My call to Eastern, Sharpe, and Prescott went far smoother in comparison. They understood my predicament, and while there was a regional office in Orlando, they would need time to consider if the position could be done from here. A decision would be made by the end of the week.
When I set my cell phone on the patio table, the heavy dread I expected to feel in my chest wasn’t there. If it worked out, that would be great, but Mom was right; a high-ranking position wouldn’t keep me warm at night. Of all the changes I was making, this one seemed to be the easiest.
I went back inside to find Tanya putting the house phone on the charger base. “Did the phone ring?”
She grinned. “Sure did. Clint just called, said he wouldn’t be by for lunch.”
I nodded. “Speaking of, what do you and your brood want for lunch?”
“Pizza!” Jared cried.
She shook her head at her son. “No, sweetie.” She looked at me. “That’s all right, Rae. Marcus has a check-up, so we have to run.”
I gave her a light hug and helped her get her two boys out the door.
Mom and I ate lunch, and watching her squeeze a peanut open, I realized there was a method to Clint’s madness. The shells were softer than dry-roasted peanuts, which allowed Mom to work her fingers and maybe feel a small sense of triumph which she likely wouldn’t get much of with dry shells.
Mom scowled at me. “What are you thinking about so hard? Calculating my sodium by the peanut?”
I breathed out a laugh. “No. Clint convinced me those things don’t have as much sodium as I thought, and I actually see why he gives them to you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Because I like them, Raegan. No other reason than that.”
I shrugged. “If you say so, Mom. When do you see your therapist again?”
“Tomorrow. Ten-thirty.”
Not knowing what Clint was doing, I texted him about Mom’s appointment. I didn’t know how long I’d be on house arrest, but I figured taking her to the doctor was out of the question.
As I put the phone down, the doorbell rang.
“I wonder who that could be?” Mom muttered.
I didn’t know, but I went to the counter where my purse was hidden and took the gun out. Halfway to the door, I realized I didn’t need the gun. Juanita stood on the porch, cupping her eyes to the door.
I shook my head but hurried to open the door.
“Juanita. What brings you by?”
“You didn’t come to the salon, so I’m bringing the salon to you. Plus, I don’t know what I was thinking last night. We only pull a half day on Mondays, so if you’ve eaten, we’ll highlight your hair.”
I pressed my lips together as I recalled Clint’s comments about that.
While she came inside, her gaze sharpened on me. “Why do you look like that? Last night you seemed excited and I know it wasn’t the wine talking.”
I shook my head. “Let’s just say, Clint...”
“Is not here, is what we should say about Clint.”
I chuckled. “Yes, but he did not like the idea of me doing anything to my hair. Said, if I wanted highlights, I should go jogging with him.”
She threw her head back with laughter. “And are you jogging with him any time soon?”
I shrugged.
She pointed at me. “Exactly! That hair isn’t going to highlight itself. Let’s go. Mi hijo will understand when it’s all said and done.”
Mom wandered into the living room and I noticed she wasn’t using her walker. I made a mental note to ask about that later, both with her and with her therapist in the morning.
“Good afternoon, Penny,” Juanita greeted.
“Hello, Juanita. Did I hear you plan to highlight her hair?”
“You did.” She gave Mom an assessing look. “I could give you a trim or something if you like while we wait on her color to set.”
Mom smiled weakly. “Let me think about it, but I’m excited to see Raegan get her hair done. You mind if I watch my soaps?”
“I would mind more if you didn’t.” Juanita turned to me. “Where will we have the most room? The guest bathroom or...”
“Use mine,” Mom said. “There’s a padded stool under the vanity, which should make it easier for you.”
JUANITA HAD APPLIED the last piece of foil to my hair when the house phone rang, and I jumped in the little stool.
“Are you always this jumpy, Raegan?”
“No. The house phone almost never rings, though.”
A moment later, Mom stood in the doorway holding the phone toward Juanita. “It’s Clint for Raegan.”
Juanita handed the phone to me.
“Hello, Clint.”
I heard him exhale. “Why is it the two times I want to speak to you today, you don’t answer your cell? Don’t answer that. Tanya told me about the first one. I heard what your mother said, so who is with you that she had to tell someone else the call was for you?”
My eyes closed. He could be so pushy, and normally, that didn’t bother me. This, though, was something else.
“My patience is wearing thin, mamita.”
I swallowed my huff of breath. “Your mother is here. My cell is on the kitchen table.”
“Christ,” he muttered.
I opened my mouth to ask if he needed something, but he spoke again. “She isn’t doing something to your hair, is she?”
“Technically, no. She already did something to my hair.”
His tone was terse. “Raegan. We discussed this last night, for—”
“You discussed it and diverted the conversation when I pointed out jogging makes me sweaty.”
Juanita giggled, but Mom barked out a laugh.
“Can’t you ditch your audience?” he demanded.
“Not really. Your mom and I are holed up in the bathroom. Mom brought the phone to us, and you know she’s an eavesdropper. What did you expect?”
Juanita tried to swallow her laughter, but her bosom heaved with her mirth.
“Put Mamá on the phone.”
With a closed lip smile I offered Juanita the phone. “He would like to speak with you.”
Juanita arched a brow as she
