He’d succeeded.
Their conversation came to a halt when Jake brought Kallie back and took Cassey to ride the horse.
After Jake left, Emily asked Amy questions about her life before coming to providence, hoping to spark conversation again. Amy’s reticence to talk about herself slowly subsided as Emily gently encouraged her. She shared snippets of her life, giving Emily glimpses of working at a young age in a restaurant and bar. Gradually, she opened up about abusive stepfathers and her mother’s live-in boyfriends.
Kallie wasn’t content for long on the swing with Amy and soon climbed down. She now ran around the back yard with the dog following her.
Emily was glad Amy felt comfortable enough to share things Emily suspected she’d shared with very few. She sensed Amy held things back, though. Maybe someday, Emily would earn Amy’s full trust, so she’d feel comfortable truly opening up.
Someday?Would she be here long enough for someday to arrive? If Robert found her brother, she could go home soon.
Jake returned with Cassey then disappeared with Honey.
Emily and Amy continued talking while the girls played with the dogs. Emily enjoyed getting to know Amy and learning more about Jake and his family.
Amy sat up straighter and looked toward the stables. “Speak of the she-devil.”
Emily’s gaze followed Amy’s. She spotted a red Porsche coming to a stop outside the stables.
“That’s Widow Wheeler,” said Amy.
Both women watched in silence as a slender, but busty, brassy redhead stepped out of the car, wearing high heels and glittering jewelry.
Emily recognized the woman from the diner. So, Jake really had been looking for an escape last night. And his uncle had taken mercy on him and given him one.
“She comes to check on her horse dressed like that?”
Amy rolled her eyes. “She’s obviously not here to ride.”
“I doubt she could climb on a horse in those tight pants, not to mention the heels.”
After a few minutes, Debbie came out of the stables and looked around. Catching sight of Amy and Emily on the back patio, she walked their direction, stumbling in her high heels as she crossed the uneven grass.
As she grew closer, Emily took in her form-fitting blouse, manicured nails, and flawless hair. The woman accentuated her assets well. Despite a few fine lines around her eyes, Debbie was a very attractive woman.
“Hi, Debbie,” Amy greeted.
“Hello.” Debbie’s voice held an air of disdain. Her eyes roamed over Emily.
Amy made introductions. “Debbie, this is Emily Anderson. Emily, Debbie Wheeler.”
Debbie smiled, though the curve of her lips looked more like a smirk than a smile. She propped a hand on her hip. “So, the rumors are true. Thereisa strange woman recuperating at the Double Diamond.”
“Guilty.” Emily smiled. She could see why Jake’s family didn’t care for the woman. “It was so kind of Jake to open his home to me.” Then because she couldn’t help herself, she added, “Isn’t he amazing?”
Amy smothered a giggle, and Debbie scowled first at Emily then Amy.
“Do you know where he is?” she asked, tapping her toes.
“I’m not sure,” Amy hedged. “He said he had a lot of work to do today.”
“Well, will you tell him I stopped by?” Debbie studied her nails. “I need to talk to him.”
“I’ll be leaving soon. I doubt I’ll see him before I go,” Amy said with poorly feigned regret.
Emily gave Debbie an innocent smile. “I’m sure I’ll see him this evening, if not sooner.”
Debbie glared at Emily. “Tell him to call me please.” Then she spun on her spiked heel and marched away.
