to muffle the sound of the ringing phone on the night stand.
    “Who’s calling at this forsaken hour?” he groaned. C’mon, machine, pick up.
    As Michael reached over to check the caller ID, he knocked the receiver from the cradle, sending it crashing to the floor. Oh great.
    “Hello?” a voice called out from below.
    Michael flopped back down onto the bed. “Hold on.”
    He rubbed his forehead several times with his fingers, and wiped away the grainy residue from his eyes. The pain in his head ricocheted from side to side as he retrieved the phone. “Yeah?”
    “Michael?”
    “Who’s this? Why are you calling so early?”
    “It’s Dennis. I’m sorry if I woke you. It’s half past ten and I thought you’d be up.”
    “I was getting up anyway.”
    Michael leaned