The Christmas House by Victoria James
Author:Victoria James [James, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Alcove Press
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
FEBRUARY 1, 1978
SILVER SPRINGS
Ruby would not lose Mrs. Pembertonâs house.
She sat down with her mug of coffee at the last available table at Mableâs Bakery with a huff. Wasting no time, she pulled her notebook and pen out of her purse. She had one hour before it was time to pick Wendy up from school, and she couldnât waste it. She needed to brainstorm ways to make enough money to keep up with the maintenance of that home and have enough left over to live off of. While sheâd inherited the home and a small amount of money, Mrs. Pemberton had donated the rest to various charities, along with a large sum for the Sisters of St. Michaelâs. Mrs. Pemberton had also been collecting her husbandâs pension for years. Once Ruby had done the calculations, she quickly realized that there was no way sheâd be able to stay afloat in that house, since she was now also out of a job. She knew that the home required continuous upkeepâeven just maintaining the grounds cost a small fortune every year.
Taking a sip of coffee, she stared at the blank notepad, panic slowly filling her as the reality of her current situation sank in. She had no education, no formal job training, and a massive home that if she sold would be able to provide for her and Wendy for lifeâexcept she couldnât do that. It was Mrs. Pembertonâs legacy and she wouldnât go back on her promise. Ruby owed her everything.
She should have done this months ago, but the grief of losing her friend had made it impossible to think clearly. Sheâd been focused on getting through the day to day and on helping Wendy cope with the loss of a woman whoâd been a grandmother to her. The only grandmother she had.
Picking up the pen, Ruby became aware of the woman standing close to her table, holding a coffee. She made eye contact with the young woman and smiled. She looked familiar.
âHi, um, do you mind if I sit at your table? There isnât another one available. Iâll move as soon as one comes up, though,â she said, walking over to Rubyâs table.
Ruby didnât want to appear rude, even though she didnât have time to make small talk today. She needed to get her life in orderâagain. âOf course, no problem,â she said, gesturing to the empty chair.
âThanks so much. Youâre Ruby, right?â
Ruby nodded, smiling.
âMy name is Mary, I think I recognize you from church. You have a little girl, right? And you live in the big house on the hill?â
âWow, that about sums me up. Yes, all correct. Nice to meet you, Mary. I thought you looked familiar. Have you been in Silver Springs long?â
The woman shook her head and took a sip of coffee. âMy parents and younger sister live here. Iâm on my way out of town. Iâm going to spend the year traveling. I plan on coming back, though.â
Ruby was struck by a stab of envy.
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