Part 93 (1/2)

”Won't that take time?”

”I don't know for sure. But I do worry that she might get

too caught up in his world. I mean, she's working so hard in

the shop these days to the exclusion of other things, like con-

tinuing her schooling or spending time with friends her own

age. The more time that lapses, the more she will depend on

him. And what if Jed wanted to have more time for some-

thing else?” Audrey eyed Maggie sharply.

”Like another relations.h.i.+p...”

”Exactly.”

But what can I do about it?”

”You could talk to Jed.”

Maggie moaned and ran a hand through her hair. ”I just

don't see how I can bring this up without sounding rather

selfish. I mean, between you and me, I'm already a little

jealous of the amount of time he spends with Leah. I'm

afraid if I tell him what you just said it'll sound like I'm

trying to push her right out of his life. And I'm not, because

I really do love Leah, Mom. I don't want to hurt her in any

way.”

Audrey considered this for a moment. ”Maybe I could

talk to him about it.”

Maggie brightened. ”Oh, would you?”

L.

*148Melody Carlson

*”Sure, if the right opportunity comes along. Maybe I can