Page 15 of An Endless Memory

Eliot waved me off. “I’ll watch over the little guy. If he starts crying, I’ll find you.”

I would brush Eliot off, but the conversation with Aunt Linda would be too serious for interruption if Kellan woke up. “Sure. Thanks.”

I walked into the clinic, not waiting to see if Linda would follow me. She did. Her footsteps even sounded stern.

I turned into the offices. The building was blissfully empty, but the sounds of laughter and talking were strong enough to drift in. Perfect. I could hear exactly what I was missing as I begged for more time.

My aunt entered and walked straight to a desk. It wasn’t mine, I didn’t have one, but she sat primly, regret and disappointment scrawled over her expression.

I faced her, my back to the entrance. The silver lining was that she didn’t bring Uncle Darren. “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. It’s been busy?—”

“Are you moved out yet?”

It took everything in me not to hang my head. “No,” I whispered.

“Are you married?”

“Aunt Linda, I need more time.”

“Lily.” She sighed and looked every day of her sixty-two years. “I could’ve kicked you out right away. We did give you time.”

“Not enough. I have two small kids.”

Sympathy burned in her eyes. I was almost surprised to see it. “It’s not my choice, but I am the executor.” She clenched her jaw. She glanced away and determination filled her gaze.

No, no, no. She was going to kick me out. I had enough money for one night at a motel, and then I’d have to go back to Billings. There was no place big enough to move the kids and animals too, and I couldn’t stay in a hotel for a couple of months with all that. My parents would take me in. I’d have to quit my new job only six weeks after I started. I’d get a shitty reference if I quit over a weekend. That’d make two vet clinics I’d left under less-than-ideal circumstances. Add in my withdrawal from vet school and I was a less-than-ideal prospect to hire. My career might be over.

“Aunt Linda…”

She shook her head and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, Lily. The rules are in black and white. I’ve already bent them enough.” She opened her eyes and gave me a direct stare. “I have to continue fulfilling my duties. I gave you time and your siblings need time.”

“I appreciate it,” I said, my throat tight. “I really do.”

Linda rolled her lips in, considering me. “Darren will help you pack tonight until West and Magnolia get here.”

My aunt knew me well enough to know I couldn’t get out of this mess without them. To be fair, I was in a unique situation. But I thought that at thirty, I’d have a good job, money in savings, and a big degree to show for my college debt.

I didn’t want my uncle to help me pack. I’d get the kids settled, and Dad and I could come back for the rest. Unless he and Mom needed to be close to home when the others learned about their absurd inheritance stipulations. At some point, I’d have to call Sutton and tell her I could no longer stay in Crocus Valley.

I could weep.

There had to be something. Panic made me claw at the edges of my brain. There had to be some way.

Grandma laid out exactly how. The only thing that’d save me was a man.

“What if…” The only thing that would buy me time was Linda thinking I’d be getting married real soon. I never told her I didn’t have a boyfriend. I could buy myself some time. Tomorrow, I’d call the same rental properties I’d talked to earlier and accept the first opening. Maybe Mom would let Pebbles and Flakes stay at her place. Maybe my parents would help with hotel expenses.

I needed help with so much. Humiliation dug into my ribs.

“What if what, Lily?” Linda peered at me, a spark of hope in her eyes. She didn’t want to be the bad guy. Yet she would be. I could save us both with a little fib.

“What if I have someone?”

She lifted her chin, interest in her eyes. My hopes rose. Would this work, if only for a weekend? I didn’t know what the time would buy me, but I had to try.

“You have someone?” she asked, dubious.

“Yes.” I drew out the word. “I didn’t want to rush him. I mean, I never thought I’d fall in love again.” I spoke slowly, like I was reading about mammal reproduction for the first time.

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