The Battered Body by J. B. Stanley Page B

what you’re going to say next? That I rewarded all those kindnesses by destroying her dreams?”
    Grabbing Paulette’s other hand, Milla pushed the cell phone aside and stared fixedly into her eyes. “It is time for guilt and pride and blame to be set aside. What happened was a long time ago. If Wheezie was willing to come, to make peace with you , than you should be willing to hold your arms out to your eldest sister and embrace her.” James had never seen such a fierce determination animate Milla’s features. “You owe her that much, Patty.”
    Paulette pulled away and fell silent. James hurriedly finished his breakfast of low-sugar oatmeal and loaded his bowl, spoon, and coffee cup into the dishwasher. He could feel both women watching him as he wrapped a scarf around his neck and zipped up his parka.
    “You’ve always been such a sentimental fool,” Paulette finally said, her voice tinged with annoyance. “So after this charming family reunion, I suppose I’ll be allowed some time alone in order to bake your wedding cake samples.”
    “Certainly.” Milla cleared the breakfast dishes. “And James will be ready and willing to taste them all this evening. Right, my dear?”
    James paused. “Just a bite of each.” He then opened his pocket journal and recorded the calories he had just consumed.
    Cinnamon & Spice Oatmeal 120 calories
    Banana 110 calories
    Coffee w/cream 40 calories
    Not bad , James thought to himself. Though usually reluctant to leave the warm and cozy kitchen, he was more than happy to step out into the morning’s sharp cold in order to escape Paulette’s discontented stares.
    Joan had offered to pick him up at her office so that they could drive to the house in one vehicle, but he had politely declined. James knew that she would use that opportunity to influence his opinion on the property by touting its fine qualities while de-emphasizing its flaws. She had already mentioned the fact that the owner was being relocated and was therefore very motivated to sell.
    “It was a promotion, you see,” Joan’s voice was airy as she relayed this bit of gossip to James over the phone the night before. “So he doesn’t need to focus too much on profit. Apparently, his new house in Nashville is on a two-acre lot and has twice the square footage of the one they’re selling. It’s a good thing too because his wife is expecting twins, and though this house might be perfect for you , a bachelor, or for a couple with only one child, it’s rather tight for a family of four. Do you need directions?”
    James had already driven by the house twice, so he knew exactly where it was. He desperately hoped the interior was in good repair, because he had liked the house occupying 27 Hickory Hill Lane upon first glance. A two-story cottage with a front porch and a fenced-in yard, the little yellow house seemed tidy and welcoming.
    Even in winter, when the trees and shrubs in the yard were bare and the lawn was brown-tinged in its dormancy, the white icicle lights dripping from the porch eaves illuminated the entire façade of the home. The buttery paint color, the curls of white smoke emanating from the chimney, and the well-groomed appearance of the yard were very attractive to James, and he was anxious over the thought that someone else would snap up this gem before he had the chance to get inside.
    “I hope you haven’t been waiting long!” Joan chirped loudly as she rattled a fistful of keys. She hesitated at the end of the front path, clasping her hands together theatrically. “Isn’t this a charmer?”
    “I like it,” James admitted cautiously.
    “Wait until you see how darling it is inside!” Joan unlocked the front door and asked James to wait on the threshold, and she breezed around turning on lights, her spiked boot heels clicking across the hardwood floors.
    He then followed her mutely through a spacious living room, a brightly lit kitchen, and three small but comfortable bedrooms.
    “The