Second Chances by Bria Marche Read Free Book Online

All he’s looking for is his piece of the pie. I’ll worry about the will after Mom has been put to rest. Now I have to figure out who to call that’s related to us. Anyone in town will read about her death in the newspaper. Oh no, I have to come up with an obituary. Betsy, you’ve been by my mom’s side for years. You know all the organizations she was a member of, and I think you can give me some favorable adjectives to use in describing her. You must have seen the sweet side of her now and then, didn’t you?”
    “Of course, Miss Abby, I’ll get started on that right away. Would you like dinner first, ma’am?”
    “No, thanks. This stuff is more important to take care of than meals. It’s time to let your hair down and stop worrying about serving us. Between you, Mel, and me, we’ll get everything done correctly and thoroughly. Tonight, we’re ordering pizza.”
    A smile crossed Betsy’s face as she embraced Abby. Her gold-flecked eyes glistened with tears as Abby expressed her gratitude for Betsy’s years of service in the Melrose household.
    “From now on, this house is going to be less formal. Are you okay with that?”
    “Yes, ma’am. What would you and Miss Melanie like on your pizza?”
    “You decide. You’re eating it, too. Make sure to order an extra-large for all of us. Who delivers the groceries?”
    “It’s a private company called At Your Service. I give them the list Mrs. Melrose draws up weekly, then they deliver the groceries from the natural foods store on Spring Street.”
    “Well, you can cancel their services. From now on, we’re buying groceries at Publix, and we’ll go together. I think it’s time to trim the fat around here. I’m sure my mom spent thousands more a month than she needed to. We’re going to make a lot of changes, beginning with my name. No more Miss Abby, it’s just Abby. Okay? As far as I’m concerned, Betsy, you’re family. You may be the housekeeper and cook, but starting now, in this house, we’re going by first names only.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “And no more calling anyone ma’am either.” Abby laughed at the shocked expression on Betsy’s face. “Don’t get me wrong. I loved my mom. Over the last few years, we were estranged, but I’m sure you were aware of that. I certainly didn’t wish any harm to her, and now her death is excruciating. There’s so much I wish we could have changed or fixed, but it’s too late. I’ll have to live with that burden forever. But going forward, I want this huge old house to feel like a home, a welcoming, happy home, not a place where you have to tiptoe around for fear of being scolded. So starting today, I want you to let your guard down and feel just as much at home in this house as I do. The only difference is, you’re the paid cook and housekeeper. And now, I’d really like to see your room.”
    “My room? Why would you want to see that? It’s not in the best condition, Miss… I mean, Abby.”
    “Exactly, and that’s about to change.”
    ***
    Charlotte always kept money in the house for incidentals. Abby knew that for a fact since many times, she had seen her mother come out of the bedroom with a wad of cash in her hand. Abby was sure it was hidden somewhere in the master suite.
    “Okay, you guys, we’re going on a treasure hunt. Literally. My mom kept money in the house, probably in her bedroom. We need cash—and fast. I barely have any of my own, and Betsy, I bet you don’t either.”
    Betsy stared at Abby with eyes the size of saucers. Mel rubbed her hands together so fast, they almost ignited in anticipation of the fun.
    “On a serious note, I’ll have to come up with money for my mom’s funeral and memorial service. I have to support this household, pay utility bills, and buy groceries. We really need a car, so I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from. Oh my gosh, I just had an epiphany. Mel, how much do you pay for rent, and how big is your apartment?”
    “Um…it’s