Charade by Barri Bryan Page B

better. She was stupid enough to go along with your son's dim-witted plan."
    Trace's hackles rose. Now who was being insulting and offensive? He bit his tongue to keep from exploding in righteous indignation. Lillie had no right to call Lynn stupid, no right at all.
    Lillie's gaze swung to Lynn. “Why didn't you come to me and voice that concern?"
    Trace stated in as cool a voice as he could manage, “She wanted to, but I persuaded her that it was best to do something that would...” How could he delicately discuss such an indelicate subject? “What I mean is ... After due consideration...” The more he spoke the more he became hopelessly mired in the tangle of his own words. “What I'm trying to say ... You must see..."
    Exasperated he finally blurted out, “We wanted to show you the error of your ways."
    There followed a moment of pin-drop silence before Lynn said, “That's not entirely true. The day I had lunch with Mother and Ralph, I decided that actions would work better than words."
    Ralph's face turned beet red as he rounded on his son. “How dare you meddle in something as personal as my relationship with Lillie?” A note of belligerence slipped into his voice. He directed his next question to Lynn. “And just what was this plan?"
    Lynn folded her hands in her lap and looked pensive. “Last Saturday night at the Grange Dance..."
    Trace took up where she left off. “...Everything we did was an act. We conspired to drive a wedge between you and Lillie."
    Ralph blinked. “You succeeded. You also made a fool of yourself and Lynn, and Lillie and me."
    Trace argued, “I did not.” He sounded like a guilty teenager.
    Ralph replied, “Yes, you did."
    Trace considered arguing further and dismissed that thought before it had formed completely in his head. He knew his dad and how stubborn the old man could be.
    He held his tongue and rubbed Minerva's ears as she purred contentedly.
    Lillie looked skeptical. “Are you telling me that there's nothing romantic between you and Lynn?"
    Before he could answer, Lynn said, “Mother, for heaven's sake. Trace and I have a business deal. Trace made some repairs on my building."
    Lillie wasn't convinced. “And what else did Trace do?"
    Ralph said, “I've been wondering the same thing."
    Trace glared at his dad. “You stay out of this.” He could never remember feeling more foolish or more uncomfortable. “Mrs. McGuire, Lillie, you're prying into things that aren't your affair."
    Lillie's eyebrows climbed skyward. “ I'm prying? And just what do you think the two of you have been doing for the past three weeks?"
    For the first time, Trace was seeing this situation from the perspective of Lillie and Ralph. “And we are here now to apologize for that mistake.” He stroked Minerva's soft fur as she nestled close to him.
    Ralph spoke to Lynn, “What about you, young lady? Are you sorry for your part in this?"
    Lynn refused to meet his steady gaze. “Yes, I am."
    Ralph rubbed his hand across his chin. “What do you say, Lil, shall we forgive them?” Trace could swear his dad was enjoying his discomfort.
    Lillie looked doubtful. “I don't know...” She grimaced. “I have to forgive Lynn, she's my child. As for Trace, anyone that Minerva snuggles up to can't be all bad.” She giggled. Sure, I forgive them.” She sobered suddenly. “This time, but it had better not happen again."
    Lynn's tone was mocking. “Now the two of you are free to do anything your hearts desire."
    Trace sent her another warning glance. Apologizing was one thing. Giving their parents carte blanche to misbehave was another. “I wouldn't go so far as to say that."
    Ralph chuckled, “Are the two of you worried that Lil and I will do something foolish like elope?” He smiled at Lillie. “We won't, but it's only because Lil refuses to marry me."
    Lillie returned his smile. “I refuse to marry anyone. I'd lose my widow's pension if I married again."
    Ralph argued, “Lil, honey, I want to