Free Book Fair and Foul (Ashton Corners Book Club) by Erika Chase Page B

tables.
    Lizzie looked around the room and spotted one of the teachers and her family at a table close to the back. She hadn’t been noticed, so she didn’t wave. She was surprised to see A.J. Pruitt, sitting alone at a small table on the other side of the room. The breakfasts at Oscar’s were always a favorite part of anyone’s visit to Ashton Corners, so she guessed perhaps he needed some space from the dueling divas. She’d stop by his table and say hi as they were leaving, if he were still there and if she could get up the nerve. She realized that she might indeed run into the authors in a town the size of Ashton Corners. Oh well, she’d just have to make the best of it.
    Mark ordered his usual—three eggs sunny-side up, bacon, sausages, grits and coffee. Lizzie decided on a vegetarian omelet. After their coffee mugs had been filled, Mark sat back in his chair.
    “So are things looking a bit brighter today?” he asked.
    She sighed. “I guess I can get pretty wound up about something that’s really minor in the whole scheme of things. College was a long time ago and what happened is ancient history. And I suspect I won’t see Ashley Dixon again, despite her warnings of hanging around town more often, whatever that means. So yes . . . much brighter. And I’m off to see my mama this afternoon, so it’s all good. Do you want to come along?”
    Mark gave it a moment’s thought. “I’d be happy to but you know how she sometimes gets agitated by a stranger.”
    Lizzie nodded. “That’s odd, isn’t it? Usually she doesn’t recognize me, and yet on some level, she does, because it’s only people she rarely sees who have that effect on her. It would be nice if she grew into a level of comfort with you, though.” She smiled knowing he understood her meaning.
    He leaned forward and covered her hand. “I agree. So it’s your decision. I’ll come anytime you want me to.”
    Lizzie looked out the window, at the sun reflecting off the windows of the décor shop on the other side of the courtyard; at the patio umbrellas tilted to keep the patrons in the shade; at the red maple trees and Mexican sage that bordered the patio. Life was good. “Yes, please come with me today.”
    “You’ve got it.”
    Their meals arrived and they ate in companionable silence. When they’d finished, Lizzie enjoyed a third cup of coffee. “Let’s give Patchett that longer walk right now,” she suggested. “Mama will probably just about be heading into lunch. We can go over after.”
    Mark grinned. “You will so be at the top of Patchett’s list. Mine, too, I might add.”
    She glanced at A.J. as they walked to the door but he was immersed in reading the newspaper and she was happy to have a reason not to say hi. Mark grabbed her hand as they walked back to where he’d parked his Jeep.
    *   *   *
    L izzie approached her mama’s room feeling happy. Gone was the anxiety of the past few days. She marveled at how spending time with Mark could set all right in her world. As if he sensed her thoughts, Mark slid his arm around her waist and gave her a squeeze. She opened the door and first thing she saw was her mama, sitting in her favorite chair staring out the window. Lizzie walked over, being sure to make a lot of noise so she wouldn’t startle her.
    “I’m here, Mama,” she said, bending down to give her a hug. Evelyn Turner shifted in her chair and turned to face Lizzie although she didn’t speak. She glanced at Mark, who stood just behind Lizzie, but didn’t acknowledge him, either. A coughing spell overtook her and Lizzie passed her the glass of water that sat on the nearby table. Evelyn finished it off and then turned to face the window again.
    Lizzie was quite used to this welcome. There’d be many days when Evelyn didn’t even acknowledge her presence. Today could be counted as a good day. Although Lizzie never expected to be recognized, she hadn’t totally given up hope and launched into a monologue