Glamour by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online Page B

ask. “Remember, you’re supposed to rely on your bridesmaids for help with that.”
    “No, the wedding is looking good. It’s work that’s been consuming me. It feels like there’s so much to get arranged before I’m gone.”
    “Don’t you think Channel Five can survive without you?” I tease.
    “Judging by some of the crew, you’d wonder.” She sets the glass down. “Being a producer of a local news show is demanding. Sometimes I wonder if it’s really worth it.”
    “Worth what?”
    “You know, the stress, long hours … all that goes with my job.” Her brow creases. “I didn’t really have a choice after your dad died. I had to take that job. But it’s hard work. And sometimes I wonder …”
    “Are you thinking about quitting?” I ask.
    “I’m not sure. I’d still want to work in television. But maybe I could find something less stressful. Jon’s been urging me to think about it.”
    “I thought you loved your job.”
    “I
used
to love it. And I was thankful to have it. But, more and more, I’m just not sure.”
    “Well, after next week, you won’t have to think about it for two weeks.”
    “I can’t believe the wedding is only a week away.” Mom gets a sad expression.
    “Aren’t you glad?”
    She takes a sip of water then shrugs. “I guess so. But I’m a little blue too.”
    “Why?”
    She waves her hands. “I’m going to miss this.”
    “The condo?” I frown. “You’re going to miss this condo?”
    She smiles. “No, silly. I’m going to miss you. And Paige. We three girls, living together.”
    “Oh …” I nod. “Yeah, I’m going to miss it too.”
    “You girls can change your minds and come live with Jon and me.”
    I press my lips together. We’ve had this discussion a number of times already, and we always end up at the same place. Paige and I agree we’d rather live in the condo on our own than move in with the newlyweds.
    “I know,” Mom says. “You and Paige need your independence.”
    “We’ll visit you,” I assure her, “and you’ll visit us.”
    “Yes.” She nods. “I know. It’s just hard letting go of some things.”
    I go around the breakfast bar and hug her. “I know exactly how you feel. And you’re not the only one I’m losing,” I remind her. “Paige is going to get married too.”
    “Oh, that won’t be for a long time,” Mom says reassuringly.
    “I hope so.” I glance at the clock, surprised to see that it’s after six. “Are you and Jon going out tonight?”
    “He asked, but I told him that if you girls were staying home, I would stay home too. I thought we might enjoy a quiet Saturday night together. I can order some Thai food andmaybe we can watch an old movie.” She pauses. “Unless you were planning to go to your youth group tonight.”
    “I told Mollie I’d take her,” I begin. “But she’ll understand if I explain this is our last Saturday night together. I better call her.”
    Mom looks relieved. “And I’ll order dinner.”
    To make up for not taking Mollie to fellowship group, I call her and tell her—in detail—about everything that happened at the BBB fashion show. I get her laughing so hard she tells me to stop. “You’re going to make me go into premature labor,” she says, “or wet my pants!”
    So I bring my tale to an end. “That episode should be really good,” I finally say. “I can’t wait to see the footage of Paige standing there in the pool, her hat drooping and mascara running all over the place, and her saying calmly that the water is refreshing.” We both laugh. As I hang up, I’m thinking my sister might’ve looked like a train wreck, but the girl has style.

Chapter

6
    “What’s up between you and Blake?” Mollie asks me as I’m driving her home from church on Sunday.
    “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, why are you avoiding him? Or is he avoiding you?”
    “No one’s avoiding anyone.” I drum my fingers on the steering wheel.
    “Yeah, right. I have eyes, Erin. I