Angel Falls (Angel Falls Series, #1), Babette Jongh [books for 6 year olds to read themselves .TXT] 📗

“No thank you, ma’am. I was happy to help.” He grinned at the girls who were still practicing their splits—wearing jeans, to boot—in the middle of the floor. Then he ducked his head, and went back downstairs.

“Miss Casey.” Victoria twirled a lock of cinnamon-brown hair. “How many boyfriends do you have?”

“I like Mr. Buchanan best,” Keely said. “I think Wilson is too young for you.”

“Y’all are so funny. Go get the folding chairs out of the storage room and set them up along the walls.” I set out the measuring tape, paperwork, and the collage I’d made of the recital costumes for each class.

I’d pored over costume catalogs for days, selecting the costumes for each dance. I’d spent hours with the calculator, adding prices, deducting discounts, calculating shipping charges, dividing by the number of students in each class. If I was any sort of business woman, I’d add on a little profit for myself. But unfortunately for me, I wasn’t any sort of business woman.

With the cash box ready, I could make change for parents forking out frightening amounts of money to pay for costumes. Keely and Victoria measured, I handled the money, and students were free to go—in fact, encouraged to leave—as soon as we’d finished.

For my helpers’ help, I paid for their costumes.

I had scheduled siblings together to simplify things for parents. Amy and Maryann ran in together, with Lois far behind, breathing hard. She paused to catch her breath. “I hope we’re not late.” Her thin, veined cheeks flushed crimson; her poodle-gray curls clung in sweaty strands to her neck.

“No, you’re not late.” I led her to a folding chair. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She took a deep breath and let it out, then sat heavily, as if her legs had stopped working. “Ben wanted to bring them, but he got stuck in a conference call. He’s doing most of his work from home now, you know.”

I sat next to her. “You’re not looking fine right now. Are you sure you’re okay? Can I get you some water?”

“My blood pressure’s higher than it should be. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.”

“That sounds serious.” I knew nothing about blood pressure problems.

Lois waved my concern away. “I’m glad we have a minute to talk. I want to thank you for all you’ve done for Ben and the children.”

“Oh, Lois. You know I’m happy to help.”

“I want you to know that whatever happens between you and Ben will be okay with me. It’s what Melody would’ve wanted.”

I glanced over at Victoria and Keely, who worked together to take Maryann’s measurements and note them on the list. They weren’t listening to us, and thank God there weren’t any other adults around to hear this. Gossip in Angel Falls spread like butter on a warm biscuit. “Lois, there’s nothing—”

“I know there’s nothing between you and Ben... yet.” She put a hand on the side of my face. “But I also know that you have a history. Maybe one worth repeating?” She patted my cheek. “You’ve been an angel, and I know my grandchildren and son-in-law couldn’t find anyone better to take Melody’s place.”

I started to say something—I don’t know what—but Lois stood and opened her purse. “What do we owe you for the costumes?”

*

That night, I counted money, wrote deposit slips, and fought myself over calling Ian. I should thank him for sending Wilson to unload those tables, my southern belle polite side argued against the sensible part of my brain that told me to keep my distance.

In a weak moment, I grabbed the phone and dialed his number. One ring, two... maybe he’s asleep already....

“Hello?”

I had missed his sexy accent, the way he drew out the O sound in his deep voice. “Ian. It’s me.”

“Casey.” His voice sounded tentative, like someone walking across a newly-iced pond.

“Thank you for sending Wilson to carry those tables upstairs.”

“You’re very welcome.” His voice held a quiet reserve that made me think he might not be alone.

The words I didn’t have the courage to say crowded up against the back of my throat.

Ian, I love you.

Ian, I want to talk about what happened.

Ian, why was that woman spending the night at your house?

“Well,” I said. “Thanks again.”

“No worries. As your landlord, I’m always ready to help if need be.”

Ouch. That stung. “Okay. Well. Thanks again.” How many times had I said that? Not too many, I hoped. “Bye.”

“Goodbye, Casey.”

I hung up, wondering if his words were as final as they sounded.

*

Meredith came into the studio with her daughter Jennifer on Tuesday, another costume-fitting day. She handed me a manila envelope from the realty company. “I know you’re busy, but Joan wanted me to give you the MLS listings for our area, with every house on the market in the price range Ben gave her. Y’all can ride by and take a look, then let her know which ones you want to see inside.”

“Meredith,” I kept my voice low and quiet. “You know I’m just helping Ben out... as a friend.” Rumors could get started so easily in a small town, and I didn’t want Ben’s kids to be hurt by malicious, or even idle, gossip. “Can we talk about this later?”

“I’m sorry.” Meredith lowered her voice. “I wasn’t thinking.” She glanced around at the crowd of students in the foyer. Most had arrived minus their parents, which made life difficult. They had just been sent up the stairs with a blank check for costumes. Now Victoria and Keely and I would have to spend our time keeping the girls out of trouble while they waited to be picked up. “Do you need us to stay and help?”

“Could you really?” I put my arm around Jennifer and gave her a quick hug. She was such a sweet girl, a little carbon copy of her mother. “I’ll give you Jennifer’s costume for free.”

Meredith scoffed. “Not necessary. I’ll just text Cole and tell him to put a chunk of frozen lasagna in the oven.”

“I’ll babysit the little