Read Online A Sister's Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray - Free Book Online Page B

when she was sure Jill was wrong. When that happened,Tess would start doubting herself. Worse, she’d remember all the verbal abuse she’d heard at home. All the hateful things her father had told her . . . all the things she’d worried were actually true.
    â€œThere still ain’t a thing wrong with you. You’re a strong and lovely woman. So stop your tears.”
    Swiping her cheek, Tess laughed. “I don’t know how you know what I’m doing and thinking over the phone.”
    â€œI was a pretty good cop, girl.”
    â€œYou were a really good cop.” Not only had Jill gone above and beyond the call of duty and rescued her off the streets, she had reached out in countless ways to other members of the community. Over a hundred people had attended her retirement party. “What do you think I should do now?”
    â€œIt’s not what I think that counts. What do you want to do?”
    â€œI want to see Simon again.” Hating how vague that sounded, she said, “No, I want to know Simon again. I want to be a part of his life.”
    â€œThen that’s what you need to do.”
    â€œIt’s not that easy. What if I see my parents?”
    â€œJust because you see them doesn’t mean you have to do a thing,” Jill replied, her voice hard. “You owe them nothing.”
    â€œWhat if they want to talk to me?”
    â€œYou can either listen to what they have to say or turn and walk away. It’s your choice now.”
    â€œAnd Jeremy? What about him? What am I going to do if I see him?”
    â€œSame thing, I reckon.”
    â€œYou make it sound so easy.”
    â€œIt’s not. But don’t forget, he was a victim, too, Tess.”
    â€œI know. I’m just not sure if I can handle any more reminders of the past.” As soon as she said the words, she swallowed the lump in her throat. She sounded terrible.
    â€œHow about you take things one step at a time? Right now, you have something to give thanks for. You got to see your little brother. You even got to share a meal with him.”
    Leaning back in the chair, Tess smiled. “Oh, Jill, you should have seen him. He’s so handsome. And tall! And he’s got this air about him, too.” She paused, wondering how to describe it. “It’s all tough and cool.”
    â€œTough and cool, huh?”
    â€œ Jah . Like something out of one of those old James Dean movies.” Liking the comparison, she said, “Get this. I saw two women on the sidewalk stare at him. I didn’t know whether to glare at them for being so brazen or pat him on the back.”
    Jill chuckled. “You sound like a sister. Like you’re proud and appalled, all at the same time.”
    â€œI guess I am. I’m still his sister,” she said with some surprise. “He’s turned out fine, in spite of everything.”
    â€œJust like you.” There Jill went again. Saying exactly the right thing.
    Standing up again, Tess crossed to the window and glanced out. It was dark outside, there was nothing to see, but she wasn’t afraid of it anymore. “I had help, though. I had you. I don’t know what would have happened to me if you hadn’t showed up. Nothing good.”
    â€œYou helped me, too. Before you came along, all I did was work. You made us a family.”
    And here came the tears. “I’ll never be able to repay you.”
    â€œI don’t want to be repaid. Love doesn’t work that way.”
    â€œTrue, but still . . .”
    â€œWhen you fall in love . . . if you ever fall in love, you’ll understand.”
    â€œI’m only thirty-five.”
    â€œIt’s time to let your guard down, girl. Next time some man asks you out to dinner, say yes.”
    â€œI’ll settle with trying to have supper with Simon again.”
    Jill chuckled once more. Then, after spending another couple of minutes chatting about Jill’s