Finding Focus Read Online Free Page B

offering me this job. I called her last night after my encounter with the fuck god and she said something came up and she probably won’t be able to visit as we originally planned.
    During the quick drive, I roll my windows down and soak in the morning sun and fresh air. The warm breeze wraps around me, causing my heart to stutter, and suddenly I’m missing my granny so bad, my chest physically hurts. It’s funny how it just hits me out of nowhere sometimes. It’s been seven years since she passed away and seven years since I’ve been this far south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Being here makes me miss her more, but it’s also like a soothing balm, water in a desert . . . exactly what my soul needs. Letting out a deep breath, I try to let go of the sadness while keeping her memory with me. I could use a little granny magic today.
    I can picture her at her kitchen stove, her back turned to me. When she would hear me come in the door, she’d call out my full name, telling me to get myself in there. Then she’d hug me tightly, tell me I’m too skinny, and make me sit at her table while she cooked for me. Her kitchen always smelled like sugar and fresh baked bread. The second I would walk in, I knew I was home. I haven’t felt that way in a long time. What I wouldn’t give to be able to drive this car to Mississippi to see her.
    I pull up in front of the large white house and step out of the car, taking a deep breath of fresh air. Tilting my face to the sun, I let the warmth wash over. The yellow and gold of the morning illuminates the tops of the trees, making them glow. The drops of water on the grass from the sprinklers glisten like diamonds as the freshness of pine and lilac fill my nose. It smells like home and family and happiness.
    As my feet touch the first step, the front door swings open and a radiant Annie Landry steps through, looking like the epitome of a southern lady. Her pale blue linen pants flow in the breeze, as does her loose-fitting blouse. “Good mornin’, Dani Reed,” she calls, waving from the top of the steps. “You’re sure out here early.”
    “Early bird catches the worm, right?” I smile, making my way up to her.
    “That, it does, darlin’. That, it does.” She takes my arm and links hers around mine, pulling me into the house. “I was hoping you’d stop by early enough for some breakfast. Everyone needs a good meal to start the day.” Her cheerful voice is like a song. I could stay and listen to her for hours, but I really need to get to work.
    “Well, actually, I had a granola bar on the way out here this morning, and I’m running a little later than I had planned.”
    “Oh, shoo.” She waves me off. “You have a few minutes to sit down and have a croissant. I just pulled them out of the oven.”
    The smell of baked pastries and fresh-brewed coffee hits my nose and my mouth begins to salivate. “I’m sure a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt anything.” That’s my stomach talking.
    Annie’s brilliant smile tells me I’ve made her very happy. “Good,” she says. “Now, sit. Let me fix you a plate.”
    A moment later, she sets a plate full of fresh fruit and a warm croissant in front of me. “Juice, coffee, or both?”
    “Coffee, please.” I practically moan in appreciation. I really did need this. “The coffee at the motel this morning left a lot to be desired,” I explain, trying to be polite. “And the last meal I had was yesterday before I left New York.”
    “Well, that just won’t do.” I look up to see her expression take a serious turn. “We can’t have our guest starving. I mean, what will you write about us?”
    We both laugh lightly. “I promise it will be all good,” I tell her.
    “Maw!” a boisterous voice calls out from the foyer and a door slams shut, cutting me off from saying more.
    “Kitchen, Deacon. And please, use your manners. We have company.” Annie rolls her eyes as a tall, buff man walks into the kitchen. He gives me a wide smile