Afraid by Jo Gibson

Author:Jo Gibson [Gibson, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2014-06-12T16:00:00+00:00

Five

After an hour of nothing but routine calls, Julie began to relax again. She was grateful she hadn’t given way to her fear and gone screaming into the dining room. There was no one out there, watching her. She’d just overreacted to a prank call.

“Here’s your dinner, Julie.” Uncle Bob was frowning as he walked in with a covered platter and set it on the desk in front of her.

“But, Uncle Bob . . . I thought you didn’t want anyone to eat while they were working the switchboard. Donna said that was one of your rules.”

“That’s true, but Caro overruled me tonight.”

Julie looked up in surprise, but Uncle Bob seemed to be avoiding her eyes. “Thank you, Uncle Bob. I’ll be careful not to spill anything.”

“Good. I have to talk to you, Julie. It’s about that sweater of yours.”

Julie tried not to look surprised. What was wrong with her sweater? “Yes, Uncle Bob?”

“It’s much too tight. And that color just calls attention to . . . well, you’re a bright girl. You know what I mean.”

Julie was so shocked, she almost objected. Her sweater wasn’t tight at all. But one look at Uncle Bob’s glowering face and she decided to back down.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Bob. I won’t wear it again, if you object. Would you like me to go upstairs and change?”

“It’s too late for that. Just try to be more modest in the future. If you need some larger clothes, just ask Caro or me, and we’ll see that you get them.”

“Thank you, Uncle Bob.” Julie did her best to smile. She could tell that Uncle Bob was very crabby tonight, and she could smell alcohol on his breath. If Donna was right and he was starting in on another bender, she didn’t want to do anything to anger him.

“All right, then. Enjoy your dinner.” Uncle Bob started for the door, but then turned and came back. “Here’s your paycheck.”

“My paycheck?” Julie stared down at the envelope he handed her. “But Uncle Bob . . . I never expected you and Aunt Caroline to pay me.”

Uncle Bob frowned. “Of course we’re paying you. You’re working for us, aren’t you?”

“Well . . . yes.” Julie was clearly embarrassed. “But you and Aunt Caroline are my family. You’re already giving me room and board, and it wouldn’t be fair if you paid me, too.”

“Why not? We paid Vicki when she worked at the switchboard.”

“You did?”

“Of course. If she hadn’t done it, we’d have had to hire someone else for the job.”

Julie could see his point, but she still shook her head. “I can’t let you pay me, Uncle Bob. It just wouldn’t be right. You’ve both done so much for me.”

“Well . . .” Uncle Bob seemed at a loss for words. He looked down at the envelope, and then he shrugged. “All right. If you’re sure . . .”

“I’m sure.”

“Maybe I’ve misjudged you, Julie.” Uncle Bob looked flustered as he took back the envelope. “I’m sorry if I gave you a rough time.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.