Right Next Door by Debbie Macomber Read Free Book Online Page B

and women would flock to his side.
    Her hand tightened around the receiver and a sick weightless feeling attacked the pit of her stomach. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to shout in your ear.”
    â€œYou didn’t.”
    â€œI suppose you called to talk to Jeff,” she said. “He’s with Blackie and Kelly—Kelly Lawrence, the little girl who lives on the other side of us.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œHe’ll be back in a few minutes, if you’d like to call then. Or if you prefer, I could run and get him, but he said something about sneaking out and going for help and—”
    â€œI beg your pardon? What’s Jeff doing?”
    â€œOh, they’re playing in the fort, pretending they’re Houston and Daniel Boone. The fort is now the Alamo.”
    He chuckled. “I see. No, don’t worry about chasing after him. I’d hate to see you waylaid by the Mexican army.”
    â€œI don’t think I’d care for that myself.”
    â€œHow’s everything going?”
    â€œFine,” she assured him.
    She must have sounded rushed because he said, “You’re sure this isn’t a bad time? If you have company…”
    â€œNo, I’m here alone.”
    Another short silence, which was broken by Cole. “So everything’s okay with Blackie? He isn’t causing you any problems, is he?”
    â€œOh, no, everything’s great. Jeff lavishes him with attention. The two of them are together practically every minute. Blackie even sleeps beside his bed.”
    â€œAs you said, Jeff has a way with animals,” Cole murmured.
    His laugh, so tender and warm, was enough to jolt her. She had to pinch herself to remember that Cole was a prominent attorney, wealthy and respected. She was an accountant. A junior accountant at that.
    The only thing they had in common was the fact that they lived next door to each other and her son was crazy about his dog.
    The silence returned, only this time it had a relaxed, almost comfortable quality, as though neither wanted the conversation to end.
    â€œSince Jeff isn’t around,” Cole said reluctantly, “I’ll let you go.”
    â€œI’ll tell him you phoned.”
    â€œIt wasn’t anything important,” Cole said. “Just wanted to let you know when I’ll be back—late Friday afternoon. Will you be home?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œYou never know, your friend might talk you into going out with Fred after all.”
    â€œIt’s Frank, and there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell.”
    â€œFamous last words!”
    â€œSee you Friday,” she said with a short laugh.
    â€œRight. Goodbye, Robin.”
    â€œGoodbye, Cole.”
    Long after the call had ended, Robin stood with her hand on the receiver, a smile touching her eyes and her heart.
    Â 
    â€œMom, I need my lunch money,” Jeff yelled from the bottom of the stairs.
    â€œI’ll be down in a minute,” she said. Mornings were hectic. In order to get to the Glen Park BART station on time, Robin had to leave the house half an hour before Jeff left for school.
    â€œWhat did you have for breakfast?” she hollered as she put the finishing touches on her makeup.
    â€œFrozen waffles,” Jeff shouted back. “And don’t worry, I didn’t drown them in syrup and I rinsed off the plate before I put it in the dishwasher.”
    â€œRinsed it off or let Blackie lick it for you?” she asked, as she hurried down the stairs. Her son was busy at the sink and didn’t turn around to look at her.
    â€œBlackie, honestly, is that maple syrup on your nose?”
    At the sound of his name, the Labrador trotted over to her. Robin took a moment to stroke his thick fur before fumbling for her wallet to give Jeff his lunch money.
    â€œHey, Mom, you look nice.”
    â€œDon’t act so surprised,” she grumbled. “I’m leaving