Page 29 of Corrupt Obsession

“Lord, thank you for everything you’ve given us. Thank you for providing for us and blessing our family. Protect us as we begin a new week. Give us wisdom and strength to see us through. Amen,” Dad said.

“Amen,” they said in unison.

It was a lazy Sunday evening with delicious food and stimulating conversation. They discussed Pastor Sonny’s message at church that day in length before they moved ontowhat was going on in the community and their schedules for the week. Dad and Jesse were too impatient to let the buttermilk pies cool properly. They each dug into their own, while she and Lynne were satisfied with a slice. Dad had to turn in since he had such an early shift.

When Lynne yawned, Violet offered to clean up. Lynne gave her a grateful smile as she and Dad headed down the hall with their arms around each other.

Violet eyed Jesse’s pie, which was more than half gone. “You aren’t going to eat it all in one sitting, are you?”

“I could.”

“Don’t,” she warned. “Because Mom will come after you with a knife if you scarf down our pie, too.”

“You wouldn’t tell her it was me, would you?”

“I would,” she said, tipping her nose in the air as she carried dishes to the sink.

“You’re heartless. You know this is my favorite,” Jesse said as he gathered the rest of the plates and piled them in the sink.

“Maybe you should have pie instead of a cake for your birthday this year.”

He froze. “Give up German chocolate cake?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s it gonna be?”

“Can’t I have both?”

She tilted her head to the side as she considered. “I could bake for your birthday instead of buying you stuff you never use.”

“I use what you give me.”

“You used that nice shirtonce.”

“Because I outgrew it within six months.”

“And the cologne?”

He shrugged. “I sweat too much. It doesn’t last.”

She took in the sweat stains on his shirt that clung to his athletic physique and wrinkled her nose. “I can finish up here. You should shower.”

He spread his arms wide. “Can I get a hug first?”

She held her hands up as she backed away. “No! Stay back!”

“I just want to thank you for making my favorite pie.”

“You just did,” she pointed out. “There’s no need to touch me.”

He moved swiftly, but so did she. She ran to the living room and put the couch between them.

“Jesse.” She tried to sound stern, but a nervous laugh escaped.“Don’t.”

His speed never failed to shock her. When he darted around the couch, she let out a panicked yelp. He picked her up and pinned her on the couch.

“I’m going to tell Dad!” she yelled into his chest.

“Promise me you’ll make me cake and pie for my birthday, then I’ll let you go.”

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