Hot Fudge Fraud by Anisa Claire West Read Free Book Online

flight to Ireland, he froze.
    “You’re telling me that you’re leaving for Ireland tonight?!” Mr. Bradley asked incredulously.
    “Yes,” she said cautiously as the idea still sounded outrageous to her own ears.
    “You can trust Melanie with me, sir.  I will take good care of her.  I’ve done a good deal of travelin’ for my career, and I won’t let her out of my sight,” Keith interjected as Melanie shot him an indignant look.
    “Excuse me?  Let me out of your sight?  I’m not an infant, Keith!” Her defensive response was a reflex.  She wasn’t used to being taken care of, and the idea made her bristle.
    Mr. Bradley chuckled and said, “I like the way you operate, Keith.  And I’m gonna hold you to your word!  Melanie has never been out of the country before.”
    “Yes, I know, sir,” Keith said as solemnly as though he were addressing a military commander.
    “So anyway,” Melanie said with a nuance of impatience, “would it be okay if Sunny stays with you?”
    “Of course!” Mr. Bradley said heartily.
    “And,” Melanie added, “if you manage the ice cream parlor for a week?”
    Mr. Bradley shook his head wryly and mused, “I didn’t retire more than 20 minutes ago and already I’m running a business!  It’s unbelievable.  But, you know, I was wondering what I was gonna do with all this time on my hands.  Now that won’t be a problem.”
    Melanie’s face shone as she embraced her father.  “Thank you so much, Dad!” Into his ear, she whispered, “I think Mom would be really happy that I’m taking this trip.”
    “I do too, darlin’,” he whispered back.
    Kissing Sunny on the forehead, she handed the dog to her father and said, “Now, don’t forget to take Sunny to the store with you every day!  He’s a big attraction with the customers.”
    “I wouldn’t dream of leaving Sunny home alone all day.  Go on, you two.  Y’all have a flight to catch!” Mr. Bradley feigned more enthusiasm than he felt inside.  Keith McBrennan was a fine young man, but Mr. Bradley didn’t like the idea of his daughter traveling across the world with him after just one date.  But she was a grown woman, and he knew that any sign of disapproval on his part would only alienate her.
    “Really good to see you again,” Keith emphasized, shaking the older man’s hand vigorously.  “And I will take excellent care of her!”
    “I know you will, McBrennan.  Now go on and have a safe flight,” Mr. Bradley said gruffly, fighting back tears.
    Melanie recognized the emotion in her father’s tone and gave him another hug before accepting Keith’s hand and heading to the car.
     
    *****
    Melanie’s first impression of Charleston International Airport was that it resembled a bus station.  “Is this really an airport?” She murmured in disbelief.  “It’s so small!”
    Keith rolled his eyes humorously.  “I know.  And calling it Charleston International Airport is a joke.  They don’t have any international flights departing from here.  That’s why we’ve got to pick up a connection at Washington-Dulles.”
    “You mean we’re going on two airplanes?” Melanie asked as her nervous energy bubbled into full blown fear.
    “Yes, but don’t worry.  The flight to Washington lasts less than an hour.  Once we’re there, our layover is pretty quick and then we’ll be on our way to Dublin.  Smooth sailing,” he said confidently.
    “I hope you’re right.  It looks like it’s starting to rain.  Is the pilot still going to fly if it’s raining?” Melanie inquired innocently.
    “Of course!  A little rain doesn’t stop a flight from taking off.  Now quit worrying!  Flying on a plane is safer than driving a car.  Let’s go get checked in.  The flight leaves exactly at midnight and they’re sticklers for making sure everyone checks in early,” Keith pressed, holding her hand as they wheeled their suitcases into the shoebox airport.
    Melanie felt exhilarated as she