A Winter Awakening by Vivian Slate Read Free Book Online Page A

right.  The attorney said I should go, Jacob is being unreasonable in asking me not to go, and I could use a few days to say goodbye to my uncle, she thought.
    "Maybe you are right," sighed Ellie. "I'm just still so worried about Jacob. Maybe he is experiencing financial pressures. What has gotten into him?"
    "Oh, he will come around." Sarina gave Ellie's hand a pat, then took a drink of her own latte.
    "I don't know. I still have the Burlesque to plan, and it is in less than a week now. The timing is rotten!" Ellie shook her head back and forth, as if to clear away her troubles.  "That is enough about me. What is new with you?"
    Ellie and Sarina spent the next twenty minutes sharing stories about Sarina's kids, projects around the house, and Sarina's dance class. It sounds as if the Burlesque group was going to be ready for their risqué performance next week.
    Just before it was time to go, Sarina leaned forward and said, "Ellie, I've got the perfect idea. I'll put the finishing touches on the Burlesque show, and that will allow you to run out to Phoenix to take care of the will! You and Jacob come over to my house for dinner, and we will take care of all the final plans." She sat back with a look of smug satisfaction on her face.
    "I don't know. That is so much to ask of you."
    "Are you kidding me?" gasped Sarina. "I could do it in my sleep. Before I moved to Logan, I was a party planner!  Besides, we women need to stick together and support one another." 
    The two friends said their goodbyes and as Ellie left the coffee shop, she thought about what Sarina had said.  She was right! There was no reason for Ellie to miss the reading of Uncle Emery's will, and besides, it sounded as if Sarina had more than enough skill to put the finishing touches on the Burlesque.
    Now, she just had to tell Jacob the news.
     
    When Ellie got home that night, she prepared Jacob’s favorite meal; steak and potatoes, , put on one of his favorite dresses, and spent a little extra time cleaning the house. Jacob gave her a quick peck on the forehead when he walked in and sat down silently at the table.
    Other than leading the prayer before they ate, Jacob didn’t say a word during dinner. Only the oppressive silence and the aroma of steak filled the house. Just before they finished eating, Ellie decided to try and mend the fence. "Jacob? Are you upset because I didn't make dinner last night?"
    He placed his fork on the plate and looked at her. "No,babe. Is that what you thought?"
    Ellie shrugged and waited for him to say something more.
    He picked up his fork and took another bite.
    "Is it..." she paused, “are we having money trouble?" 
    "No."
    Ellie looked down at her plate and whispered, "I'm not pregnant. Is that it?"
    Jacob took her hand in his and leaned over to her, placing his forehead on hers. "We are both sad about that, babe. We just need to keep trying."
    Ellie searched his face, looking for a connection or sign of warmth or understanding. She found nothing but his firm, sharp features. The warmth she usually found in his eyes was gone. He picked his fork back up and ate the last few bites of his meal. That was Jacob; always so reserved with his thoughts.
    Ellie took a deep breath and gathered the courage to tell Jacob of her decision to go to Phoenix. She told him she would cut back on her shopping to pay for the trip, and of Sarina's offer to help with the Burlesque show. He still appeared to be upset, but didn't protest her decision. 
    When they climbed into bed, Ellie ran her fingers lightly over his back and shoulders, something that always caught his attention. Instead of his usual reaction though, he shrugged her away and pulled the blanket up over his shoulder. 
    He must be really upset , thought Ellie. She rolled to her own side of the bed, and just as she was drifting off to sleep, she remembered something about her conversation with Sarina.
    What was it she had said? "ol' Jakey Poo is feeling a little threatened