“You can move in with me,”Donna offered.
“Oh, I couldn’t impose on you like that.”
“You’re not imposing. You’re my sister. Of course, you’ll move in.”
“You sure you don’t mind? It will just be until I can find a place I can afford.”
“For as long as you need.”
“Thanks, Donna.”Evelyn sighed. Her usually composed sister looked almost…defeated.“There’s so much to deal with. I’ve packed up my personal things. I’ve already sold some of the jewelry Darren gave me. I don’t really have anything to call my own in this house. My kitchen things that I bought are about all I’m taking. I’ve sent a lot of my fancy clothes to the resale shop. I won’t be needing those for fancy country club events anymore. I was wondering why they didn’t ask me to help at the last fundraiser at the club. I guess the men at the club knew about this and told their wives…”
“Evelyn, I’m so, so sorry.”She hugged her sister even though her sister wasn’t a hugging person. She figured Evelyn could use the hug whether she knew she needed it or not.
Evelyn actually returned the embrace and clung to her for a moment, then she pulled away, straightened up.“Let’s go sit back down and finish our tea.”
“So, what can I do to help?”Donna asked as they settled back in their chairs.
“Giving me a place to live for a bit will help. It helps a lot.”
“If you need money—”
“No, I’m fine for now. I’ll sell some of my things. I still have some jewelry to sell. At least Darren showered me with expensive jewelry and original artwork. I want none of it now. None. So it makes it easy to sell off.”
“Oh, Evie.”Her heart was breaking for her sister. For Darren’s betrayal. For her financial situation. She wondered how her sister would weather all this. Evelyn had always had it easy her whole life. She’d been taken care of. Given every luxury.
And now…she had nothing.
No, that wasn’t right. Evelyn had her family. And Donna was determined they’d all help her through this.
Chapter 19
The next evening after work, Donna started cleaning out a closet in a guest room for Evelyn. She also needed to clear out the garage. Somehow, over the years with just her one car—not that she drove it often—half the garage had managed to fill up with boxes. She needed space for Evelyn, her car, and her things, and wanted her sister to feel welcome.
She got out bags to donate some of the clothing in the closet, unsure why she had kept some of the outfits. Probably because it had been easier to move them into an extra closet than deal with getting rid of them. Well, the thrift shop in town was going to get a haul soon.
She cleaned and dusted the room, putting fresh linens on the bed. She wasn’t sure exactly when Evelyn would move in, but she wanted the room ready and waiting for her.
“Mom, you here?”Olivia’s voice drifted up from downstairs.
“Up here.”
Olivia clattered up the stairs and poked her head in the room.“What are you doing? Weird time of day for a cleaning spree.”
“I’m—”She paused. It wasn’t her place to tell Olivia what was going on in Evelyn’s life. But she’d know sooner or later when she saw Evelyn moved in.“I’m cleaning the guest room.”
“Obviously. You getting ready to have company?”
“No. I mean, yes.”She sighed.
“Mom, what aren’t you telling me?”Olivia stood in the doorway, her hands on her hips.
Might as well tell her now. The truth would be out soon.“Evelyn is moving in with me.”
“She’s what? Why? That doesn’t make any sense. Is her house getting treated for bugs or something?”Olivia’s forehead creased as she tried to sort out what she’d heard.
“No, she’s moving in here to live. At least for a while.”
“She have a fight with Darren?”
