My father nodded thoughtfully before murmuring, “They’re having a tough season so far.”
“And how are the Braves doing?”
“They’re up by four games,” I blurted out without thinking.
A hint of a smile ghosted my father’s lips.
I truly believed it was my love of baseball that had kept my dad from kicking me out when I’d told my parents I was pregnant.
Mr. Roberts’ smile didn’t reach his eyes when he replied, “How nice of you to take an interest in your father’s team.”
Yeah, my love for the Braves might have begun because of Papa’s influence, but he wasn’t why I followed them so closely now.
However, I knew better than to correct Mr. Roberts.
My mother must have been worried I was going to do just that because she interjected, “Jess got offered a job today.”
Papa’s brows furrowed as he thoughtfully chewed his food before asking, “Where?”
Before I could reply, Mama answered, “Beaumont Bakery.”
Mr. Roberts piped in, “Beaumont Bakery? Wasn’t the girl who owns that kidnapped?”
Papa nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, Earl Schilling and his nephew.”
What? Oh my god!
I’d read about that. I’d had no idea it had been Lainey. Meeting her today, I would have never known she’d suffered such an ordeal.
Mr. Roberts observed, “She had a baby out of wedlock.”
So? What’s the point? That justifies Earl and his nephew kidnapping her?
My mother replied, “I think her husband was Shawn O’Brien—the Marine who was killed in action in December.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize that she was his widow.”
Everyone knew about Shawn O’Brien’s death. A local boy had gone off to war and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He was a hero, and people had honored him for weeks after his death.
I hadn’t realized he was Lainey’s son’s dad. Her conversation with Jade made a lot more sense now. And I had a whole new respect for Lainey.
I’d expressed my sympathy to her earlier, but learning Shawn was the man in question made my heart hurt even more for her. Although, she’d said she was single, not widowed—not that that made the pain hurt any less.
Still, I wasn’t about to tell anyone at the table I didn’t think they’d been married. Especially since Mama had just essentially vouched for her.
I wondered why she’d done that.
My dad quietly asked, “What about Ruthie?”
“Lainey says I can bring her with me.”
“How many hours a week?”
I hesitated. “She said it can be full-time if I want.”
His mouth turned down, and he shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I’d be making above minimum wage,” I countered, casting a glance at Mr. Roberts before continuing. I really didn’t want to be discussing family business in front of someone who wasn’t a Bradbury, but since my parents didn’t seem to mind… “I’d be able to pay you rent.”
