Repatriate by Jaime Maddox

Author:Jaime Maddox [Maddox, Jaime]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2023-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Long Live the King

After coffee, Ally realized she had to hurry if she was going to accomplish everything on her agenda. Instead of heading home, she went straight to her parents’ and raided the refrigerator. While eating the leftovers of their roast-beef dinner, Ally talked with her mom, told her about meeting Brianna at the Recovery Hub.

“She sounds like she could be a good mentor for you,” her mom said.

“Yes. I think so, too.”

“Is she as attractive as Maria?”

“She’s gorgeous, but I get straight vibes.”

“I don’t get straight vibes from Maria.” Her mom raised her eyebrows. “As a matter of fact, she hardly noticed anyone in the room except you.”

“It’s odd, isn’t it?” Ally asked. She really couldn’t figure out the attraction Maria had for her. Maria was successful and had such enormous potential. What would she want with someone whose future was as uncertain as Ally’s?

Her mom’s jaw dropped. “Have you looked in the mirror? You’re beautiful. And smart. And funny. Not to mention kind and sweet.”

Ally heard the words. Once, she’d believed them. Not so much now, but she loved that her mom tried.

She hugged her tightly. “I love you. Thank you for not giving up on me.”

Janine appeared shocked. “How could I ever?”

“I’m not sure I can work on a relationship right now. I’m working on me. Yet with Maria there’s a connection, and it’s magnetic. I’m drawn to her, from before, from the moment we met. If I hadn’t been so screwed up, something might have happened last summer.”

“She’s waited six months, Ally. I’m sure she can wait a few more.”

“Bri told me I should tell her I need to go slowly.”

Janine smiled. “That sounds like great advice.”

“I have some work in the studio.”

“More framing?”

Ally nodded. “Yeah. It’s for this guy. My home-health patient.” She didn’t want to say too much, to involve her mother in anything unscrupulous or mention something that might raise her suspicions.

“Have fun.”

“Is it okay if I stay over?” Ally had lost an hour with Bri, and staying at her parents’ house would help make it up. Yet her mind shot to the paintings in her apartment, and she hoped they’d be safe without her.

“It would be okay if you move back in.”

“Let’s just settle for the night, okay?” Ally laughed. “And there’s no need to wait up. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Breakfast at six?”

“See you then,” Ally said and headed out the door. She pulled one of the cardboard boxes from the car and carried it into the studio. Removing the tube, she unrolled two canvases and went to work. Three hours later she finished, and though it wasn’t her best work, under the circumstances, she was pleased. And she didn’t need perfection. Brodrik Rogan could hardly see.

She was in bed half an hour later and up early. After breakfast, she headed to Four H for the morning meeting, where Carlene, the head of billing, confronted her in the lobby.

“You didn’t turn in your paperwork last night! May I remind you that is confidential patient information? It needs to be returned.

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