Page 13 of Seaside Bonds

Liz was happy to see the tension in Jane’s shoulders ease.

“Thanks. It makes sense now that you put it that way. I guess my subconscious was being overly paranoid. I’ll have to try to get it to butt out.” Jane studied Liz for a minute. “But I suspect I’m not the only one that might have some misplaced worry. Is there a reason you don’t want to stay in your house besides the mess?”

Liz wasn’t sure if it was the ocean, the coffee, or the dog, but she found herself telling Jane everything about her past. The way her father had always been so critical. How most of their communication when she was a teen was him yelling. How she’d moved away to college and then stayed away from her father, doing only the minimum at the end. How her husband had frittered away all their money and then dumped her and, finally, how her apartment was being turned into condos, and she couldn’t afford any place to live back home.

“So I’ll be homeless in a few months.”

“You can stay here! I’m sure we’ll have plenty of empty rooms.”

“Oh, I couldn’t impose. But thanks.”

“No, thankyou. You’ve given me some insight into my issues, and I’m grateful.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Liz took a deep breath. It had felt good to talk to someone about all her issues, even if no solution had resulted. She was happy that she’d given Jane something to think about and truly hoped her relationship with Mike could get to the next level.

Liz finished her coffee and set the mug down. “Well, I’d better get to the house. Who knows—maybe I’ll find a rare antique that will solve all my money issues!”