Barbara's Plea Read Online Free Page B

I’ll be right out.”
    “Who was that?” I asked as she put her phone away.
    “My driver, he followed us over so I wouldn’t have to trouble you to drive me home.” She clasped her hands in front of her, “Now, come by at about nine o’clock, and we can discuss details.” She turned for the door.
    “Gloria, remember, I don’t have the tools necessary to do these,” I protested nervously.
    She turned slowly, a huge smile on her face. “Grey, remember,” she echoed my words, “that my husband used to tinker in a wood shop. I think you will find everything you need, and if there is something missing, we can discuss it.”
    “Okay,” I said slowly.
    “Now, for the rest of the day, relax. Do something that you enjoy doing, not because you have to, but because you want to. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    She pulled the door open.
    “Gloria,” I called out before she left.
    “Yes, Grey?”
    “Why are you doing this? You don’t even know me.” I was dumbstruck and felt as if this was all a joke. I was waiting for the pie in the face or the floor to drop out under me.
    “Why? Because I like you. I like your values, and I like your honesty. I had a more relaxing morning with you than I have had in years. Today might have started out shitty for both of us, but I think our luck has changed. Enjoy your day, Grey.”
    With that, she walked out and closed the door behind her. A moment later, I heard the outside door open and close, and I peered out the small kitchen window to see her climbing into a tinted Town Car.
    It was only then that I looked down at the business card in my hand, Withers International. Holy crap! She was that Withers!

Chapter Four
Barbara
    “ B arb , you have a call on line three. The woman won’t say who it is, but she said it was important,” the voice on my intercom said as I typed a response to an email.
    “Okay, thank you. I’ll get it.” I knew who it was.
    I clicked the send button for my email and glanced at the door. Before I answered the phone, I went over and shut it all the way. It was rare for me to close it, but this conversation required secrecy.
    “Hello,” I answered as I put the phone to my ear.
    “I’m sorry to bother you, Barb, but I wanted to let you know something,” the woman’s voice on the other end began.
    “Okay, I’m listening.”
    “You’ll be happy to know that the cupboard is stocked now, so we won’t need any more donations. In fact, we are getting ready to do a big delivery with some of the excess.”
    My fingers began to tremble, “That is good news. I’m glad we were able to fill it so quickly for you.”
    “Me, too, I’m sure the recipients will be very thankful.”
    “Of that I have no doubt.” My mind began to spin. Anxiety clutched my gut. “Can you tell me when that delivery will be? I’d like to let the others know who are involved.”
    “I’m not sure, but those plans are in the works. As soon as I have information on that, I’ll be sure to pass it along. Thank you so much for all your help on this. You have done an amazing job, and I’ll be sure to refer you to other nonprofits.”
    “You’re welcome and thank you,” I replied, trying to not allow my nerves to register in my voice.
    “Have a good day, Barbara.” The woman hung up as I was saying, “You, too.”
    I stared at the phone for a moment. This was it. Peggy and I had met in person a couple of times, and over the last year, she had been slowly helping me build my nest egg. She had all my account details, and she was the one who watched my balances and made sure that a portion of my bonuses and paycheck were deposited each month.
    A year ago, I had helped a woman who was on the board of directors of one of the domestic violence shelters with an art auction. We had hit it off really quickly, and now she was one of the few people who knew the hell in which I lived.
    While working on her art auction, we found time to start working on a safety plan, a plan to get me