Heart of Gold by Beverly Jenkins Read Free Book Online Page A

glad.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Crystal replied as she wept. “I’m so sorry. This was so stupid.”
    â€œIt’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Are you ready?”
    Using the crumpled wad of tissue in her hand to wipe her eyes and nose, she nodded. “Yeah.” Upon noticing Mal for the first time, she walked into his outstretched arms and let him hold her tight.
    â€œThank you for coming to get me.”
    â€œThank your mom.”
    Bernadine stared down at Crystal’s feet. “Where are your shoes, Crys?” She was wearing an old pair of fuzzy, mismatched socks.
    Her lips tightened and her eyes flashed angrily. “Stolen by the same people who took my phone and the jacket I got in LA last year.”
    â€œWow. Okay.” Bernadine was real interested in hearing about this adventure, but she wanted to get home first. She threw a comforting arm around her child, and the three left the station for the return trip to the airport.
    On the flight, while Crystal slept, Bernadine snuggled against Mal’s side. “Somebody stole her shoes? You think they pulled a gun on her?”
    Mal shrugged. “Hope not, but either way it would be enough to make me call home.”
    She smiled. “I’m thinking this is going to be quite the story if she actually tells me about it.”
    â€œShe probably will. I saw those eyes flash when she talked about her stuff being taken. She looked too mad not to talk about it. I’m more worried about her being around your crazy sister.”
    â€œCrystal can handle herself—she’ll do okay.”
    â€œAs long as Diane doesn’t steal her shoes.”
    When they entered the house, Bernadine was so glad to be home that it took Crystal to point out the obvious.
    â€œYou changed the furniture around?”
    Bernadine stared.
    â€œI kind of like it,” Crystal told her.
    Bernadine hated to admit it, but she did as well. The room flowed much better. Score one for Diane, she thought grudgingly. “It’s my sister Diane’s doing. She’s staying in the guest room, and may be with us for a while.” She’d have to thank Diane in the morning. “You go on up and get into bed. We’ll talk details after church.”
    Crystal asked warily, “You’re not mad at me?”
    â€œAfter having my heart ripped out, of course I am, but I still love you, so go on upstairs and get some rest.”
    â€œThanks again for letting me come back.”
    â€œThis will always be your home, Crys. No matter what.”
    â€œDo I have to go to church?”
    â€œWhat do you think?”
    â€œBut everybody’s going to be looking at me.”
    â€œYeah, they are. Better to go and get it over with now, don’t you think? Aren’t you the cross bearer tomorrow, too?”
    She sighed heavily, “Yeah. I’m on with Zoey and Devon.”
    â€œThen there you go.”
    Crystal looked over at Mal, who’d been watching silently, but seeing no support there, she offered a departing nod and slowly climbed the stairs.
    Bernadine met Mal’s eyes. “Was I supposed to lie to her about my feelings?”
    â€œNo. The truth’s always the way to go.” He walked over and gave her another strong hug. “You go on upstairs, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    â€œThanks for being you.”
    â€œTold you when we met we’d be a good pair.”
    â€œYes, you did, and you were right.”
    â€œLove you, girl.”
    She leaned up and gave him a kiss. “Love you too.” After walking him out to his truck, she came back inside, turned out the lights in her rearranged front room, and climbed the stairs.
    When the hired driver pulled the car up to the Garland home, it was almost two A . M . Roni saw lights shining from behind the drapes in the living room windows and from the bedroom window upstairs. She hoped that meant Reg was up and waiting to welcome