Part 145 (2/2)

She drank deeply, then topped off the gla.s.s before sitting on a sofa of

purple velvet. ”Sit down, Emma luy, and tell me all about yourself.”

”There's nothing to tell.” Stiffly, Emma sat on the edge of a chair.

”I'm only in London for the holidays.”

”Holidays? Ah, Christmas.” She grinned, tapping a chipped nail against

the gla.s.s. ”Did you bring your mama present?”

Emma shook her head. She felt like a child again. Terrified and

lonely.

”The least you could have done after all these years was bring your

mother a little gift.” With a wave of her hand, Jane settled back.

”Never mind. You never were a considerate child. All grown-up now,

aren't you?” She eyed the quiet diamond studs in Emma's ears. ”And done

well for yourself, too. Fancy schools, fancy clothes.”

”I'm in college now,” Emma said helplessly. ”I have a job.”

”A job? What the h.e.l.l do you want with a job? Your old man's got

nothing but money.”

”I like it.” She hated the fact that she couldn't control the stutter.

”I want to work.”

”You never was a bright kid.” Frowning, Jane tossed back more gin. ”When

I think of all the years I scrimped and saved and did without to put

dresses on your back and food in your belly. Never a bit of grat.i.tude

from you.” She reached for the gin bottle and slopped more into her

gla.s.s. ”Just sniveling and crying, then going off with your father

without a backward glance. Been living high, haven't you, my girl?

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