Page 53 of Lakehouse Promises

Her mother raised her right.

She missed her mom so much in that moment, her chest felt like it would explode with grief.

She needed her now, more than ever.

Swallowing her pain she opened the back door and stepped inside.

Janice was nowhere in sight.

Phoenix peered around her legs making sure the coast was clear before coming inside.

She couldn’t blame the animal.

Carolina put her teacup into the sink and walked toward the guest room. The door was closed. She knocked on the door. “Janice?”

No answer.

Carolina tried the lock. The knob wouldn’t budge.

“Janice, I need to talk to you.”

No answer.

Carolina sighed feeling terribly about the words she said. But she knew Janice. Once offended she could hold a grudge like nobody’s business.

Shaking her head Carolina headed into the kitchen. The aroma of chili filled the air. She lifted the lid and stirred the ingredients.

Carolina was tired. In her body and in her soul and in her heart.

She didn’t have the energy to even eat the meal she’d made.

Finding a large glass container with a lid, she scooped the chili into the bowl to put into the refrigerator. She would have it for dinner tomorrow.

Carolina fed Phoenix, whose appetite had not been affected by the day’s events.

“Wish I could live like you buddy.”

Carolina stayed outside letting Phoenix do his business after his dinner and before heading to bed.

She wanted to knock on Janice’s door again but she didn’t. There was no place for Janice to sleep, and she would eventually end up on the couch.

Carolina went into the linen closet and pulled out a pillow and blanket and placed them both on the couch.

When Janice was ready for bed she would have someplace to lay her head.

Carolina could offer her that much at least.

Chapter 31

Carolina woke up before the alarm on her phone went off. She padded to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

After she’d showered and dressed, she headed into the kitchen. Phoenix had followed her into the kitchen while she made coffee. Carolina had been so tired she neglected to prep the coffee the night before.

When she was done she headed to the back door and spotted Janice asleep on the couch.

Janice had her hands under her cheek as she slept, her mouth slightly ajar.

She looked vulnerable. More vulnerable than Carolina had ever seen.