The contrast between the two vehicles is stark. Not recognizing the car, I feel my shoulder muscles tense, and I have to force myself out of the Jeep rather than just driving away again. The fact that Jimmie’s already home when he shouldn’t be off work for another hour bothers me, but I just keep telling myself it’s nothing. I’m a firm believer that if you say anything enough, you’ll start to believe it. Or not. Ignoring the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, I force myself to trudge up the walk, my book bag slung across one shoulder. I take a deep breath and slip inside the house, where I hear muted laughter, signaling our house guest is a she. From there, I don’t have to be a brain surgeon to realize who she is, considering Jimmie is here for the first time in a while before sunset. Although I’d love to just slip off to my room undetected, it’s not going to happen, I know, seeing Jimmie on the couch with Theresa. He’s turned sideways so he can look directly at her as she leans against the couch and coyly plays with a gold necklace.
