Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Sherilyn," Caroline's voice was cheerful, even though her face was hidden behind sunglasses and a mask. "Who knew you could dance like that? You could totally be a dance instructor on TV. I'm so proud of you."

Sherilyn casually threw in a "Thanks" as they talked.

Suddenly, a sleek navy Maybach pulled up in front of them.

"Francis is here to pick me up," Caroline mentioned, inviting Sherilyn, "Where are you headed? Come on, we'll give you a lift."

"No, it's okay," Sherilyn declined with a wave. "Gilbert's coming for me in a bit."

"Oh," Caroline replied with a meaningful smile. "Then I won't keep you from your date. We'll head off first."

At the bottom of the steps, Francis had already exited the car, holding the door open for Caroline.

in, clearly in good spirits. She hadn't been staying at the Johnson residence lately, but Francis had been making daily calls and visits, always ready to pick her up and take her out

her fingers with Francis' and resting her

you like," Francis replied, his usual response. "I'm happy as long

suddenly pausing as her hand brushed against something. It felt like... a silver earring. A women's earring, to be precise. At least, that was the style among the Johnsons. This car was Francis' personal choice for picking her up, usually opting for a Rolls-Royce on other occasions. Whose could it

heart ached as

Sherilyn. Now, she suspected it belonged to someone else James' mother. Francis had lied again, claiming he wouldn't be involved

he opened the car door for her, calling her name, she forced a smile, taking his hand to step out. Learning from past experiences, she chose not to make a scene. Francis

Soon after, Gilbert arrived.

over to take her

him uneasy. "Why are you

who I saw today?"

"Who?" Gilbert was clueless.