Marking Time by Marie Force Read Free Book Online Page A

were busy with the babies and everything. I’m serious about this, Dad.”
    “I can see that.”
    “What about living arrangements?” Clare asked.
    “I’ve taken care of that,” Jack said. “Jamie and I have a friend from Berkeley, Reid Matthews, who lives just outside of Nashville. I called him a couple of weeks ago, and he said he owns a couple of apartment complexes in the city. He’s going to let me know by tomorrow if he has any units open.”
    “That’s great, Dad. Thanks.”
    “He also offered to be a point of contact for you while you’re there. He’s a nice guy. You’ll like him.”
    “Sounds like between the two of you, you’ve got your bases covered,” Clare said. “Can we hear your demo?”
    “Sure, I’ve got it in the car. I’ll run out and get it.”
    While they waited for her, Jack looked at Clare in amazement. “Well,” he said. “She’s your daughter in more than just her looks.”
    “How do you mean?”
    “She’s efficient and organized, just like you.”
    “And she’s goal-oriented, like you.”
    Kate came back in, turned on the CD player, and popped in her demo. She had done covers of Stevie Nicks’s “Landslide” and an acoustic guitar version of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind,” as well as two of her own songs, “Funny,” and “Since You Left.”
    “You sound beautiful, Kate.” Clare glanced at Jack, wondering where their daughter had gotten this awesome talent. “It’s so impressive.”
    Jack’s eyes were wide with wonder. “I can’t believe that’s you.”
    Kate’s pleasure showed on her face. “Thanks. I haven’t played it for anyone yet. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.”
    “I don’t know why,” Clare said. “It’s wonderful. I love that song, ‘Landslide.’”
    “I know. I always think of you when I hear it.”
    “I’m so proud of you, Kate,” Jack said. “You’ve jumped right into this thing and put a lot of thought into it.”
    “I only have a year, and I don’t want to waste a minute of it. I also answered an ad to work in a nightclub with open-mic nights. If I get the job, hopefully I can perform, too.” She checked her watch. “I actually have to run. I’m taking the second half of my coworker’s shift at the hotel tonight. It’s his wife’s birthday.”
    “One other thing I wanted to mention is I rented a small U-Haul for moving day, and we can attach your car to the back of it,” Jack told Kate.
    “I was just going to drive there and figure it out when I got there. You can’t leave now with the babies and everything.”
    “It’s all worked out. Andi’s mother and aunt are coming from Chicago for a week to help out while I get you settled. They get here the day before your birthday. I promised Mom I’d take you myself.”
    Kate hugged him. “Thank you. You’re the best, Dad.” She gave her mother a hug as well. “Thank you, too, Mom. I know this isn’t what you wanted for me, but I appreciate your support.”
    “I want whatever you want, honey,” Clare said. “I’m so very proud of what a fine young woman you’ve grown up to be.” She only wished she’d been there to see it happen.
    “I love you guys. See you later,” Kate said with a wave from the door. A moment later, they heard her drive away.
    “I have to give you credit, Jack.” The room had grown dark, so Clare reached up to flip on a lamp.
    “For what?”
    “You had to steer Kate and Jill through the toughest years on your own. You did a wonderful job.”
    “I had a lot of help. I certainly can’t take all the credit.”
    “You can take a good chunk of it since you had to make the big decisions. You did the right thing letting her do this.”
    “I hope you’ll still think so in a year. It’s not just the twins keeping me awake at night. It’s terrifying to think of that beautiful girl alone in a strange city.” He shuddered.
    “We just got a good demonstration of how capable she is. She’ll be fine.”
    “Do you