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“How’s Elise?” Rona asks as she shifts around in the chair. It’s clear she’s having a hard time getting comfortable.
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nbsp; “She blames herself for what happened to you. I was trying to get her to come with me, but she thought you wouldn’t want to see her.” He shrugs, but I can see how much it’s hurting him that Elise wouldn’t come with him, especially as she’s staying in his room.
Rona looks surprised as she opens her mouth, fails to say anything, and closes it again. “God Jake, the only people to blame are Tom and Nick. I’m really glad no one else was here, because they had a gun and could have used it on anyone. I think if Elise had been here, he would have used the gun on anyone in his way, except maybe me. Nick wanted money. After that, who knows what they would have done to me?” She shudders.
I take hold of Rona’s hand as Jake returns and sets the plates on the table.
“Please tell Elise I don’t blame her and I would love to see my friend.”
“You’re a good friend, Rona.” Jake kisses Rona’s cheek before looking at me. “Don’t let her go.”
“She isn’t going anywhere, unless it’s with me.”
Jake collects the food-laden tray from the kitchen and carries it over to us.
“This looks good,” I say, and just as the words leave my mouth, Rona’s stomach growls.
I laugh at her. “I guess your appetite is back.” I pass her a blueberry muffin along with a cup of coffee.
“Yum, this looks delicious. I’m rather hungry now.”
As Rona starts to eat, I ask Jake, “How’s Beth handling me and Rona being together?”
“You’ll find out later.”
I raise an eyebrow at Jake’s comment.
“Beth and Anna are going to come over after lunch,” he adds.
“Please ask Elise to come with them,” Rona mumbles with a mouth full of muffin.
“Thanks Rona, for not blaming her and for being her friend.”
“I could never blame her.”
“Jake, how much work is expected over the next few weeks?” I ask with a smile. Since Jake has been back, he’s gotten wholeheartedly involved in the business again, and I couldn’t be happier.
“Taking some time off?” Jake queries.
Glancing at Rona, I see I have her full attention now as I reply to Jake, “Yes, I am. I want to spend more time with Rona. I’m planning on taking her away somewhere, but until she’s well enough to travel I’m going to stay close. I’m worried Nick might show up, although if he has any sense he’d be long gone.”
“Okay, Dad. What is on the schedule can be handled by me, or a couple of the part-timers, if needs be. We don’t have anything major for the next six weeks though, so you should be good.”
“When you’re in the office later, can you mark on the calendar that I’m unavailable for the next four weeks?”
“What are you planning?” Rona asks me.
I smile at her. “A surprise.”
“Oh good, I love surprises.” Her wink indicates an opportunity for her to shock Jake. “Does it involve being naked?”
As expected, Jake reacts by choking on his coffee. “I think I’ll leave you two alone,” he says, making a dash for the door.
“Jake, please don’t go. I promise to behave.”
Jake glances at Rona and then me, before deciding to stay. He takes his seat again.
