A Texas Family Reunion by Judy Christenberry Read Free Book Online Page B

locked the door.
    “The door won’t open!” Alex said.
    “I know,” David said. “I want to know what’s going on.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Have you and Neil broken up?”
    Alex stared at him. “That’s the first time you’ve ever used his name.”
    David shrugged.
    “Why would you do that?” she asked.
    “I think I feel a little sorry for him.”
    Alex glared at him. “No need.”
    “ Did you break up with him?”
    “That’s none of your business!” She tried the door again, in frustration.
    “Alex, I’m your cousin. I just want to know you’re okay.”
    “I’m okay,” she snapped. “I promise I’ll let you know if I’m not.”
    “I thought you two were…serious.”
    “Only if I agreed to always be available to him, and, oh, by the way, cook dinner for him and share my income from the company. And, best of all, do everything he said.”
    “So you got rid of him? Because if you didn’t, I’m going to.”
    Alex allowed a small smile at his answer. “No, it’s not necessary for you to go to such extremes. I took care of him.”
    “Good. Then you won’t mind helping me out again.”

Chapter Five
    “What? Why?” Alex demanded.
    “I’m talking about Monday night.” He gazed levelly at her, waiting for her to remember.
    “Your family reunion? What do you want me to do about that?”
    He gave her a crooked smile. “I want you to go with me.”
    When she would’ve answered, and he could tell the answer would be no, he held up a hand. “Wait, let me explain.”
    “Okay, I’m waiting.”
    “I’m embarrassed by how I acted when I met Jim and Carrie. It was wrong, but I’d just spent half the day with Mom. I panicked at the thought of having more family. I can barely take care of what I’ve got now.”
    “What did your mother want you to do?”
    “She wanted me to leave the office and go work on the plumbing at Janet’s home—after all, she said, I fixed her plumbing one day. When I asked her what was wrong with their plumbing, she said they wanted a bigger master bathroom. Nothing was wrong—they just wanted more. I told her I couldn’t be spared and they could afford to hire a plumber.”
    “I’m sure she didn’t understand.”
    “Of course not. It turns out that Jerry wouldn’t spend the money and Janet was complaining about how hard she has it in her five-thousand-square-foot home.”
    “And your mom thought you were being selfish?” Alex guessed.
    “Yeah. Even when I told her we were preparing a bid for a government project, which is why I needed Susan.”
    “You should’ve mentioned the magic words—decreased earnings.”
    “Couldn’t she figure that out on her own?”
    “Apparently not.” Alex smiled at him. “Your mother has always thought the world revolved around her.”
    “She’s not that bad.”
    “Yes, she is, and because of her, you insulted Jim.”
    “I didn’t—at least, he didn’t hold it against me, and I haven’t even explained why.” He drew a deep breath. “But that’s why I need you to go with me. Besides, you already know Jim and Carrie and Will.”
    “So do you.”
    “Yeah, but they like you.”
    “David, you’re being silly…but I’ll go with you. Does that make you feel better?”
    “Yeah. A lot better.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Then he unlocked her door.
     
    “C ARRIE , WHAT TIME is David supposed to be at Will and Vivian’s this evening?” Alex asked after she’d started to work Monday morning.
    “Didn’t Jim tell him? I’m sure we’re having dinner at seven, which means the evening will begin about six or six-thirty so we can all visit together. Wait a minute and I’ll call Vivian.”
    “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
    Carrie waved a dismissive hand toward Alex as she picked up the phone. A moment later she hung up. “Yes, Vivian said any time between six and six-thirty will be fine.”
    “Um, I should’ve told you before you called Vivian. David