to her side and hugged the plump woman and plastered a kiss on her cheek. “Penny, I just got the best news of my life.”
“You win the lottery hun?” Penny asked.
“Better than that. I’m free.”
Penny’s eyes moved to Jerrold, she nodded some unspoken words and the two older people smiled. Apparently Jerrold hadn’t kept her situation entirely confidential after al.
# # #
After her shift ended, Libby returned to the motel with a box of cupcakes tucked under her arm. She al but floated down the street thinking of her new found independence. Now she was free to start colege in the fal. She couldn’t wait to get there. It was her life long dream. Between al the money she’d saved since landing in Pebble Creek and the financial aid package Jerrold said she’d qualify for, no more obstacles stood in her way. She could do anything she wanted. Heck she might even get her driver’s license.
She entered the office and holered out to the boys. Their sweet little heads popped around the counter. “Look what I’ve got.” She opened the box to reveal five yummy cupcakes.
“Are those for us?
Their lovable little faces warmed her heart. “Sure are. One for everybody.” She smiled at her little buddies.
“Mom too?” Jimmy, Jr. asked.
“Absolutely, you want to pick one for her?” She held the box out while he carefuly selected a pink cupcake with a flower on top.
“Good choice.” Libby ruffled his hair.
“Hey Mom, look what Jil brought us.” Damien ran around the front counter to the living quarters where DarLynn folded laundry. After one look at Libby, DarLynn bit her lip. She wore an odd expression on her face.
“Is something wrong?” Libby set the box of cupcakes on the table.
DarLynn examined Libby as if she’d never seen her before.
“Jil, where did you live before you came here?”
“Why do you ask?” She evaded the question, even though she no longer needed to hide her past, thanks to Jerrold. Libby couldn’t imagine why, after al these months, DarLynn would ask about her background. DarLynn had accepted Libby on face value and they’d been great friends.
“You know how I like to watch al the entertainment shows.” DarLynn puled out a tiny hoodie from the laundry basket and attempted to straighten it. “Wel, today there was a special interview with that Rock group, Jamieson.”
Libby, stopped in her tracks. She had tried not to think about Peter too much. It was difficult, because she’d often come across Jamieson on magazines DarLynn subscribed to. Peter was her secret love; she’d never forget him. Whenever she became scared or lonely, she alowed herself to linger over each moment they shared and savor their magical time. Sometimes she got carried away and daydreamed they were stil together planning their futures.
But those thoughts wouldn’t help her move on with life. Peter was best left in the recesses of her mind.
“Oh.” She set the cupcakes on the table. She wanted to hear what DarLynn had to say, but also wanted to keep her memories of Peter private. Libby faced her friend, whose eyes scrutinized her.
“Yeah, it was realy interesting. They have a new album out.
They’re doing a concert tour, but it’s different than anything they’ve ever done before.” DarLynn’s voice sounded strained, as if something else occupied her mind.
“That’s nice, what are they doing?” Libby tried not to care.
Learning too much about Peter’s life would only make her heartsick for him al over again. She worked hard to push away al the loss in her life and move forward.
“They’re looking for a girl.” DarLynn twisted the tiny shirt.
A stab of pain hit Libby in the heart. “Oh, what for? Their next video?” She gazed out the window and hated the idea of some strange girl in a video with Peter.
“No, actualy it’s a girl one of the brothers used to date.” Libby’s head snapped up. DarLynn’s eyes blazed. Libby’s mouth went dry. She didn’t know what to say, so she returned her attention to the trees outside.
“In fact, they showed a couple pictures of her.” DarLynn stepped closer.
Libby’s gaze swung to the darkened television. Her heart felt heavy as she fought back emotions. Part of her worried about discovery, but then again, why would Peter want to find her? She was insignificant in the world of a rock band. This must be a promo to sel more CD’s. It hurt to even hope.
“I DVR’d it and just got a chance to watch it.” DarLynn picked up the remote and clicked on the television.
A