Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [128]
Rubbing the back of his neck, he tried to figure it out. Was it the job or the move that bothered him? He wasn’t one to run away from his problems, and he’d discovered how long the road was between Texas and Ohio—from his family.
He worked the mouse, considering Erin. She and Jessie were staying at the house over spring break. Then they would return and finish their semester. After that, Erin would move home for good. The timing was right, for Erin would be available to help their mom. Still, he’d learned not to proceed when he didn’t feel peace about a situation.
He had e-mail. Only it wasn’t from the Texan. His brow rose. From Jessie? That surprised him, although they did e-mail on occasion. Inquisitive, he clicked open the message.
Katy dipped a long-handled squeegee into a bucket. Starting at the top and stroking downward, she removed winter’s grime from the exterior of her kitchen windowpane. Although she was tired from already working at the Brooks', she wanted to get the window cleaned before dark. As she worked, she prayed for Lil and Mrs. Landis. They were seeing a doctor today. She also prayed about the e-mail she’d sent Jake.
Normally under such circumstances, the waiting would have been unbearable, but amazingly, God had provided her with peace. Oh, she had moments when she wondered if she’d been crazy to send that e-mail, but then she remembered that God was in control, come what may.
She heard the crackle of gravel and turned, expecting to see Megan. Surprised to see Ann Byler’s car instead, Katy dropped her squeegee in the bucket. Her heart tripped when she saw Jessie crawl out from behind the steering wheel.
“Hey!” the short blond hailed with enthusiasm.
Katy waved back, but her nerves were acutely aware that she probably bore news about Jake.
“Wow. Show me how that works,” Jessie said, eyeing the partly cleaned window and the squeegee.
With a chuckle, Katy gave her a demonstration. “Want to give it a try?”
“Sure.”
The girl wore a supple leather jacket, jeans, and high-heeled boots—so different from Katy’s own calf-length skirt. Jessie gave a little shriek when water dripped over part of what Katy had already cleaned, and then she surrendered the tool.
“Don’t worry. I’m going over it again.”
“Guess I’d better live in apartments until I can afford a maid.” Then Jessie clutched Katy’s arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” Katy’s face went hot. “I like my job.”
“I just wish I had a job. My dad always makes me get a summer job. I’d like to keep one all year, but it never works out that way.”
Katy bit her lower lip, considering. Earlier that day, she’d discovered that Tammy was still having trouble finding a replacement nanny. “You like kids?”
“I love them. Kids are so fun.”
“One of my employers is looking for a nanny for a seven-year-old girl and an eleven-year-old boy. They live in Old Arlington. Think you’d be interested?”
“Are you kidding? That’s close to campus!”
“Tammy, the wife, had a bad experience with another college student. But I think she’d like you.”
Jessie clutched Katy’s shoulders, and she suddenly felt herself pulled into the smaller woman’s embrace. At first she flinched, but then she awkwardly patted Jessie’s back. When they drew apart, Jessie exclaimed, “Thanks so much!”
“You’re welcome. I can finish this later. Want to come inside?”
“I’d love to. Jake told me he did the remodel.”
So they’d been in touch since he’d come back to Plain City. Pushing that out of her mind, Katy led the way into the doddy house.
“This is so cute,” Jessie exclaimed. After their tour, she admitted, “You must have thought I was a slob when you saw Jake’s room.”
Katy remembered with a grin. Then she pointed