Page 11 of Jael

“Go make the phone call.”

He excused himself, and Jael did what she’d done best for so many years. It was a position she had enjoyed once because she was so good at it. Her dad had trained her to please those around her, and she did that now.

By the time he’d returned, she had half the table engaged in delightful conversation, giving compliments whenever she could.

She’d flattered Mrs. Tuttle so successfully that the woman had forgotten Artus for a moment before becoming flushed at the realization that Jael’s compliments would surely seal the deal. Unfortunately for her, Artus remained engaged with Jael like the rest of the room.

By the time they’d finished dessert, the whole room was in much happier spirits. Everyone but her. She continued the pretense until they’d finished. Then she excused herself to call Hannah and let her know the worst was over.

Chapter 4

A watery bluereflection bounced off the walls of the pool and hit the low fence highlighting the blackness beyond, where a dull glow of city lights could be seen.

“Hannah, sorry to call so late,” Jael said as she stood at the edge of the pool, trying to keep the fatigue out of her voice.

“Don’t worry about it. You know you can call me any time. Did you find out what went wrong?”

“Yes. I won’t get into the details, but it should be sorted now.”

“You don’t think it could happen again?” Hannah didn’t know a lot about Jael’s situation, but she’d picked up enough. More than Jael would like her to know. But the worried inflection to her tone suggested Hannah knew it wasn’t a simple matter.

“It could, but I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t. Can you get the groceries tomorrow? Or do you need me to do it?”

“We can leave it for a few days. I got her enough to last her through the weekend.”

“I thought you said the account was empty.”

“It was,” Hannah said. “I covered it.”

“With your own money? You shouldn’t do that.”

“It wasn’t that much, and I don’t mind.”

“Send me pictures of the receipt so I can reimburse you.”

“I took this job to help people. I’m prepared for the cost.”

“The issue with the credit card was my fault. And I should have been the one buying the groceries. Not you. The kids were looking forward to baking.”

“I know. Becca told me, so I got what they needed and hung around for a bit to bake with them. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course it is.”

“It’s just…I know it’s your thing.”

“It’s notmything. It was for the kids mostly. But thank you so much for going the extra mile. I know it would have meant a lot to them. How was Becca, by the way?”

“Pretty relaxed. Still bruised, but happy. Or at least as happy as you can be, considering. I did mention to her about calling the police, but she’s solidly declining. She said that she didn’t want to do anything until it was necessary. I told her if she wanted full custody, she’d need to prove the kids are in danger with him.”

“If I’m right about her daughter, the police will get involved anyway. But thank you for trying. And thanks for being there when I couldn’t.”

“I love the job, but it’s not like I’m not being well compensated for the work I do.”

“Still. You’ve picked up what I’ve dropped on multiple occasions. I want to make sure you know how much I appreciate you.”

“You’ve got a busy life with a lot of expectations. It happens. I, on the other hand, have an ordinary life, so I don’t mind doing a bit extra now and then. I love my cat, but she’s not always what I need. This job has meant a lot to me. And your friendship.”

Jael felt herself internally retreat. She didn’t do friends well. There had been too much hurt passed around, and the last person she wanted getting tainted by her was Hannah.

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