"Of course you don't," she said. "We don't really talk about these things openly, but they're the source of frustration and regret for many women. Look, I'm not complaining. I had a pretty marvelous life when all is said and do
ne, but I do understand the frustration you feel about having Jack take control of your situation. All I'm saying is that there's a balance."
"I can see that," I nodded as I thought about the difference between intent and action, and wondered if perhaps Jack and I needed to have a conversation about things. Then I thought about how embarrassed I'd feel if I brought this up and was wrong about his intentions.
"I don't think Jack was trying to control you, dear," Betty said as she quietly broke into my thoughts. "I think he was just trying to alleviate the stress you must obviously feel as you try to deal with work, home, and making sure Riley is well cared for."
"I can see that," I said. "I'm just not sure how I feel about this."
"Don't let pride get in the way of gaining a better understanding of his motives," Betty said as she stood up. "I don't know what they are, but I'm willing to bet they're better than what you think. Now, if you'll excuse me, dear, I'm going to show you your room and then take myself to bed."
"Oh, of course," I said, popping up off of the chaise and following her upstairs.
The room she'd had prepared for me was the most luxurious place I'd ever seen. The room was done in mossy greens and earthy tones, and it felt relaxing and restful. In one corner was an inviting sitting area with over-stuffed armchairs and plump stools. There were fuzzy blankets draped over the backs of the chairs and tables piled high with the latest best-sellers. On the other side of the room was a huge canopy bed covered in the thickest duvet I'd ever seen, topped with a mountain of pillows that looked like they were made for lounging.
The room had its own private bath complete with a soaking tub and an intricately tiled shower area that covered almost an entire wall. Betty showed me that the closets had been filled with an array of clothing and things Jack thought I might need, and she gave me a tour of the bathroom, making sure to tell me that she'd placed an order for the cosmetics and personal hygiene products herself.
"Jack wouldn't have known the first thing about what you'd need," she chuckled as she pulled out drawers and showed me all of the things that had been tucked into them.
"I don't know how to begin to thank you," I said, overwhelmed by the magnitude of generosity, and a little intimidated by it, too.
"There's no need, dear," Betty said smiling warmly. "We do what we can, when we can. And we're able to do a lot right now. Just relax and enjoy it, and let us help ease the stress of trying to figure out how to move forward, okay?"
"Okay," I nodded then asked. "Where's Riley?"
"Her room is two doors down the hall," Betty said. "I stocked it with things for a teenager, so I think she should be okay there tonight."
"I'm sure she'll be fine," I laughed, thinking about what Riley must have thought about her room. "I won't be able to get her out of it in the morning, though!"
"About that," Betty said hesitating a bit. "I know she's out of school right now. Jack told me. So, I found a tutor who will come to the house and give her lessons for as long as you two are staying here. I hope that's all right."
"Oh, Betty, thank you so much," I said as the tears welled up in my eyes. "I have been trying to figure out what to do about her schooling because I don't want her to get behind."
"That's the benefit of having lots of money, dear," Betty said patting my shoulder. "The challenge is figuring out how best to use it. I think this is definitely a good way to use it."
I nodded as she held out her arms and drew me into a tight hug. I held back, knowing that the wall dividing my emotions from the reality of what was going on had become dangerously thin over the past few hours, and I didn't want Betty to think I wasn't grateful.
She bid me good night and closed the door. I ran a tub full of hot water, then sunk down into the bubbles and cried until I felt like I had no tears left.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Jack
I spent most of the night pacing like a caged tiger, trying to hold back the anger that I felt. I wanted to find Lincoln and demand answers as to why he'd set me up, and then I wanted to find Sloan and cut her down to size. This was the last time I would ever believe a single word she said, and going forward, I would do whatever it took to ensure that she paid for the lies she'd told and the damage she'd done to Baby Steps.
By the time the sun came creeping up over the horizon, I'd formulated a plan to bring the liars out of the woodwork and teach them a lesson. Leah and I would save Baby Steps from the destructive plans my brother and his lover had cooked up.
I called Jimmy and told him to bring the car around before anyone in the house was stirring. I planned to get to the office early and organize the plan before anyone else arrived. When Jimmy dropped me off, I told him to swing back to the house and pick up Leah, but not to bring her in before nine. He nodded and headed back.
"Well, good morning, sunshine!" Norma crowed as she entered the office a little while later. She chattered away as usual before she realized how early it was. "My goodness, this morning I've been busier than a moth in a mitten! What are y’all doing here so early?"
"Norma, we've got a problem," I said, motioning her into my office.
"What's up, buttercup?" she said as she came closer.
"I'm going to trust you with information that is strictly confidential, and I expect that it will go no further than this office, do you understand?" I asked.
"Darlin', your father trusted me with most of the top secret things in this company. I'm sure I can handle your little cloak and dagger mystery just fine," she said shaking her head disapprovingly.