Free Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) by Sherri Wilson Johnson Page A

get something for you? I was about to head out for church, but I’d be glad to get you something,” Jimmy offered.
    “Oh no. I wouldn’t want you to be late. I’m staying in today. What did you serve for breakfast?”
    “Bacon, eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee.”
    “What’s left?” Cora’s stomach growled.
    “Some bacon. How would you like a BLT? It isn’t quite lunch time yet, but sometimes a BLT is good this time of day.”
    “Jimmy, you’re a genius. That sounds great. I’ll get everything, though. You go on.” Cora fluttered her hand at him and started for the refrigerator.
    “Thanks. I hate to be late for church.”
    “See you at lunch.”
    Cora prepared the sandwich but couldn’t eat much of it. Her nerves held her stomach hostage. She couldn’t eat or sleep much lately. She headed upstairs and passed Matt’s, Clarice’s, and Rex’s bedrooms. Their doors were shut, so she couldn’t tell if they had gone to church or not.
    Once in her room, Cora slipped her swimsuit on and headed back downstairs to take a swim before Susie returned. She hadn’t been able to swim laps since she’d arrived at the ranch. Susie didn't swim well, and Cora had to watch her constantly in the pool.
    Cora put her thick towel down on the chair and smoothed sunscreen on her skin. She breathed in the aromas of coconut and lime. “Ahh...” When the sweat puddled in her navel and on her chest, Cora jumped into the pool to cool off. She swam about a half-hour, smiling up at the sun and lavishing the peace and quiet.
    Then Rex’s truck pulled into the driveway. Had he been to church? She calculated the time. He wouldn’t have had time to return home from the city. Why did she even care what he was doing, after the way he’d treated her? Best to avoid him all around.
    As Cora splashed in the pool, Rex came around the house to enter through the back door. When he saw her in the pool, he stopped in his tracks and gave her a bright smile. “Good morning.”
    It wasn't morning anymore. “Are you coming in from church?” Judging by the way Rex looked, the answer to her question was clear.
    “No.”
    Cora said no more. His behavior after her return home from the airport had cut her, and she refused to set herself up for more disappointment. She swam to the other side of the pool to get away from him.
    “What’s up with you? Why’d you swim over there?” Rex squinted in the sun, his hair tousled and his shirt untucked.
    “I just wanted to swim. Nothing’s up,” Cora dodged and nervously kicked her feet. It was clear what he’d been doing the night before. He’d probably been with Veronica, and that was why he hadn’t returned home until now. Cora remained at the opposite end of the pool and played with her hair.
    “Are you mad at me?” Rex crossed his arms.
    “Why should I be? You haven’t done anything to me.” Her eyes were stinging.
    “Right. You’re absolutely right.” Rex turned and walked into the house.
    Cora slapped the water. “Ooh, that man!” Why didn’t she tell him what she thought of him when she'd had the chance? Why did she clam up instead? Because...he was, after all, her boss.
    Why did it have to be so difficult to work for him? Because she didn't approve of his personal life, that's why. She inhaled deeply. She had to let it go. He liked the job she was doing with Susie, and that’s what mattered.
    Cora climbed out of the pool, wringing her hair. She dried off with her towel, reapplied sunscreen, and stretched out on the chaise. She closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh, letting the sun heal her soul. She had to learn to keep her big nose out of Rex’s affairs. As long as she did a good job with Susie, that was all that mattered.
    Then fierce thrashing in the pool startled Cora out of her peacefulness. She jumped from her chair tripping over her towel. She stumbled to her feet, and there in front of her, Rex splashed in the pool, arms and legs flailing all over the place.
    “Help!