Off The Clock Read Online Free Page A

given her during a lucid moment earlier that day. She tugged the neckline up a bit more; it was cut lower than what she normally wore, and she wasn’t exactly comfortable with the small amount of cleavage on display.
    The Visiting Nurses had sent over an engaging young woman named Doreen to relieve Shelley for the evening, and Cara had spent the afternoon going over her mother’s routine with her. I hope everything goes smoothly tonight. I haven’t had a chance to dress up like this since the Winter Formal in college.
    Cara picked up the tiny gold clutch purse and tucked her lipstick, some Kleenex, and her cell phone inside. Snapping it shut, she slid her feet into her black pumps and carefully made her way down the stairs to her mother’s room.
    “Hi, Mama.” She entered the room as Doreen changed the television channel to Jeopardy. “I just wanted to let you know I was leaving, but I’ll be back in time to read to you.”
    “Oh, you look lovely, Mandy! Is Karl here yet? I want a picture of you.” Rosalie struggled with the nightstand. “Where’s my camera? Dad just bought it for me last week.”
    Cara’s heart sank. “Mama, it’s Cara, not Aunt Mandy. I’m going to the Harvest Ball tonight, remember? You loaned me your necklace.” She hurried to her mother’s side and picked up the small digital camera on the dresser. “Want Doreen to take a picture of you and I?”
    Rosalie looked confused. “Manda, does Mom know you’re wearing her diamonds?”
    “Yes, Mama. Now about that picture–”
    “Why didn’t she give you the matching earrings? They’d look better than those little things.” Rosalie leaned back against the pillows as Doreen snapped the picture. “You can’t even tell you’re wearing them. And didn’t you tell me that Karl liked you with your hair down?”
    Cara sighed and touched her upswept hair. “I’m trying something new. I love you, Mama.” She kissed the paper-thin cheek and turned to Doreen. “I’ve got my cell phone on, so if you need me, don’t hesitate to call.”
    “You go and have a great time, Cara.” Doreen walked her to the bedroom door. “We’ll be fine.”
    “I don’t know how long she’ll stay like this.” Cara chewed her lip. “Sometimes she snaps out of it, and sometimes it lasts all day. She thinks I’m her older sister Amanda, about to go out with my Uncle Karl.”
    “Maybe the Jeopardy game will bring her around.” Doreen put her arm around her shoulders. “Go on and enjoy your evening. And put on some more lipstick. You just chewed it all off.”
    “Thanks.” Cara tried to smile, then turned and retrieved her black dress coat from the closet. Grabbing her keys from the hook, she cast one last glance in the direction of the bedroom before leaving the house.
    * * * *
    Austin paced as he waited for her in the foyer, and offered his arm to her after she stowed her coat in the darkened office.
    “You look beautiful. Why didn’t you let me pick you up?”
    “Because it’s not a date.” Cara’s face turned pink as she linked her arm with his. “You needed a hostess, and I happened to be handy.”
    “Here.” Austin paused beside the coat-check girl and took the tiny box handed to him. “I got you something.”
    Cara’s eyes widened as she let go of his arm. “You got me orchids?” She set her purse on the counter and removed the white corsage from the clear container. “But I didn't...I mean...”
    Austin took it from her and clumsily pinned the flower to her satin bodice, his knuckles briefly skimming her breast. “It’s all right. I always keep a fake one around.” He pointed to the white carnation adorning his black tuxedo lapel.
    Cara blushed even redder. “Mr. Harmon.”
    “Tonight, call me Austin, will you?” He cast a cocky, lopsided grin at her. “With the problems you’ve had with your brother in the last week, you deserve to have some fun. And I promise not to step on your toes for the obligatory first dance.” He