# Chapter 29

Cory received the parcel from JJ at the end of the week. Enclosed was a GRE study guide and practice test CD. The blonde had already looked at some of the sample questions online. The questions had been hard. As work had mounted from school Cory had put the thought of the GRE to one side. The week had been a tough one with Sam. The estate agents had surveyed the house and given them a good price. Unfortunately, when they’d taken the mortgage out two years previous they had taken a cash back to pay for extra furnishings and carpets. The mortgage tied them in for five years with a hefty redemption fee. Sam had been reluctant to sell the house with this knowledge. He’d spent a few days searching into other options. Cory had left him to it.

Cory showed the study guide to Rachel. “Bloody hell Cory. How the hell are you going to pass this? I hate to say it but it looks way too hard.”

Cory nodded. She knew her friend was right. They’d looked at the synonyms and antonyms page and giggled. They had no idea what the word given meant, let alone the four choices that were offered as answers. “Well I’m going to have to become a bloody good guesser!” The analytical section was Cory’s favourite. She loved solving problems and puzzles. Unfortunately, according to JJ, that section wasn’t what counted when the college processed the scores. Only the math and English section but as the test was a three part test she had to study each section.

“Okay so let’s break down some of these words. There must be a way to at least guess what they mean.” Rachel had promised Cory she would help in any way and if it meant just going over the test to provide moral support then she would. “When did you say the test was?”

“I read the information in the application booklet. I can only take it in two places over here: Manchester and London. Fortunately, because they’re test centers I can take the test anytime I want. JJ checked at the college over there and they have set dates. There’s good news and bad news. The good news is there within the time I’m out there. I guess fate’s playing a hand. The bad news is they’re fully booked, so I’m applying for a cancellation before I leave England. Which means I have about just over a fortnight to study. If I don’t get a cancellation then I can always take it when I return.”

“Are you two still counting down?” Rachel smiled as Cory nodded. Her friend was going through hell and all she could do was hold her hand; support her. “How’s life at home?”

“Crap. It’s not Sam’s fault. He’s dealing with his pain the only way he knows how. The fact we have to share the house doesn’t help. We’re doing okay. I expected worse. It gets me down but then I look at it and think about what he’s going through. If roles were reversed I’m not sure I’d be so level headed. I’d have throttled him if he’d ever cheated on me.”

“That’s just the point, Cory. He doesn’t know you’ve cheated. Does he?” Rachel was worried for Cory. Worried in case Sam finally found the truth and hurt Cory physically.

“I think he has an idea. Nothing concrete. He saw us in bed together.”

“Seriously? Wow! If I ever caught Roy in bed with someone else I’d chop his tackle off.” Rachel laughed.

“Well it wasn’t like that. Nothing had happened.” She saw the questioning look on her friend’s face. “I got scared of the storm and JJ comforted me. Ever since then, Sam’s made snide comments about JJ. He did ask me over the weekend if my time away meant going to Boston. I never expanded on the question and he hasn’t asked again.” Cory looked at the questions in front of her. The words were swimming before her. In her gut she knew passing the test with the score she needed was going to be difficult.

After a few minutes of reviewing prefixes and suffixes, Rachel looked up. “Cory do you think he’d hurt you?”

Cory thought carefully about the question. If Rachel had asked her that last week she’d have answered never. But after Saturday night she wasn’t sure. She’d seen him clench his fist and advance on her. If Holly hadn’t stopped him she shuddered to think what he might have done. “No I don’t think he would.”

“Are you sure? You took a long time to answer that question. I saw the doubt in your eyes.”

“It’s nothing. He got angry on Saturday. I thought he was going to hit me. But I’m sure he scared himself more than he frightened me. He always hated watching movies where women got beaten. He’s from a background where it’s morally wrong.” Cory looked at her colleague. “Honestly, Rachel, I’m sure.”

“But things are okay? You’d tell me if they weren’t. Wouldn’t you?” Rachel looked so concerned that Cory couldn’t resist hugging her.

“I promise. I’m okay. Sam has turned this whole thing into some kind of business deal. When he talks to me it’s like I’m a client of his. As soon as we returned on Sunday, he had divided up our assets and set a budget. As far as he’s concerned I’m a financial investor.”

“Ouch, that must hurt. Most men would be finding ways to be nice and romance the woman back. It doesn’t sound like he’s putting up much of a fight for you.”

Tears threatened to fall from Cory’s eyes. She gulped loudly, “I know. Deep down I think I wanted him to at least fight for me. That would have shown that he did care. The way he looks at me sends shivers down my spine. I feel like he’s my enemy. I know I have no right to expect anything from him, but if he really loved me like he says he does, then I expected him to try harder.” The tears were flowing freely. “I feel such a shit. I know I’ve broken his heart but I need to do what’s right for me.”

Rachel pulled Cory into a hug. She rocked the blonde gently in her arms. “Shush, come on you’ve been so brave. The hard part is nearly over. Cory, you’ve given him so many chances to change. Even if he did beg you to come back, would you really change your mind?” She felt the blonde shake her head. “Plus think about this, how long do you think he’d keep his promises. A leopard can’t change his spots. Sam will never be the outwardly loving man you want. Plus as I’ve just pointed out he’s a man and you don’t want a man do you?” Again she felt the blonde shake her head. “So you’re doing the right thing. Yes, you’re going to feel guilty but believe in yourself, and believe in JJ. I wish I’d met her, she sounds so good for you.” She kissed the top of Cory’s head.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Rachel held Cory closely to her and continued to rock her gently. The blonde’s sobs had subsided but she didn’t feel like letting go of her friend so soon. Eventually Rachel looked at the clock. “I have to go Cory.” As she said this she unfolded herself from Cory’s grasp. “I’m sorry but the kids will be waiting. I hope you have a good weekend. I’ll meet you at the gym on Sunday. Do you want to come to dinner? You could talk to Roy about computer jobs. He’s been doing some digging and knows a few ways JJ might be able to work. Just in case the college thing falls through.”

Cory wiped her eyes on a tissue and blew her nose. She thought about Rachel’s offer and agreed. Any time out of the house was time well spent. “How about we make it a planning session? I could come round earlier, we could plan for next term as I won’t be around in the break. Then we could do the gym and dinner?”

Rachel agreed instantly, she hated working over the weekend but the plan sounded good and she knew Cory needed to get out of the house. They hugged one last time and then both went their separate ways.

The house was quiet when Cory arrived home, but Sam’s car was on the driveway. She knew he was walking Holly. She put her box of marking under the stairs and went into the kitchen. After switching the kettle on, she went into the lounge and booted up her computer she wanted to try out one of the mock tests on the CD ROM. She’d posted her application for the GRE, along with a cheque for nearly a hundred pounds at the post office. She’d nearly fainted at the cost of the test. She put the study guide beside the laptop and went back to making a cup of tea.

She heard the front door open and close. Holly came bounding into the kitchen to enthusiastically welcome Cory home. Cory spent a few minutes fussing over the dog. She knew she’d be giving up seeing the dog daily if she went ahead with her plans. She hugged Holly and whispered in her ear, “I do love you, so much. I’m going to miss you. But I can’t take you with me even if I could. Your daddy would miss you so much and the immigration wouldn’t let you in.” She was rewarded with a sloppy lick.

Carrying the two cups of tea she headed towards the lounge. She froze when she turned the corner and saw Sam reading the study guide.

“Hi. I made you a cuppa.” She passed the tea towards Sam.

He took it with one hand and held the book up with another. “What’s this?”

“I think it’s self explanatory!” Cory was kicking herself. She’d been so stupid to just leave it on the table. She hadn’t even given it a second thought, mainly because Sam usually came through the back door when he walked the dog. She felt foolish. She could hardly accuse Sam of snooping when it had been her own fault.

“I know what it is. Why are you studying for it? It’s got an American price tag on it. No need to ask who sent it to you.” He threw the book back onto the table and stormed out of room.

Cory flopped onto the sofa. She knew she needed to read up on some of the math topics but her mind was racing. She connected to the Internet. As she was watching her email download a tiny beep sounded from the computer. She looked down and saw the flashing ICQ flower. She watched as the flower turned into a speech bubble indicating that JJ wanted to chat. She opened up the chat.

JJ Matthews: Hey there. How was work?

Cory Williams: It was okay. I missed Body Pump. I looked at some of the questions in the envelope. Posted my application. Thanks for the book. Oh yeah, the photos look good.

JJ Matthews: Are you ok? You seem a little distant.

Cory Williams: You can always tell how I’m feeling. How do you do that?

JJ Matthews: Magic. And the fact you didn’t greet me like you usually do. What’s wrong honey?

Cory Williams: Sam just found the GRE book. He’s pissed and I just know we’re going to have an argument about it. I think he knows about us.

JJ Matthews: Well it was only a matter of time. That sounded more casual than I meant it to be. I’m worried about you Cory. I feel useless – I should be there supporting you.

Cory Williams: You do, J, You support me all the time. I can feel it. And you’re right it’s not fair to keep lying to him. I’m just scared he’ll tell my family before I’m ready. I just want to tell them my plans when I have concrete ones.

JJ Matthews: I know. So how was school?

Cory Williams: It was good. The kids are getting excited about going away for the week.

JJ Matthews: I forgot about that. When do you go?

Cory Williams: Second week in May.

JJ Matthews: Well that’ll give you a break from Sam.

Cory Williams: Yep J How’s work going?

JJ Matthews: Not too bad, it’s just coming up to 1pm, so I can take lunch anytime soon. I just finished loading the software on the computers in this lab and then I’m off to another campus. What are your plans for tonight?

Cory Williams: I hadn’t given it much thought. Rachel is busy, Marj mentioned the cinema but I think I’m going to study for the exam and maybe read a story. I get the feeling Sam is about to explode so I could be talking to him.

JJ Matthews: Be careful babe. Please?

Cory Williams: I promise. So how many days do we have?

JJ Matthews: I make it 14, just 2 weeks. I am getting so psyched! I talked to a guy at the graduate office and he said we could drop in any time to talk to him. Jim Pointer is his name. He seemed very interested in you!

Cory Williams: I’m excited too, babe. I can’t wait, you never know I might not come home!!

JJ Matthews: Promises, promises! J

Cory Williams: So how is life your end? How’s Sarah?

JJ Matthews: Being a pain in the ass. She’s obsessed with selling the house. I have to tell her you’re coming to stay. That should be fun! I have made arrangements for the first week as I’m on vacation, but after that I’ll need to be home.

Cory Williams: Do you think she’ll mind?

JJ Matthews: Oh yeah! If it means she can screw me over then she will.

Cory Williams: Where are we going the first week? Fess up!

JJ Matthews: I can’t say! I could but then I’d have to kill you ;-) It’s a secret!!! You have just over 13 days to guess!!

Cory could hear Sam banging around upstairs; she knew he was building up to something. The crashing was getting louder.

Cory Williams: Babe, I have to go. I think Sam’s about to come downstairs. I don’t want to wind him up any more.

JJ Matthews: Okay. Do me a favor though. Put your laptop and cell phone upstairs. That way you can call me or at least email me if things get bad. Promise me.

Cory Williams: I promise babe. I’ll put the phone on vibrate so we can talk later if you want. Don’t you have a game?

JJ Matthews: No it’s a rest weekend, there’s a short practice tomorrow but it’s not official. I was planning on doing my laundry and watching a video!

Cory Williams: Okay – I love you babe – I’ll let you know what happens later.

JJ Matthews: I love you too babe. Always.

JJ shut down the computer. She was pissed. All she wanted to do was protect Cory and she couldn’t. She’d never felt so powerless. She’d felt like it all week. Every day was becoming a chore to get through. The highlight of her day was when it came to a close, and she could strike a cross through the date. Take one more day off the countdown. She couldn’t believe how painful this separation was. A few months ago, she thought her life had been mapped out for her. Now here she was three months later with an ex girlfriend, nearly homeless and a girlfriend over 3000 miles away. She shook her head and continued to collect her equipment. She didn’t have an overly busy schedule. She’d purposefully planned the visit to the Braintree campus so she could have some free time to chat to Cory. She had so many plans organized in her mind for the two of them.

As she climbed into the cab of her truck, she noticed the envelope that had arrived the day before. It was confirmation of her booking into an inn up in New Hampshire. Helen had told her about it. Jo had taken her there a few weeks after they’d begun to date and it had taken Helen’s breath away. A lesbian couple ran the inn. It catered solely for lesbians. JJ had liked that concept and she hoped it would give them time together as a couple, without having to hide their feelings when out in public. She also wanted to gauge Cory’s reaction to spending time in other lesbian’s company. She wanted to make sure that Cory could be happy with the lifestyle. She didn’t want to make the same mistake she’d made with Tina. Tina had been so sure she was gay but she wasn’t, and hated being in the company of other lesbians, feeling like she was being labelled. JJ had booked them into the inn for three days. They would stay Saturday, Sunday and Monday, leaving on Tuesday for her friends’ house just an hour away. JJ had once been a co-owner with three of her high school friends but when she’d moved to Germany she’d sold her part to another friend. They still let JJ have the house whenever she wanted to take family and friends up there. She hoped Cory would like the plans. It would give them a whole week together. Then it was back to Massachusetts as JJ had to work. They would still be together but apart in the day. JJ was getting so excited about spending quality time with the blonde. She continued her journey. Thoughts of the two weeks producing a huge smile on her beautiful features.

As soon as the chat was over, Cory did what JJ had asked and moved the laptop and her mobile phone upstairs. As she passed by the office on her way back, Sam stepped out behind her.

“We need to talk.”

The coldness in his voice made Cory freeze to the spot. She turned slowly to face him. “Fine. I’ll meet you in the lounge.” She continued walking down the stairs trying hard to control her breathing and rapidly beating heart.

Before going into the lounge, Cory went to the kitchen and let Holly out. She wanted the dog near her should Sam’s temper get the better of him. As she walked back to the room Sam was coming down the stairs. Both entered the lounge and sat on opposite sofas. An uncomfortable silence enveloped the room. Finally, Sam spoke, “So what’s going on?”

Cory looked at him blankly, “Pardon?”

“Come on Cory at least be honest with me.”

Cory still wasn’t sure what Sam was asking. There was no way she was going to say anything unless he specifically asked. “About what?”

“You know!” Sam’s voice had risen slightly and he looked irritated.

Cory continued to act innocent, “Sam I haven’t developed extra-sensory perception. You’re going to have to be a little more specific.”

“What’s going on with you and JJ?”

Cory shook her head, “Now I’m having a déjà vu. We’ve already talked about this. She’s my friend, she’s helping me through a tough time and she’s giving me options.”

“What options? I think I have a right to know what plans you have. All I know at this moment is you want time out to think. But you haven’t exactly talked about where you’re going, where you’re staying, and if you’ll be working. As I see it, we have the house. If we sell it we both lose money. You obviously have no intention of staying in the house. I’ve checked up on the GRE and it’s an entrance exam for US colleges. This leads me to believe you’re not even staying in this country. So all I’m asking for is a little bit of honesty.” Sam was shaking. He was trying very hard to control his temper. He knew Cory valued honesty in relationships and he was playing on this belief.

Cory felt very uncomfortable. She hated lying, and knew she’d been dishonest. Sam had always told her if she cheated on him it would be the end. The fact she had cheated on him did play on her conscience but moreover it was the fact that she still hadn’t admitted it to him. She wanted to but her brain wouldn’t communicate this to her mouth. She dropped her head, took a few moments to compose herself and then began. “I’ve thought a lot about my future and what I want. I know that I need to get away and evaluate my life. There are too many people here that want things from me. School takes so much effort and the pressure has been building over the past year. Mum will pressure me non-stop when I tell her about us splitting up. She’s not going to take it lightly. Then there’s granddad’s death, I need time to grieve properly.”

“Cory, I know all that. I’ve watched you and I know you’ve had stress this year. I’ll help you through that but you don’t want me and you’re thinking about moving to America. So how are you going to support yourself over there? I’m just curious as we have little savings since we bought the house and paid for the wedding.”

Cory hadn’t exactly thought this far ahead. JJ and her were still trying to work out how to get together, the financial aspect hadn’t even been thought about. “JJ sent me some brochures about a college that offers graduate assistantships. You work at the college and they pay for the Master’s degree classes. She’s offered to let me stay at her place for minimal expenses.”

Sam began to laugh, “Wow, that’s very gracious of her. So she’s doing this out of the kindness of her heart. Someone she’s known for just a couple of months. What’s in it for her?”

“Friendship. Is that such a foreign concept to you?” Cory desperately wanted to admit her feelings for JJ. She just didn’t know how Sam would react and hadn’t admitted her feelings about her sexuality to Sam before.

Sam looked straight at Cory; he knew she wasn’t telling him the whole truth. “You see the way I see it, these plans of yours, this great change in your life is down to JJ. What exactly is your relationship with her?”

“She’s my friend.”

“Is that all?” Sam stood up and walked toward the door, he stopped as he reached the threshold and turned back to face Cory. “I am only going to ask this question once. I expect an honest answer from you Cory. If the past six years mean anything to you then I think I’ll get an honest answer. What exactly is your relationship with JJ? Are you really just friends?”

Cory had so many emotions running through her body as she heard the question. In that split second she felt panic, pain, and uncertainty. Part of her wanted to lie, the other wanted to tell the truth. She dropped her head as the tears flowed. She opened her mouth but nothing came out. She took a deep breath and tried again but the words never came.

Sam counted to ten and prompted Cory, “I’m waiting. You have this one chance to be honest with me.”

“We’re….we’re friends.” Cory had tried to say the words ‘lovers’ but that word never made it to her lips.

“Friends. Now you’re sure about that? I’ve always admired your honesty Cory. You had values and beliefs and you always kept these morals in high esteem. So you and JJ are just friends?” He emphasised the ‘just’ part of the sentence.

Cory lifted her head. The tears were streaming down her face. She gulped down her sobs and began to speak. “No. We’re more than friends.” That’s as far as she got before her voice broke.

Sam’s heart sank. His suspicions were confirmed. “So you’re lovers?”

Cory nodded. She couldn’t look him in the eye.

“And it happened in London?” Again Cory nodded.

“So does that means you’re gay? Homosexual? Bisexual?”

Cory curled her arms around her knees and hugged them to her. Her crying was now out of control. “I don’t know…I’m not sure what I am. All I know is I’ve hurt you and I have no idea what my future holds. I’m scared.” She closed her eyes and rocked herself. She felt arms around her. The last thing she expected from Sam was a hug. She held onto him.

Sam held Cory in his arms, “Thank you, Cory. Thank you for finally being honest with me. I’ve seen a side to you I never thought I’d see. You’ve lied and cheated. I understand that this must have been hard for you. We have a lot to talk about. Let me go and put the kettle on, I’ll make a cup of tea and then we’ll see what plans you have.” He squeezed Cory one last time and then left the lounge.

Cory was dumbstruck. She’d expected Sam to fly off the handle. She’d expected harsh words and accusations. She never thought he’d hold her; comfort her. Her eyes felt puffy and sore. She wiped the tears and blew her nose while she waited for Sam to return.

Sam leant against the counter. The water had just begun to boil, just like his temper. He’d been all ready to shout, scream and throw abuse at Cory when he’d heard her confession until he’d seen the look of pure remorse on her face and his resolve had crumbled. Like a magnet to iron he’d been drawn towards her. Then as if on autopilot his sense of caring took over. He couldn’t believe his worse nightmare was true – his wife had left him…. for a bloody woman! The amount of time he’d wound Dave up about it, and now he was in the same boat. He filled the two mugs with water and stirred the contents. He turned, opened the cupboard and took out some chocolate Hobnobs. He placed them on the plate beside the mugs. As his stomach rumbled he placed one of the oatmeal biscuits in his mouth, and headed to the lounge.

Cory looked up as Sam entered. She moved the contents on top of the coffee table to give him room to put the tray. Sam passed a mug to her, and offered her a Hobnob. “Thanks.” Sam didn’t respond and so Cory settled back in her seat waiting for him to speak. She blew lightly into the mug and took a tentative sip. The sweet taste of tea hit her senses; it felt so good against her raw throat. “It’s true what they say, I guess.”

“About what?” Sam answered.

“Tea. It really does help solve any problem.” She smiled at him, unsure of what else to say.

“If you say so. So talk to me Cory. What are your real plans?”

Cory took a moment to think about what he’d asked. She didn’t want to rub his nose in it or wind him up. She got the feeling that he’s mood could swing either way. “Well I’m going out to America at Easter. Check out the college and maybe take the GRE exam. Then I take it from there.”

“And when were you going to tell me about your trip? Or were you just going to disappear?”

“I was going to tell you, I just hadn’t worked out the full details.” Cory hadn’t really considered how she was going to get to the airport. “I need to ask dad, Mike or Rachel to take me to the airport. Besides that, JJ is sorting stuff out. I used my own credit card to buy the tickets.”

Sam thought for a moment, “I’ll take you to the airport.”

“Are you sure?” Cory couldn’t believe Sam was being so cooperative and nice.

“It’ll save having to explain to your parents why I’m not taking you. You know they’re going to ask why you’re going without me. That’s the easiest question to answer, but if I don’t take you they’ll ask more. Have you spoken to your parents?”

Cory shook her head. She hadn’t decided what to say. Her mother was nice but very overbearing and family orientated. The pressure she’d been under to marry had been immense and now she was about to tell them she’d ended the marriage. “Not yet.”

“Do me a favour, don’t say anything yet.” Sam asked

Cory looked at Sam. She couldn’t work out what was going on behind those eyes. He sounded all friendly but there was something to the tone of his voice. “Okay. Can I ask why?”

“In one week my world’s gone from hunky-dory to complete disaster. I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact you ended it, now I have to deal with the fact you’re leaving me for a woman.” The last few words were spat out of Sam’s mouth.

Cory took a large gulp of tea, swallowed then looked at Sam. “Sam I’m not leaving you for a woman.”

Sam’s eyes lit up, “So you’ve changed your mind.”

Her heart sank. He just didn’t get it. “No Sam. I am leaving you, but it isn’t JJ I’m leaving you for. It would have happened at some point, and for all the reasons I told you last weekend. My feelings for JJ just confirmed what I knew all along. You asked me earlier if I was gay, it’s taken me almost a decade to answer that myself but the answer is yes. That’s not the main reason for me breaking up with you. I was happy with you. I loved you but there wasn’t the passion or openness, and deep down you know it. So why don’t you want my parents to know yet?”

“I don’t want your mother interfering. You know she will. We’ll have her cross questioning us every opportunity, phoning and pressurising both of us for reasons. Now unless you plan on telling her the truth I suggest we keep it quiet until we’ve both got answers to her questions. She’s worse than the police when it comes to interrogations.” Sam turned his attention to the sleek black cat that had suddenly taken up residence on his lap. He stroked the cat gently.

Cory watched Sam show his affection to the animal. She thought about what he’d said. She knew he had a good point. It made sense to leave it until after her trip. She’d have more idea of her plans. “Are you going to tell them about me?”

Sam shook his head. “As mad as I am with you, and I am Cory.” He glared at Cory as he said this. “I may appear to be accepting this but it’s tearing me apart. It’s not my place to tell your parents this. It’s yours. I promise you I will never tell them, I’ll support you as much as I can, but you’re going to have to remember that this is my life you’re tearing apart too.” He could feel the tears coming. He took a deep breath. He needed to keep control. He couldn’t lose control. “So when do you take the test?”

The switch in conversation caught Cory by surprise. “I haven’t got a date yet but probably over Easter break. I’m waiting for a date to come through. Not that I stand a chance of passing it.”

“You need to have more confidence in yourself.” Sam muttered.

“It’s not that. The English section is a bitch, but the math is bloody awful. I haven’t taken math since I was sixteen. I don’t even understand the formulas for the simplest equations. So I’m screwed basically.” The tears began to well up again. Her one big chance to be with JJ rested on her one big weakness in life: an exam. Not just any exam but a math exam.

“I could help you. How does that sound?” Sam couldn’t believe he’d offered. He had no idea what he was saying. Here he was offering to help his wife study for a test that would ensure she left his life forever. Was he mad? Probably. Cory had a hold over him that he’d never really known until now. She had his heart. He was beginning to understand the effect his mother’s leaving had had on his father.

“Seriously?” Cory was stunned. She’d never expected this from Sam. His reaction the previous weekend had shown a side of Sam she’d assumed was going to be her lasting impression of him. A week later he was being so nice and understanding. She didn’t get it.

“I’m serious. I know what your math is like, you have trouble balancing the bank account.” He winked at Cory to show he was kidding. In his mind he was hoping this was the opportunity to get closer to her. Maybe she’d realise he really was the best choice. “But not tonight. How about going to a late movie? The new George Clooney film is out. You’re still into him aren’t you?”

Cory nodded, “That sounds good. Just give me some time to get changed and wash up.” She got up and placed the mug back on the tray. She needed to think about what had happened and let JJ know she was okay. She hoped this was a sign of things to come. She was beginning to think fate really did map out a person’s life. Things definitely did appear to be looking up.

Part 30

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