Jennifer's Garden by Dianne Venetta Read Free Book Online Page A

defer any insult which he may take personally.  “Aurelio has a few names.”  Aurelio knew no one, but she would not succumb to the half-baked efforts of this Jackson fellow.  They’d just have to find someone.
    “But please, don’t worry.  I’ll get it done. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your and Laurencia’s help.  It means a lot to me, really.”
    “I don’t understand, Jennifer.  What happened?”
    “Nothing happened,” she said, her discomfort mounting.
    “The bartending thing?  It was a favor to me.  Jax’s a good friend of mine and offered to fill in when the catering company came up short on staff.”
    Good friend ?  Surprise kicked at her chest.  Favor?
    Michael rolled past her pause.  “He used to bartend for hotel banquets, back when he was establishing his landscaping business.  That’s not a problem, is it?”
    “Of course not,” she answered, before realizing that is exactly what she had used against him.
    “Your job isn’t that big, right?  You said you were only looking for a couple of small plants and flowers?”
    “Yes, but...”
    “He’s the guy, Jennifer.  Jax has contacts with an established nursery and can guarantee fast delivery—unless you wanted something special.”
    “I don’t really...” she heard herself say.
    “Then all he needs is an idea of how many plants you want.  He’ll take it from there.”
    While she knew Michael’s aim was pure, she felt backed into a corner.  For her to say no now would most definitely cause offense, something she could not do.
    Not to this man.  Her heart fell.  “You’re a lifesaver, Michael.”
    “Anything for you, Jennifer.  You know Laurencia and I are there for you.”
    “Thank you,” she said, but there was no pleasure in her gratitude.  Only ambivalence, tinged with regret.  “I know you are and I appreciate it so much.”  She paused, nowhere left to maneuver, to escape, she said, “I’ll call him.  He can stop back this afternoon.”
    “Let me do it for you.  Will five work?”
    “Fine.”  Perfect , she rued.
     
    But four o’clock that afternoon found Jennifer getting ready to start another case.  And while she hated to cancel last minute, she had to reschedule.  From the darkened quiet of the cath lab control room, she dialed Jackson’s cell number.  Rubbing her forehead to ease the headache building within, she avoided eye contact with the staff on the other side of the glass partition.  Busy working to move her patient onto the operating table, what did they care she was skulking back, tail between her legs.
    As she waited for him to answer, Jennifer felt her nerves rev up in anticipation.  If he chose to be cocky and shove an attitude her way—something he may feel entitled to do—it would only make matters worse.  Eating her words did not suit her well and had she been firmer with Michael this morning, she wouldn’t be in this position at all.
    Nor would she be any closer to getting the job done.
    “Jackson Montgomery.”
    “Hello.  This is Dr. Hamilton calling.”
    “Hello Dr. Hamilton.”
    She detected no animosity in his voice, no gloating.  “I apologize,” she began with steady resolve, “but I need to cancel our appointment for this afternoon.  I’m still at the hospital and won’t be able to get away for at least another hour, probably more.”
    “No problem.  Should I come by at seven, or hold off until tomorrow?”
    She balked.  Laborers didn’t work on Sundays, did they?
    Michael must have insisted, she thought at once, feeling a wave of obligation wash over her shoulders.  He knew she was pressed for time and must have compelled Mr. Montgomery to be available.   Jennifer winced from the quick stab of guilt.  She wasn’t the one pressed for time.  It was her mother .
    Too tired to brush the despair from her voice, she agreed, “Tomorrow, if it’s all right with you.”  She expelled a sigh.  “Say around ten?”
    “Ten it