Susan looked worried suddenly. “Bette, I really don’t have time right now. I’ve got the kids, and I have to be at work in an hour, and—”
“I promise, sweetheart,” I whispered. “It’ll be worth your while.”
Her eyes lit up just a little. “Can I come in?” I asked.
She stepped aside, and I walked into her tiny home. There were toys scattered across the floor, and there was a mountain of dishes in the sink. The smell of burned toast hung in the air. This was Reese’s life, and it was hard. I could see that. We sat at her kitchen table, and I got straight to it.
“I want to make you the heir to my $2 million estate,” I said simply.
Susan’s mouth fell open. “Bette, that’s—”
“But there’s a condition.” She frowned. “A condition?”
“Yes,” I said, leaning closer across the table. “First of all, your brothers mustn’t know. This has to stay between us. It’s our secret. Can you do that?”
I could see the wheels turning in Reese’s head. “What do I have to do?” she asked carefully.
“You’ll have to visit me every week. Keep me company and make sure I’m okay. That’s all. Simple, right?”
