Bursting Bubbles by Dyan Sheldon Read Free Book Online Page A

else. No matter what they say, they should probably have kept their mouths shut. Marigold’s father suffers the most. If the Liottas’ marriage had a historical equivalent it would be the Hundred Years War (with Mr and Mrs Liotta on opposite sides, of course). The only day when they don’t have a fight is the day when they don’t see each other. Which is the reason Marigold doesn’t like to argue. She gets enough of that at home.
    Marigold’s father spends a lot of time working – either in the office, or out with a client, or away on business. Since Marigold doesn’t have the advantage of somewhere else to be, she tries hard to keep a low profile and do nothing to upset her mother. And to always pretend – even after the worst tantrum, argument or tears – that nothing is wrong. Just as her mother does.
    This morning, however, Mrs Liotta is genuinely happy. Marigold can tell the difference. She’s making pancakes and laughing along with the audience on the breakfast show she watches. Marigold glances out the window as she sits down. Her father’s car is in the driveway. She wasn’t woken up by fighting, so that must be a good sign.
    Mrs Liotta puts a plate in front of Marigold, then takes the seat across from her. “You’re working in the library this afternoon, aren’t you?” she asks. “Would you like me to pick you up?”
    “Thanks, but that’s OK.” Marigold hasn’t told her mother that she is no longer working at the library because she knows that her mother won’t like the idea of her volunteering in Half Hollow any more than she does. Possibly less. Half Hollow is not her mother’s kind of town; she has heard her joke with her friends that the only professionals who live there are the police. “It’s not that far. And anyway someone usually gives me a ride home.”
    “You could take my car if you want. I don’t really need it today.”
    Her mother usually doesn’t like anyone using her things. Especially her car. Marigold’s sister, Rose, once borrowed it without permission and backed it into a wall, an event that sent her mother to bed for a week. She is in a really good mood if she’s offering her the car. Marigold darts little glances around the room, looking for flowers. And then she notices the pin her mother’s wearing, a silver angel holding a diamond that Marigold’s never seen before. Eveline Liotta loves both angels and diamonds. It must be a peace offering.
    “Thanks, but I’ll be fine, Mom.” And here is something else Marigold hasn’t told her mother. Marigold has shied away from driving since May, when she hit a pigeon. Even Marigold couldn’t find anything positive about that, especially not from the pigeon’s point of view. She felt so guilty (even though it was really the pigeon who hit her) that she thought she might have nightmares about it for the rest of her life. “And anyway, you might need it after all.”
    “Might need what?”
    They both look up as Marigold’s father strides into the room, wearing his usual suit and tie, his briefcase in one hand. He’s in a good mood, too.
    “How are my girls this morning?” He kisses first one, then the other, but puts up a hand when his wife jumps up to get him a plate. “Sorry, darling, I’d love to hang out with you two, but there’s no time. Forgot I have an early meeting. Just coffee to go.” He fills his insulated mug and kisses them both goodbye.
    As the front door shuts behind him Marigold’s mother picks up her own mug. “Well, call me if you change your mind about the ride, honey. I’m having lunch with Meg and Jessica, but other than that I have no plans.”
    Marigold says that she will.
    Over lunch Asher tries to commiserate with Marigold about her first day at her new service placement. “It’s like we’re in a battle and you’re the first one over the hill,” says Asher. “I don’t start mine till Saturday.” An event he’s looking forward to about as much as his own