“Oh, he's a big shot,” described Dog airily. “Nothing happens in Avenport without his approval. Even property valuations depend on his signature. He is the one who has been providing me with contracts.”
Sarah was still concerned about Jared's employment status. “He sounds like an important man. Can you see if Mr. Charleston can find Jared a job? He's going to be your cousin-in-law, after all.”
Dog gazed scathingly at Jared. “I would refuse to lift a finger to help him for his attitude tonight. For
Ingrid's sake, I will put in a word with Mr. Charleston.”
Turning away with disgust, he picked up his glass of wine. “I’m going over to toast to Mr. Charleston's good health. Help yourselves!”
Jared's family and Ingrid's family were the only ones remaining in the suite after Dog disappeared.
“I mean well despite the harshness of my words, Jared,” Sarah continued, sighing softly as she did so. “As your parents are no longer employed, you are now the man of the house. If you're not going to buck up, who will your parents rely upon? What's the point of coming back with a rental car and girlfriend? Are appearances really that important to you? Everybody in the village knows that you're fresh out of prison. They'll disrespect you even more when they see through your little charade!”
“Aunt Sarah, I-"
“What the hell are you talking about, Mom?” Ingrid snapped indignantly. “Josephine is Jared's girlfriend. A rental! Listen to yourself. You've been buying into Dog's rubbish.”
lam certain that Josephine is not rented by Jared for appearance's sake. No escort would dress up in luxury brands and gift me a priceless pair of earrings. Dog is the one who is in denial!
“Josephine really is Jared's girlfriend, Sarah,” Hannah reminded her sister. “We all know that as a fact.”
Surrounded by overwhelming convictions, Sarah became at a loss for words. All she could do was grin sheepishly at Josephine who returned the smile without a trace of offense taken. Jared's aunt only wants the best for him. I'm sure she didn't mean to direct her malice at me.
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