They stared at her in surprise. “What happened?” Teresa asked. Michelle put a plate down. “What are you doing here?” Jessie fell into a chair, folded her arms, and laid her head down. “Freda hates me and I hate myself.” Her sisters shared a confused look, shrugged then sat. “Start from the beginning,” Teresa said, patting Jessie’s back. “Freda overheard me talking about the bet and thinks I’m a money-hungry hussy.” Teresa gasped appalled. “Did she say that?” “No, but it was implied. But it’s worse than that. It’s the most horrible thing in the world.” “You’re in love with him,” Michelle said. Jessie raised her head, her eyes wide. “Is it that obvious?” She groaned. “How awful. How embarrassing.” She covered her face. “I can’t see him again. What if he suspects? He’ll feel sorry for me.” “He won’t suspect anything. I’ve discovered that most men aren’t that clever when it comes to women’s feelings.” “You must despise me.” “Why?”
