“Ahhh,” he looked down at his hand covered in vomit. How could he forget that quickly she’d messed his shirt up? “Okay, I’ll be right back. Papa needs a new shirt. Do not play in the water, okay?”
The girls nodded.
Once again, thoughts of hiring a live-in nanny surfaced. It would be so much easier if he could have someone around to help twenty-four seven. Nana Baker was a tremendous help, but she couldn’t be there for the tummy aches or the hair disasters. Then again, she always fixed their hair when he brought them over. But she only watched them during the week. Eventually, he would need to give his deputy a break and take a weekend shift.
But who would watch the girls? He rubbed his eyes, letting out a shout as vomit burned them.
It was going to be another long day.
Chapter Four
Michelle swiped the alarm off on her iPhone. For once, she didn’t mind its nonstop ringing because today was Friday. The only downside, she didn’t have a date to look forward to. It had been awhile since she’d been in a relationship. Now Fridays had become synonymous with Bible study. Who knew she’d look forward to it so much?
She shook her head ruefully. The thought of her going to a Bible study would have been laughable a few years ago. Who was she kidding? Just last year she’d been against all things religion based. Yet somehow, someway, God’s word had begun tugging at her.
Evan had been the one to lead the studies, but Chloe volunteered to lead tonight’s. Michelle couldn’t wait to see what her friend had for them. Chloe was the only one in the group who had been a believer from a young age. She never turned her back and always seemed to have this perpetual hope. Sometimes, Michelle wished Chloe was a little less perfect.
Like the other day.
The image of her friend pouring out her heart echoed in her mind. Chloe’s grief had been so real, tangible even, and the ache of it all remained with her still. So that wasn’t a good way to be less perfect. She didn’t want to see her friend in pain. Michelle swallowed, thinking of what Chloe’s mother had intended for her.
Was Chloe’s mother still alive or had drugs taken her life? How did people survive life’s onslaught?
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
She first heard that Scripture at church a few weeks ago. Funny how they sometimes popped into her mind. She shrugged and got out of bed. Guess that’s what happens once you started hanging around religious folk.
After showering and dressing, Michelle padded down the hallway in her stocking feet. Jo always laughed whenever she saw her in stockings, but she couldn’t help it. Her mother had always worn them. It brought the memory of her closer to her heart. Besides, they do make me look sharp.
“Not if you’re wearing a pantsuit.”
Then why would I wear stockings?
“I wouldn’t.”
“Girl, you have got to get a man. Maybe then you’d stop talking to yourself.”
She whirled around and glared at Jo. What was it with people who were in love? They weren’t satisfied until the whole world followed suit. Her face scrunched into a scowl. “I don’t need a man.”
“Humph. I’m pretty sure talking to yourself is a sign of loneliness. If you weren’t lonely, then you wouldn’t talk to yourself.” Jo stared at her.
Michelle turned back around, waiting for the coffee maker to work its magic. Never again, will I be so desperate to have a man.
Jo bumped her hip. “Come on, Chelle. You know I’m just messing with you, right?”
She sighed and shrugged. “I know. I don’t know why it bothers me, but it does.” Liar.
“My bad. I’ll stop.” Jo leaned against the counter.
Michelle knew her friend watched her. The tingling feeling pricked her senses, but she refused to meet Jo’s gaze.
“What’s going on with you? First the tears and now you’re ignoring me.”
“Leave it alone, Jo.”
“Why?”
“Why? How ‘bout because I said so.”
“No, can do. Remember that talk you gave me about bottling stuff up? Well, you’re about to blow so I’m trying to prevent the catastrophe that will ensue.”
She rolled her eyes. The girl could be so trying sometimes. “Whatever. I’m not going to blow.” Finally, Michelle turned toward Jo.
“I can’t remember the last time you gave me the silent treatment, rolled your eyes, and talked to yourself all in the span of a few minutes.” Jo looked at her, squinting her eyes. She put her hand against Michelle’s forehead. “You’re not sick are you? Maybe it’s all mental?”
“Fine! It’s Guy.” She grabbed the coffee mug and stalked off toward the backyard. Maybe now she could drink her coffee in peace. The yard had become her sanctuary. Enclosed by the Freedom Lake forest, with blooming trees, it looked like something out of a fairy tale.
“Oh, no you don’t, Miss Thang. How are you going to stomp off after dropping a bomb like that? Since when does he bother you?”
Why did I start this? “Since high school.”
“All boys bothered you in high school, Chelly. You’ll have to be a little more specific.”
Michelle bit her lip. What do I do? What do I say?
The truth.
She blanched. He couldn’t really mean the whole truth? Refusing to look at Jo, she dropped a tidbit. “We dated our senior year.”
“What?” Jo’s mouth dropped open as she flopped into the white Adirondack chair.
“It started after homecoming. The team had just beat Adonel High. He kissed me after the game out of joy and celebration. And I may have kissed him back. The next thing I know, we’re dating.”
She wanted to laugh at the shock on
