"We're home," Amanda called out as she and Andrew arrived home from their honeymoon.
They set their luggage down by the door and found Alma sitting at the desk in the living room and Mrs. May on the sofa watching television.
Alma jumped up when they entered the room. Amanda was pleasantly surprised that her sister was so eager to welcome them home, but that feeling faded as soon as Alma spoke.
"It's about time. I've been wondering when I can start working."
Amanda sighed, "I'll give my two week notice first thing Monday morning."
"Good," Alma replied and started back to the desk.
"Wait. Don't you want to hear about our trip?" Amanda asked.
Reluctantly Alma came back and their mother joined the group as Amanda and Andrew talked about their honeymoon, the places they visited, and how relaxing it was to spend time at the beach.
When Alma seemed disinterested in everything they said and their mother voiced her disapproval of every place they went and everything they did, Amanda wondered why in the world she had been looking forward to coming home.
Lucy shook her head in disbelief as she and Jordan went over the household records. "I don't believe it. You are a miracle worker, Jordan. I don't think things could be running more smoothly. How do you do it?"
"It's nothing miraculous, Ms. Stuart. I'm just doing my job," Jordan replied, slightly embarrassed at the praise.
"Modest," Lucy accused as she rose from her chair, and Jordan followed. "Really, you do a spectacular job and I really don't know how I would manage without you."
"Do you think you could manage without me for a few days?" Jordan asked. "I have some family business to take care of."
"Of course," Lucy agreed. "It's nothing bad, I hope."
"No. My sister is flying in from England to live with me and I could use some extra time to help her settle in."
"Take all the time you need. You've earned it."
"Thank you, ma'am, but I'll only need a day or so."
As they started to walk out of the dining room Lucy realized that she knew almost nothing about Jordan's personal life, even though she talked with him every day. So she asked, "What's your family like, Jordan? Are you married?"
"No," Jordan started to answer, but was interrupted by the doorbell. He excused himself to go answer it.
"What's going on? What the hell are you thinking, Lucille?" Arthur demanded as he stormed into the dining room, with Jordan following closely behind him.
Lucy was bewildered. She had never seen Arthur so furious.
"I just got a call from Ms. Boroughs this morning and she said that you've dropped the lawsuit. I said that can't be true, that you wouldn't do something crazy like that and if you had lost your mind, you would have at least told me first. So what's gotten into you?"
"I just didn't see the point anymore," she cried. "So, what if we win a lawsuit? What good is it going to do for anyone? I don't want the money. I don't want any of this anymore."
"How could you do that without even telling me?"
"I'm sorry. I should have told you, but I wasn't thinking about that."
"Were you thinking at all?" Arthur asked. "Maybe you should take some time and really think this over."
Lucy shook her head firmly. "No, I have thought it over. I've made my decision and I'm not going to change my mind."
Arthur grunted in reply and pushed past Jordan as he walked out without a goodbye.
Jordan stepped cautiously into the room. "Are you alright, Ms. Stuart? Can I get you anything?"
"No," Lucy pouted and looked up at Jordan with sad eyes. "Do you think I messed up?"
"I think you know what's best."
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