He had hoped in vain.“So, what are our visitor’s plans when she’s released?I hear her vehicle is in need of some serious repair.That might mean she’s stranded here for a while.”
“Well thanks for that update,” Matt said not bothering to look up at his sister.“I won’t need to go by Dee’s and get an update.”
“Dad told Ally he would do that and tell her more when he goes back to see her later.”And thanks to his daughter for chiming in and making matters worse.
“Going back again?My, she is certainly a popular patient.I might have to drop by and say hi when I see my obstetrician for my checkup later.Just be the neighborly thing to do.”
Matt looked at her then with a silent brother to nosy sister message in his gaze.“I don’t see any need in that.A patient is to rest in the hospital, not have a social calendar.”
“Well, I’m practically family to her given the gossip this morning.So, I should do the neighborly thing.”
“Can I go with you, Aunt Tori?I want to tell her about Teddy.”
“Teddy?Who is he?”
“Her dog.He was hurt in the accident and Doc Adams is taking good care of him.I told her that I was visiting him for her while she’s in the hospital.”
“I see.”And Matt knew that tone.“Jillie, why don’t you go look in the dessert case over there and see what kind of pies they have there today?”
“Okay,” she said, standing up, but then she turned with a wink at him, “but I know you don’t really want to know that—you just want to speak with Aunt Tori, and you don’t want me to hear.But I’ll go.”
His sister couldn’t help the laugh as she watched the girl cross the room.“Nice try, brother.She’s not a child any longer.”
“Neither are you, but you act like one sometimes.Drop this gossip thing.”
“Wise up, brother of mine.Let your sister give you some sage advice.Here is a perfect opportunity to get the single females off your trail…for a little while at least.”
“I know I shouldn’t ask…but what is in that peabrain of yours now?”
“It’s quite simple.The best way to put a chill on the local ladies is to present them with afait accompli…in simpler terms for you…the girl of your dreams.A fake girlfriend…even better a fake fiancée.Someone they know nothing about but are already jealous of since she’s claimed your attention since she arrived…so to speak.Love at first sight.They’re already trying to find out when she’s leaving.And since it sounds like between her car and her dog…she just might be around for a couple weeks or so if we’re lucky…that will cool their interest in you.Give you a breather.And there is more.”
“I don’t think I can take more of that brain of yours.Have you thought about getting it checked?”
“The more is that she can stay at Primrose.The Morrisons are going to Italy to visit their daughter and her husband and to be there for the birth of their first grandchild.I need someone to stay on the property while they’re gone.Beautiful, quiet place to recuperate and, it comes with a salary for her time.That might come in handy to help ease her concerns about those hospital bills and car repairs in addition to having a place to stay and all.It’s a win-win for your entire family and for her.My genius surprises even me sometimes.”
“That would be great!Teddy can stay and I can visit him and…” Jillie had arrived and evidently caught part of her crazy aunt’s idea.Matt set his fork down.
“Thought you were looking at the pie selection?”
“I can’t stand there for hours while you two talk grown-up stuff.So, I had to come back to the table.But I think it’s a super plan.”She sat back down in her chair with a huge smile.
“Well, there is one saving grace in all of this,” he conceded, “and that is she seems to be a smart lady and won’t agree to such a scheme.Now, what were the pie selections?”
“Chocolate, strawberry, coconut cream, apple,” she recited.“But what about…”
“Now, now, Jilliebean…” her aunt spoke up, patting her hand that lay on the table “…your father has spoken.We need to let him eat his dessert in peace.I think I’ll have apple.”She smiled at her niece.Then signaled their waitress.
Matt breathed a sigh of relief.But then he caught the sideward glance his sister gave his daughter.Was that a quick wink?Surely, not.But then…that sinking feeling came over him when he remembered how easily she had given up.His sister never gave up that easily.There was danger ahead…and all one could usually do was hold on tight…and hope to survive.
Chapter Seven
“Iknow itsounds bad right now, Ally, but it won’t be long before all will be settled,” Mr.Jacobs’s voice sounded positive, and he did his best to relieve her fears.But all she knew was that she was still sliding between that rock and a hard place that she often felt during her life.While she was used to things not quite turning out for the best in some circumstances, she had hoped.For the first time in a long time, she had felt hopeful that even though Annie was gone, and she and Teddy were basically homeless, it would all just be temporary.But then life had thrown one of its usual curveballs even in Destiny’s River.
“If we were able to close on the sale of the apartment as we had thought, then all would have been placed in the account by now.As it is, what you were able to begin your trip on was from the estate sale of the furnishings and things.The car repairs to get it in shape for a long trip came about from the bank account and savings provided for expenses along the way and with a little leftover.But the car repairs from the accident, minus insurance, will still leave a deficit.The sooner we can get the sale closed on the apartment, the better.And we are hopeful that the buyer can close on their present property in a couple of weeks and then we can close on Annie’s.When that happens, you will have more than enough funds to cover what is left and send you on your way to whatever destination you choose and have a start there.In the meantime, why don’t you open an account there in Destiny’s River and allow me to send you a loan on part of the amount?That way you—”
Ally shook her head as she responded: “Thank you, Mr.Jacobs, but no.You have done so much for Annie over the years and now for me in trying to do what she wanted with this trip.That is something I don’t want to do.I will figure things out here until the apartment is sold.Then it will all be okay.But I do thank you so much for the offer.”
“Well, you keep it in mind just in case.I’m serious.We miss you up here.The kids in the choir ask about you all the time.If you decide to come back east, then we’re all here to welcome you.You just promise to call me no matter the time if you need anything.Okay?”
