1022 Evergreen Place (2010) by Macomber Debbie

Author:Macomber, Debbie [Debbie, Macomber,]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-01-14T19:12:09.468000+00:00

Rachel tried to conceal a smile but with little success. "You should go back to your online game," she advised.

Glancing at the textbook, Bruce winced and said, "Gladly."

Rachel read over the problem, then wrote it down on the pad Jolene had brought.

"Do you get this stuff?" Jolene asked.

Rachel nodded. "I do. I've always had an ability with numbers."

"How come you work in a salon, then?"

"I use my mathematical skills there every single day, Jolene. Not everyone who's good with math works in a bank or an accounting office. For example, I need to calculate how much coloring to put into the mix when I'm doing a dye job."

"Oh." This appeared to be a revelation.

They worked together for the next forty minutes, until Rachel thought Jolene had grasped the concept and could finish a series of problems without help.

Jolene stood and gave Rachel a tentative smile. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

The girl returned to her bedroom, and Rachel moved into the living room, just in time for her favorite cop drama on TV. Bruce came in a few minutes later. "That went well, don't you think?" he said enthusiastically.

Rachel nodded. This was almost the way it'd been between her and Jolene before the wedding.

"School is out next Wednesday," she said. She dreaded summer vacation and the changes it would bring into their lives. Jolene was too old for day care and too young to be left alone all day without supervision.

"I've got her signed up for that drama camp for the first two weeks," Bruce reminded her.

Yes, but the expense would be a real challenge to their budget, especially if they had to continue this through the rest of the summer. What Bruce didn't know was that in a few months she'd need to stop working, which would take a big bite out of their income.

"It's expensive. And if we have to cover this cost all summer..."

"Yeah, but we don't have any option, do we?" Bruce put his arm around her shoulders.

In previous summers Jolene had spent one or two days a week with Rachel, the rest of the time at municipal or church programs. But these days, the girl wasn't interested in attending any summer camp that also catered to "little kids."

"I...might have a solution."

"What?" Bruce asked eagerly.

"I could do half days." She'd been making excuses lately to explain why she was so often tired and lacking in energy. She also worried that it wasn't good for the baby if she spent too much time around the chemicals in the salon.

If she was at home half days, she could at least keep an eye on Jolene....

He considered that. "But you keep saying Jolene would rather not be around you."

"She wouldn't."

"Then you staying home with her might not be such a great idea."

"In other circumstances I'd agree with you. But I'm making this suggestion as much for me as Jolene."

Bruce studied her as if he had difficulty following her line of thought.

"Haven't you noticed how tired I've been these past few months?" she asked.

"Well, yes, but I blame myself for that.

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