When Memories Fade Read Online Free Page B

him too, Eddie.”
    For an awkward moment, they sat quietly. Angel folded and then unfolded her arms.
    She peered at Eddie and asked, “So how’s Denise doing?” She cleared her throat so she wouldn’t choke on her next comment about Eddie’s daughter. “I hear she is getting married soon.”
    Eddie stared at her for a moment before he answered. He shook his head. “Yes. The wedding is later this summer. I was just talking about you the other day. Would be nice if you could film the wedding. I’ve heard great things about your video business.”
    Her business, Angel Media, was booming due to the fact that the wedding season had just begun. She’d worked hard last year starting up the company and putting together a portfolio. Angel felt she brought a unique style to the footage she shot and edited. Despite reservations from her family, she was doing the entrepreneurial thing, something that awed her sometimes.
    Angel crossed her arms. Despite her success, she couldn’t see offering her services to Denise. How could she when three years ago, Kenneth Morgan, now Denise’s fiancé, was the love of Angel’s life? That day when Angel walked in on Denise and Kenneth together at his apartment, she’d lost her best friend and boyfriend. Later, when she found out Denise had had a baby boy with Kenneth, Angel lost herself. It had only been by building her business and becoming a Christian in the past year that she’d found her footing.
    She shook her head. “Sorry, Eddie. I’m not sure if I could. Don’t get me wrong. Things worked out the way they needed to. I just don’t know if I should be anywhere near the wedding.” For years, both she and Denise had talked about how they would be the maid of honor at each other’s wedding. All that was history now.
    â€œI’m so sorry to see you two girls are not friends anymore. You were like sisters.”
    Before she could respond, Angel heard movement behind her. The nurse was rolling Grams back in from rehab. Her grandmother looked at her, but Angel couldn’t read Grams’s expression, because her eyes lacked the usual spark.
    Eddie bowed his head toward Grams, not speaking a word until the nurse helped her back into the bed.
    Grams quietly nodded in Eddie’s direction.
    Eddie bowed his head again. “Fredricka, I just wanted to check on you. You know I promised Nick I would look after you and Angel. I’ll come back when you are up to it.” He winked at her and then placed his cowboy hat on his head. “Angel, let’s talk soon. I’d like to help you get some business.”
    â€œThanks, Uncle Eddie.”
    As Eddie approached the door, a man swooped in. Both men almost collided with each other.
    Her uncle Jacob looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His chocolate brown face was covered with a several days old beard peppered with gray. Jacob glared at Eddie. “Eddie. What are you doing here?”
    Eddie retorted, “I’m leaving, Jake. No need to upset your mother.”
    Angel could hear the tap of Eddie’s cowboy boots as he made his way down the hallway. She had never understood why Jacob disliked Eddie. The feelings were mutual. Eddie wasn’t too fond of Jacob, either. She had often wondered if the rivalry stemmed from Granddaddy always including Eddie in family events, almost like he was a son.
    Grams sputtered, “Jake . . .”
    Jacob moved to the side of the bed and leaned his head against Fredricka’s forehead. “Mom, it’s okay. I’m here. You are going to be all right.”
    Angel was glad he was there, but wanted an explanation. “Jacob, I’ve been trying to reach you.”
    Her uncle kept his attention on his mother. “I’m here now, Angel. I will take over from here. Go home and get some rest.”
    What? He was just going to sail in here and dismiss her? Where had he been? He could at