This excerpt is the last thing I’ve written on Threads & Ties. I question the wisdom of posting it, because it’s late in the book, but the book isn’t finished yet, so this all could change.

NOTICE: This material is copyrighted, first draft, certainly contains errors, and possibly not even going to be in the final draft of anything. Do not quote or repost anywhere or in any format. Thanks.

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Jeff glanced at Cole sitting next to him in the passenger seat. He couldn’t put it off any longer. “We’re having a guest for dinner on Friday night. I want you to be nice to her.”

Cole looked at him strangely, “Why wouldn’t I be nice to her?”

Jeff waited until he came to a stop at the stop sign a few blocks from the house, “Because she’s your mother.” There, just drop it in her lap. He glanced Cole’s way before he made the turn that would take them to their street. She looked stunned. He thought he could see her making connections in her head. He felt as if she could see everything he’d been doing for the last several months. No way. She can’t put that together. He pulled into the driveway and parked the car. Taking the keys from the ignition, he looked at Cole, “Well?”

“Well, what?”

He continued to watch her, “You once told me you wished she were dead. I thought you might be angry about her coming to dinner.”

She shrugged, “It’s just dinner. It’s not as if she were moving in.”

Cole opened the door and headed toward the house. He followed. Not just yet. Opening the door, he let Cole in. She headed for her bedroom. Jeff called after her, “Dinner will be ready in about 45 minutes. Work on homework until then.”

“OK.” Her door closed more loudly than usual, but it wasn’t quite a slam. Maybe it was an accident. He let an audible sigh escape, and then headed for the kitchen. It was the best he could do for now.

* * *

Nikki parked in the driveway, checking the address. Jeff had said to be casual. She’d tried four different outfits before leaving the house trying to find just the right casual. Taking a deep breath, she made sure she smiled, and headed for the front door. She thought she saw someone standing back from the front window and looking out. Probably Cole. Well. She had a right to be curious. She didn’t have long to wait after she knocked on the door. Jeff answered with a smile, “Hi, Nik. Come on in. I see the directions worked.”

“Hi. The directions worked just fine. No trouble at all finding the place.”

“Good. Let me introduce you to Cole. Cole, this is Nikki.”

Nikki smiled at Cole, “Hi. I’m glad to finally meet you.”

Cole’s eyes clouded, she glanced quickly at her dad and pasted a smile on her face as she said, “Hello.”

Jeff nodded approvingly at Cole before turning his attention to Nikki, “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Uh, yes, please.”

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