For Your Love by Beverly Jenkins Page B

picked up the carafe and poured the dark brew into his mug that read “My Dad Rocks!”—­a gift from Devon for Father’s Day—­she said, “I was surprised by your announcement last night about Bobby.”
    He shrugged. “Need to get him a job doing something. Figured why not?”
    â€œDo you think he can handle it?”
    â€œNo idea.” He took a sip. “May take him a while to get up to speed, but I do need the help, and he’s the only one in town not already wearing six hats.”
    â€œTrue.”
    â€œHe’s supposed to let me know this morning whether he’s going to take me up on the offer.” He checked his watch. “Told him to be here at eight sharp.” It was seven thirty.
    â€œI’ll keep my fingers crossed.”
    â€œLil’s over at the school with Jack, trying to find a room for the library. Said to tell you she’d be in as soon as they were done.”
    â€œOkay.”
    They spent a few more minutes talking about their individual agendas for the day. Just as Trent was preparing to head down the hall to his own office, Bobby appeared.
    â€œMorning,” he said.
    â€œGood morning,” Trent replied, pleased.
    Bernadine echoed his greeting. She looked pleased as well.
    â€œI’m ready to go to work,” Bobby said.
    â€œThen grab some coffee if you want, and let’s get going.”
    It turned out that the young man wasn’t a coffee drinker, so with a departing nod to Bernadine, he followed Trent out to begin his first day.
    â€œGlad you decided to take the offer,” Trent said, watching him over his cup as he hung his coat on the free-­standing rack.
    â€œDidn’t make sense not to. This is why Kiki and I moved here.”
    â€œEver read a blueprint?
    â€œNo.”
    â€œThen we’ll start with that.”
    Trent was explaining the basics when Mal walked in. His face was somber, and Trent could have sworn he’d been crying. “Dad? You okay?”
    â€œYeah.”
    Trent’s first thought was Tamar. Had something happened? Was she hurt? He willed himself to remain calm. “Tamar okay?”
    â€œYeah, she’s fine. Need to talk to you.” Mal nodded at Bobby. They’d met last night after the meeting. “Morning, Bobby.”
    â€œMorning, Mr. July.”
    â€œTrent, can you come out into the hall for a minute?”
    â€œSure.” His confusion was high. Excusing himself, he followed his dad.
    Out in the hallway, Mal asked, “Is there someplace private where we can talk?”
    â€œDad, what’s going on?”
    â€œYour mother’s here.”
    Trent froze, studying his father’s face for signs of joking. “Not funny.”
    â€œNo, it isn’t. She’s out at Tamar’s. I just talked with Rita. Came to get you.”
    A million questions screamed in his head. He drew in a deep breath, hoping it would slow his racing heart. “Let me send Bobby home.” Stunned, he walked back into the office.
    Bobby took one look at his face and asked, “You okay, man?”
    Trent’s brain was stuck on Your mother’s here. “No. I mean yeah, but I need to talk to my dad. Take the day off. I’ll probably be tied up most of the day.”
    â€œEverybody okay? Your wife, kids, Tamar?”
    Trent nodded. “Yeah. Just something needing my attention. I’ll pay you for the full day. Go on home. I’ll give you a call later.”
    Still viewing him with concern, Bobby put on his coat. “If you need anything, let me know.”
    â€œI will.”
    After Bobby had gone, Mal stepped back in and closed the door.
    â€œSo why is she here after all this time?” Trent asked. The bitterness of being abandoned crept up even as he fought to keep it from claiming him. “Does she want forgiveness? Money? A kidney?” The sadness in Mal’s eyes was something he’d rarely seen, and it