Free The Key in the Attic by DeAnna Julie Dodson Page A

“Now who’s no fun?”
    ****
    Monday turned out to be a beautiful day. It was a little bit cold for May, but the sky was a delicious clear blue, and spring was in its full riotous glory. Mary Beth was sitting on her front porch when Annie pulled up in her driveway, and she immediately scurried out to the car.
    “Right on time,” she said as she buckled herself in.
    Annie smiled. “Of course. And don’t you look nice. Did you make that?”
    “Just finished it yesterday.” Mary Beth fingered the lightweight ecru pullover she had crocheted. “It’s one of Kate’s patterns. She always lets me test them before she prints them up for sale.”
    “It’s great. And just right for you.”
    Mary Beth chuckled. “I had been griping about how all the patterns are designed for girls in their twenties who look like fashion models. Kate’s so sweet, I think she designed it especially to flatter someone with—ahem—a fuller figure.”
    Annie laughed with Mary Beth, happy to see she was in a more cheerful mood than she had been lately. Obviously Mary Beth was feeling better with Kate being back at the shop with her.
    The drive to Portland was pleasantly uneventful, and Annie didn’t want to spoil the atmosphere by bringing up Mary Beth’s financial troubles. Instead, she asked about something she knew always made Mary Beth happy.
    “How’s Amy doing?”
    As she expected, Mary Beth beamed at the mention of her niece.
    “Great, as always. She’s still spending a lot of time with Everett Graber, who works in the same office.”
    “Oh, and he has the cutest little boy.”
    “Peter. Yes, he’s precious. I’d sure love to see them get a little closer one day. I guess Amy’s still not ready for that.”
    “I know you miss having her around. Is she going to come visit this summer?”
    Mary Beth pressed her lips together. “I hope she will. Every time Amy makes plans to come, Melanie figures out something for her to do instead. It’s so frustrating.”
    Annie glanced briefly at her. “You know she’s jealous of you, don’t you? Melanie, I mean.”
    “Of me?” Mary Beth laughed. “You’ve seen her—tall and thin and still gorgeous. She is always fashionable, and always in the middle of some important national or international event. Not to mention being pretty well off. Why should she be jealous of me?”
    “Because she knows Amy is closer to you than to her.”
    “Amy’s her daughter, not mine.”
    “That’s the point.” Annie glanced up to make sure she hadn’t missed her exit. “Amy is her daughter, but Amy loves you best.”
    Mary Beth smiled, but shook her head. “I don’t know about that.”
    “I think I do. You’re the one who’s always been there for her. You’re the one who wants her to be happy as she is without trying to make her into something she’s not.”
    “Annie—”
    “I’m not saying she doesn’t love her mother. I’m sure she does. And I’m sure Melanie loves her. But you and Amy have a special relationship, and I think that’s why Melanie gets jealous.”
    Mary Beth didn’t say anything for a moment.
    “I guess I’ve pretty much thought the same thing.” She leaned her elbow on the armrest, propped her chin on her hand and looked out the window. “There wasn’t much friction between us when we were growing up. I didn’t even try to get into her spotlight, so we were OK. Mother groomed her for the high life, and I never really fit in there. That was OK, too, until Amy came along. She’s just never been the society type either, so we always clicked. I haven’t tried to take Melanie’s place with her. It just sort of … happened.”
    “You know, instead of resenting you, Melanie could always try to work on her relationship with Amy.”
    Mary Beth snorted. “That would involve cutting down on the cocktail parties and Broadway premieres and trips to Cannes.”
    “So what does she expect you to do? Pull away from Amy? And where would that leave Amy? She would be