She pasted on one of her “everything’s fine” smiles even though she was boiling on the inside. How dare Billy embarrass her like that. Especially at Mama’s. It had only been a few months since the sheriff had hinted that Jamella would allow her back into the place. And now Billy was making a big scene for everyone to hear. He couldn’t believe he’d blurted that out about marriage, and she’d stewed all through breakfast. Now, as they walked back towards the house, she remained silent and wished more than anything that she was back at home so she could lock herself in her room for the rest of the day instead of having the blow up she knew was building. When they walked in the door, she grabbed up Maggie, who looked more tired than she usually looked after their morning walks. It was probably all the excitement at the diner that had her daughter nodding off as she laid her in her crib. She desperately wished for a reason to stay in her daughter’s room, but she knew that she needed the sleep.
