“I appreciate all this food, sis. More than you know. But you didn’t need to go to so much trouble. It must have taken you days to make all this.”
“I’m glad I did. I just checked your freezer and your cabinets. Corn flakes, bread, instant rice, instant mashed potatoes, canned stew, eggs. Is that what you’ve been living on?”
“It beats prison fare,” he replied lightly. “Was the drive down okay?”
“It was fine. But I’m not through talking about you yet.” Her gaze swept over the apartment before returning to him, and she folded her arms across her chest. “This isn’t acceptable, Scott.”
“I warned you it wasn’t the Ritz.”
“It isn’t even a cut-rate motel,” she shot back.
“It’s good enough for now.”
“There was a lovely guest room waiting for you in my house. There still is.”
“I need to be here, Karen,” he said quietly.
She looked at him in silence for a few moments. “Because of Jess.”
“Yes.”
She sighed resignedly. “Well, I’m not going to argue with you about that. It would be a lost cause. But I’m not happy about this,” she said with a sweeping gesture around the tiny apartment.
“I didn’t think you would be.”
“Is this really all you can afford?”
“For now.”
“Does Jess know how you live?”
“No.”
She bit her lip. “Look, Scott, I know you signed everything over to her when you went to prison, but don’t you think you deserve something—just enough to give you a stake to get started again?”
“No,” he replied flatly.
Karen shook her head in exasperation. “Okay, I’m not going to argue with you about this. Yet. Put on your coat. We’re going out to dinner. My treat.”
Scott frowned. “But there’s plenty of food here.”
“That’s for you. After I go back.” When he started to protest, she held up her hand. “Not open for discussion. Besides, after the long drive down here I deserve a night away from the kitchen.”
Scott shook his head bemusedly. “Are you this bossy at home?”
She shrugged. “I happen to be a strong-willed woman.”
“Bossy,” he reiterated.
“Assertive,” she corrected.
“Stubborn, too.”
“If you keep insulting me I just might pack up my food and go home,” she threatened.
Scott held up his hands in capitulation and then reached for his jacket. “Heaven forbid! You win,” he said with a chuckle.
“I’m glad you see the light,” she said smugly.
Not until they were seated in the quiet restaurant and had placed their orders did Karen once again bring up the subject of Scott’s wife. “So tell me how things are going with Jess.”
“They aren’t.”
“Are you giving up?”
“No. Regrouping. Trying to figure out how to break through the wall she’s built between us.” Suddenly Scott’s eyes grew thoughtful as he studied Karen. “Hey, I just had an idea,” he said slowly.
She gazed at him suspiciously. “I don’t like that look in your eyes.”
He ignored her comment. “Maybe you could convince her to talk to me.”
Karen stared at him. “I haven’t spoken with her in years,” she protested. “Why would she listen to me?”
“Because Jess always liked you. And she won’t hold my mistakes against you. I’m willing to bet that she’ll at least be polite.” He sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. “Look, I hate to ask you to do this. And I don’t know if it will work,” he admitted. “But I’m willing to try anything at this point. She’s shut me out both times I’ve tried to contact her. I need someone to run interference for me.”
Karen waited while their food was placed in front of them, her brow furrowed. “I’m not into confrontation, Scott.”
He tried to smile. “You could have fooled me. You don’t cut me any slack.”
She made a face. “Very funny. You’re my brother. That’s different.”
He looked at her steadily. “I know it’s asking a lot, Karen. You’ve already gone above and beyond. But this means a lot to me.”
Karen was silent for a moment, then she sighed deeply and picked up her fork. “I’ll think about it, okay? Now eat your steak before it gets cold.”
Jess glanced toward the door in surprise, then at her watch. Her pizza order had arrived in record time. Which was okay. For the first time in several days she was actually hungry. She reached for her wallet, then headed toward the foyer.
“You guys get faster all the…” Her voice trailed off as she stared at the petite, dark-haired woman facing her on the other side of the door. Scott’s sister.
Karen nervously hitched up her shoulder purse and offered a tentative smile. “Hello, Jess.”
Instead of responding, Jess glanced behind Karen, her gaze darting into the shadows of the deepening dusk.
“I’m alone.”
Jess’s gaze swung back to Karen, who looked as uneasy and uncomfortable as Jess felt. “Do you have a few minutes to talk?” Karen asked.
“I don’t really think we have anything to say to each other, Karen.” She was amazed at how cool and controlled she sounded, considering her insides felt like gelatin.
“I won’t take much of your time.”
Jess didn’t budge. “Did Scott ask you to come here?”
Karen hesitated, then nodded. “Yes.”
“Look, Karen, I don’t have anything against you. In fact, I always liked you. But nothing you say will make any difference. I don’t want Scott in my life. Period. I’ve made that pretty clear both times he’s contacted me. I don’t know what else I have to do.”
Karen took a deep breath and held her ground. “How about five minutes?” she persisted. “That’s all I ask.”
Short of closing the door in Karen’s face, Jess was faced with no option but to grant her request. Besides, she didn’t want to hurt Karen. Or be rude. The woman had always been kind to her, and the two couples had shared some very good times. What could it hurt to give her five minutes? In fact, it might help. If Karen saw how resolute Jess was, maybe she would carry that message back to Scott and discourage him from further contact. It was worth a try.
Jess stepped aside and opened the door. “All right. Five minutes.”
Karen moved past her, and Jess nodded toward the living room. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thanks,” Karen replied as she settled on the edge of the couch. Jess perched on the arm of a chair across from her, folded her arms and waited.
Karen gripped her purse and took a steadying breath. “Look, Jess, I really don’t want to be here. But I love Scott. I’ve seen what he’s gone through these last few years. And I want to help him. He’s had a really tough time.”
“Forgive me if I can’t feel too sorry for him.”
Karen seemed