Circle of Grace by Penelope J. Stokes

Author:Penelope J. Stokes
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780767924016
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Published: 2004-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

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TIM’S SECRET

“When hell freezes over,” Tim said when she broached the idea to him.

Liz felt her hackles rise. “What kind of response is that—‘When hell freezes over’? I’m not a child, Tim, that you can lay down the law to me and expect me to just roll over and take it. I’m your wife.”

“And I’m your husband.”

“So you know best, is that it? I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation.”

He ignored her anger and went to browse in the refrigerator.

“Don’t walk away from me, Tim.” She stalked into the kitchen behind him. “This discussion is not finished.”

“It’s not a discussion,” he said with a calm superiority that enraged her even more. “A discussion is when two people speak rationally and come to a compromise about their differences.” He closed the fridge and popped the top on a can of cola, surveying her with half-lidded eyes.

Liz fought to maintain her composure. “What has gotten into you? It’s not like you to be so…so dogmatic. We’re not planning to do this tomorrow. It will be a couple of years, at least, before Serena will be able to finish paying off her school loans. We’ll have to save up for the down payment on the clinic—that could take another two or three years.”

“Liz, we agreed,” he said smoothly, “that you would do your counseling at Brook Green and I would continue with Hope House Coalition and the Payback Project. This is important work, work we both believe in.”

“And I’m not asking you to give it up,” she countered. “I’m only asking for a little equity, a chance to realize my dreams.” She followed as he went back into the living room, feeling a little like a reprimanded puppy trying to get back in its master’s good graces. “Besides, I don’t recall that we ‘agreed’ about my leaving the sexual violence center to take on private practice. Seems like you made the decision and I capitulated.”

He flopped into the easy chair and put his feet on the ottoman. “Since when have you had this big dream of your own practice?” he asked. “I don’t remember ever hearing you talk about it.”

“Well, I—” Liz paused, buying time. The truth was, she hadn’t really considered it before. As she and Serena discussed it, it just came together. The plan simply dropped into her mind, fully formed, and she embraced it without question. It just seemed…right.

“I see,” he said when she didn’t answer his question. “This isn’t your idea at all. It’s her idea, and she needs you to help her fulfill it. You’ve had one dinner with Serena Marchand, and now you want to throw everything we’ve worked for out the window and stake your future—our future—on some half-baked harebrained scheme?”

“Serena’s not like that,” Liz protested. “She’s smart, and she’s a wonderful counselor. She’s trustworthy—”

“Right. She’s a Girl Scout.”

“Don’t be cynical, Tim. You don’t know her.”

“Yes, I do. We’ve met.” She watched his expression change, a door slamming shut. When he spoke again, his tone was distant, detached.

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