Just The Way You Are(17)

"The divorce doesn't have anything to do with Alli's business capabilities. You know, you might find it hard to believe, but away from you, Alli actually acts like a grown-up most of the time."

"You're right, I find it hard to believe."





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Chapter 5



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"Five minutes around Tessa and I go from being a mature adult to acting like the nasty, jealous little sister I used to be." Alli tossed her purse down on the front counter of her store, thankful that the shop was still empty, because she needed to talk to someone before she exploded.

Mary Ann Whitman was not only Alli's assistant, but in the past year she had become a dear friend. At thirty-five, the slightly pregnant, brown-haired Mary Ann was eight years older than Alli. Where Alli was emotional, Mary Ann was cool as a cucumber. Where Alli was spontaneous, Mary Ann had a day planner that was detailed to the last minute. And when Alli took chances, Mary Ann usually had a backup plan just in case things didn't work out.

With such complementary strengths, they had developed a strong friendship and a good working relationship. And with daughters the same age, they also had the added advantage of sharing babysitting.

"You have to stop reacting," Mary Ann said as she finished straightening a display of shell jewelry. "Tessa knows how to push your buttons, and I bet you're good at pushing hers."

"To be honest, Tessa barely said a word. It was just her presence. God! She's so disgustingly beautiful. Megan already adores her. And Sam, well, Sam is probably thrilled she's back."

"What do you think?" Mary Ann asked, motioning toward the display. "Kathleen really outdid herself with these necklaces," she added, noting the fine detail work of one of their local artisans.

"It looks great," Alli said without much enthusiasm.

"How is Phoebe?" Mary Ann pushed her constantly slipping glasses back up her nose and stared at Alli with concerned brown eyes. "Was she any better this morning?"#p#分页标题#e#

"No. In fact, William just called me to say that the doctor said it's a matter of time now to see how much damage has been done. They've run several tests, but they'll have to see what happens in the next few days before they can determine the full extent of the stroke." Alli sat down on the stool behind the counter. "I've never seen Grams so still."

"She's just getting her strength back."

"I hope so. William is staying with her."

"He's a good friend. Or it is more than that?"

Alli tipped her head. "Maybe. Grams is cagey when it comes to him. I do believe he has a thing for her, but I have a hunch that Grams is still in love with my grandfather."

"What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were spending the day at the hospital."

"Tessa and Sam are there now."

"And you don't want to keep an eye on them?" Mary Ann raised a questioning eyebrow.

"I don't want to upset Grams. And I'm not sure I can keep my mouth shut when Tessa is in the room."

"You know, I'm sure Tessa has all kinds of men dancing to her tune these days. She's a supermodel, for heaven's sake. Sam's just a small-town guy to her now. You have nothing to worry about."

"But she never married. Don't you think that's odd?"

"Tessa is living the jet set life. And she's not even thirty. There is plenty of time for her to settle down."

"I know. You're right. Tessa is free as a bird." Alli's mouth trembled. "And in a short while Sam will be free, too."

"Oh, honey," Mary Ann said with a compassionate shake of her head. "Why don't you call the whole thing off?"

"I can't."

"Sure you can."

"No. Tessa is back now. It's fate. Sam has to find out."

"Find out what?"

"Whether or not he still loves her."

Mary Ann looked at Alli with sharp, knowing eyes. "Are you sure you want him to find out? Because you could pull it in right now, take it all back, and I think Sam would go along with you. He loves Megan."

"But does he love me?"

Mary Ann sighed. "Maybe it's just enough that he likes you a lot. Come on, Alli. You're not a kid anymore. You have a child, a job, a mortgage, bills to pay. That's the reality of your life—mine, too. Some days I'm not even sure I like my husband anymore, much less love him. And as for sex, well, jeez, the one good thing about pregnancy is that I can plead a headache as often as I want."

"You don't mean that. You're madly in love with Ron."

"I'm not 'mad' about anything or anyone. Passion is for teenagers. Something for them to do with all their energy. It doesn't last in any marriage."