"He ain't even drunk anymore, why's he still knockin' back lemonade?"
Cecilia grumbled, but did as he asked anyway.
He'd got a cold, probably 'cause he'd been drinking too much. Plus she did dunk a bucket of ice water over him.
Just as Cecilia headed to the kitchen, Lucinda gave her a call.
"Cecilia, you okay? Did Owen do something to you? How did his people find you?"
Lucinda and Stefan had returned to the store, only to find Cecilia was gone. After asking her mom, they found out Cecilia had left with some of Owen's people. She was worried about her friend, so she called her up. Luckily, Cecilia picked up, which meant she was okay. At least she was free to move and answer the phone.
"I'm okay."
Cecilia replied in a low voice. "It's a long story. Basically, I pissed off Owen and now he's getting back at me."
"What'd he do? Should I call the cops? I can get Stefan to come over with me."
Lucinda didn't know where Owen lived, but Stefan definitely would.
"Lucinda, no need. Owen didn't do anything. I just dumped a bucket of ice water on him and he's got a cold now. His retaliation is making me do household chores for a few days and taking care of him while he's sick, and I can't leave until he's better."
Cecilia let her friend know about Owen's retaliatory behavior.
about my family. I'll tell them I'm super busy and I'm staying at your place for a while to make it easier for work. If my mom calls you to
you getting involved with Owen, and
help me. In fact, I should take responsibility for Owen's cold. He's not going to hurt me, just make me do some chores. He's already being
sure you don't need me to come
might just stir
you must call the police and let me know. I'll
care of myself." Cecilia
asked Stefan after hanging up, "Do you know
It's her responsibility that Owen's sick,
After all, the woman he truly loved was Ruby. No other woman could catch his eye. Persuaded by
she was still worried about Cecilia, Stefan said softly, "I'll
Lucinda nodded.
went back to Fiona. "Mom, are you
the small suitcase her
want your mom to
come live with me? Aren't you going to take
poked her daughter's forehead and said, "Are you hiding something from me, so you're afraid I'll find out if I stay? Can't I take a few days off from taking care of the family all year round? Without me, they can't live? Didn't your dad and grandparents live just
said two sentences, and her mom rebutted her
oranges in the fridge, so I squeezed some juice for you.
speaking was Stefan. He really did
Stefan and praised him, "Stefan is considerate and thoughtful, unlike Lucinda,
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