Page 94 of Stone

He handed Mom a piece of paper with calculations written on it. “That figure in red is the insurance payout, and the figures next to it in blue are what’s currently in your checking and savings accounts.”

“It will keep us going for a year,” she murmured. “And it will give us time to sell the store.”

Harry dipped his chin ruefully. “I think you’re doing the right thing. Jerome wouldn’t want you to struggle.”

Mom smiled sadly, her eyes glazing over, probably with a memory. “He worked hard to give us a good life. Maybe we didn’t get everything we wanted, but he provided everything we needed. We were lucky to have that man, even if our time was cut shorter than I wanted.”

Tears welled in my eyes.

Mom’s evident heartbreak made my chest hurt. All she had to keep her warm at night was a lifetime of memories. Dad was pig-headed and always thought he was right, but there was also another side, a loving side that we were lucky to experience for all the years we had him.

I jumped as the doorbell rang.

Harry got to his feet and placed all the papers in his briefcase. “I’ll answer it on my way out.” He gave us a nod goodbye before disappearing through the hallway.

“Where could I get a job, Elise?” Mom asked. “I haven’t worked in the store for years. All I can do is cook, bake, and clean the house.”

My heart clenched. “Mom, it’s okay. I’ll work full-time. We’ll get by.”

Deep murmurs sounded from the front of the house, and footsteps echoed from the tiled hallway. My eyes lifted to see the mayor and Robert Henderson walk into the living room, smiling gently.

“We’ve come to see how you’re doing.” Bert smiled. “Robert mentioned Harry was reading Jerome’s will this morning.”

“Thank you,” Mom said gratefully. “I think we’ll be okay, though we have to get paying jobs, so Elise won’t be able to intern for you anymore.”

“You can stay and work for me,” Mayor Henderson announced. “I was going to hire you anyway. We’ll just be doing it earlier. Robert has decided to rent an office in my building, too. I’m sure he could give you some hours, like a job share.” He glanced at his son. “What do you think?”

“Works for me.” Rob’s eyes landed on my face, and he grinned. “That way, I can keep an eye on you, too. Make sure you’re okay.”

“That’s very kind, Robert,” Mom said softly, getting to her feet. “And thank you, Bert. Jerome would be grateful to know we’re being so well looked after. We’re going to sell the store. I wonder if you could give me some advice.” She got up and started for the kitchen, the mayor following as they talked.

Rob studied my face. “You look tired.”

“I’m not sleeping too well,” I admitted. “I’ve been worrying about the will and Mom. Everything’s up in the air, and I miss John. I wrote to tell him about Dad, but the mail takes so long to get there, I’m not even sure he knows.”

“Has he called his folks?” Robert asked.

“I don’t know. Connie came over yesterday and brought a casserole, but she didn’t mention anything.”

“No Bandit?” he inquired, cocking a blond eyebrow.

I shook my head.

“Selfish asshole,” Rob muttered. “The entire town rallies, and he can’t even pay his respects. I noticed he wasn’t at the funeral, either.”

“Him and Dad didn’t get along,” I explained. “One thing Bandit isn’t is two-faced. He wouldn’t pretend just because Dad passed away.”

“We don’t just go to funerals for the people we lose, Elise,” Robert said softly. “We also go for the people left behind. You’re with John, and one day, you’ll become Bandit’s daughter-in-law. He should’ve shown his support.”

I kept my mouth shut because what could I say? He was right.

Robert’s eyes softened again. “A few of us are going to the movies tonight to see Goodfellas. You should come. It’ll take your mind off things.”

I smiled. Robert had come into his own since Dad died. He and Bert had been our rocks, giving us legal advice and dealing with probate. They even helped organize the funeral.

“Thank you,” I murmured. “But I won’t leave Mom. This is the time we need to stick together.”

“I get it.” Robert got to his feet. “I’ll go see if I can help your mom with any conveyancing questions she may have.” He lowered to his haunches, took my hand, and squeezed it. “See you later?”

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