Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series, Volume 2 by Debbie Macomber Page B

dinner,” she said aloud. Maybe voicing the words would make it happen, although she was pretty sure she sounded more sarcastic than hopeful. The last time the entire family had been together was two Christmases ago, and it’d been an unmitigated disaster.
    Ruth and her then-husband, Donald, were already drunk and in the middle of a pointless argument when Teri arrived for Christmas dinner. Johnny was late and their sister had left in a fit of anger, furious over something trivial. Teri was stuck refereeing between her mother and her worthless husband.
    She’d done her best to be festive and cheerful, and all she got in return was anger and resentment. No one else, apparently, was interested in celebrating anything. Because she’d wanted to see Johnny, she’d waited until he got there; she’d spent an hour talking to him, then went home, glad to make her escape. That year, she’d spent the rest of Christmas Day propped up in bed with a good book and a large chocolate bar. She’d felt guilty about abandoning Johnny to their lunatic family, but she couldn’t have been happier to get away. Yet, here she was, willing to try all over again.
    When she opened the door, Christie stood on the other side. Teri should’ve known her half sister would show up right on time. She looked awestruck—and envious. The house was impressive, Teri had to admit.
    â€œSome digs you’ve got here,” Christie said. “Mom and Mike are parking the car and they’re going to have a smoke before they come in.” Her gaze immediately shot past Teri and flew to Bobby.
    â€œHello,” she cooed and practically shoved past Teri in order to greet Bobby. “I’m Christie.” She held out her hand, and when Bobby moved to shake it, she deftly slipped into his arms for a gentle hug. “We’re family, after all,” she said, smiling up at him with undisguised admiration.
    Bobby extricated himself and stood beside Teri, resting his hand on her shoulder. “Bobby Polgar.”
    â€œI know all about you,” Christie told him. “I read your story on the Internet. You’re, like, the most popular checkers player in the world.”
    â€œChess,” Teri muttered. Reaching for her husband’s hand, she gave it a squeeze. “Bobby plays chess.”
    â€œOh.” Her sister’s face fell. “Well, I remembered it was one of those board games.”
    Unlike Teri, her sister was tall with curves in all the right places, and she knew how to use them. Her blouse was cut low in the front, displaying an almost indecent amount of cleavage. Bobby, bless his heart, didn’t seem to notice.
    â€œShall we sit down?” Teri suggested. Dinner was ready, so there was nothing to distract her in the kitchen. The last thing Teri intended to do was give her sister time alone with Bobby.
    They walked slowly into the living room, then sat and stared at each other. They were like aliens from different planets meeting to negotiate a peace settlement—like on Star Trek, Teri thought. Except there was no Captain Picard to guide them. Silently Teri pleaded with Bobby to say something. Anything. He cast her a helpless look in response.
    Teri clutched his hand as if it were a lifeline that connected her to the mother ship as she drifted around outer space.
    â€œI’m surprised my sister caught such a handsome man,” Christie said in a bright voice.
    â€œSurprised?” Teri repeated, gritting her teeth.
    â€œHandsome?” Bobby repeated at the same time.
    Teri glared at him. Not Bobby, too. Her heart sank.
    â€œHandsome and rich and famous.”
    â€œMy husband the checkers player.” Teri stared up at Bobby with an exaggerated starstruck expression. For further effect, she batted her eyelashes.
    Bobby looked uncomfortable and confused.
    Christie laughed softly. “Don’t tell me you’re worried that I’d try to lure Bobby away