Page 10 of A Secret Chance
Chapter 5
SKIS AND POLES RATTLEDaround in the back of the car as Lauren drove to her sister’s house. As soon as the car was parked, Tabitha jumped out and ran to the front door.
“Whoa,” Lauren yelled. “I’m not your porter. Come and help with your stuff.”
Tabitha skipped down the heated driveway and the two of them carried her ski gear to the front door where Charlotte was waiting.
“Thanks so much for taking her,” Lauren said. She handed Tabitha’s ski boots to Charlotte. Of course, one of the most important days of her career had arrived, on the same day as a professional development day for the school.
“No problem.” Charlotte rested her hand on Tabitha’s head. “Although, soon I’m going to have a hard time keeping up with her on the slopes.”
“You already do,” Tabitha grinned and headed inside.
Charlotte smiled and shook her head. “Sassy. I like it.” Then she turned to face her sister. “Are you ready for this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Lauren replied. “I’m actually glad that they moved up the meeting. We might as well get this over with. Are you going to tell me what they wanted from you?” Lauren asked.
“Are you allowed to ask me that?” her sister smiled.
“It’s probably better if you don’t answer,” Lauren muttered.
“I told them to take a hike,” Charlotte smiled.
“You did?” Lauren looked at her sister. “Really?” Her sister was a businesswoman through and through, and if there was money to be made somewhere, she would be the one to do it.
“You were right, their plan is terrible. It would ruin this town.” Charlotte leaned her head on the open door. “I can’t be a part of something like that, even if I would’ve made some very good money.”
“Who are you right now?” Lauren laughed.
“I know,” Charlotte smiled. “I guess this small town is getting to me.”
“Well, it looks good on you.” Lauren was shocked and proud of her sister at the same time.
“You better get going, Tabitha has probably eaten half of my refrigerator by now,” she laughed.
***
LAUREN PULLED UP TOthe Sugar Peaks Café. She usually made coffee at work but figured that the big city executives might turn up their noses at the instant stuff. The café was always busy, and this morning was no exception. She stood behind some snow pants-clad skiers and waited for her turn to order. To her surprise, Megan was working at the counter.
“Hi, Meg,” Lauren smiled. “Where’s the baby?”
Megan pointed to the cash register, where the baby carrier was sitting. “That kid can sleep through anything, except the night,” she laughed.
Lauren smiled and laughed with her but wondered if Megan should be working. The circles under her eyes were even darker than they had been the day before, but she kept her opinion to herself, who was she to judge? She had brought Tabitha to her office all the time and had pumped breast milk in the break room. She knew how hard it was to be a new mom, and how critical others could be of their choices.
“What can I get for you?” she asked.
