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The next day, David called him on Teresa’s phone. “We aced our exams, both Rachelle and me. Coach Tim, you’re the best math teacher.”
“You all did a great job. I’ll make sure you get a reward.”
On Thursday, Erin texted him, and he eagerly read her few words.
You can bring your client on Saturday for lunch. If he says one word against Ben, I’ll throw him out.
Relieved, Tim exhaled and chuckled.
Not a single word.
She didn’t answer. He thumbed,
I miss you terribly.
No answer again, so he added,
See you on Saturday.
He called Russell and confirmed their invitation to lunch. “Please, not a single word about her husband.”
“Of course not,” the wily man answered. “What can I bring for the lady of the house?”
“A box of chocolate is always appreciated. If you drink a special wine, then bring it. I’ll pick you up at noon.”
Chapter Thirteen
June
Standing behind the living room curtains, Erin studied the two men walking toward her home. Tim took small steps, as if worried about facing a storm at the door, while the tall man with gray hair, impressive in an elegant suit, blue shirt, but no tie, seemed more relaxed.
“Good God, what a handsome man,” Teresa blurted from behind her.
“For heaven’s sake, Mom. He’s the bastard who wants to steal my money.”
“Shh, don’t say that. He looks like a nice one.”
The bell chimed. Erin counted to ten.
“What are you waiting for? Open the door.”
“There’s no rush.” She opened the door with a blunt, “Hi. Come in.”
“Hi, Erin. May I introduce my new client, Russell Malcolm?” Tim turned to his guest. “My friends, Erin Perkins and her mother, Teresa Hall.”
Erin nodded stiffly. Without a hint of a smile, she accepted the box of chocolate their guest handed her. “Thank you, Mr. Malcolm.”
“Please, come in, Mr. Malcolm,” Teresa babbled. “You shouldn’t have troubled yourself. These flowers are gorgeous.” She held the crystal vase against her heart, but kept the man’s hand in hers and led him to the living room.
Erin wanted to shake her mother who’d melted as if the jerk was her long-time friend.
“Thank you, Erin,” Tim whispered against her ear, his lips brushing her cheek. “I know how hard this is for you.”
“We’ll talk about it later.” She squinted, warning him all was not said and done yet. “For now, handle the drinks ifyour friendwants one.” She eased out of his hold and called the children. “Introduce yourselves and say hello to Mr. Malcolm.”
Setting a good example, David arrived with a big grin, fist-pumped with Tim. “Coach Tim, you’re the best math tutor.”
“I have smart students. Russell, meet my young friend David Perkins, an ace in math and a terrific basketball player.”
