Chapter 19

The Wicked Win

Betzy hoped Anna's plan would work. Bobby epitomized the best man she knew. She blew it. Her mind was disconnected after Agnes' death. A mysterious sensation controlled her movements. She recognized she cared for him, but her actions demonstrated otherwise.

No wonder he reacted the way he did. She deemed herself a fraud by using her son as bait to lure Bobby. Betzy believed if she had not been so self-centered, he would have been hers. Agnes gave her a gift and she squashed it.

Anna said, "You are not being deceitful. Bobby wants a reason to appreciate you."

"It could backfire, and he will hate me."

"Things can go wrong, but they can go right. Every day possesses the chance we take proving we are alive. It was not a lie to tell Bobby that Walt wants to live with him. Your son thinks of him as more than a cousin or an uncle. The boy almost called him Daddy today. To keep them from each other would be cruel."

"How can I handle it if he only wants to be friends with my boy and ignore me? Am I strong enough to come to grips with his choice? It is still my fault. I made him despise me. Besides, Gloria Cooper hangs around the ranch. I watched them stroll together. "

Bobby and Carl are silent partners at the Beverly Farm and Home Supply. Each fill in for Paul once a week or when Paul is out of town or at a conference. Their business is next door to Betzy's uncles' Jumbo Mart.

Betzy reflected, "Why did I run away? I don't know. Perhaps I was torn between Agnes' death and not wanting to consider I desired being with Bobby."

The anger toward Bobby had long passed since Betzy left him in the Philippines. She was on orders to leave. Her unit was called back to the states, thereby giving them two hours to pack and report to the plane. She did not appreciate Bobby's bullying but grasped the pain and frustration he suffered.

Betzy lingered vulnerable when she returned to her job in Memphis. Walter exhibited kindness, and consideration. He excelled as a terrific boss. The age contrast made no difference. He was a brilliant surgeon whom she respected. He loved her and promised it would work.

Return to The House

Bobby said, "Betzy, why didn't you tell me about your house yesterday?"

"What about it?"

"Your brother told me it was riddled with termite infestation. The bank had knowledge about it when they sold you the house. I am on the board. It is going to cost more to fix it than what you and Walter Sr. paid for it. We do not do deceptive business."

"What can we do?"

"One of two things. First, we can make the bank take it back and refund your money, or number two, you can keep it and the bank will be responsible for the repairs. It is up to you."

"Thanks, I don't know what I am going to do when I finish my masters. It might be better if I let the bank take it back."

"I will ensure it happens. What do you want me to do about the loan officer who processed the mortgage?"

"I noticed a picture of his wife and kids on his desk. Maybe a reprimand would be acknowledged. I do not want anyone to lose their job."

"You are too kind."

"We all make mistakes. Forgiveness is the best policy." Betzy talked to herself. Will Bobby forgive her for not disclosing she is in love with him?

Anna and Betzy called Bobby and Steve with little repairs they could do themselves. The guys would not take a penny for their work. The girls would invite them to supper. Anna had a crush on Buddy (Steven) Smith since he helped them move into the rental house. The odd jobs were excuses to bring them closer.

Selena

Things went well until Paul hired Selena as a salesperson to work in the store. She flirted openly with Bobby. She came to the ranch under the guise she wanted to learn to ride a horse. On the first lesson she fell into his arms. She said, "You're so strong. How can a handsome man like you be unmarried?"

Mrs. Mendez said, "She giggled and gawd at her every word. It was sickening."

Amber had noticed Selena snuggling up to Paul, Bobby and several of the wealthier men customers. She had visited Bobby and her clients using the same method with each. Amber told Paul, "Selena is abusing her position." Selena was laid off (fired) before her probationary period expired.

It was never linked back to Amber and ultimately Betzy. Her cousin also informed Betzy. Selena received what she deserved.

Betzy was not cold and calculating as comparable to Selena. She was wealthier than Bobby. Money was not a concern for either. Bobby considered himself as an ordinary guy. He failed to understand how far above ordinary he was.

Betzy

Selena disappeared from their lives. Bobby and Betzy were growing closer. She was about to fess up her manipulation when Bobby said, "I hate liars and those who withhold the truth."

Betzy dreaded Bobby's relations with Gloria. She observed them hugging on occasions.

Betzy was stunned and believed she was caught when Bobby said, "One of my customers lied about his income and understated his debt."

"Oh! He probably got into a bind and reasoned he could pay his bill. Talk to him and work out a schedule to settle his account. If he does good and you are satisfied, he will be a better patron in the future."

Betzy said, "I have something I need to confess."

"Oh, what is it?"

"I did not tell you the whole truth when I told you my son loves you."

"Um."

"His Mother loves you just as much."

He reached over, put a hand on each hip, pulling her closer while whispering, "I know." He kissed her and she kissed him in return.

Then he pulled her closer and placed his lips on her mouth again. Betzy's mind froze for a moment. Electricity moved throughout her body, and she relaxed in his arms.

She nuzzled her head into his chest. It was like she kicked the soccer ball and collected the winning point to gain the championship.