Read Online Eliza's Shadow by Catherine Wittmack - Free Book Online Page B

maker and poured herself a cup before joining me.
    “What a wear out. That reporter sent me about
twenty questions. There’s no way she’ll fit all that into her article. Of
course, she probably didn’t know what she’d get back from me. Oh well, it’ll be
interesting to see what she prints.” Jane said with a shrug.
    “Enough about me. How are you? Everything go ok
today?” She asked.
    This was difficult. My instincts were always to
pour out my soul to Jane but today that was impossible. This would be the first
time I practiced censorship with her.
    “Uh yeah. Everything was fine. I was a little late
getting here because I went over to Bishop’s with Ren.” I tried to sound casual
in hopes of avoiding a barrage of follow-up questions.
    Jane raised an eyebrow and a sly smile slid across
her face as she took a sip of her coffee. “Really? Do tell.” She said impishly.
    I rolled my eyes as a warning to her that I wasn’t
interested in having a detailed discussion on the topic.
    “Ren’s a cool guy and we’re becoming friends.
That’s all.” I stated firmly.
    Jane leaned back in her seat, looking
disappointed.
    “Don’t get all defensive Eliza. I was just asking.
You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to. I just thought you might
want to talk about it.” She said sounding hurt by my reaction.
    My chest tightened with regret but I was also
relieved to have sidestepped any further explanation of my relationship with
Ren, at least for the time being.
    “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be defensive. What I
should have said is, thanks for asking.” I replied apologetically.
    Jane cocked her head and gave me a tired smile
before sliding her chair back.
    “Well, I suppose I better get to work here, before
the kitchen blows up.” She said peeking at Frank out of the corner of her eye
who was frantically stirring, flipping and prepping an assortment of foods.
    “What’s your plan for the rest of the evening? Are
you going straight home?” She asked casually despite the fact that the corners
of her eyes creased with worry.
    Jane had a delicate way of influencing me. She
allowed me to make my own decisions but managed to be subtly persuasive.
Evidently tonight, she was hoping I would be safely tucked away at home all
evening while she worked.
    “Yeah, I have a lot of homework to do, so I’m
going straight home. See you later.” I said, taking the hint.
    A look of relief washed across Jane’s face. She
stooped to plant a quick peck on my cheek before crossing the room to join
Frank to get an update on how the evening operations were going.
    I pushed through the swinging door that separated
the kitchen from the dining room and dodged the wait staff as I weaseled my way
toward the front door. Once out on the street, I noticed how dark it had become
while I was inside. I wrapped my arms tightly around my chest, warding off the
chill that had already begun seeping through my light jacket, then set off
briskly down the street. Alone for the first time since I’d met Ren on the
beach, my mind reeled with the reality of the evening’s events.
     
    * * *
     
    The lock slid back freeing the door and I tumbled across
the threshold. I whirled into the warm darkness of the living room quickly
slamming the door behind me and sliding the bolt back into place. During the
walk home my imagination had taken a furious turn conjuring up a fleet of
enemies at my heels. As I flitted about the room flicking on lights, I began to
feel silly for frightening myself.
    Once the room was cheerfully aglow with every
light present, I flopped onto the couch. I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples
absorbing the hushed sounds of the kitchen appliances humming and forced air
rushing through the pipes.
    Cora’s face hovered in my mind’s eye. Why had the
task of protecting me been left to her? What other secrets did she keep?
    Then a creeping feeling came over me as I thought
of my mother. Could she have been like me too? What