A Matter of Trust by LazyDay Publishing Read Free Book Online Page A

what
to charge you, Trish. Why don’t you come and look at it and tell me
if you even want it, then we can talk price.” Trish nodded at Eva’s
response.
    “ Cade and I have a dining
room set we don’t want anymore, and possibly a bedroom set. We’re
also getting new lamps. His are ugly, but you’re welcome to
them.”
    “ I’ll come by and see them
sometime next week, and I’ll buy those too, if they’re what I
need.” Trish smiled at both her friends.
    “ Whatever floats your
boat, but I swear, I’d likely pay someone to take it all off my
hands. You want the neon Coors Lite sign, too?” Callie
laughed.
    “ I think I’ll pass on
that, but thanks anyway. Something about beer signs and kids just
doesn’t mix for me. Call me strange.” Trish smiled again as she
sipped more water.
    “ Well, if you’re sure. It
goes nicely with the moving waterfall clock advertising Bud Lite.
Or was it Michelob? Either one, you’re welcome to them.”
    “ Very generous of you, but
no thanks.” Trish smiled as she shook her head.
    “ Well, if you’re sure.
Eva, don’t you have some things you’d like to dump, I mean donate,
to the cause?” Callie looked over at Eva, and so did
Trish.
    “ Nothing quite up to par
with those lovely items. Men and their idea of décor. You’ve got to wonder.
Josh has pictures of hockey players framed and hanging in the guest
room. When I took them down, he insisted that they were collectors’
items, autographed no less. Can you imagine? What about Jake’s
place, Trish? Give us some examples of his taste.”
    “ I have no idea. I’ve
never been to Jake’s place. We’re just friends.” Trish nodded with
determination as she made the statement.
    Eva and Callie exchanged all knowing
looks again.
    “ What? We are just
friends.” We are just friends. Just
friends, just friends .
    “ No offense, Trish, but
you weren’t exactly acting like just a friend when you gave that
woman a dirty look as you pulled Jake over to our table last night.
Callie and I both noticed that you appeared to be kind of
possessive.” Eva raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Trish.
    “ Oh, honestly. I was just
helping him out of a distasteful situation. He’s such a nice guy,
he probably didn’t know how to let her down easy. He appeared to be
not interested.”
    “ And why do you think that
is, girlfriend?” Callie trapped Trish with her stubborn
gaze.
    “ I don’t know, Callie, but
I have a feeling you’re about to tell me.” Trish took a deep breath
and prepared to stand firm.
    “ You and Jake have been
drifting closer and closer over the last few months. Both Eva and I
have noticed. I think Granddad has, too. He’s hinting at a
matchmaking plot.”
    “ Oh, good grief. Jake and
I are friends. I think he’s a great guy, but I told you, I’m not
interested in getting into another relationship any time soon if
ever. In fact, never again is highly likely. Been there, done that,
girls. Don’t want to go there again. Once was more than enough for
me, thank you very much.” Trish refused to give an inch.
    “ Why?” Eva dropped the one
word question, and it hung in the air.
    “ What do you mean, why,
Eva? I’ve already been married, I have two kids to raise, and I
plan on raising them on my own. I don’t need a man in my life for
anything. I can take care of me and mine without anybody else’s
help.” Trish huffed out a breath and dared her friends to argue the
point with her expression.
    Eva looked at Trish steadily. “Of
course you can take care of things on your own, but wouldn’t it be
nice to have someone to share responsibilities with, both good and
bad? Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to someone and spill your bad
day and get some sympathy? I never thought I would ever marry
again, either, but Josh has changed my mind about a lot of things.
My first marriage was a nightmare, but my second marriage is going
to be great. This time I’m marrying the right guy. It makes a