Page 14 of Skipping Stones
Anna blushed. She and Danny were still madly in love. “You know, Danny’s just hired a new electrician. He’s cute. Maybe we should set you up.”
Kirsten shook her head. “Not interested in another blind date.” She stood up. “Cupcakes?” She brought a plate from the kitchen.
“Not for me,” Linney said. “They look delicious, but I need to watch my weight.” Anna rolled her eyes as she took a chocolate cupcake. Even her fingers were long and delicate.
Linney put her hands on her stomach. “I wish I had your metabolism. I need to lose some weight for the camera.” She’d been careful, watching everything she ate since she’d been home. “Mac says ten pounds—or even better, twenty—would help me look better.”
“He’s crazy.” Kirsten sounded offended for Linney. “You’re gorgeous just the way you are.” She pulled the wrapper off a red velvet cupcake and licked the icing off her fingers.
“You don’t know what you’re missing,” Anna taunted her.
Linney sighed. She wanted one, but she knew she shouldn’t.
“How is it with Mac anyway?” Kirsten asked. She gave her friend an impish look. “Still hot and heavy?”
“When it’s good, it’s really, really good,” she admitted sheepishly. “I miss him.”
“And when it’s not good?” Anna asked perceptively.
Linney thought for a moment. “Mac just wants what’s best for me. So sometimes he’s a little harsh. It’s all part of the business. I don’t mind.” She drained the last of her wine and changed the subject. “Did I tell you? Gemma’s promised to let me spread my wings when I get back. A European story. It’s the first step towards a foreign assignment!” Linney was excited about this new development, but she was nervous. “I hope I’m ready.”
“Of course you are!” Anna exclaimed. “It’s what you’ve always wanted!”
“Not somewhere dangerous, right?” Kirsten asked.
“I can’t promise that,” Linney said, giving into temptation and reaching out for a lemon cupcake. “But wherever it is, I’ll be careful.” The icing was delicious. To heck with Mac’s suggestions.
7
“Linney, dear, it’s so good to hear your voice. When are you coming home? ”
Linney’s brow furrowed. She seemed to have this same conversation with Gran every week now since she’d been home for Easter.
“Hi, Gran. Remember, I’m coming in a few weeks when Derek and Olivia get married.”
“Yes, that’s right.” Linney could hear the disappointment in her voice. She knew that just like Mrs. Blake, Gran had always hoped that the boy next door would propose to her granddaughter, but that was just wishful thinking. Derek and Linney were friends. Good friends, but just friends. Sure, there had been that one spin-the-bottle game and an awkward kiss at a party when she was thirteen, but there’d been no spark, and they had never thought of each other that way.
“But first, Kirsten’s coming to London, remember? And Jake will be up to see you this weekend. Maybe he can help you get out the summer cushions for the porch furniture.”
“That would be lovely. Do you think he would help me plant the flower boxes?”
“I’m sure he will. I’ll call you in a few days.”
Linney had always been a bit disappointed none of her friends had visited her in London. Of course, they had good reasons. Anna and Danny were busy with their businesses and their family and Derek didn’t take much vacation to begin with. When Kirsten made good on her threat and finally booked a trip, Linney had planned a great holiday for them together.
But a few days before Kirsten arrived, Gemma popped by Linney’s desk with a file. Linney opened it and looked up at her boss with surprise. This was a big opportunity to show how much she’d grown as a reporter. Suddenly her face fell. Was she ready for this? Mac had plenty of criticism for her work these days.
“Are you sure, Gemma?” she asked.
Gemma’s forehead wrinkled. “Why would you even question it? You’re the best young reporter we have. You were ready for this months ago.” Linney bit her lip hesitantly and Gemma spoke sharply. “Linney, this is a tough business. Especially for women. I don’t know what’s going on, but you need to get your confidence back. You are a great reporter. Don’t second guess yourself.”
The smile returned to Linney’s face. “I’ll do my best. Promise.” As Gemma left, Linney started reading through the research, getting excited. It would eat into her time with Kirsten, but it would be so worth it.
* * *
Linney bounced on her toes as she waited for Kirsten to come through the doors at Heathrow. It was her friend’s first international flight, other than family trips to Florida. Finally, she caught a glimpse of a tired and nervous Kirsten and shrieked. Kirsten’s head spun around and soon Linney caught her up in a hug.
“You’re here! How do you feel? That flight can be something.”