Heart of Gold Read Online Free Page A

down the driveway, and headed her beautiful blue Baby toward town.
    On the short drive, Diane said only, “Why in the world are you living way out here in the middle of nowhere?”
    â€œI like it.”
    â€œWith all your money, you should be living in Paris or some other upscale place.”
    â€œI have an apartment there, another in Madrid, and a time-share in Maui.”
    Diane eyed Bernadine with surprise.
    Silence ruled for the rest of the ride.
    As was usual on Saturday afternoon, the Dog and Cow’s parking lot was packed.
    â€œThe Dog and Cow?” her sister asked, eyeing the sign dubiously. “What kind of name is that?”
    â€œLong story. I’ll explain later.”
    Inside, the place was bustling. The jukebox was blasting “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, and there was a long line of people waiting for tables.
    Diane took in the surroundings and, to Bernadine’s amazement, smiled. “This is nice, Bernie. Love the music.”
    â€œAnd the food is as good as the atmosphere.”
    Rocky walked up and asked Bernadine, “Heard anything yet?”
    She shook her head. “No.” Thoughts of the missing Crystal returned, bringing with them a renewed sense of worry and melancholy.
    â€œOkay. Hang in there. Should be able to seat you in a few minutes.”
    â€œThanks, Rock.”
    As she drifted away, Diane asked, “Who’s that?”
    â€œRocky Dancer. She’s the manager.”
    â€œPretty woman. What was she asking you about?”
    Mal walked up and for that Bernadine was thankful. She had no desire to share what was going on with Crystal with her sister. “Hey, sweet thing.”
    â€œHey yourself,” Diane replied before Bernadine could respond.
    Mal paused. He eyed Diane.
    Bernadine plastered a fake smile on her face. “Mal, this is my sister, Diane. Di, Malachi July. He’s the owner here.”
    â€œHello, Malachi,” Diane purred, sticking out a hand and eyeing him like a decadent piece of chocolate cake she couldn’t wait to enjoy. “Name’s Diana. Such a pleasure to meet you.”
    His features neutral, he shook her hand. “Same here.”
    When he attempted to withdraw his hand, she held on and purred again, “Mal, do me a big favor and get us a table so we don’t have to wait. I’m really, really hungry.”
    His eyes met Bernadine’s, and she shook her head. “We’ll wait our turn like everyone else.”
    â€œThanks, baby doll.” He rewarded her with a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear, “You never told me crazy ran in your family.” Stepping back, he said, “Shouldn’t be long.”
    Diane’s hungry eyes followed him through the crowd. “Wow. I’d move here in a New York minute if I had him to look at all day. Is he married?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDivorced?”
    â€œNo. He’s never been married.”
    â€œOh, lord. Please don’t tell me he’s gay.”
    â€œHe isn’t.”
    â€œGood.”
    Bernadine rolled her eyes. She held off on revealing that she and Mal were an item. It would never cross Diane’s mind that fat old Bernadine would be hooked up with one of the finest men in the county.
    They were finally shown to a table, and after settling in, their waiter, seventeen-year-old Eli James, came over with glasses of water on a tray. He set the water down and handed them menus. “Hi, Ms. Brown. Any news on Crystal?”
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œGod. How can she be this stupid?”
    â€œNow, Eli.”
    â€œShe is, Ms. Brown, and everybody in town knows it. We’ll be lining up to kick her dumb behind when she gets back.”
    Amused by his fervor but needing to change the subject before Diane got too interested in the conversation, Bernadine did the introductions. “Di, this is Eli James. Eli, my sister, Ms. Willis. Eli’s dad is the town’s