“Wow,” Jackson breathed. “That was really nice of them.”
It was also very inconvenient for him.
“It was,” Donna agreed. “I can’t wait to go. I’m going to find out what I all need to pack.”
“Have fun on your trip Mrs. Davis,” Katie said a little wistfully.
“How many times do I have to ask you to call me Donna?” she admonished Katie. “It’s going to be great.”
Jackson watched her happily return to cleaning up after the book club.
“You don’t seem that thrilled for her,” Katie remarked, watching him.
Jackson shrugged and grabbed the keys to the truck off the key hook. “I was going to ask her to do something for me. It puts a crimp in my plans but she’s happy so I’ll just readjust somehow. She’ll have a good time with Annette and Tracey. She’s always wanted to do something like this.”
“It’s supposed to be to the Bahamas. It would be nice to go someplace warm at this time of year,” Katie followed him out to the truck. She was surprised when Jackson got her door for her. It wasn’t as common for a man to do such a gentlemanly thing anymore. The ride back to town was quiet. It was obvious Jackson was thinking about something and Katie decided to leave him to his thoughts. Hers were focused on how exactly she was going to manage this month’s bills.
Before long they were at her apartment complex and Katie was no closer to any solutions.
Jackson got out of the truck and Katie scrambled to get out before he got to her door. “Jackson, you don’t need to walk me to the door or anything. I’ll be fine. I’ll get the car towed tomorrow so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“I wasn’t worried about that,” Jackson looked down at her with a frown. “I’m a bit worried about you.”
“I’m fine,” Katie said to reassure him. “I know that things don’t look great at the moment but I’m sure it will all work out.”
Jackson doubted things had been working for her in a while. He wished he could help her. Then again, maybe there was a way he could. “Do you mind if I come in to talk to you a moment?”
Katie didn’t really want him in her home. It was tiny and not all that clean since she’d been busy lately. However, she couldn’t really think of a reason for him not to come inside. “Okay.”
She led the way, unlocking the door and going to the kitchen which was tidier than the living room. Jackson seemed to fill the entire space, making her nervous. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No thanks,” Jackson thought the place was depressing. It was old. The countertop was curling up at the edges. He sighed. “I’ve got a bit of a problem and I think you might be able to help me out.”
Katie frowned. She didn’t see Jackson as ever having any real problems. She leaned against the counter. “What is it?”
Jackson took a deep breath and looked Katie in the eyes. He hoped he could trust her. “I need you to pose as JD Emerson.”
