The Life She Wants Read Online Free PDF Page B

Everyone envied it.”
    â€œHe built it with my mother,” she said. “He never said but I think they hoped to have a few children.” She shook her head. “Even the idea of money makes me sick. I live in two rooms. I pinch my pennies in a way that would make John Shay so proud. And I can’t bear the idea of owing you money for services that you’re really doing as a favor.”
    â€œIf it turns out there’s nothing there or if you choose not to pursue the recovery of it, my fee will be zero.”
    Her eyes got a little round. “Why, Aaron, I think you wouldn’t mind catching Rosemary with her hand in the cookie jar!”
    â€œYou found me out,” he said. “John was such a gentle man. She seemed to suck the life out of him.”
    â€œI think he married Rosemary to have help with me,” she said. “It must have been so hard for him. And everyone who knew my mother loved her. I don’t think people even like Rosemary. She’s a hard woman.”
    He was quiet for a moment. “John was a good friend. He was careful with his will. It would take months to get an answer, Emma. Months before you have to decide how to proceed. For your peace of mind, I’d be happy to look into this for you.”
    She shrugged. “Why not? What can it hurt? I won’t get my hopes up. If Rosemary was involved, I’m sure she’s had a real party spending it. She quit working the week my dad died.”
    â€œThen I have something important to do and it makes me so happy to do it for you.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m glad you came home, Emma.”
    * * *
    Lyle was finishing up for the day, standing at the counter while he looked at the orders for Saturday delivery. In August sales started picking up again after summer. In summer there weren’t any floral holidays and people had their own blooms. Summer in Sonoma County was pure heaven.
    The door to the shop opened and he smiled to see Riley Kerrigan come in. Took her long enough, he thought. He hadn’t seen her in at least a couple of months. She looked fantastic, as usual. You’d never guess by looking at her that she owned a domestic and industrial cleaning service. She looked more like a bank executive or high-powered attorney. After all her years of secondhand clothes followed by scrimping to get by and build her business, Riley was making up for lost time in the wardrobe category.
    â€œHi,” she said. “I thought I might catch you before you left for the day. How’s it going?”
    â€œIt’s all good. How’s everything at Happy Housekeeping?” he asked, knowing full well that was not the name of her business.
    â€œHappy, happy, happy. So. Is she back?”
    He nodded. “Over a month now,” he said. “Tell me something—did it take willpower to wait this long to ask?”
    â€œI didn’t expect her to call, if that’s what you’re getting at. How is she?” Riley asked.
    â€œDoing very well, in spite of everything.”
    Riley’s smile was very small. “Emma has a way of bouncing back.”
    â€œIf she can bounce back from this, she’s a superhero. She stayed in that apartment alone, slept on a cot, even though her husband’s blood was all over his study. Because no one offered her a guest room, not even the legal team who were so well paid. And she wasn’t safe in a hotel—too many victims of Richard’s fraud threatened her. I offered to go out there but she wouldn’t have it—she didn’t want me in jeopardy. She made the drive to California by herself—she said she needed the time alone and away. Her husband has been dead a few months. It took her a month here to find a bad job. She says she’s holding up very well. I’m amazed she’s even standing.”
    â€œI’m sorry she’s going through this, but she wouldn’t want my sympathy or my help.