Aint too proud to beg sfdg-1 by Susan Donovan Read Free Book Online Page B

dog-training classes had not, in fact, been a complete waste.
    Good boy. Donald ruffled Genghiss fur. You really need to get this dog a haircut, Joze, he said, standing up. The Tito Jackson look is so yesterday.
    Beth chuckled. And we all know how trendy Josies gotten lately.
    I didnt think you noticed, Josie said sarcastically.
    Cant you girls spend an afternoon without all the snarky comments, for crying out loud? Josies mother bent down, rattled around in a cupboard, and continued talking, her reprimand muffled by clanking bakeware. I dont think youre any better then you were as teenagers. Anyway, Josephine is looking stunning lately!
    Beth rolled her eyes. Mom, did you want me to put the feta cheese on top of the salad or put it in a separate bowl on the table?
    Josies mother straightened, turned, and stared at her youngest child in disbelief. Your father has detested feta cheese all his life. Trust me when I tell you he hasnt changed his opinion and never will, not about feta, or politics, or the church, or sex, or anything else in this mortal coil. She picked up the wooden spoon and waved it around. Men dont change. Mark my words.
    Josie caught her sisters eye as she pushed herself up from the floor.
    You know its bad when she breaks out the Shakespeare, she whispered to Beth.
    I heard that. Im not deaf. Ann Sheehan put the lid on the potatoes and leaned up against the kitchen counter, crossing her arms over her chest.
    She was still beautiful at sixty-three, Josie thought. The red in her hair had been washed out by silver, but it created a lovely frame for her smooth skin and gray eyes.
    Everything okay, Mom? Josie walked to her mother and rubbed her upper arm. Is everything all right with you and Dad?
    I think Ill take Genghis for a walk. Donald grabbed the leash off the hook and snapped it to Genghiss collar.
    Were eating in twenty minutes! Josies mother called after Donald, then raked a hand through her hair with a sigh. I hate the way you girls snap at each other. After thirty years, you think you could move on.
    Josie patted her moms shoulder. Sorry. But everything else is okay?
    Her mother sighed. Im fine, Josie. Your father and I are fine. Perfectly fine. Everythings fine.
    Thank God theres one thing I can always count on to stay the same. Beth made this pronouncement as she walked out to place the wooden salad bowl in the center of the dining room table, then continued her thought when she returned. It seems like everyone I know is getting divorced. I mean, its not like I blame them. I think about divorcing Howie at least three times a day.
    Beth! Josies mother looked horrified. Does Howie know how you feel?
    Beth shrugged, opening the pantry door and finding a small cut-glass serving bowl. Oh, I change my mind by the time I get the kids to bed.
    Usually. I dont know… She spooned the feta cheese into the bowl.
    Maybe it isnt even about Howie. Maybe its the kids. Or maybe its just me. All I know is sometimes I want to commit hara-kiri after a day of changing diapers and wiping off the kitchen counter. Beth looked up at her sister and mother, offering them a blank stare. Seriously, I must wipe off the kitchen counter seventeen times a day. While cooking breakfast, then cleaning up after, then while preparing a mid-morning snack, then after, and the same process over and over again with lunch, snacks, dinner, snacks…
    As if on cue, Howard Fleischek popped his head into the kitchen. Josie was struck by what a sweet, open face her brother-in-law had. He walked over and planted a kiss on Beths cheek.
    Anything I can do to help?
    Beths head snapped back. Youre supposed to be watching Chloe and Calvin!
    Theyre asleep on Grandpas lap.
    What? Beth stared at him in shock. Theyre not supposed to nap now!
    Theyll be off schedule! They wont go to sleep at bedtime if theyre sleeping now!
    Howies face fell and his voice sounded injured. Jesus, Beth. They fell asleep on their grandfathers lap. Its a Norman Rockwell moment,