“Are you hungry?” She walked into the kitchen.
“Starving.” Janice followed her.
“Great. I’ll get the chili ready.”
“I forgot my acid reflux medication.” She huffed.
“There may be some in the cabinet over the sink.” Carolina would check herself but she had her hands full of ground beef.
Janice went through the cabinets to no avail. “Nothing.”
“I don’t make my chili spicy so maybe it won’t bother you.”
“I’ve never had your chili before.” Janice lifted her chin. “Chris usually cooks me a nice filet when I’m there.”
Carolina bit back a reply and focused on browning the meat. She added some garlic salt while it simmered.
“Where did you find that dog? He looks awful. He is nothing but skin and bones.” Janice reluctantly sat on the barstool.
“He just showed up. I asked around but I think someone just dumped him.” Carolina pulled out a couple of cans of crushed tomatoes and a large pot.
“I don’t blame them. He’s no good to anyone in his condition.”
Carolina stiffened. She put the spatula down and cut her eyes at her. “You would throw away an animal because he’s too old?”
“That’s not what I said.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Janice…” She was interrupted by Janice’s ringing phone.
Janice looked at who was calling and smiled. “Hello darling.” She slid off the stool and walked into the living room for privacy.
Carolina strained to hear who she was talking to, but couldn’t make out the conversation.
It was probably Chris calling to tell her what an awful wife Carolina had been and he had traded up with Kylie.
She wished Janice would just leave her in peace. She was so different from her own mother. Where Janice was materialistic and cared about keeping up appearances, her own mother had been satisfied with the simple life of living on a farm and helping out where she could.
Despite how hard it was to like Janice, Carolina still couldn’t bring herself to actually kick the woman out. She couldn’t understand why Janice was here anyway. Probably just to annoy her.
Janice walked back into the kitchen and slid onto the stool. Her expression had changed.
“Everything okay?” Carolina asked.
“You know I don’t talk about my private business.” Janice’s lip quivered.
Carolina frowned. “I wasn’t trying to snoop. Just making sure you were okay.” She wasn’t without compassion.
“That was Chris. He said he isn’t coming home. Not until his honeymoon is over.”
Carolina cocked her head. “You thought he’d come back because you’re here?”
“Of course. I am his mother. He’s my only child. He should come back when I need him.”
“I’m sure you’ll see him soon enough. It’s only a few more weeks.”
“I don’t have a few more weeks.” Janice blinked. “I’ll be on a cruise by the time he gets back.”
Carolina rolled her eyes. She turned back around and concentrated on the chili.
