Lakeside Sweetheart by Lenora Worth

knew everything. Didn’t good friends share such things? Had Cora walked across to the little white chapel and asked God to forgive her?
    The phone rang, jarring Vanessa away from the dark memories.
    â€œHi, it’s Marla. How’s the sorting going?”
    â€œSlow,” Vanessa said. “How are you?”
    â€œBusy,” Marla replied. “A lot of birthday parties and anniversaries. Everyone wants cupcakes or a big cake. And graduations and Mother’s Day are coming up. Busy blessed.”
    â€œYou are blessed,” Vanessa replied. “I’m preparing for the big sale and shipping things out for my online site.”
    â€œNeed any help?”
    â€œNo. It’s easier to take my time and do it by myself.”
    â€œWell, you also need a break. We’re having a cookout Saturday. Want to come over?”
    Vanessa glanced at the things still left undone. “That’s tempting. A lot of people?”
    â€œNo. Just a few.”
    Would Rory be there?
    She couldn’t keep doing this. “I don’t know—”
    â€œYes, Rory will be there,” Marla said, her intuitive nature shining through. “Is that a deal breaker?”
    â€œI’m not sure. I mean, he’s nice and interesting and...kind.”
    â€œBut?”
    â€œBut I...I want to get this over with and go back to my life.”
    And she needed to run away from Rory. She would only make him miserable.
    â€œIs it that hard, going through her things?”
    â€œYes. And no. It’s soothing in one way but horrible in another. I found her journal.”
    â€œWow. Did you read it?”
    â€œNot yet. I’m too chicken.”
    â€œIt’s yours now, Vanessa. And it might give you some answers.”
    â€œOr it could make things worse.”
    â€œYou need to hear the good and the bad,” Marla said. “Or you’ll always wonder.”
    â€œI think you’re right. I’ll read it once I have things in order here.”
    They talked a few more minutes and then Marla asked, “So, do you want to come over for burgers or not?”
    â€œI’ll think about it and let you know. Thanks for inviting me.”
    She’d put down her phone when the doorbell rang.
    Thinking she might not ever get back to work, Vanessa hurried to the door.
    And opened it to find Rory standing there.
    â€œHi,” she said, feeling like a guilty kid for having just talked about him. He wore casual clothes, as usual. A button-up shirt and jeans, dock shoes, no socks.
    Again, so different from the image of a minister she held in her memories.
    â€œHi.” He gave her that dazzling smile. “Uh... I was supposed to tell you that we’re having a meeting about the rummage sale tonight. Barbara, my adorable and organized barracuda of a secretary, said you need to be there since you’ll be having your estate sale at the same time. We’ll do flyers to advertise both so people will expect to find both, if you agree. She likes everything neat and tidy with no surprises.”
    Vanessa had to smile at that. “And you kind of go with the flow, right?”
    â€œRight.” He gave her a hopeful stare. “Can you come?”
    He looked like a little boy, all grins and excitement.
    Contagious.
    He was contagious. And she was catching it bad.
    â€œI guess that might be wise. I’ll share the cost of the ads. I don’t mind paying as a contribution.”
    â€œNo, oh, no. We take care of such things with an army of stoic volunteers who take their jobs very seriously. Ad cost has been donated already. We might get a healthy competition going between us, though. So be warned.”
    â€œYou’re on,” she replied with a smile. She’d give part of her final tally to the church. “What time is the meeting?”
    â€œSix tonight.” He glanced behind her. “Hey, you’ve made progress.”
    â€œYes.” She lifted a hand and