Today's Reading

"Just truth-speaking." He pointed a finger at me. "When God created you, he factored in that stupidity. Even though you made all those bad decisions, he still claims you and cares deeply for you. If he can, then I think it's high time you start caring for yourself too." Gilbert looked like he wanted to say more, but our food arrived, shutting us both up while we ate in amicable silence. I had a feeling the reprieve would be short-lived.

Once the plates were clear, Gilbert handed over a paper. "This is the address to the AA meeting I found for us to attend. They meet Fridays at six. There's a few locations that hold NA meetings if you'd like to check those out too."

"One's just as good as the other." My main vice was alcohol with a small side of narcotics, so AA seemed the better fit for me. I folded the paper without looking at it and shoved it into my back pocket. It was one of those things I knew I had to face, like all the rest of the consequences that came from my bad choices, but chose to do so later. Maybe tomorrow...

"You know you have to go to them."

"Yes, sir." I sighed, slumping heavily in my chair. "I know."

Gilbert gave me a concerned look, bordering on pity. "It'll get easier, Junie. Just stick this out, okay?"

I shrugged. "What other choice do I have?"

We settled the bill—Gilbert paid, thank goodness—then he offered another gift by dropping me off in the driveway instead of barging his way back in the house.

I'd gotten no further than closing the door good when someone knocked.

Groaning, I turned around and yanked the door open. "Go away, Gil—! Oh!" Static raised the fine hairs on my neck as I gazed at a man who was definitely not my probation officer. I lifted a shoulder and used my chin to brush the tingle away. "Sorry. I thought you were my... uh... personal trainer. He just left." Shifting in my Birkenstocks, I willed him not to notice my white peasant blouse and bell-bottom jeans with decorative patches I'd hand-sewn on them myself—far from workout gear. "May I help you?"

He straightened his glasses but the frames went right back to where they were, sitting somewhat askew. "Oh, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Henry." He had a deep velvety voice, the kind that reaches even when spoken quietly. He pointed a long index finger to his right while holding my gaze. "I live next door. I'm your neighbor."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Juniper but everyone calls me Junie."

"This is a nice place you have." Henry nodded. He reminded me of a scruffy version of Clark Kent, who looked a day or two late on shaving. He was no longer wearing the hat from earlier, so now a shock of dark-chocolate curls spilled around his ears and onto his forehead.

"It was my grandmother's house. My brother and I inherited it from her." Grandma Olla left the house to us equally with a stipulation that we couldn't sell it. She knew Cy and I were no longer close, so I've often thought she probably did this to ensure we maintained some sort of relationship long after she was one. Sadly, a house with strong studs secured in a firm foundation isn't a guarantee to keep a family together.

Henry cleared his throat, glancing past me, then returning his bright-blue eyes to mine. "I'm sorry for you loss."

"Thanks." Chitchatting wasn't my forte, especially when meeting someone new. I racked my brain until settling on, "Your place is nice too." Brilliant. "How long have you lived here?" 

"About two years. I like it out here. It's quiet. Well, this end of the island is anyway."

"Yep." I could have told him how it hadn't always been so touristy, that back in my younger years the entire island held this peaceful quiet, but then that might encourage more conversation and I'd already reached my daily limit.

We stared at each other until it grew awkward. I needed to take a weeklong nap, not socialize with strangers. Looking for an out, I yawned deliberately.

Henry's eyebrows rose above the black frame of his glasses, picking up on my cue, mercifully. He took a few steps back. "I won't keep you. I just wanted to say hey and let you know if you ever need anything, like sugar, I probably won't have it."

His handsome face remained completely serious as his broad shoulders lifted apologetically. I wished Gilbert could have seen it. I would have pointed out, Now that's how to cut a joke.


This excerpt ends on page 14 of the hardcover edition.

Monday we begin the book Ambush of the Heart by Mary Connealy. 

What our readers think...