“I think a trip to Nepal sounds like a fun adventure.” Casey stabbed her fork into a piece of pineapple. “If I wanted to see mountains, I’d go to Switzerland,” retorted Eliza. “The mountains there are beautiful,” Kriti said quietly. “Great, I’ll ask my parents if you can take my place.” “I’d love to go there someday.”Įliza made a face. “I’ve heard Nepal is an interesting place.” DJ refilled her coffee cup. “Nepal.” The way Eliza said the name of the country sounded as if she was swearing again. “So…where is it that your mom wants you to go for spring break anyway?”

This was a relatively new development, but something that Rhiannon had volunteered to do and, when both DJ and Taylor had backed her, Grandmother had agreed and later on even acted as if it had been her own idea in the first place.Īfter Rhiannon said “amen,” she turned to Eliza.

Like well-trained robots, or Stepford teens, they all chirped back “good morning.” And then Rhiannon asked the blessing. “Well, please do control yourself.” Grandmother frowned as she sat down in her regular place at the head of the table and put her napkin in her lap. Carter.” Eliza looked slightly embarrassed. “That’s no way for a well-bred Kentucky debutante to speak.” “Eliza Wilton!” exclaimed Grandmother as she entered the dining room. Y’all have fun now.” Then she snapped her cell phone shut and used a foul word. Honestly, I’d rather stay right here in boring old Crescent Cove than go with you guys to the ends of the planet. But exceptions were sometimes made when it was a parent-especially when it was a parent of wealth or influence, like the Wiltons.Įliza’s forehead creased as she listened to whatever was being said on the other end of the phone. DJ knew Grandmother didn’t like for the girls to use their cell phones at the table. “It’s just peachy that you and Dad don’t mind being inoculated with all those toxic shots just so that you can use filthy outhouses, be devoured by mosquitoes, and sleep in rodent-infested tents, but count me out.”Ĭasey giggled and DJ glanced around to see if Grandmother was anywhere nearby. “I’m sorry, Mother, but I refuse to spend my spring break in some disgustingly dirty third world country.” Eliza rolled her eyes dramatically for the benefit of her captive audience at the Carter House breakfast table. Please send your comments about thisĬarter House Girls Series from Melody CarlsonĪ Sweet Seasons Novel from Debbie Viguié!

Spring Breakdown by Melody Carlson