The Way of Women by Lauraine Snelling Page B

for dinner,” she carried on her conversation with the dog. “Want some cheese?” Lucky answered with a bark. “Dumb question. You always want some of anything.”
    After slicing the farmer cheese and arranging it with crackers on a small plate, she took mug and plate into the family room and set them on the coffee table. Lucky wiggled in between the sofa and the table, both eyes fixed on the food. Katheryn tucked her long, denim-clad legs under her as she curled in the corner of the sofa after turning on the television. Lucky glanced from food to face and back.
    “I get the hint.” Katheryn laughed as she tossed a bit of cheese in the air. Lucky caught it with only a slight clicking of her jaws. The ritual continued until the meal had disappeared. Katheryn smiled when the dog leaned into her knees. “You’re good company, you know that?” Lucky sighed and closed her eyes.
    The ringing phone made her heart leap. Perhaps they were on their way home and calling to tell her to get some dinner ready.
    “Hello.”
    “Hi, Katheryn, this is Ann Wholly.”
    They chatted for a couple of minutes, all the while Katheryn wondering at the purpose. While they could be called acquaintances, since both of their husbands had tenure at the university, she’d not label the woman a friend. However, Ann always knew the inside scoop on faculty business.
    “I’m sure you are wondering why I’m calling …”
    Actually, a lot. Most likely you have some pet project you are hoping to get me to volunteer to help on
. “It’s nice to hear from you.”
    “Yes, well, I think I’ve heard something really interesting, something you and David might really like.”
    Spare me the suspense
. “Yes?”
    “Rumor has it that Williamson turned down the position.”
    “You’re kidding.” Williamson was the one who got the appointment over David. Katheryn’s heart skipped a beat.
    “Not in the least. Same rumor said they will now offer it to David, who should have had it in the first place. You’d better not say anything—ah, that’s silly of me. I’d tell my husband in a heartbeat. I’m betting David will get the call on Monday.”
    Katheryn couldn’t stop smiling, not that she wanted to.
David, if only I could reach you. This should blow that gray cloud away for certain
. “Thanks, Ann. I cannot tell you how pleased I am. Thank you for calling.”
    “You are most welcome. Let’s get together for lunch when this is all over.”
    “Yes, of course. Have a great evening.” Katheryn hung up the phone and leaned her forehead against the coolness of the wall. “Thank you, Lord. What a homecoming this will be.”
    Katheryn sank down in David’s recliner, but rather than paying attention to the sitcom on the television, she pictured David’s joy when she’d tell him. She patted Lucky, who leaned against her knee, and when she’d calmed down, her mind wandered back to the plot of the book she’d been working on. Brandy, a spunky young girl, trying to adjust to junior high, was in trouble again. This time with her mother. Katheryn was loosely patterning the girl on Susan, the Sommers’ oldest daughter. Except Brandy’s stunts were funnier, and Katheryn wasn’t
her
mother.
    When nothing about Mount St. Helens appeared on the late news, Katheryn breathed a sigh of relief and snapped off the set. She stretched,hands clasped way above her head, and gently turned from side to side. She thought again of how sore David must be. “Sure wish they’d come home tonight.” She let Lucky out for a last run, put the dishes in the dishwasher, readmitted the dog, and headed for bed. Maybe she’d get another twenty pages in tomorrow. May 18. Maybe she should invite their older children for dinner tomorrow night. It would be a nice homecoming and a great way to celebrate the good news.
I’ll call them in the morning
, she promised herself just before dropping off to sleep.

S he sighed in relief as the tremors slackened. Like sunburned skin