When Bobbie Sang the Blues by Peggy Darty Read Free Book Online

I’ve ever met.”
    Christy gave him a hug. “I believe you’re smitten, Jack Watson.”
    He grinned and headed for the door. “You guys coming?” he called over his shoulder.
    They followed Jack inside the club and quietly took seats at the table. Watching Bobbie sing, Christy felt as though her aunt escaped to her own private world when she sang the blues, shutting everyone and everything out. Even now, she sang as though nothing had happened. Christy had never imagined her aunt was so talented. Why hadn’t her mother ever mentioned this?
    Dan leaned toward her. “She’s quite a lady.”
    Christy nodded, still watching her sing. “Yes, she is.”
    The music faded into the night as Bobbie completed her lastsong and took a bow to thunderous applause. Christy, Dan, and Jack were still clapping as Bobbie reached the table. They all began talking at once, complimenting her, but she waved the words aside.
    “If you don’t mind, I’d like to leave now,” she said, looking at Jack. Her eyes swung to Christy and Dan. “What about you two?”
    Dan turned to Christy. “Want to go for a late-night snack?”
    “Sure. Care to join us?” Christy asked Jack and Bobbie.
    “No, thanks. Go have fun,” Bobbie said.
    Christy thought her aunt seemed exhausted and on the verge of tears. She put her hand on her arm. “Everything will be all right,” she said.
    “I hope so,” Bobbie replied, but she looked unconvinced.
    “Okay, you kids run along,” Jack said, his good mood restored. “Christy, I’ll see your aunt home. Don’t worry.”
    “Thanks, Jack.”
    Christy’s hand slid into Dan’s with surprising ease as they walked out of the club and crossed the parking lot.
    “You look very pretty tonight,” he said, his blue eyes sweeping down her black blazer and jeans. Her new black high heels clipped over the concrete as she fell in step with him. “Nice shoes,” he added and grinned at her, knowing her penchant for shoes.
    “Thank you.” She smiled, pleased he had noticed and relieved he was alone tonight. She had jumped to wrong conclusions twice now, and she told herself she could change. She could give him time and space without seeming insecure. He was a good man, and she didn’t want to lose him. They owed each other a second chance, and this time she was determined not to rush things.

Tuesday
    C hristy rolled over in bed and reached up to open the drapes. A clear blue sky sent golden rays of sunshine through her window. She stretched lazily as a wonderful contentment eased over her. Glancing across at the chair that still held the clothes she had worn last night, she merely smiled. It had been late when she came in, and all she’d wanted to do was put on her pajamas and crawl into bed…and dream of Dan.
    They had spent a wonderful evening together at a cozy ocean-side restaurant near Destin. They left Dan’s SUV in the parking lot of the Blues Club and drove in her convertible so they could feel the crisp breeze blow over them.
    As they dined on shrimp cocktails and peach tea and then sharing a rich chocolate dessert, they enjoyed light, easy conversation. Christy explained that Eddie was Bobbie’s ex-husband, but she must have married him in his better days. Then she quickly moved on to another topic, hoping they could put the unpleasant scene with Eddie behind them.
    When they returned for Dan’s car, there were only a few hangers-on at the club. Christy saw that Jack’s black SUV was gone, as well as Bobbie’s red truck. She didn’t worry about Bobbie anymore that night.

    After a shower and a mug of coffee, Christy decided to go by her parents’ home to check on Bobbie. She wheeled into the wide driveway of the brick ranch-style home. Palm trees and shrubs dotted a long, grassy yard, and flower beds circled the house. Her parents enjoyed working in the yard, and they were proud of their picture-perfect home.
    As Christy climbed the back steps to the kitchen door, she heard her mother’s