Nothing But Trouble by Bettye Griffin Read Free Book Online

something wrong with you. It’s unlikely, but not impossible.”
    â€œSo what am I supposed to do, go down to his office and jack off in a cup?”
    â€œI wish you wouldn’t be so crass about it. This is important to me, Vic. Why don’t you think about it for a while?” But don’t take too long, she silently implored. While the physician pointed out that thirty-seven was much better than thirty-eight, which in turn was much better than thirty-nine, he had stressed that time was not on her side.
    She decided the topic had been discussed sufficiently for one evening. “How was work today?” she asked to change the subject.
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    After dinner, Norell relaxed in the living room with a book while Vic watched TV. A jangling phone suddenly broke into the relative quiet. She put a hand on the receiver and waited, as was her habit, for it to ring two complete times before picking it up. “Hello.”
    â€œNorell, it’s Dana.”
    â€œHi! What’s up?”
    â€œI called so you can wish me luck. I’m going to the bank tomorrow. Brittany’s friend’s father is branch manager at the same bank where we, where I have my mortgage, so I figured I’d start with him, see if he can influence the loan officer in my favor.” Dana paused. “But there’s something else I need to talk to you about.”
    â€œWhat’s that?” The commercial that had been playing ended, and Norell caught sight of Vic gesturing at her to keep quiet so he could watch the program. “Hold on, Dana, I’m going to switch phones.”
    When she was settled in the master bedroom she resumed the conversation. “Sorry about that. Vic’s really into some documentary about Alcatraz prison. It’s the bail bondsman in him, I guess. What’s on your mind?”
    â€œI want to know if you’ll be Brittany’s guardian in case anything happens to me.”
    Norell’s mouth dropped open. “Dana! I thought you were going to ask me to go with you to the bank for moral support or something. This is serious.”
    â€œYes, it is. If anything happens to me, Brittany will have no one. I guess I shouldn’t write off Kenny’s parents, but they live in a different country, they’re older, and they’ve had their hearts broken by the fates of their two sons. Brittany would be a lot happier here in Jacksonville, and of course Cécile already has a huge family.”
    â€œI’d be happy to take care of her, Dana.”
    â€œNorell, not so fast. Think about it. Talk to Vic. I’d also like you to be the executrix of my estate. I’m putting in a clause saying that Brittany won’t have full control over whatever money there is until she’s thirty, so if I die before that, you’d have to make the determination about what she should get and when. I don’t want her selling the house and blowing the proceeds on silly things like clothes and cars.”
    Norell found Dana’s planning impressive. She reasoned it was all part of being a responsible parent. Hopefully one day she, too, would have a child to look out for. “You’re really getting your house in order, aren’t you? Setting up a business, looking for a renter, and now Brittany’s guardianship.”
    â€œYou’d be surprised at what comes to mind when you’ve been forbidden to put any stress on your right hand. I wish I’d thought of trying to rent that room last year instead of wishing the building didn’t exist.”
    â€œAny luck yet finding a tenant?”
    â€œNo, but the semester is just about over. I might have to wait until the kids come back in August, unless I can find someone who’s taking summer classes.” Dana yawned. “Excuse me.”
    â€œSounds like you’d better get a good night’s sleep. You’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
    â€œI can’t go to bed. I’m getting