Chapter Eight

Although she tried to forget about the incidents between her and Steve, it was all she could think about as she laid in bed that night. Tossing and turning, she hardly slept, between thinking of Steve, and thinking about Scott’s murder. It was late when she finally fell out.
Waking in the morning, the first thought on her mind was the office. She knew she would have to hire someone to come in and pack, as well as clean the room thoroughly. And she would have to do it as soon as possible as she was inviting the real estate agent to her house. She couldn’t have potential buyers see the office in its current state.
Before going downstairs, Jayme showered and dressed. Then she went to the kitchen and made two pieces of toast with peanut butter. She also ate a banana and an orange. Just as she finished cleaning up the kitchen, she heard the knock on the door.
Opening the door, she saw a man slightly older than herself. “Good morning. I’m Gary Miller, Miller Real Estate Agency.”
“Good morning, I’m Jayme.” She said and opened the door for him. After she shut the door, she turned and held her hand out for a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Gary returned. “this is a nice house, and very roomy. Is it three bedroom?”
“Yes… follow me, I’ll show you.” Jayme said and walked toward the kitchen.
Showing him the downstairs, she came to the office and stood by the closed door. “I’m sorry, we have to give this room a few days before anyone can enter it.”
“Ok, is there a problem?”
“Well, to be honest, my husband was murdered in that room, not even a week ago. I need to hire a crew to come and clean it. I will get it done as soon as possible. Please give me a few days or so to get it cleaned and I will let you know as soon as it’s complete.” Jayme said.
“Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that. I don’t want to enter that room right now.” He said.
“Moving on…” Jayme said and led him upstairs to the three bedroom and full bath.
When he was finished in the house, he went outside. Jayme followed him. He asked her certain questions like any property to the house, age of well and septic and other questions. He walked through the garage and pole barn, further assessing the property value.
Meeting her back into the kitchen, he discussed the contract and gave her a price of two hundred and ten thousand dollars as the listing price. Jayme agreed and signed the contracts. At the end of the meeting, he handed her his business card. “Please call me as soon as you have that room cleaned.” Gary said with a smile and walked out the door.
Jayme knew it was time to start moving things to Hillman. Searching the internet on her phone, she located a cleaning service as well as a moving service, making appointments for both. The cleaning service would be done the following day and the movers would be there in two days. Jayme knew she had two days to complete her packing.
Locking up her house, she got into her car, with a few boxes of things that she would’nt need right away. Driving to Hillman, Jayme planned to rent a large storage unit, which she would store the contents of her house until she bought a new house. Halfway to Hillman, she stopped to fill her tank. Withdrawing money from her account through the store’s ATM, Jayme discovered Scott’s life insurance had been deposited.
Jayme smiled but felt like crying as it was a reminder of her late husband. Paying for the gas, she also purchased snack and drink items. Back on the road, she kept thinking of Scott and it brought her down. Especially when she heard their song come on the radio. It left her in tears. She turned the channel and tried to calm herself.
Her first stop upon entering Hillman was the storage unit where she rented but left nothing there. Then she headed for home. As she drove down the street toward her parents house, she discovered that Mrs. Humphrey’s house was up for sale. Already knowing that the house was not in livable condition, she liked that it was close to her parents. She could have the old house demolished and build her new house.
Walking into her parents house, they were just getting ready to sit down for dinner. “Oh, I’m just in time…’’ Jayme said, surprising them both. She hadn’t notified them that she was coming.
“Jayme, why didn’t you let us know you were coming?” Paige said.
“I’m sorry, I just threw some things in my car and headed here. I rented a storage unit.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m selling my house. I met with a real estate agent this morning. I have to be back tomorrow for the cleaning crew to come and clean the office. Then I’ll have to do my best to pack it up because the moving crew is coming the next day.”
“Wow. You’re moving pretty quick. Are you sure this is what you want to do?”
“Yes, of course.” Jayme said as she sat at the table with her parents.
“Ok. What about your job?”
“I spoke with Anne yesterday. I’m already on a two week leave, she said not to worry, they were fully staffed.”
“Oh. Good. So, are you going to find work here then?” Simon asked.
“Yes. But I’ll probably wait about a year or so, until this baby is about a year.”
“How are you going to afford to do that?” Simon asked.
“Scott left me a five hundred thousand dollar life insurance policy.” Jayme explained.
“Really? That’s really wonderful, Jayme. That relieves me a lot.” Paige said.
“I’m going to inquire about Mrs. Humphrey’s house. I’m thinking about buying it and building my new house.”
“I really love that idea. I’ll be so great to have you close to home. Now if we can just get Garrett to move home.” Paige said.
“How is Garrett?” Jayme asked.
“He’s coming home in a few days, next weekend.” Paige said.
“Oh, good, I should be around.” Jayme said.
“Apparently, he’s bringing his girlfriend.” Simon added.
“Oh? He must be serious about her.” Jayme said. “He never brings girls home.”
“I think he may be, by the way he was talking on the phone.” Paige added.
When they finished eating, Jayme went out to the car and carried in the boxes, putting them in her room. Her father helped her after seeing her carry in the first box. After spending some time with her parents, she left to return to Silver Creek. It was late when she returned home, finding a note on the door.
After unlocking the door and entering the house, Jayme shut the door then opened the letter. She walked toward the kitchen and turned on the light to read it. It was from Steve, requesting that she contact him when she gets in. Being that it was so late, she waited until morning. Laying in bed, she felt exhausted and tried to clear her mind. It helped her to fall asleep faster.
Hearing the knock on the door get louder, Jayme opened her eyes and realized it wasn’t a dream. She climbed out of bed and threw her robe over her. Jogging down the stairs, she went to the front door and looked out the peephole. It was Steve. She opened the door and let him in.
In one swift motion, Steve stepped directly to her, wrapping his arms around her. He pressed his lips firmly to hers, kissing her with a deep, driven passion. Jayme responded hesitantly but it wasn’t long before she responded with the same passion. She knew she wanted him, even if it was too soon. But would it make her feel disrespectful, like she was cheating?
With all her might, she pressed her hands against his chest and slowly pushed him away. “I can’t…” She said.
“Why?” Steve said, still trying to kiss her.
“I have people coming over… cleaners.” She said. “Not right now…”
He leaned back and looked at her. “Cleaners?”
“Yes, for the office… I can’t even go in there.”
“You’re still grieving, this is wrong, it’s too soon.” Steve said.
“Just give me some time…” Jayme said.
“Please don’t take long, I can hardly wait.” Steve said then turned and walked out the still-open door.
Jayme shut the door and turned to lean her back against the door. Closing her eyes, she looked down and shook her head. They were both right, it was too soon, but that didn’t stop the burning in her gut that was increasing every time Steve touched her.