A Sister's Place

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Jeff had showered and gone to bed hours before, but he did not sleep.  Lying in his king size bed, the lamp was on as he reread a report given to him by Charles Summers, his investigator for 5 years.  He reached for his landline telephone, dialed Summers’ office and left a message for Charles to call him on Monday.  “Track me down when you get this message,” he said in his best “this is very important” voice.  That done, he turned off the light and tried to get to sleep, wondering if Irene has gone home yet. We are a good team, he thought. That had been the important missing ingredient in his marriage.  He knew he and Irene must finish the conversation started in her kitchen last night.  Again he regretted not sticking to their college plans

Several times in the past few hours, Irene had looked at him with such warm and grateful eyes.  Women seem to have that ability to make a man want to be their hero, he thought.  Was I enough of a hero last night to earn her forgiveness?  It was my great pleasure to help her.  He could still see the looks on the faces of the women and children, and also the staff members.  With all his heart he wanted to help them all.  But pleasing Irene was his main mission. 

He had hoped to personally show her the finished house, but she had not been able to come to the open house.  Talking about going to another level had been the goal then.  He wasn’t aware that she was angry and hurt.  He thought she was just busy and trying not to move too fast.  Did he reach forgiveness last night?  If so, where did she want to go from there? 

Jeff looked at his clock and thought about seeing Irene in a few hours. He wished the meeting was about their relationship but it was essential they talked today. That was his last thought as he fell soundly asleep.