White Offerings by Ann Roberts Read Free Book Online Page B

remained in this constant holding pattern, but she knew something had to change soon.
    The front door closed and she heard Brian and Lynne’s voices greet the Nelson parents. She wondered if any fireworks were in store, since Brian and his father battled over most subjects posed at the Nelson dinner table. Brian was the true black sheep, and although this was
his
birthday, Ari wasn’t sure Don would be able to curtail the biting criticism that he often hurled at his youngest son. Molly was always the peacemaker, and despite the friction, Ari knew they loved each other. Don would never do to Brian what Jack Adams had done to her. She joined them and gave Lynne a hug.
    “I love your blouse,” Lynne said, touching the cotton fabric. “The design is great. Whoever picked that out really knew what she was doing.”
    They laughed at the inside joke, remembering their recent shopping trip to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Ari couldn’t decide what to buy and Lynne had made the decision for her. “Yes, my personal shopper has exquisite taste.”
    The other adults returned to the kitchen and the family room, leaving Brian and Lynne with her. They grabbed the bottle of wine and glasses before settling on the patio. She curled up on the lounge chair and stared at the couple, cuddling on the swing. They were physical opposites, but their personalities complemented one another. Brian looked the part of a rebel, with his long blond hair, earrings and various tattoos. His appearance was a sharp contrast to Lynne, who was the epitome of class in a button-down pinstriped shirt, pressed chinos and brown loafers. Her dark curly hair barely touched her shoulders and framed a very pleasant face that perpetually smiled. She was only twenty-five, but she was the perfect combination of youth and maturity, possessing a bubbly disposition that was tempered by a level-headed mind. It didn’t surprise her that Lynne was slated to graduate at the top of her architecture class next year.
    Brian grabbed the bottle of wine and refilled her glass. “How’s my favorite fellow Libra? I hear your party will be much wilder than this one,” he said with a wink.
    Her eyes widened and she glanced from Brian to Lynne, who was already laughing. “What does Jane have planned?”
    Brian smiled wickedly. “I’ll never tell.”
    She rolled her eyes and sighed, admitting defeat. Jane had apparently sworn everyone to secrecy, and she would just need to pray.
    “Hey, don’t worry, at least not too much. It’s going to be great.”
    He looked to Lynne for confirmation, and she nodded. “Ari, I think you will approve of most of the festivities.”
    “
Most
? What about the rest?” She sunk deeper into the lounge. Jane would do whatever she pleased because she was Jane. “I just hope you both aren’t totally embarrassed,” she said, wondering if after the party she would lose the two best straight friends she had ever had.
    Lynne chuckled in response. “Are you kidding? I think it will be hysterical—”
    “Shush,” Brian warned. “You’ll give too much away.”
    “I’m surprised Jane has any time to plan this party since the whole orchid thing started,” Ari said.
    Lynne set her wine on the coffee table and frowned. “Don’t tell me she got another one.”
    Ari recounted Jane’s orchid troubles, and she was relieved to find that Brian and Lynne shared her cynicism about the meaning of the orchids. They agreed someone might be enamored with Jane and meant her no harm. As they walked to the dinner table, she felt better about sharing her thoughts with them and not worrying Molly, who didn’t need anything else on her plate. Dinner was uneventful, and Don only took one swipe at Brian’s ego, but a deadly look from his wife brought a quick retraction and the peace wasn’t disturbed again.

    As Molly ascended the back steps, she heard laughter and not the sharp words of an argument. Either was possible anytime Brian and their father ate a meal