Sweet Carolina Morning (28 page)

Jackals. Wow. Linny nodded, discouraged.

Her friend eyed her, as if she was trying to decide if Linny was ready for more stark truth. “Not sure if you remember all this, but Dare liked to pee out his bedroom window, crashed our car when he took it for a spin at thirteen, and accidentally sank Mike's brand new bass boat.” She gave a matter of fact nod. “I think Neal is a more sensible boy, though.”

Linny groaned. “What have I gotten myself into?”

“He's got stability with the two of you, and that goes a long way.” Mary Catherine took a last sip of coffee. “Just don't take it personally. You need to muddle through and it will all work out.”

But Linny wasn't sure it would all work out, she thought, rubbing her forehead with her fingers. She was also still off-balance from Jack's guess-who's-going-to-Tucson announcement. She gave herself mental shake. Enough about her drama. “Oh, and I'm going on an RV trip to Dollywood and Graceland with Mama and her girlfriends.”

“Fun,” Mary Catherine said, looking thoughtful. “Might be a perfect time for a getaway. They'll appreciate you all the more when you get home.”

Linny nodded, and rummaged in her purse for her wallet. “How's my favorite godson?”

“Dare is well.” Mary Catherine signaled for the check. “Sent me pictures of a new girlfriend. Her name's Breeze and she wears long flowing dresses—nothing like his usual preppy girls with snooty names like Sloane or Teague. Last one was called Atherton. Thank goodness she's gone.” Mary Catherine wrinkled her nose as she pulled bills from her wallet.

Linny decided not to point out that Dare's name sounded snooty, too, even though he was just named after the only normal man in Mary Catherine's rip-roaring family—a music teacher uncle. “Send that fellow of yours a big ole hug for me,” Linny said, as they rose.

“I will,” Mary Catherine promised. “And pat Jack and Neal for me.”

Linny grinned at her friend and they walked to their cars.