AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nothing is long-term. Not business, not relationships, not life.
“Jude.” Carly joined me on the patio.
Speaking of relationships and longevity, Carly was someone who refused to be short-term. No matter how hard I tried to distance myself from her, she found a way onto my home and into my life. She often used our daughter as an excuse to intrude in situations where she didn’t belong.
“How was your afternoon out with Cassie?”
“Very productive.” She buttoned her jacket as the wind picked up. “Cassie found the cutest dress for her winter formal.”
“Thank you for including Emmie.”
“She’s a sweetkid.” Carly smirked at me. “She doesn’t like to shop though. That’s a huge personality flaw.”
“She doesn’t understand our lifestyle, but it was good for her to get out of the house for a few hours.”
“How long will she be staying with you?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Don’t be upset.”
“If you have to preface it withdon’t be upset, I’m probably going to be upset.”
“I’m making an observation. I’ve known you a long time,” Carly said.
“That doesn’t mean you know me.” There was a reason we didn’t work. “Don’t worry about me.”
“Maybe I’m worried about Emmie.”
“I can take care of Emmie.”
“Why did Johnny have to come with us?”
“I have my reasons.” I looked out at the ominous sky. “They’re calling for a serious storm. You shouldn’t be on the roads when it hits.”
“You do care about me.” She sat across from me, setting her thousand-dollar bag on the table.
“I don’t wish you any harm.”
“I appreciate that.” She smirked at me. “You might not feel that way after I leave.”
“Maybe you should go before you aggravate me.”
“We have two things to discuss.”
“Your Thanksgiving weekend in the city?”
I had given her request some thought, and decided it might be a smart idea to have Cassie away from the house for a few days. Maybe it would help her get her newest obsession out of her head.
“You and Cassie can have dinner here, and then I’ll arrange for a flight to New York.”
“That was entirely too easy. What gives?”
“Would you rather me have said no?”
“No.” She quickly changed her attitude. “Thank you.”
She was right, I did agree a little too easily. I was still going to spend the holiday with Cassie as we always did, but this year I wouldn’t be alone. I’d have Emmie.
