Page 15 of Always Almost You

Kathy arched an eyebrow. “What did you have for dinner last night?”

“Can’t remember,” Lauren mumbled as she turned back to her screen.

“Come join me,” Kathy said. “You’ll be more productive after you eat.”

Lauren rolled her chair back and joined her at the table.

“So,” Kathy said, “are you packed and ready to go?”

Lauren speared a forkful of salad and kept her gaze on her plate.

Kathy froze. “Wait a minute. You haven’t even started packing, have you?”

“Haven’t had time,” Lauren said.

Kathy leaned back, studying her. “You still have laundry to do, don’t you? Bills to pay? Refrigerator to clean out?”

Lauren scrutinized her salad.

“That’s not good, honey,” Kathy said gently. “Your sister is picking you up to drive you to LAX at four forty-five tomorrow morning.”

I’ll sleep on the plane. We fly from LAX to Charlotte. That’s plenty of time for a long nap.”

“That’s not wise,” Kathy said. “Have you looked at the weather? You’re flying into a major East Coast storm. Best case, you’re delayed. Worst case, missed connections. Travel chaos is miserable even when you’re rested, never mind exhausted.”

Lauren shifted in her chair. She’d kept an eye on the weather app throughout the morning, observing the storm move further south in the forecasts. Charlotte was now the epicenter. She didn’t want to deal with a missed connection.

“I got an email from Susan,” Kathy said.

“I didn’t receive it.”

“She sent it to me only. She thanked us again for working with the architect to change the nursery. And asked if you have a significant other. Susan said he’s single and thinks the two of you would be a perfect couple.”

Lauren shook her head no.

“I checked his photo on his website. He’s gorgeous. And looks familiar. I know I’ve seen him before. I just can’t remember where. Want to check him out?”

Lauren held up a hand, palm facing Kathy. “No. I’m taking a break from romance, remember?”

“All right,” Kathy replied. “You won’t feel like that forever.” Kathy sat up straighter and placed both palms on the table. “Here’s what we’re going to do,” she said. “As soon as you finish eating, you and Pumpkin are going home. You’ll start a load of laundry, get out your suitcase, finish the odds and ends, and be in bed by eight.”

Lauren patted Kathy’s arm. “That’s sweet, but I need to finish a few things. I don’t want to work while I’m on vacation.”

“You’re not going to,” Kathy said firmly. “I forbid it. What are you working on that can’t wait?”

“I’m preparing an update for the synagogue rebuild committee.”

“I know that project as well as you do,” Kathy said. “I’ll handle it and send the update by the end of the day.”

“I don’t want to dump my work on you.”

Kathy took Lauren’s hand. “When I had morning sickness twenty-four seven for my entire pregnancy, who stepped in without being asked? Who covered everything during maternity leave? You took over for me again last week when my children were sick, despite your own heartbreak and travel plans.” Her voice softened. “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

Lauren’s eyes filled, and she blinked rapidly.

“Go home and do exactly what I said. I know you don’t believe in my hunches, but I have a strong feeling this trip is the beginning of something wonderful for you.” She glanced at Lauren’s half-eaten meal. “Are you done?”

“For now,” Lauren said. “I’ll take the rest home and finish it while I pack.” She squeezed Kathy’s hand and stood.