Part 142 (1/2)

thing, I've probably messed things up worse than ever. I'm

starting to wonder if Jed and I will ever get together. Hon-

estly, it seems like no matter what I do, everything between

us continually gets worse.”

”What in the world happened tonight?” asked Audrey as

she poured herself a mug of coffee and settled onto a stool

on the other side of the counter.

Maggie told her the whole story of how Clyde had been

on the phone and Jed had seen her meet what appeared to

be only Gavin for dinner. ”But you know what's really

--I--starting to make me feel bad, Mom? It's Leah. I hate to say

--this, but I'm really starting to resent her. And it makes me

feel just horrible.”

Looking for You All My Life221

”Why is that?”

”What? Feeling horrible? Or resenting her?”

”Both, I suppose.”

”Well, I feel horrible because she's just a kid who's had a

pretty tough life. And I resent her because sometimes I get - -~

the impression she's actually trying to drive Jed and me

apart-and then I feel guilty for thinking that.”

”Well, she might be.”

Maggie leaned forward. ”Do you really think so?”

”Why not? Jed's probably the best thing that's ever hap-

pened to her in her whole life. I'm sure she doesn't want to

lose him to anyone.”