Empty by Suzanne Weyn Read Free Book Online Page B

mother always dropped a new box into the drawer when Niki told her she was out. Where was it? Tom was going to come pick her up for the bonfire in less than a half hour. “Mom!” she shouted, leaving her room for the top of the stairway. “Mom! Where is the box of contacts I asked you for?”
    Her mother, a petite woman with short blond hair, came to the bottom of the stairs and spoke from there. “BJK-Mart was out,” she explained, referring to the large box store with an optometrist where Niki got her lens prescription filled.
    â€œThat’s crazy!” Niki cried. “Did you call Dr. Philips?”
    Her mother nodded. “He’s out, too. He says he didn’t get his delivery this week. Apparently, the truckers are refusing to come this far north because they can’t get enough gas. Wear your glasses.”
    Niki stared at the blurred form of her mother, speechless. This wasn’t happening!
    â€œMom! I can not go to the bonfire in glasses!”
    â€œNiki, I don’t know what to tell you,” her mother replied with a noteof helpless frustration. “Lots of people wear glasses. You look cute in your glasses.”
    Niki threw her arms up. “You have got to be kidding!”
    â€œIt’s not the end of the world!”
    â€œNot for you,” Niki shot back. Brock would be there with his new girlfriend. Bad enough she was going to show up with a second-string lineman—now she would be wearing glasses! “Call Dad,” Niki said, coming halfway down the stairs. “Maybe he can find some contacts in the city and Dr. Philips can call for them.”
    â€œYour father is already on his way home.”
    Niki’s face wrinkled into a bewildered expression. “Why so early?”
    â€œNiki, come down here. I have to talk to you.”
    Getting to the bottom of the stairs, Niki trailed her mother into the living room. “What’s going on?” she asked.
    â€œDad was laid off a couple of weeks ago,” Niki’s mother said as she sat on the couch in front of the large, stone fireplace.
    It was as though the shocking news had physically hit Niki, leaving her unsteady on her feet. “Are you kidding? Why?”
    â€œThis oil and gasoline shortage has affected stock prices around the world. People’s stock values are plummeting, so they’re pulling their money out of Dad’s brokerage in record numbers. Because of this, and the cost of keeping their building going, the company is downsizing. Massively downsizing.”
    â€œSo we’re broke?”
    â€œNot exactly,” her mother said, “but all our savings are also invested in stocks, and our stocks—like everyone else’s—are not worth as much as they used to be.”
    â€œThat’s what I said,” Niki insisted. “We’re broke.” That’s how it sounded to her.
    â€œWe could sell this house,” her mother suggested.
    â€œIf anyone has the money to buy it.”
    Her mother nodded. “True.”
    The expression on her mother’s face unnerved Niki. It was crossed with uncertainty, and even fear. Niki felt her mother’s dread pass to her like a contagious illness. “How did you and Dad let this happen?” she asked.
    Her mother defended herself. “It’s happening to everyone. Don’t worry. Dad went on a job interview today. It looks very hopeful. Now go get ready for the bonfire. Wear something warm. They say the temperature is going to drop tonight, maybe below freezing.”
    â€œBelow freezing? No way. Besides, I’m not going—not wearing glasses.” Crossing her arms, she rubbed the sleeves of her lightweight cashmere sweater. “And, speaking of freezing, it’s freezing in this house! When are you going to turn the heat on? I thought Marietta was the town with the oil.”
    A man’s voice cut in. “You still have to pay for it.” Niki turned to