Just Between Friends Read Online Free

lives but it was different now.  She breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that Alec had come alone.
     
         Frank moved to the stove where his wife stood, and kissed her cheek, wiping the flour that had managed to make its way to her forehead.  He looked sideways at Alec, and asked, “What in the world would bring you out on a day like this, son?  It must have been something very important.”  The rain was beating vehemently now on the window panes as the wind picked up.
     
         “Oh, I just came over to speak with Miranda.  I think something’s going on with her, but I’m not sure what it is.  I know, I’m crazy coming out in this, but my mind just wouldn’t let me rest.  You know how it is, right?” 
     
         Frank looked at his wife questioningly, then back to Alec.  He only nodded, and answered, “Right.  I’m sure Miranda will be down soon, and the two of you can talk.  Now, please, join us for breakfast.  I’m sure there’s plenty, right, honey?”  The air in the room was beginning to get tense.
     
         “Oh course, there’s plenty,” Mary agreed. 
     
         “Please, come join us at the table, Alec,” Frank invited.
     
         Cassie wasn’t saying anything, she was enjoying the show.  She pulled out a chair and sat down, tossing her long dark braids over her shoulders.  What would Alec say when he found out? She wondered.  She didn’t have to wait long to find out, for at that moment, Miranda walked into the room.  When she saw Alec, she froze to the spot, and felt her cheeks turn red.
     
         Her family was seated around the table, while Mary was busy placing the serving plates on it.  When the enticing smells of the morning meal had wafted into the open doorway of her bedroom, she couldn‘t wait to get downstairs and savor every morsel, but after seeing Alec, she suddenly felt nauseous.  She placed her one hand over the other, to hide the diamond that adorned her ring finger, as she stood there fidgeting.  “Why Alec,” she stammered, “I didn’t know you were here.” 
     
         He stood to his feet as he responded, “Well, Miranda, I haven’t seen much of you lately.  It had me a bit worried, so I thought I would come over and see you.  I hope you don’t mind.  Have you been avoiding me for a reason?  Have I done something to offend you?”
     
         Miranda was feeling guilty.  How could she tell him that she was engaged to Steven?  It was going to hurt him so.  He looked forlorn as he stood there waiting for a response.  It wasn’t his fault that she didn’t return his feelings.  He was such a handsome, kind-hearted man.  He deserved someone who could return all that love he had inside him. 
     
         His hair was mostly dry now, and he ran his fingers through it nervously, as he waited on Miranda to say something, his dark eyes searching hers, as if to find an answer.
     
         All she wanted to do right now, was turn around and run.  Run somewhere where Alec couldn’t find her.  She would never do anything to hurt him, if she could help it.  But, how could she help this?   She cleared her throat, and moved to the table.  She took her place beside Cassie, as Alec lowered himself once more, sitting across the table from Miranda.
     
         How was she to begin?   Her gaze slowly met his.  “No, Alec, of course you haven’t done anything to offend me.  I’ve just been busy lately, and a lot has been happening.”
     
         “Like what?” He asked curiously, as he felt his stomach tightening.  He knew Miranda, and he now knew there was something she was trying to hide from him.
     
         “We’ll talk about that later, alright?  I did want to thank you though for the lovely locket.  It was beautiful, Alec, but I know it had to be very expensive.  I couldn’t possibly accept such a gift.”
     
         “Nonsense, nothing is too good for you, Miranda.”  He was staring