Page 30 (1/2)

Jack shrugged “Go ahead, Miss Ella I’m all ears” He knew she wouldn’t stop until she said her piece, she’d been like that from the day he moved in

“I know you think I’e old lady with no faht about that I’hty years, and I’m alone My son hasn’t talked to randchild, a little boy who I’ve never met”

Miss Ella stared down at the half eaten apple in her hands, and Jack noticed that they were tre He watched her closely, unsure of what the hell was happening First off he had no idea she had a son, and secondly, he’d never seen this side of her She’d been a pain in his butt for years now, but they’d never had a conversation like this

“I wasn’t always this way,” she said slowly She glanced up at hilassy “Everyone has a story, James Mine’s pretty much done but you have soonly silence

“Miss Ella,” he said gently

But again she ignored him

“Do you love that there Donovan James?”

Like a wash of cold water, any empathy he felt fled as soon as he heard her name

“No”

“I don’t believe you”

Jack was done “This is going to sound harsh Miss Ella, but I don’t particularly care whether you believe me or not”

“I guess that’s your prerogative,” she said walking over to sink and tossing her apple core into the trash She rabbed the rose froe as well

“Everyone has a story,” she said once more “Sometimes we need to listen for the words We need to hear them even if they’re unspoken” She was quiet for a fewat Coco “I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your dog out of ardens”

She slipped past him, and a few moments later he heard the back door squeak shut

What The Hell She really was the weirdest old lady he’d ever known