Chesapeake Tide by Jeanette Baker Page A

are you, Libba Jane?”
    â€œI’m doing well. How about you?”
    He nodded. “Staggerin’ blindly, as usual.”
    â€œAre you back for good?”
    â€œI think so.” His blue eyes were narrow, his mouth hard. “And you?”
    â€œI’m not sure yet,” she said honestly. “I need a job and I have a daughter who’s California-spoiled. Before I can make any permanent plans, I’ve got to convince her that Marshyhope Creek has potential.”
    He whistled. “Times sure have changed, haven’t they? Can you imagine our parents asking us if it was okay to move?”
    His criticism stung. “That really doesn’t apply. Moving wasn’t even a possibility. Our families have lived here for generations.”
    Russ hopped down to stand beside her. “Don’t get your feathers ruffled, Libba Jane. Your mother’s family isn’t from Marshyhope Creek and every one of your daddy’s brothers and sisters relocated elsewhere.”
    She changed the subject. “I heard you were out West somewhere.”
    He nodded. “That’s right.”
    â€œWhy did you come back?”
    â€œYou do get right to the point, don’t you? Same as always.”
    â€œWhat did you expect?”
    He stroked his chin, looked up at the sky and pretended to think about her question. “Well, the thing is, I don’t know what to expect. There was a time when I knew you as well as I knew myself, or at least I thought I did. But that’s long gone. So, as far as I’m concerned, you’re a mystery to me, Libba Jane. When it comes to you, I’m startin’ fresh.”
    Libby swallowed. She deserved the sarcasm and the subtle tongue-lashing. There was nothing left to do but grovel. “I know it’s late to try to make amends, but I’m sorry, Russ. I have no excuse for what I did to you. It was thoughtless and cruel. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
    He stared at her. “Did you practice that for long?”
    Her lips twitched and then she laughed out loud. “I started when my daddy told me you’d come back to take over the business.”
    â€œYou’re a terrible actress.”
    â€œThank God for that. At least you’ll know when I’m telling the truth.”
    He held out his hand and grinned. “Apology accepted.”
    She took it and smiled. “I heard you’re divorced. I’m sorry.”
    â€œThanks, but that’s the best part. It was a mistake from the beginning except for Tess.”
    â€œTess?”
    â€œMy daughter,” he explained. “She’s fifteen going on twenty.”
    Libby groaned. “I know what you mean. Wait until you meet Chloe.”
    Russ tested the name. “Chloe. I like it. When will that be?”
    â€œWhenever you like. She’s adrift right now because she doesn’t know anyone her own age. That’ll change when school starts.”
    â€œCareful, Libba Jane,” he warned her. “You sound like you’re settlin’ in.”
    â€œTruthfully, I’d like to. I never did care for California. I’m glad to be home, but that’s only the half of it. I need a job and I need to reach some kind of agreement with Chloe and her father.”
    â€œWhat happened there?” he asked casually.
    Libby shrugged. “Like you, I made a mistake. I was too young to know what I wanted.”
    He studied her face. “You look exactly the same.”
    â€œThanks,” she said lightly.
    â€œIt isn’t a compliment, Libba. Some things just are.” He changed the subject. “I’m sorry about your mama.”
    â€œThanks,” she said again. “She’s much better than I expected.” She looked at her watch. “I’ve got to be going. Nice talking to you, Russ.”
    â€œI’ll be seein’ you around. Stop in any old time. I’m back at Hennessey House. You know the way.”
    She