Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin Read Free Book Online

that, well, it was almost logical that she hadn’t mentioned him before.
    Almost.
    â€œI missed Ryland too much to even think about him,” said Mallory, talking rapidly. “So I tried not to. And maybe I was a little angry at him too, for—for leaving me alone.”
    At least that makes sense, thought Phoebe.
    Mallory went on talking and Phoebe listened. Ryland worked doing something good-for-the-earth involving desert water conservation. He was very committed and he just hadn’t been able to visit his mother and sister.
    â€œHe didn’t get a lot of vacation time, and you can’t just come and go between Australia and Massachusetts in a long weekend. Plus, it’s important, intense work, and other people are involved. Other people’s welfare. Ryland told me in advance how it would be. It was outside of his control. And he keeps in touch when he can.”
    â€œI’m so happy for you,” Phoebe said at last, because what else was there to say? “Did you say when he’s coming?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t. It’s tomorrow. Listen, I’m going to stay out of school to make sure I’m home when he arrives.”
    Mallory went on and on, the details coming out almost in a frenzy, as if she were trying now to make up for past silence. Ryland had finished with his job in the Outback. He wasn’t certain what he would do next with his life. He would stay with his mother and sister while he figured things out. It was going to be so, so fantastic. Also, Phoebe was just going to love him!
    â€œYou know what, Phoebe? You can see a picture of him. Hang on just a minute. It’s on my phone. Here.”
    Phoebe leaned over to look. She couldn’t deny that she felt great interest.
    And Ryland was attractive, Phoebe thought. He seemed tall—like Mallory—and lanky. In the picture, she could see that he had thick lion-colored hair, darker than his sister’s. But Phoebe couldn’t see his features clearly because he wore large sunglasses. She couldn’t tell if he looked at all like Mallory.
    â€œIs this a recent picture?” Phoebe asked.
    â€œUh. Yes.”
    â€œHuh.” As Phoebe looked, and as she felt Mallory’s anxious gaze on her, thoughts tumbled through her head. It was all so strange. Phoebe had been Mallory’s sibling, these last years. She felt like she had done a good job. But maybe she wouldn’t be wanted now. Had Phoebe just been a substitute? A substitute for this irresponsible loser who had left his little sister all alone to take care of their unstable mother? And would Mallory stop visiting the Rothschilds so much now? Would she no longer occupy the little turquoise bedroom across the hall from Phoebe’s, the room that, to all intents and purposes, had belonged to her for these last years?
    She managed to focus once more on what Mallory was now saying.
    â€œMother actually spent the weekend getting the spare bedroom ready for Ryland! She’s so happy. I think she did sort of forget he existed. You know how she is. But she remembers now.”
    Phoebe looked up from the picture. “Your mother actually did physical work?”
    Mallory laughed shrilly. “God, no! Mother directed my work. But still, it’s a change from lying on the sofa sleeping or eating Skittles. Maybe, with Ryland here, she’ll wake up. Be more active.”
    â€œDo you know how long he’ll stay?” Phoebe asked.
    â€œNo. But a while. He says he’s earned a long vacation.” Phoebe was dying, suddenly, to go home—alone—and find her parents and spill it all to them. They’d be amazed!
    â€œPhoebe,” said Mallory quietly. She reached out and put a hand on Phoebe’s arm.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œPhoebe. Could you just—”
    â€œJust what?”
    â€œBe happy for me? Be happy that I have a brother who’s coming to be with me?”
    Phoebe was stricken to the heart.