Free I'll Be Home for Christmas by Fern Michaels Page A

taking sides here, but think for a moment; if the situation was reversed, wouldn’t you want to get the best deal for your company?”
    â€œDoes that mean he and his company need to know about my love life, that I use a diaphragm? No, it does not. He had no damn right.”
    â€œMaybe it’s the detective’s fault and not Mr. King’s. Maybe Mr. King told him to do a…whatever term they use, on you, and the man took it further than he was supposed to. That’s something to think about,” Gertie said, a desperate look on her face.
    â€œWhose side are you on, Gertie? It sounds like you favor that war-paint king.”
    â€œI believe in giving everyone a fair hearing.”
    â€œIs that why you refuse to call your children and live in a ditch?”
    â€œIt’s not the same thing, and you know it.”
    â€œThere’s no greater sin in life than betrayal. I could…can forgive anything but betrayal.”
    Gertie’s tone turned fretful. “Don’t say that, Andi. There’s usually a reason for everything if you care enough to find out what it is. I’ve lived a long life, my dear, and along the way I learned a few things. An open mind is a person’s greatest asset in this world.”
    â€œI don’t want to hear it, Gertie, and my mind just shut down. I know his type; he was just playing with me in case I changed my mind about selling. I would have gone to bed with him, too. That’s the part that bothers me. Then, one minute after the closing, it would be goodbye Andi.”
    â€œHe’s not like that at all, Andi. You’re so wrong.” At Andi’s strange look she hastened to explain. “What I meant was…from everything you said, from what I’ve seen in the papers, Mr. King is a gentleman. You said so yourself. I really should be going. Someone’s pulling into your driveway. I’m going to walk, Andi. I’ve been cooped up too long in the shelter.” Gertie held up her hand. “No, no, I do not want a ride. You still have packing to do. Thanks for the tea and for letting me hold these precious bundles. When are you going to name them?”
    â€œI was thinking of giving them all Christmas names. You know, Holly, Jingle, et cetera. Just let me get my coat; it’s too cold, and there’s ice everywhere. I refuse to allow you to walk home, wherever home may be today.”
    â€œI’m walking and that’s final,” Gertie said, backing out the door. “Besides, I have some thinking I have to do. I do thank you for caring about this old woman. I’ll be fine. It’s a messenger, Andi, with a letter. I’ll wait just a minute longer to make sure it isn’t an emergency.”
    Andi stared after her, a helpless look on her face. She knew how important it was for the seniors to feel independent. She reached for the envelope and ripped at it. “Ha!” she snorted. “It’s an invitation to Mr. Lipstick’s Christmas party.”
    â€œGuess that makes it official. Change your mind and go. Is there a note?”
    â€œYep. It says he’s sorry about the report and all he had requested were the financials, none of the personal stuff. He said he meant to destroy it once he met me, but time got away from him. He also says he had more fun yesterday than he’s had in twenty years, and he thinks he’s falling in love with me. He’s very sorry. Please call.”
    â€œSo call and put the poor thing out of his misery. That certainly sounds contrite to me. Everyone makes mistakes, Andi, even you. I would find it very heartwarming to hear someone tell me they think they’re falling in love with me. Think about that, Andi. Have a nice evening.”
    â€œGoodbye, Gertie. Be careful walking.”
    â€œI will, my dear.”
    Andi read the note and the invitation until she had them both memorized. She ran the words over and over in her mind as she