Wind Over Marshdale by Tracy Krauss Read Free Book Online

and Whisper said she wanted a grilled cheese. Isn’t that right, Whisper? You wanted grilled cheese?”
    The little girl nodded vigorously.
    Rachel knit her brows as she sipped her coffee.
    â€œWhat’s up?” Grace asked.
    Rachel glanced over at Amil and Hudson, hoping their continued discussion about the merits and pitfalls of progress would be loud enough to muffle her own voice. “I remember seeing that name on my register,” she said quietly. “Whisper something. It sounded Native. I remember thinking it was very unique. That’s probably them.”
    Grace stole a glance at the small family and then looked back at Rachel. “Chances are you’re right.”
    â€œShould I…do you think I should go introduce myself?” Rachel asked. “I mean, if I’m going to be her teacher.”
    â€œI thought you weren’t interested in that sort of thing at the moment?” Grace questioned with a sly grin. “He is kind of sexy...”
    Rachel’s eyes widened. “I’m not. That’s not why–”
    â€œIt’s okay. I just wish I had an excuse to introduce myself.”
    â€œThat settles it, then,” Rachel said huffily. “I’m not going to.”
    â€œDon’t be so silly,” Grace laughed. “Go on. I keep forgetting that I really don’t know you that well yet and I probably stepped over the line. Sorry, I can’t help it. Just the way I roll.”
    â€œNo, it can wait,” Rachel decided. She reached for her purse and stood up. “We really do need to get back to the school now, anyway.”
    Grace sighed, but complied. “You’re right.”
    They waited at the counter for a few minutes as Billy Chang perused the bill. He said something in Chinese to his mother, who was passing by with a stack of dirty plates. She answered with a sing song reply and he entered the amount of each meal. “That will be fifteen sixty-five,” he said in perfect English.
    â€œOh,” Rachel leaned forward. “We wanted separate bills, please.”
    He was about to comply and redo the bill when Grace interrupted. “I’ll get this one,” she offered.
    â€œOh no, I couldn’t,” Rachel protested.
    â€œWhy not? It doesn’t happen too often,” Grace laughed. “Besides, I deserve it. Hope you’re not mad at me.”
    â€œOf course not. Thanks.” The truth was, she did feel a little bit mad. Who did this woman think she was? They hardly knew each other and she was acting like they were bosom buddies, teasing her like that. Rachel took in a deep breath and then let it out again, slowly. No, that was too harsh. It was she who was too sensitive. She just needed to lighten up. That was what she was here for after all. To start fresh.
    She glanced over at the table where the small family sat and with a quick intake of breath, darted her gaze away. He had been looking right at her! And he’d smiled, too! She turned fully toward the counter as Grace and Billy Chang finished settling up the bill, then practically bolted for the door, the tinkling bells mocking her swift exit with their laughter.
    â€œNow that was a pretty productive lunch hour, if you ask me,” Grace said once they were both outside. “You got to see the town gossips, crazy woman and preacher all in one fell swoop, not to mention a tall, dark, and handsome stranger.”
    â€œGreat. It’s almost too cliché to be true,” Rachel groaned.
    â€œYa think?” Grace asked. “Well, I’ve got news for you, girl. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

 
    Chapter Four
    Â 
    â€œYou’re dropping Bradley off before you go to the church?”
    Todd looked across the breakfast table at his wife, a spoonful of cold cereal halfway to his mouth. “I said I was,” he clipped.
    â€œTechnically, no. You didn’t,” Carol countered, rising to clear the