“How come there aren’t any rugrats by now?” My change in topic throws her for a second, but she recovers quickly.
“We didn’t have kids. Why is none of your business.”
“I suppose David was all the child you needed in your life. I’m sure you had your hands full.”
“My husband is dead. Have some respect.”
“I just don’t get what you saw in him.”
“Drop it.”
“Fine. Let’s talk about the tree farm. What’s your plan if not to sell?”
“To run it.”
“All by yourself?”
“Well, I have a partner, don’t I? If you’re going to partake in the profits, you’d better be prepared to do half the work.”
This girl has no fear of how she talks to me. I kind of like it.
“What do you know about the Christman tree business?” I ask.
“Probably about as much as you,” she throws back.
“So, neither of us knows a damn thing.”
“That can change. We can learn.”
Our food arrives, and we both dig in. I study her as she eats, then point my chopsticks at her. “One thing I can’t figure out… I get the sentiment. My gramps loved that place. But it’s a lot of work. I just don’t get why you want to do this.”
“I need an income.”
“You don’t work?”
“David didn’t want me to work.”
“Of course not. How could you be at his beck and call if you had a life of your own?”
She slams her hand on the table, and the glasses rattle. “Enough. I don’t want to hear another crack like that. Is that clear?”
“Sure. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“That’s exactly what you meant to do.”
I huff a breath. “Fine. I was out of line. I apologize.”
She sighs but doesn’t reply, and I realize I really don’t want to ruin this lunch with her.
“Rebecca?”
“What?” she snaps, but won’t look at me.
“I really am sorry. I’m in a pissy mood, but I shouldn’t take it out on you. You’re stuck in this mess same as me.”
“See, that’s where you’re wrong. I don’t think it’s a mess, and I don’t feel stuck, except regarding you.”
“Touche.”
