“I’m telling him the truth. I bought them because I knew you’d never wear them. When I want to use them, I’ll borrow them from you,” Rachel said, slyly.
“In her mind, she believes she’s acting reasonably. Don’t fight it, just nod your head and watch the show next month when Matthew gets the bill,” Riley said, laughing.
“I swear I can hear him all the way to my house,” Rebecca joined in. “Then, I see Rachel ducking corners and hightailing her ass home, where he undoubtedly finds her in bed.”
“I don’t judge when you two have a problem with your men,” Rachel said stiffly, fighting the smile threatening to cross her face. “I say when you find something that works, there’s no reason to change it.”
“Have fun, Caroline,” Rebecca said, heading toward the door as the other ladies hugged her. “I can’t wait to see your new hairstyle.”
“Text us a picture,” Riley said, hugging her.
“I’ll pick you up, and we’ll have some fun,” Rachel promised.
The three women left the cabin, leaving her all alone. She picked up the picture of her parents. Their wide smiles and happiness radiated from the photo. The day before, she won a full scholarship to finish her master’s degree. If they knew what all she’d done to survive, Caroline didn’t think they’d feel proud of her. Like Jameson, they may have put on a happy front, but they’d keep their distance.
CHAPTER TEN
Jameson knocked on the door of the shabby house on the outskirts of Corpus Christi. The home needed a new roof, one side lacked siding, and the air conditioner rattled as if it were on its last legs.
It took a few minutes before an older woman answered the door. “May I help you?”
“Hello. I called earlier. I’m Jameson, and I wanted to speak with Mr. Bates,” he said nervously.
The older woman moved aside, allowing him in.
“Thomas is watching his TV shows. I'm sure he’ll be thrilled at having a visitor. I’m Nancy. I’ve taken care of him for the past six years. I don’t recall ever meeting you before,” she said, taking him to the back of the house.
“No. We’ve never met. I knew his daughter,” he explained as she led him into a tiny room where a man sat in a recliner with a blanket across his lap.
The elderly man glanced up from watching television and put on his glasses. Jameson stepped forward.
“Hello, Mr. Bates,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Jameson. It’s nice to meet you.”
The man shook his hand. “You called me earlier. Have a seat, young man. Nancy won’t bring me any whiskey, but if you have a hankering for a drink, I’m able to oblige you.”
“A whiskey sounds good right about now,” he said, making the man smile.
Nancy frowned, but she left them and returned a few minutes later with a decanter and a glass for Jameson. She eyed Mr. Bates and pointed her finger. “Don’t try anything.”
“Yes, dear,” he said, winking. “Why don’t you go to the store and pick up the items for dinner? Maybe a nice piece of salmon or whitefish,” he suggested.
“We still must make it through the month. It’s chicken or hamburger,” Nancy said, giving him his choices.
“If you don’t mind, what I have to say may take a little time. I appreciate you allowing me to visit. Please let me pay for dinner. How about we order out and give Nancy a break? I’m in the mood for a nice steak and mashed potatoes,” Jameson said, hoping he didn’t offend them.
“You’re my guest,” Mr. Bates exclaimed. “I can’t allow you to pay for us.”
“Yes, sir, you can. I must explain why I came to see you, and then you’ll know why I owe you much more than a steak dinner,” he said, keeping his gaze on the older man.
Piquing his interest, the man nodded. “Nancy. Call Eduardos. They make the best steak. I can’t tell you when I last enjoyed it. I hope it still lives up to my expectations.”
Jameson pulled out his wallet and handed her cash. “Please use this to cover the meals. Order us all a dessert. I’m hoping when I finish, Mr. Bates will want to celebrate.”
“You know it won’t be cheap?” Nancy asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
“It doesn’t matter. Order what you wish,” he encouraged.
A few minutes later, Jameson heard the back door open and close as Nancy went to retrieve their meals.
