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    Gold Hill
    Gold Hill
    Gold Hill
    Ebook479 pages6 hours

    Gold Hill

    By Claudia Hall Christian

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    About this ebook

    Tanesha’s plans are shaken when true love returns with a truck load of baggage in the form of Jeraine Wilson. A world famous pop star and ladies’ man, Jeraine pits his self-indulgence against his love for Tanesha. The sparks from their struggle ignite a firestorm that illuminates their private pain and burns away the injustice in Tanesha’s past. Tension mounts as Tanesha’s mother, the beautiful Yvonne, tries to break free from her life as a sex slave to return to Tanesha’s father, Rodney. With the Denver Cereal characters meddling in the background, a powerful love story unfolds and an unbroken vow is reforged.

    In the end, the sediment of the past is swept away to reveal the truth that love is more precious than gold.

    Come along for the sweet and crunchy ride that is Denver Cereal. Gold Hill is the seventh installment of the Denver Cereal. An Internet sensation, Denver Cereal is a serial fiction grounded in Uptown Denver, Colorado

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCook Street Publishing
    Release dateJan 16, 2013
    ISBN9781938057090
    Gold Hill
    Author

    Claudia Hall Christian

    Claudia Hall Christian writes stories about good people caught in difficult situations. Her stories are addictive, heart pounding, and intense. She is the author of the Alex the Fey thriller series, the Queen of Cool, the Seth and Ava Mysteries, Suffer a Witch, Abee Normal Paranormal Investigations, and the longest consecutive serial fiction ever written, Denver Cereal. She lives in Denver where she keeps bees, gardens, hangs out with her Plott Hounds, and husband

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      Gold Hill - Claudia Hall Christian

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-Eight

      Interview

      One day later

      Monday morning — 7:37 A.M. MDT

      We are not having this conversation. Sandy slammed the back door of their SUV.

      But . . .  Noelle scooted in from the other side to sit next to Rachel’s car seat.

      We want to know. Sissy moved to sit next to Charlie in the far back. Why won’t you talk about dinner?

      Because she’s pissed off. Nash slammed the door and sat next to Noelle.

      Don’t say that word, Nash, Sandy said.

      Which one? Nash asked. Because?

      Sandy gave him a dark look in the rearview mirror.

      Two dollars in the jar, Noelle whispered.

      Seat belts? Sandy turned around to check.

      The kids held up their seat belts to show they were fastened. Nash took the money out of his pocket and tossed it toward the front seat. Shaking her head at him, Sandy started the SUV and pulled out of the Castle driveway.

      I hate this car, Sandy said under her breath.

      Is that why you’re mad? Nash asked.

      I’m mad because . . .  Sandy turned right on Seventeenth Avenue. Nash had the earliest stop and was their first drop-off at the Park Hill School. Oh, never mind.

      She’s mad because Addy’s dad is an asshole, Charlie gave Nash two one-dollar bills, and Nash threw them in the front seat. He brought up stuff.

      Stuff? Noelle turned around to look at him.

      He interrogated me about my past, Sandy said. He said Charlie couldn’t see Addy unless I answered a few of his questions. He only asked so he could get his . . . rocks off.

      Stopped at the light at Josephine, Sandy dug in her purse and added a dollar to growing pile of money.

      What did Daddy do? Noelle asked.

      Your Dad . . .  Sandy continued through the light. Sissy, you sure you don’t want me to drop you here at East?

      No, I want to go with everyone to drop off, Sissy said. I’ve never done it before and . . . 

      Just wanted to check. Sandy drove past East High School.

      Aden completely lost it, Charlie said.

      Really? Noelle’s eyes were big. I’ve only seen him do that at Nuala.

      That asshole started . . . 

      Mom! Noelle said.

      You keep track, honey, Sandy said.

      Okay, Noelle said.

      Your Dad was mad and stopped him from asking questions about me. You know how he can be. He just said, ‘That’s enough.’ Then, the asshole started ripping into his own daughter, calling her a ‘whore’ and a ‘slut,’ Sandy said. Your Dad lost it. It wasn’t just me.

      Seven dollars, Noelle said.

      ‘Whore’ and ‘slut,’ too, Sissy said.

      Nine dollars, Noelle said.

      Officially, I was quoting, but let’s make it an even ten. Sandy pulled up to the light at Colorado Boulevard and put ten dollar bill on the pile.

      What did you do, Charlie? Sissy asked.

      I would have been p . . . really mad, Nash said.

      What could I do? I met Addy on the streets a bunch of years ago. Her dad had kicked her out. He’s the reason she’s . . .  Charlie glanced from Noelle to Sissy. ". . . advanced for her age. He thinks it’s my fault. But Sandy’s right. Shi-dai lost his shit after he started saying stuff about Addy."

      What did he do? Noelle asked. You said the s-word, too.

      We’re almost there, Charlie, Sandy said. Talk fast.

      "Shi-dai told him that his family wouldn’t be bullied, Charlie passed two dollars forward. Me, too. As family."

      Duh. Nash shook his head at Charlie.

      Nash! Sandy said.

      He passed forward another dollar bill.

      Aden’s going to call our social worker today to see if there’s anything we can do for Addy.

      Okay, Nash — there’s Teddy, Sandy said. Good luck today. Call me if you need anything. Love you!

      Teddy was standing near the front of the school waiting for Nash. Nash got out and Noelle followed him.

      Sissy, can you get her back into the car? Sandy asked.

      Noelle! Sissy yelled.

      There goes my eardrum, Sandy said.

      Noelle got back into the car, and they continued on to the Marlowe school.

      What happens now? Noelle asked.

      I can’t go out with her anymore, Charlie said.

      You’re not going to sneak around? Sissy asked. That’s what you guys used to do.

      I don’t think I can get away with it, Charlie said. I don’t drive and they live in Westminster, and . . . 

      He shrugged.

      You promised you wouldn’t sneak around, Sandy said.

      See — I promised I wouldn’t sneak around. That’s what I meant to say. Charlie nodded to Sissy. When do I get my driver’s permit?

      Noelle squealed a laugh. They pulled into a spot in the Marlowe School parking lot. Sandy was about to get out when Anjelika opened the back door.

      Good morning, Jill’s mother said. I can take beautiful Rachel. I know you’re in a hurry.

      I hate to . . .  Sandy started.

      Rachel cooed Hello to Anjelika.

      She’ll be fine, Anjelika said. Wish Tanesha good luck. I’m very excited for her.

      ’Bye, Mom. Noelle leaned over to kiss Sandy and was out of the car. Sandy waited until they were across the lot before heading out onto Eighteenth Avenue, back toward the Castle.

      What’s going on with Tanesha? Charlie asked.

      The girls and I are taking her to her medical-school orientation, Sandy said. That’s why I’m driving this boat. It fits her bicycle.

      Fun. Sissy clapped.

      She’s pretty excited and pretty scared, Sandy said. But mostly, we want to hear how her interview went yesterday.

      Diane Sawyer, Charlie said.

      How did it go? Sissy asked.

      That’s what I’m going to find out, Sandy said. Okay, Sis. You have your meds for the nurse? Your notes? You know where you’re supposed to go?

      I’m all set, Sissy said. Jake took me through the school again last night so I’d know where my classes are and stuff. I’m lucky he has those keys.

      Yes, keys, Sandy said. You’ll remember not to tell anyone about his . . . keys, right?

      I won’t tell, Sissy said. And I won’t be lost. Love you.

      Sissy leaned over the seat to hug Sandy. She hugged Charlie.

      Good luck! Sandy said.

      I have my phone, Sissy said. I’ll call if anything happens, and I’ll see Charlie at four o’clock for basketball tryouts.

      Sandy and Charlie waved as Sissy walked into the entrance of East High.

      Are you ready for your first day? Sandy asked.

      I’m all set, Charlie said. I have my own office room. Aden and Jake set it up for me on the first floor at the Castle. My computer and my books are there, waiting for me. Delphie’s going to check in on me. Don’t worry, Sandy. I can do this.

      Sandy stopped the big SUV in front of the Castle to drop him off.

      Anjelika will be here after work to check my stuff and sign me up for basketball, Charlie said. Love you.

      Charlie closed the door and waved through the window. Sandy smiled at him. She waited only a moment before Jill pulled up with Tanesha and Heather. Tanesha stuck her bicycle in the back of the SUV as the women got in.

      How was drop-off? Jill asked.

      Crazy, Sandy said.

      What’s this stack of money? Tanesha picked up the dollar bills from the passenger seat.

      Swear jar, Sandy said.

      From one conversation? Tanesha asked.

      At this rate, we can buy ski passes.

      At this rate, you’ll have enough money to fly to the Alps, Tanesha laughed.

      Laughing, Sandy started the journey toward Tanesha’s new life.

      ~~~~~~~~

      Monday morning — 10:37 A.M. EDT

      New York City

      Which clip do you want to use? the editor for Prime Time turned to look at their host.

      Let’s watch them both, she said.

      This was my favorite, the editor said. I like how she’s not intimidated by you and how she ends it with talking about relating.

      He leaned over, pressed a button, and Tanesha’s image came on the screen.

      Um, what was the question? Tanesha looked up from her teacup and into the camera.

      You’re a smart, independent, attractive woman, the host said. Why would you stay in this abusive relationship?

      In the first place, Tanesha said, as she set her teacup down. The camera closed in until it framed her face. Jeraine isn’t abusive. At least not to me. I think if you talked to all of his women, you’d find he’s funny, smart, and great to be around. We have great conversations and laugh a lot.

      Don’t you think . . . 

      But I agree with you that this addiction is abusive to both of us, Tanesha said. "And for his part in it? The drinking and drugging to bring out his addiction? I have been injured by his choices. There were a few times in my life when I thought I’d never be able to take another breath because of something he did or didn’t do. He has hurt me. His addiction has hurt me even worse."

      So why . . . ?

      I’m getting there, Tanesha smiled. Just like he did, I’ve made my choices along the way. Sometimes, I’ve waited for him. Sometimes, we’ve spent weeks together in absolute bliss. And there’ve been years when I haven’t thought of him at all.

      You haven’t waited around for him.

      I have, Tanesha said. But not always. I made choices for my life as it made sense to me at that place and time.

      I guess the money . . . 

      I don’t have access to his money, Tanesha said. I didn’t even know we were still married until he was in rehab last time. I mean, he says I have access to his money, but . . . That’s what I mean by choice. I chose to live free of his money. And it’s not like I’ve been knitting my chastity belt while he’s out hot-dogging it. I’ve lived every day. I’ve loved, gone to college, had relationships, worked jobs, dated, and . . . Today, my choice is to see where this goes.

      She gave me one last chance, Jeraine’s voice came from the side. The camera zoomed out to show him standing by her chair. At rehab this last time. I asked, and she said she would try it one more time. But we both know this is our last round.

      I guess the biggest thing for me, Tanesha glanced at him and then back at the camera, "is that I didn’t sign on for a pleasure cruise or something out of a teen romance novel. I signed up for a relationship — the good, the bad, the highs, the lows, the hard times, and the joyful times. We relate. That’s what’s interesting to me.

      "I mean, people throw away relationships now because of stupid stuff like His Mom wasn’t nice to me, or He doesn’t work as much as I do, or I make more money, or whatever. Toss him away. That kind of throw away relationship keeps people from the actual juice of love — the relating."

      Tanesha looked up. The camera angle caught her eyes in such a way that they looked almost amber. She smiled.

      He has problems, Tanesha said. I have problems. He’s not perfect, but I’m not, either. That’s where the relating comes in. I get to really know him. He gets to really know me. That’s pretty great. So being in this relationship is my choice. Today.

      The camera faded out, and the screen showed the tag line for the interview: Miss T speaks to Diane Sawyer.

      I see what you mean, the host said.

      ~~~~~~~~

      Monday midday — 11:37 A.M. MDT

      Denver, CO

      Okay, Sissy. Step on the scale for me, please, the school nurse said.

      Do I have to? Sissy’s voice went up with panic. I didn’t realize I would be weighed in, and I’m not ready and . . . 

      The nurse touched Sissy’s arm.

      You wouldn’t happen to be Sandy Delgado’s sister, would you? the nurse asked.

      Sandy? Sissy beamed. "She’s like my mom and my sister all rolled up in one."

      I went to school with her, the nurse said. She was a couple grades behind me at Machebeuf. I see her every once in a while when I want my hair to be really fancy.

      Sissy smiled.

      Does she still hang out with . . . 

      The girlfriends? Without thinking, Sissy stepped onto the scale. Sure, they took Tanesha to her med-school orientation day today. Did you know them, too?

      Heather and I went to the same church growing up. The nurse moved the weights over on the scale.

      Tanesha’s dating that hunky Jeraine, Sissy said. We went to see him on Saturday.

      Jeraine? He went here, to East.

      So did Jake, Sissy said. We live with him. Jake Lipson.

      He and Jeraine are like royalty here, the nurse said. You can get off.

      Is that a bad thing? Sissy asked.

      It makes you kind of a celebrity by association, the nurse said.

      Oh, well. We live with Valerie Lipson, too, Sissy said. She did my fingernails. Aren’t they pretty?

      Very pretty, the nurse said. That’s some house you live in.

      It’s huge, Sissy said. We can go a lot of days and not see anyone or see them all the time. It’s fun. I live in an apartment with Sandy and her husband Aden and their baby Rachel and my new sister Noelle and my new brother Nash and my old brother Charlie. It’s great.

      Smiling, the nurse held out a pill and a Dixie cup of water for Sissy. She took her pill.

      I’ll need to weigh you at least once a week. Can you do that? the nurse asked.

      I can try, Sissy said. If I get too focused on my weight, I get sick again.

      Let’s not focus on it that, then, the nurse said. Let’s spend our time talking about your life at school. Deal?

      Sissy nodded.

      I need to check your bandages.

      Sissy pulled up her top for the nurse to see. She touched each of them to check to see if they needed to be changed.

      It looks like you’re healing well, the nurse said. When does ballet practice start again?

      As soon as I’m better, Sissy said. Today, we’re just doing leg exercises. Ivan, my teacher, wants me to learn how to run. I’m going out with Jake this evening, so he can help me and Noelle. But I bet everyone will come. That’s usually what happens. Everyone decides to come. It’s more fun that way. We’re going to go slow, so the boys will probably complain.

      I’ll see you every day for your pill. Can I help in any other way?

      I don’t think so, Sissy said.

      The nurse took Sissy’s hands.

      It seems like you have a really great life, with lots of people who love you, the nurse said. Do you know that?

      Sure, Sissy nodded. I still get crazy sometimes.

      I think we’ll be good friends, the nurse smiled.

      Okay, Sissy said. ’Bye.

      Sissy went out the door and onto her next class. When she left, the nurse picked up the phone.

      Sandy? the nurse asked.

      How did it go, Ginny? Sandy asked.

      You were right about weigh-ins, Ginny the nurse said. She doesn’t want to do it. But we got past it. I think she’s going to be fine.

      Thanks, Ginny, Sandy said. I really appreciate you helping Sissy like this.

      Don’t worry, Ginny said. She’s a bright girl with a lot of energy. I’m happy to help. See you tomorrow?

      You bet. Sandy clicked off her phone. One at a time, her family was transitioning into their next phase. She smiled and went back to her accounting.

      ~~~~~~~~

      Monday afternoon — 2:37 p.m. EDT

      New York City

      So that’s two votes for the clip I like, the editor said. Two for yours.

      Show them again so we can decide, the host said. "It’s getting late, and we need to make a decision.

      Okay. Here’s your favorite clip.

      The screen shifted to an image of Jeraine and Tanesha sitting on the couch.

      And is it different? Do you still obsess on sex and women?

      No, it’s different, he said. Calmer, warmer, and there’s Tanesha.

      How is that different?

      How is sex with Tanesha different from the press of sex with all those other women? Jeraine asked.

      Oh, no. Uh, uh, Tanesha said. You are not talking about our sex life on national television.

      But . . .  Jeraine gestured to the host as if she were forcing him to answer the question.

      You know what will happen, Tanesha said. "Your Grannie Louise will call my Gran and have the talk. ‘Now I know you did your best with that girl,’ Grannie Louise will say. ‘But that girl leads my sweet grandson away from righteousness. Did you see how she made him talk about physical intimacy on television?’ And it always ends with ‘There’s only so much you can do with a hellion like that.’ And they’ll cluck and crow, and then I’ll have to hear about it."

      Jeraine smiled as if she was daring him. She scowled at him. He looked back at the camera.

      Let’s say that there’s a playground, Jeraine said. You might have been to the same playground with lots of people — some, you like a lot; some, you don’t know well. You might swing high or play on the jungle gym until after dark or do something scary with these other people. But you only ever remember those amazing days at the playground with your best friend. It’s the same playground, same sand, same swings, but everything is better when you and your best friend are there together. That’s what I would say.

      That’s very sweet, the host said.

      And, you’re right, Grannie Louise. Tanesha is a hellion. She gets me into all kinds of trouble.

      The clip faded into the show’s lead-in.

      Why is that your favorite? the producer asked the host.

      It shows how much they love each other, the host said. How deeply they know and understand each other. Their lives are intertwined.

      Let’s go with that one, the producer said. Can we send Grannie Louise some flowers or something?

      You fell for them, too? the host asked.

      The producer nodded.

      We all did, she said.

      ~~~~~~~~

      Monday afternoon — 4:57 p.m. MDT

      East High School Gym

      Just one last question, the East High basketball coach asked. Why here? You could easily play at any school in DPS.

      My sister’s going to East. Charlie nodded to Sissy sitting in the stands.

      That’s your sister? the captain of the varsity team said.

      Sissy, Charlie looked at the older boy. Why?

      Oh, nothing, the boy said.

      We live just a few blocks from here, Charlie said. It’s easy.

      We haven’t had great luck with online students, the basketball coach said. Especially ones with drug problems.

      Hey — I get that there’s a risk. But I’ve been clean for three months. I live close. And . . .  Charlie nodded to Jacob when he entered the gym with Nash, Noelle, and Teddy. I’m a pretty good player.

      You know Jake Lipson? the basketball coach asked.

      We live with him, Charlie said. My sister and I live with our older sister, her husband, and his kids. We all live at the Castle. I worked for Jake this summer at the construction company.

      Good guy, the basketball coach said. Why are they here?

      My sister, Sissy, is a ballerina, Charlie said. Her coach wants her to learn to run. Jake thought he could get the key to the field so we could practice. They’re waiting for me.

      The basketball coach looked at Charlie. Terrified he might not make the team, Charlie gave the coach his most confident smile. The coach nodded to him and pointed to the varsity captain.

      So, you have a practice schedule? the varsity captain asked.

      Charlie nodded.

      We have to check with the office or whatever to see if you can play varsity, the varsity captain said. You’re old enough, but since you’re just a freshman in school . . . It’s complicated, but we’ll work it out.

      Why did you ask about Sissy? Charlie asked.

      "My girl and her friends went to see Mr. It — you know, Jeraine — on Saturday, he said. A few of the guys went to, you know . . . "

      Get with the girls, Charlie said. I was there.

      I saw your sister dancing. The boy straightened up until he was a couple inches taller than Charlie. You got a problem with that?

      Charlie shook his head.

      You think she’s prejudiced? the boy asked.

      She likes Jeraine, Charlie said. I think he’s a jerk, but Sissy likes him.

      He’s famous, rich.

      He’s our friend Tanesha’s boyfriend, Charlie said. Don’t you have a girl?

      The basketball captain shrugged his shoulders.

      Don’t fuck around with my sister, Charlie said.

      Yeah, whatever, the varsity captain said. See you at practice.

      Charlie watched the boy walk off. He nodded to Sissy and left the gym.

      How did it go? Sissy ran down the steps to him.

      I’m in, Charlie beamed.

      Yay! the kids cheered.

      Let’s celebrate with a run, Jake said.

      They followed him out of the gym.

      Chapter One Hundred & Eighty-Nine

      Let it go

      Monday evening — 6:57 p.m. MDT

      Ava came out of her and Seth’s bedroom to find Dale laying drop cloths on the wood stairwell. Needing to get to work, Ava scooted down the stairs to the first floor.

      Thanks, Dale said and began laying out a drop cloth.

      She trotted up the steps to help him lay out the fabric on the wood stairwell.

      If you get paint on my stairs, I will be very upset, Maresol called up the stairwell.

      Yes, ma’am, Dale said. I will do my best.

      You do that, Maresol smiled. I’m very excited to give this place some color.

      Dale smiled at her. Ava helped him place the last drop cloth.

      See you tomorrow, Maresol said and moved out the door.

      Are you sure you can do this? Ava asked. It seems pretty slick with the cloths.

      I’ll be careful, Dale said. I’m hoping to get most of the hallway done while you’re at work this week.

      Seth’s going to be home again this weekend, Ava said. I hope he likes the colors we picked.

      Maresol picked the colors, Dale said.

      Hey! I’m the lady of the house, Ava smiled. I approved them.

      Dale laughed.

      I just have time for dinner, and then I’m off to work, Ava said.

      Don’t let me stop you, Dale said.

      Ava jogged into the kitchen, where Maresol had set out her dinner. She was just sitting down at the kitchen bar when the doorbell rang.

      Can you get that? Dale yelled.

      Got it, Ava said.

      She ran to the front door and peeked through the peep hole. She shook her head at what she saw and looked again.

      Who is it? Dale asked. Seeing the look on her face, he walked toward the door.

      My Dad, Ava whispered.

      Dale’s face soured.

      You don’t have to answer it. Dale’s words were punctuated by another ring of the bell.

      Let’s do it together, Ava said.

      She whipped open the antique wooden door and pressed open the glass security storm door.

      What can I do for you? Ava asked.

      Amelie? her father, Colorado State Attorney Aaron Alvin, stepped back from the door. What are you doing here?

      This is my home, Ava said. What can I do for you?

      Her father spied Dale, and his face expressed the disdain he felt for her best friend, Beth’s, boyfriend.

      You live here with that freeloader? her father asked.

      Ava closed the security storm door. She was closing the inner door when he spoke up.

      Wait, her father said. Just wait. I need to speak with O’Malley.

      He’s not here, Ava said. He’s in LA.

      Her father opened the outer door.

      Why are you here? her father asked.

      I live here, Ava said. Why are you here?

      I need to speak with O’Malley, her father repeated.

      Now that we’ve established why we are both here, I’m going back to my dinner. Ava moved to close the door. Her father’s hand held the door open.

      Amelie, really, her father said. Does it have to be like this?

      There’s too much that’s happened, Ava said. You’ve done too many . . . awful things. Too much. And since you’re convinced that you’re right and won’t listen to reason, yes, it has to be like this. Now, O’Malley is not here. May I close the front door?

      He lifted his hand.

      Thank you, Ava said.

      She had almost closed the door when he said, Your mother misses you.

      Ava rolled her eyes and scrunched up her face behind the door.

      You need to get on with your life, he said.

      Ava whipped open the door.

      "I just created the first successful protocol for the First Responder’s Toxin. Something no one, including the UN, the CDC, or even the Israelis, weres able to do, Ava said. I’m moving into a new lab in the new DPD building. My life and my career are moving at rapid pace. Is yours?"

      What are you talking about? her father scowled. "Your little police career is over now that O’Malley quit."

      Come on. Dale shifted Ava away from the door. Thank you for coming by, Mr. Alvin. Seth is in Los Angeles. Do you need his number?

      Get out of the way, Ava’s father said. I was speaking with my daughter.

      I’ll take that as a no, Dale said and shut the door.

      That man . . .  Ava was so angry she was shaking. That man . . . 

      Ava went from clenched-fist furious to sobbing on Dale’s chest in an instant.

      B-B-B-Beth . . .  Ava said.

      I know, Dale said. "Beth would say that he was doing his best. He doesn’t know any better and stuff like that. I miss her today too."

      The doorbell rang.

      Come on, Dale said. Let’s eat, and you can leave for work.

      What about painting? Ava worked to control the tears that dropped from her eyes.

      It will all get done, Dale said. That’s what O’Malley says. One way or another, everything eventually gets done.

      We’re lucky our friends are so wise, Ava said.

      Makes it harder when they’re gone.

      Ava nodded.

      Beth would say that we shouldn’t give too much time to this . . . 

      Crap, Ava nodded.

      Let’s eat.

      Ava followed him into the kitchen.

      ~~~~~~~~

      Monday evening — 8:57 p.m. MDT

      There you are, Tanesha said as she entered the den of the penthouse. Jeraine was sitting on the couch watching a final version of their interview. What are you doing?

      We have last right of refusal on this interview, Jeraine said. It’s something the Schmidtys are known for putting in their contracts.

      Contract?

      "Jammy had contracts prepared when Prime Time said they wanted to catch us on Sunday," Jeraine said.

      But my publicist is Jen, Tanesha said. She’s the one who called us after church.

      Jammy worked with Jen, Jeraine said. Now we have to look at this to make sure it’s right.

      I wanted to talk to you about something. Tanesha sat on the couch next to him.

      Okay, he said. But let’s finish this and then talk.

      Tanesha nodded.

      Jammy tagged a few places he wanted us to check, Jeraine said. I’ve been through it a couple of times. The only place I’m stuck is here. Can you take a look?

      Sure, Tanesha said.

      He clicked the remote control, and the video began to run. She and Jeraine were sitting on the patio with City Park and the Denver skyline in the background.

      "You know there are women who say they were . . . with Jeraine last night, the host said. Two women. They’ve posted some photos on Facebook. Have you seen them?"

      Tanesha shook her head.

      How do you feel about that?

      Feel? Tanesha asked. Confused.

      Confused?

      I’m never sure why a woman would brag about something like that, Tanesha shrugged. "I mean, this man has a problem. Two years ago, he told the world he had a serious sex addiction. And still girls brag about screwing him. I mean, what would the world say to the crack dealer who sold drugs to Robert Downey, Jr.? Broke his sobriety? Would he or she be on the cover of magazines? The topic of so-called news programs?"

      We minimize sex addiction, the host said.

      We’re all ‘Oooh — it’s sex’ like we’re in junior high, Tanesha said. Have some self-respect. I mean seriously. If these girls were with Jer last night, they broke almost six months of sobriety. Plus, he left here saying he didn’t want to be with other women. When we found him, he said he hadn’t been with other women. So, these ladies got together with a guy who was too high to know what he was doing. Nice. I bet your Momma’s proud now.

      So, you don’t think he just told you one thing and did something else?

      I look at people’s intentions, Tanesha said. I don’t believe that he intended to get high. I don’t believe that he intended to be with those . . . women, if he even was. In the last year, he’s worked hard to change his life. That means more to me than some grainy cell phone picture from the inside of a limo.

      Jeraine clicked the remote control to stop the video.

      What’s wrong with that? Tanesha asked.

      A lot of people will say you’re a fool, Jeraine said. That I’m a dog who won’t change his ways.

      You are a dog, Tanesha smiled. But I like dog training. Hey, I wanted to talk to you . . . 

      So you’re alright with this?

      I don’t care, Tanesha said. Do you?

      Not really, Jeraine said.

      So why don’t we give Schmidty the last right of refusal? He can take out what he wants to take out, and we can live our life. I think that’s what you pay him for.

      Nodding, Jeraine picked up his cell phone and texted Schmidty. He turned to face Tanesha.

      What did you want to talk to me about? Jeraine asked.

      First, I wanted to thank you again for picking me up at school, Tanesha said. I was surprised when I saw my Dad’s truck and thrilled when you got out of the driver’s seat. Thanks.

      Your Dad let us borrow the truck all week, he said.

      For the tear-out, Tanesha said.

      Right, he said.

      I also wanted to thank you for having everyone over tonight, Tanesha said. "You had dinner ready when we got home, and, then, wham! Everyone was here — Jill and Katy, Jacob, Sandy and her tribe, Heather and Mack with Blane, Honey, MJ, Valerie, Mike, and Sam, your parents, and even my Dad and Gran and Delphie. I had a great time."

      I wanted to celebrate your big day. Turned out, everyone had a big day, Jeraine smiled. Nice people. Well, except for Scully.

      I saw you laughing with MJ, Tanesha said.

      He’s still a wild man. Did you know he was in Special Forces and now he’s a Marine? Jeraine shook his head. And I can’t for the life of me believe he married his ‘sweet little Honeybee.’ He said, ‘You know — Honey’ and gestured to her. My jaw dropped.

      Jill was . . . uh . . . tentative about them living in the Castle, Tanesha said. I guess they were pretty volatile.

      Jeraine gave a vehement nod, and Tanesha laughed.

      They’re crazy about each other now, Tanesha said. Baby on the way and everything.

      It was great to see him, Jeraine said. We’re going for a run tomorrow morning. I feel like . . . I’m finally home. You know some nice people.

      I know, Tanesha said. Pretty lucky, eh?

      Jeraine nodded.

      The barbecue was fabulous, Tanesha said. Did you make the marinade and sauce?

      I did, he said. Aden mastered the grill, though.

      You were nice to let him do it, Tanesha said. He’s more comfortable when he has a way to participate.

      Hey — us guys have to stick together, Jeraine smiled. Jake and I are close to having our own secret handshake.

      Tanesha laughed.

      Hey, I saw you talking to Delphie. When he didn’t respond, Tanesha let her statement linger.

      Jeraine was silent.

      And?

      That woman, Jeraine shook his head.

      She’s a trip, Tanesha said. Anything you’d like to share?

      Jeraine took a deep breath, looked at Tanesha, and let out his breath. He shook his head.

      Well, I wanted to see . . .  Tanesha’s eyes scanned his face. I wondered what you’d think if we stopped talking about the past.

      What do you mean?

      I mean that talking about the past just brings all of that garbage into today, Tanesha said. "I get hurt all over again. I’m tired of being hurt by things that are over and done with.

      "I mean, I had this amazing day. Our house

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