Over You by Christine Kersey Read Free Book Online Page B

the work you did. I’m sure Ellen would feel the same.”
    “I’m not going to take your money, Jess.”
    The way he said her name pierced her angry facade ever so slightly. But when she pictured him with another woman, laughing and flirting, jealousy filled the fracture like plaster on a cracked wall. “I’m not having this conversation with you. Just send me the bill, okay?” Before he had a chance to respond, Jessica spun on her heel and hurried back into the house.
    Afraid he would follow her inside, she turned the deadbolt, then went to the window and peered out. He was standing where she’d left him, like he expected her to come back out and apologize. Fat chance , she thought.
    After another moment he turned and walked to his truck. Jessica watched as he climbed in and drove away. A mixture of relief and regret washed over her as he drove out of sight.

Chapter Eight
    Once Jessica was certain Kyle was truly gone, she walked into the sunroom to check on Ellen. Apparently she had slept through the entire drama. Sinking into the empty chair next to her aunt, Jessica replayed the conversation she’d just had with Kyle.
    Does he think he can buy me off by not charging me for the work he did? Does it assuage his guilt for the way he treated me? The way he left me? Shaking her head, Jessica felt her anger growing. I’ll be glad to have Ben back to finish the job.
    Though the power had been restored, and over her aunt’s objections, that night Jessica slept on the couch near her aunt to make sure Ellen’s needs were taken care of. They both woke early and once they had finished breakfast, Jessica got Ellen comfortable in the sunroom.
    More lucid than the day before, Ellen commented on how quickly the electrical situation had been resolved. “I suppose Ben is good at what he does,” she said
    Jessica didn’t want to talk about Kyle so she nodded and didn’t comment.
    Since Ellen felt better, she suggested they play some games. Jessica got out a few of her aunt’s favorites and set up a table so that Ellen could keep her foot elevated, but still play. They played several rounds of Rummikub.
    “I’m surprised Ben isn’t here yet,” Ellen said.
    Jessica had been thinking the same thing. “Perhaps I should give him a call.”
    “His cell number’s on the notepad near the phone,” Ellen said.
    Jessica dialed his number, but it went to voice mail. She left a message asking him to call, then asked her aunt if she had any other numbers for him.  
    “I think his home number’s in the phone book.”
    Jessica found it without difficulty and called his house. A young boy answered the phone. “Is Ben there?” she asked.
    “My grandpa is at the hospital.”
    “Is there a grown-up there that I can talk to?”
    “You can talk to my mommy.”
    As Jessica opened her mouth to speak, she heard the child calling for his mother. A moment later a woman came on the line. Jessica explained that Ben was working on her aunt’s house and that she had been expecting him to come that morning and work.
    “This is Ben’s daughter-in-law,” the woman began. “He had a heart attack yesterday afternoon and now he’s in the hospital.”
    “Oh, no. I’m so sorry to hear that. How’s he doing?”
    “The doctor says he’ll recover, but he’s going to be out of commission for a while. It was a pretty serious heart attack. I’m afraid he’s not going to be able to work on your house any time soon.”
    Jessica pictured the master bathroom, completely torn apart, and frowned. “Well, I’m glad he’s going to be okay. That’s the most important thing.”
    “Thank you.”
    After Jessica hung up, she went back to the sunroom to talk to her aunt.
    “I heard what you were saying,” Ellen began. “What’s happened to Ben?”
    “He had a heart attack and now he’s in the hospital.”
    “Oh my. That poor man.”
    “I spoke to his daughter-in-law and she said he’s going to be okay, but he’s not going to be able to