Page 66 of Lakehouse Promises

She pressed it into Carolina’s hands. “Drink this.”

Carolina did as she was told.

“What’s going on? Do I need to call anyone for you?”

“There’s no one to call. It’s just me.” Tears stung the back of her eyes.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Jennifer asked gently.

“I’m a forty year-old divorced woman and I’m trying to start all over. My ex-mother-in-law who hates me, used my home equity loan to buy furniture for the guest room because she didn’t want to sleep on the couch. I just found out and now I don’t have enough money to finish my roof. And I have to pay Thomas because he’s paying off his late wife’s medical bills. I need the roof finished because there’s a storm coming this week. So I went to the pawn shop this morning to pawn my engagement ring only to find out that the diamond I’ve worn for twenty years is fake. It belonged to my ex-mother-in-law. So now I’m at a loss as to where I’m going to come up with the money to pay Thomas. Oh, and my ex called and told me my alimony would be late because the new twenty-two-year old wife wants to redo a room in the house, probably in polka dots and rainbows. Did I tell you the new wife threw away my mother’s quilt? The last quilt she made before she died.” She swiped the tears pouring down her face. “I can’t seem to get out of this pit I’m in, no matter how hard I try. It’s like I’m standing in quicksand.” Embarrased, she buried her face in her hands.

Jennifer pulled out a box of tissue and handed it to her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to dump this all in your lap.” She dabbed her eyes and blew her nose.

“Carolina, you can dump your problems on me anytime. That’s what friends are for.”

“Friends?” Carolina looked at her. “The last friends I had, knew about my husband’s affair and never told me. I’m not sure I have ever really had a real friend.”

“You do now.” She smiled and patted her hand. “And I know Getty thinks the world of you. You have more friends than you know.”

“Really?” Her sobs slowed.

“Yes really. Even Bernice likes you. But don’t tell her I told you that. She likes to give people a hard time.” Jennifer winked.

That drew a laugh out of Carolina.

“Now finish your tea and we’ll figure something out.” Jennifer patted her hand.

She did as Jennifer asked. By the time she finished her tea she was calm.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say all that. I hope you don’t think I’m crazy.”

Jennifer barked out a laugh. “Honey we all have baggage. I’ll have to tell you about mine sometime.”

She glanced at the time on her phone. “Oh gosh. I need to get going. Bernice is going to chew me out for being late.” She gathered her purse and headed for the door.

“If I can do anything let me know.”

“I will, thanks. And thanks for the tea. And the shoulder to cry on.”

“Anytime.”

Chapter 42

“What’s going on with you today?” Bernice glared over the pumpkins.

They’d been working the entire day selling pumpkins and mums to customers who wanted to do something different to their front porch. Every one of them had hired Carolina to decorate. Bernice was glad for the extra income but she certainly didn’t show it.

“Nothing. Just busy.” Carolina set a purple mum beside a grouping of pumpkins and some corn stalks.

“You’ve not smiled one time today. Not even when greeting the customers.”

“So?”

“So? You always smile. You smile too much if you ask me.” Bernice released and exaggerated huff and rolled her eyes.

“Then you shouldn’t be complaining about it.” Carolina snapped.

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