The Me List by Julee Balko

Author:Julee Balko [Balko, Julee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2024-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

BRANCHES

Olivia woke up groggy and annoyed at her mother. Marven woke up with a slight film on his eye. Olivia did just what the vet had written in his instructions. She got a warm washcloth, wiped his eyes gently, and then put in the drops. She spoke gently to him while she did it, as if he could understand her every word. Marven grumbled, but overall did great.

Olivia heard her phone buzz and wondered if it was her mother texting to apologize. But it was Patricia. She was in no mood for her.

Check outside your door, then check your email.

Olivia opened the door a crack and peered out, half expecting to see something frightening or a large pile of something that needed to be done. Instead, she saw a cappuccino maker, a paycheck, and a note:

I can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve given me. I wanted to thank you with this gift which I know is on your list.

And then it just said “Patricia.” No from, love, or sincerely. Olivia picked up the box and looked at all the features. It was nicer than the one she had scoped out online. She pulled the machine out of the box and found a place for it on the counter. It looked serious, like one that would be found in a small café in Paris. Damn, Olivia was hoping to be grouchy and obsess about her shitty mom all day, and now here was Patricia, making her day better.

She took a picture and sent it to Patricia with the text, It’s perfect. Thank you so much. Olivia had taken out the instruction book and started skimming when Patricia wrote back, I figured it’d make my emails easier.

In all the gloom and drama from her mom’s visit, and then with the excitement and promise of frothed milk, Olivia hadn’t checked her email yet. Olivia went to her computer and hit refresh. Patricia’s name was at the top three times. She opened email one:

Olivia, forgive the scattered nature of this email. My mother has slipped and broken her hip. I’m sending you a spreadsheet with the newest listings that all need For Sale signs. Please get the signs from Donna at the office and drive to each house and put them up. Thanks so much. I’ll have my cell if you need me, Patricia.

What is it about mothers this week causing havoc? Olivia wondered. Okay, that wasn’t bad. Certainly not worthy of a cappuccino maker. But there were two more emails to go.

Just heard back about the Worthington house. There’s a showing today at 1:00. I’m going to go early to scope it out. I want you to be there with me in case I need some last-minute prep. Come early (12:30) but please stop at David’s to get fresh flowers on your way over. I put in the order already. Attached is a detailed list of features of the house if you want to check it out. It’s a real stunner, as you know.

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