The Blossom Sisters by Fern Michaels Read Free Book Online

should have shoved the ledger in the oven to hide it, but Violet is baking two peach pies, Rose thought. Talk about cooking the books, had she done that. She sucked in her breath and said, “It’s so nice to see you, Barney. How long are you staying this time?”
    â€œActually, I’m leaving early this evening for Hong Kong. I’ll be there for six months. I just wanted to drop off these presents. French perfume!” Barney said, holding out the shiny black bag he’d brought with him as though it were the Holy Grail.
    â€œWell, that is just so sweet of you, isn’t it, girls? We’ll be sure to wear it on Sunday when we go to church. Right, girls?” Iris said as she sniffed the expensive perfume. Rose and Violet nodded.
    â€œMy pleasure. It looks like I interrupted something,” Barney said, eyeing the ledger on the kitchen table. “I won’t keep you if you’re busy. I just wanted to pop in and say hello.” The relief he saw on the women’s faces was almost comical.
    Rose shrugged. “Household expenses, that kind of thing. I hate to let things go because then I can’t remember to make the entries.”
    â€œGus is a CPA, Granny. Why don’t you have him take care of that for you?”
    â€œBecause . . . well, we started out with an old friend who does our taxes. We can’t just take that away from him because of Augustus. It wouldn’t be right.”
    â€œAnd Augustus doesn’t need to know our business,” Violet snapped. “That young man has loyalty issues,” she snapped again.
    â€œWhoa! Whoa! Are we talking about my friend Gus, your grandson, Rose, and your nephew, Violet and Iris?” Barney spread his hands wide to show he wasn’t buying whatever it was the Blossom sisters were trying to sell him.
    â€œOne and the same,” Rose said smartly. “We do thank you for bringing us the perfume. I know how busy you must be, since you said you’re leaving this evening. You did say that, didn’t you?”
    Barney knew he was being dismissed, and he didn’t like it at all. What the hell is going on here? Suddenly, he felt like he were ten years old again and had just failed his social skills test given by three stern taskmasters. In spite of himself, he shivered, and he didn’t like the feeling. Not one little bit.
    â€œWe know Gus sent you!” Violet blurted.
    â€œHe did not send me. I came here on my own. I come to visit each time I’m in town, and the three of you know it darned well. Whatever your issue is with Gus, it shouldn’t have anything to do with me.” Barney waited to see if he’d get a slap upside the head. He was so relieved when it didn’t happen, he felt weak. “He does know I’m here and asked me to bring Wilson back with me.”
    Three sets of eyes stared at Barney. “Ask Wilson if he wants to go with you. If he does, he’ll drag his basket to the door. If he doesn’t, he’s staying here,” Rose said coldly.
    Barney felt like a fool, but he leaned down and said, “Wilson, Gus wants me to take you to him. Get your basket and let’s go.”
    Wilson showed Barney his teeth before he trotted over to the handmade rag carpet by the stove, where Winnie was watching what was going on. He plopped down, showed his teeth again, then barked.
    â€œGuess that’s your answer, Barney. Wilson is smart. He knows he was dumped here by Augustus just the way Augustus dumped us.”
    Barney threw his hands in the air. “You all need to have a meeting to clear the air. Gus loves you three more than anything in life. Can’t you cut him a break? He’s miserable.”
    â€œYoung man, tell that to someone who cares. We-do-not-care! You probably should leave now before the three of us pitch a hissy fit. Thank you for the perfume,” Violet said.
    Iris reached for Barney’s arm and escorted him to the front