Page 14 of Carver's Obsession

“What if I’d like you to stay?”

“I’m guessing you might just feel guilty, and I’m sorry I made you feel like that.”

“I blame our mom,” Jana said.

“I do, too. But it doesn’t change the past.”

Jana shook her head. “No, but we could change the future.”

“How?”

“I very much want you to stay.”

Erica sighed and looked away.

“Please. Give me a month. Spend time here, and if you’re not happy at the end, I’ll let you go.”

“Jana…”

Jana walked to her and took her hands. Erica’s first reaction was to pull away, but Jana tightened her grip. “Did you know I hired a private detective when I couldn’t find you and Mom?”

“How long ago?”

“Close to a year.”

“She was diagnosed with cancer, and by the time we found out, it was already stage four and had spread to her liver and brain. She went downhill quickly after that. She lasted about nine months and then died. I didn’t know where to find you so I couldn’t tell you about the funeral. It wasn’t much. She didn’t have any friends. I, a neighbor, and a few people from Hospice came.”

“I would have liked to be there for you,” Jana said.

“It’s fine. I’m used to being on my own.”

Erica could tell her sister didn’t like hearing that, but it was true.

“So, what do you think?” Jana asked. “I’d like you to meet all the girls.”

Erica looked away and thought for a moment. The only thing she had to lose if or when she left was her sister, possibly for the last time. She turned back to Jana.

“I’ll stay for a month.”

Erica saw the smile on Jana’s face and wished she could be as happy as her sister someday.

“Let’s go into the kitchen.” Jana pulled her along.

When they got to the kitchen, there were several women and men. She could smell the pancakes the women made and felt her stomach twitching in hunger.

“Hey, guys, I want you all to meet my sister, Erica,” Jana said. “She’s agreed to stay here.”

Erica couldn’t dismiss the happiness in her sister’s face.

Her sister took her around the room, introducing her to the women. “Charlie isn’t here right now, she’s at the garage with her man, Taz.”

Jana grinned. “I’d introduce the guys, but there’s too many of them.”

“Can I help with anything?” Erica asked.

“Sure, can you keep your eye on the pancakes?” Willow asked.

“Sure.” Erica took the spatula and concentrated on cooking instead of the people in the room. She continued to make the pancakes until the batter was gone. “Do we need more?”

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