She drew back. She’d been wrong—he’d be perfect for the part of Erasmus—a heartless charmer who’d sold his soul to the devil.
She gave him a stiff smile and withdrew her hand. “Thanks for the offer, but I don’t think I’m cut out to be a California girl. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I still have a few more things to pack.”
She walked to the door and opened it.
*
Early the next morning, she made her final trip out to search the bushes near the door for the Retriever.
A loud, carrying voice called her name from across the way—Sarah’s mother. Mrs. Bridges waved a large tan envelope at her, and, without even scuffing her white espadrilles, stepped into the street, walked to the center line, waited for a car to pass, and proceeded to the curb.
Laurel focused on the familiar face, surprised at how happy she was to see her. Wearing a black-and-white print boatneck blouse over white slacks, Marilyn Bridges looked as sleek and stylish as always. Her wide ivory bracelet matched the flat hoops dangling from her ears, and her auburn hair must have been sprayed within an inch of its life.
Sarah’s mother hadn’t changed much in the past few years. Maybe her hair had a more metallic glint to it, but her skin, in contrast, seemed much smoother than Laurel remembered—almost rejuvenated. Botox? An acid peel? From what she’d seen on TV, everyone was doing it.
She gave Laurel a one-armed hug. “I noticed the FOR SALE sign is down. Hope you got a good price.”
What a relief to be able to talk honestly with someone. “Enough to pay off the last of Daddy’s obligations and have some left over. The new people are buying most of the furniture too, but I’ve put my bedroom suite and a few other things in storage.” Things like Jase’s clothes, which he never did pick up. “The rest of it, when you get right down to it, is just wood, paint, and fabric.”
“Who bought it? The Cokers?”
Laurel regarded her with in awe. “How did you know?”
“I saw some people in the yard one day last month when you were gone, and went over to get acquainted with them. You won’t believe this, but Clovia and I were both Delta Gams at University of Texas.”
Laurel smiled. Typical. Sarah’s mother knew the universe.
Mrs. Bridges lifted the envelope against the morning sunlight. “Could we go inside, Laurel? I have something for you.”
“Sure.” Laurel opened the door and led her guest into the kitchen so they could sit at the big round table and visit.
Mrs. Bridges glanced around the room. “It must be hard on you—to sell the house, I mean. You’ve lived here your whole life.”
Laurel shrugged. “Actually, Kinkaid House has become somewhat confining. Besides, I have a new job.”
“Yes, I’ve heard. Brownsville.”
“What about the dog?”
“Hugo is going with me. I’m hoping for a house, so he can have a yard.” It was strange how attached she’d become to the big guy. She wasn’t sure she’d ever be comfortable around small, yappy dogs that wanted to jump on her, but her stolid, well-behaved Hugo had become an essential part of her life.
“Well, you’re leaving at a good time. It’s going to be pretty dull around here now that Johnny Blue has left town and the Fassbinder twins—Karen’s divorced again—can’t make fools out of themselves chasing after him anymore. I guess we’ll all have to be satisfied with watching Dolph Jr. sneak across the street every morning for his rendezvous with Phyllis Pfluger.”
Laurel looked at her in surprise. “Johnny Blue? The one who starred in that outer-space doctor show a while back, Quark Kent, MD? He was in Bosque Bend?”
“Didn’t you know? He was the good-looking young man staying with Pendleton Swaim. I thought I saw him at your house. You didn’t recognize him?”
“He told me his name was Kel.” And he hadn’t been at all like the brash young ensign who healed any and every malady with what looked like an oversized TV tuner, and, on the side, protected the universe from an increasingly preposterous parade of invading baddies.
Mrs. Bridge’s brow tried to pucker. “I think Kel is his nickname. I heard Pen Swaim calling him that once when they were out in the yard.”
Laurel nodded to herself. Kel was a total chameleon—and predatory, to boot.
Mrs. Bridges lowered her volume as if someone might overhear. “Sweetie, I know it’s none of my business, but what about Jason Redlander?”
Laurel shrugged. “Jase is gone. Every time he looked at me, he saw Daddy.”
“But Laurel, your father was more than just the worst part of himself. I’m not excusing what he did to those boys—it was unforgivable. But we should also remember all the good things he did.”
“Jase didn’t feel that way.”