Page 57 of The Perfect Distraction

“Did you like it when your mom read to you?”

“Yeah, but I was a lot younger then. I don’t need anybody to read to me now.”

“Hmm. When I read to the kids in my classroom, they seem to really like it.”

“Maybe if it’s a good story, but some of the books teachers read are dumb!”

Beth laughed. “I know what you mean, but teachers can’t always read books about soccer and rock collecting,” she said softly.

Joey nodded, but she sensed that their lesson had come to an end. Feeling satisfied with his progress, she said, “Are you ready for lunch?”

“Yeah!”

After putting the books in the car, they walked up to the small café on Main Street where she’d bought sandwiches before. The woman behind the counter recognized her, but her eyes really lit up when she saw Joey.

“Hey, kiddo!” she said, “I haven’t seen you for a while.”

“I’ve been kinda busy,” Joey said.

“How’s your dad?”

The woman darted a curious glance at Beth, and it looked like she was drawing her own conclusion about why Joey and Colton hadn’t been around.

“Good. He’s at the shop right now.”

“Do you want to introduce me to your friend?”

Beth shifted uncomfortably, but Joey didn’t seem fazed. Living in such a small town, he was probably used to nosy neighbors—herself not included!

“This is Miss Beth. She’s living in the house next door to us.”

“Ahh,” the woman said, giving Beth a knowing look.

For some reason, Beth felt the need to further explain. “I’m only here for the summer.”

“Are you Jenny’s daughter?”

“No. Her niece.” Sadly, Aunt Jenny couldn’t have children. Beth and her sisters were like the daughters she could never have.

“Oh. How nice to be able to stay in her house for the summer.”

“Yes, it is. I think we’re ready to order now.” Beth sensed that if she didn’t put an end to the conversation, the woman would continue asking questions indefinitely. But it turned out she didn’t have to worry. As she and Joey placed their orders, a family of four came strolling in, followed by another group. Soon, the place was full, and the woman behind the counter left them alone.

Beth and Joey sat at a table by the front window, where they enjoyed hot dogs and fries (his choice). Since he’d already been treated to an inquisition, she decided not to ask any more questions. Instead, they ate in companionable silence and watched the people walking by.

“That was really good,” Joey said after he’d finished. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Are you ready to go back to your dad’s shop?”

He shrugged. “Or maybe we could get some ice cream?”

It made her happy that Joey seemed to enjoy spending time with her even if she was his tutor. Not to mention that she liked ice cream too!

“Maybe we should call your dad and ask him first,” she suggested.

“He won’t mind,” Joey argued.

“Okay, if you’re sure it won’t ruin your dinner.” But then she realized how silly that was. She’d seen the amount of food kids could consume, and it often astounded her.