Chloe Reeder Twin Pines (epub)

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."I hate it when you talk as if I'm not in the room.It is extremely rude!""Oh! Gladys, I'm sorry," Bella cried, walking numbly across the thick carpet to Gladys' side.She bent her knees and lowered herself to the elderly woman's eye level.Bella gave her a weak, but sincere smile as she touched her hand."Are you all right?" she asked softly.Gladys raised her faded green eyes, the same color as her grandson's, shaking her head in affirmation."I know this is a terrible situation, but I love it here.I don't want to move.Please, find my jewelry," she implored.All the furniture in the room was priceless antiques, making the woman a prime target for the thieves in the building.A bow window added visual space to the room and the view from the massive window was beautiful.Bushes covered with red and gold leaves filled the garden, shimmering in the fall sunset.They gleamed with moisture from the wet snow."Do you want some privacy while you look through your things?" Bella asked softly.The elderly woman smiled up at her."It would be lovely if you stayed to help me.I have specific thoughts about the search, but I'll understand if you can't help."Turning, Gladys turned her head and spotted her grandson."And you," she hitched her chin in Judd's direction, can go on home…I can do this after I watch my Seinfeld rerun tonight.""I'll be back to visit after I clear this up." Bella said."Thank you," Formally, Gladys rose from her chair."I'm sorry Judd has been such a agitator.I'm afraid my relocation is more upsetting to him than it is to me.He really is a warmhearted, loving man." Regret flickered in her eyes.As Mrs.Fortney talked to Bella, she glared at her grandson who stood across the room in direct line of her fierce stare.He shifted his weight from one boot-clad foot to the other like a youngster waiting for punishment.Becky shifted her feet nervously mimicking Judd's movements as she stood in the doorway waiting for Bella to take charge of the situation.Finally, Bella broke the silence in the room."Let's continue this discussion in the day room." She motioned with her head, and then glanced at the gold watch on her wrist."It should be free by now."Judd grumbled obscenities under his breath loud enough for Bella to hear as he walked from the room."Gladys?" she questioned to gain the woman's attention."Oh, I'm sorry.What were you saying?""I'll be back in a few minutes to finish your inventory.I left the sheet on your dresser."Gladys looked around."Oh, yes, here it is.Are you sure Judd won't be angry if you come back?" She whispered, drawing it out into a sigh."I'm just doing my job.Surely, he can't condemn me for that."I hope this hasn't made it difficult for you and Judd to become friends." Her white brows met in the middle, forming a straight line across her forehead registering an expression of concern."Gladys, I'm not interested in dating Judd, you know that," Bella said, hoping the woman believed her words although she knew it would hurt Gladys to know that she couldn't stand Judd Fortney.The day room wasn't far.Bella stepped aside as she opened the door and politely let everyone enter ahead of her.Garrett lacked the will to excuse himself from this situation.This was an excellent chance to see his potential activities consultant in action--probably his only opportunity, once she learned his identity.So far, Bella had expertly controlled the predicament.This room appeared more used than the huge activities area at the other end of the hallway.It held a card table covered with a jigsaw puzzle in progress, a large-screen television, and a few lift-recliners facing the set.Across another wall, a long table held crafts.Bella closed the door for privacy.Very good, Bella, Garrett thought, the last thing you need is another wave of gossip.At times when she spoke of her difficulties, Garrett noticed a weary lilt affecting her voice.There was only so much an individual could take before cracking up, and he suspected she was close to that point.Garrett leaned back against the long table that held an assortment of hand crafted Christmas craft ornaments in progress.He stretched his legs in front of him and crossed his arms over his chest settling-in to watch."Why don't we go to your office, Bella?" Judd suggested, a wicked smile pulled the corners of his mouth into a sneer as his gaze shifted between Becky and Garrett."You do have an office don't you?"His condescending irritated Bella and Garrett watched her pace in front of a large window draped in lace.When she turned in his direction, he saw she was gritting her teeth, causing the muscle in her jaw to jump.Garrett wondered if she was silently calling Judd vulgar names.When his insulting words elicited no response from Bella, Judd continued, "I really don't have anything to say to this.nurse, or to your boyfriend." He turned his head in Becky's direction and then toward Garrett.Judd glowered at Garrett with his back stiff, then a slow predatory smile spread across his face.The smile didn't reach his eyes.Garrett's stomach knotted.A revelation struck him.Judd thinks I'm competition! He fought back the biting anger."Judd! That's quite enough," Bella exclaimed, the sharp words sounded stiff and foreign as they passed her lips [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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