Unnatural Calamities Read Online Free Page B

sphere.
    Back to business.
    He cleared his throat. “So tell me. Dropping out had nothing to do with Rachel or other circumstances?”
    She blinked at him. “Oh. No. Just work.”
    “I should tell you that I’m only thinking about giving you this money because of Rachel.”
    “So…” She hesitated and pushed half of the muffin around her plate. “If I wasn’t Rachel’s mother you…”
    “I suppose I wouldn’t consider it for a minute.”
    Her startling eyes stared into his face, searching for something—one of the first times she had looked up at him that morning. Quite a change from the night before when every time he’d glanced over at her, she was goggling at him with those disconcerting blue-gray eyes.
    “Why not, if it’s a good plan?” she asked.
    “Well, I suppose I don’t consider you a good risk. Based upon your record.”
    Her brow furrowed then she slowly said, “Oh. Wait a minute. Record?”
    He met her stare squarely now, and she must have seen what he knew.
    “You mean criminal record, don’t you.” She sounded as if she was talking to herself. “How did you know about that? You couldn’t have discovered that between last night and this morning.”
    He sighed. “One of the swim team mothers told me you served time in prison.”
    Janey slammed her hand on the table. The silverware jumped and so did Toph. The waiter twisted and gave them an inquiring glance.
    Janey blushed. She shook her head at the waiter and gave him a sheepish smile. She slid down in her chair and stared gloomily at Toph. “So I bet the news is all over the school. Oh damn. You think the guidance counselor you talk to won’t say anything. You think the principal has some principles. Well damn, I thought we did such a good job. Rachel would hate everyone to know. I wouldn’t have cared, but Rachel will be mortified.”
    His heart ached for her. Poor woman, trying to get on with a life, and get past her mistakes. “Listen, Janey. She’ll survive. And you can move beyond this. Let me take a look at your plans. At the very least I can offer suggestions and—”
    “No. That’s not going to work yet. Not if what you said about Rachel…” Her voice trailed off.
    She picked up most of the folders and shoved them back into her bag. She hesitated and handed him one folder. “Here’s the main idea, but I don’t want to waste your time with more than that. I can’t explain why. I made a promise to Rachel, but if it’s only because… Well, I am sorry. I have your card. Do you mind if Rachel calls you tonight? Will you be home? Or can she call you on your cell phone? And then I can call you, say, tomorrow?”
    “Sure. Of course. Why don’t you settle down and finish your coffee?”
    She slipped out of her seat. Her slightly frantic air of mystery was replaced by a more cheery, but still bustling manner. “I have to go home and make ten loaves of bread for a friend. I appreciate your time, Mr. Dunham. I look forward to talking to you tomorrow.”
    They shook hands, another firm, warm grip. He watched her walk away.
    Now that was an appealing body. Nicely rounded. She wore some sort of baggy, dull gray suit she probably thought made her appear professionally asexual, but the suit didn’t begin to hide her curves. She’d have to wrap herself in several thick layers, maybe a few sweatshirts several sizes too large, to hide that feminine shape. And the dark gray didn’t tone down the effect of her bright hair and full, pale lips.
    She must have recognized the tall gangling man who ran the cash register because she stopped and gave the guy a huge hug. Heck, he hoped she knew the man.
    Toph didn’t usually like habitual huggers. They made him uncomfortable and, more often than not, the hugging struck him as false affection. But he would not have minded having those arms around him. And holding that appealing shape in his own arms.
    He sniffed in self-disgust. How many minutes ago did he tell himself he didn’t want