The Sapphire Pendant Read Online Free Page A

that seemed incongruous with her small frame.
    It looked like something rejected from the disco era. “Can you imagine spending so much on something so ugly?” Jessie asked.
    “Well, being rich doesn’t give you taste.” She stared at Jessie critically. “If you want, I can have your suit washed once you’re changed.”
    “No, thanks. I’ll do that on my own. Besides, I no longer have a need for it.”
    Ms. Frey nodded, handed her a plastic bag to put her clothes in, and shut the door behind her. Jessie stripped out of her clothes and began to dress. She hoped she would be able to reach her car without too many people seeing her. The trousers were a little too short, but otherwise the outfit worked. While rolling up her soiled clothes, she overheard the women in the adjoining room.
    “Oh, that looks great on you, Deborah,” a voice cooed. “You’re so lucky to have such a kind aunt.”
    Jessie rolled her eyes. The last person she wanted to bump into just then was Deborah Wester. Deborah prided herself on being part of one of the oldest black families in Randall County. Her immediate family was middle-class like Jessie’s, but a number of her relatives were wealthy…old-money wealthy. Jessie’s family, on the other hand, was part of the small immigrant community that began to grow during the seventies. So although they called the county their own, to some they were still outsiders.
    “Thank you,” Deborah replied. “You don’t think it makes my hips look heavy?”
    “You look great in anything,” the voice said. Jessie recognized it as that of Deborah’s close friend, Tracy Richards.
    “I know,” Deborah said haughtily. “Unlike some people.” Her voice lowered. “Did you see what Jessie Clifton was wearing today? I mean, she should at least get a uniform that fits.”
    Jessie’s ears perked up.
    “She looked dreadful,” Tracy agreed. “Besides the fact that she was running through the back lawn like a thief.”
    “Did you hear what she did to poor Kenneth?”
    “I know,” Tracy said, censoring her tone as if it were a taboo subject. “No class whatsoever.”
    “I mean, it’s bad enough that she and her sisters are ugly—”
    “No, they aren’t ugly,” Tracy delicately corrected. “Just plain.”
    “Close enough,” was Deborah’s flippant reply. “I mean, if I didn’t have looks, I’d at least try to dress nice. No wonder she hasn’t had a date since taking her cousin to the prom.”
    Both women giggled. Jessie felt her hands ball into fists as shame burned her cheeks. First Kenneth, now Deborah. Didn’t they know she was already aware of her physical failings?
    “I mean, first, there’s her sister.”
    “Which one?”
    “The eldest one, of course, Michelle. She did herself a favor and forgot about men after her separation. I think she’s the smartest one of the bunch. She’s really clever, but of course she has to be, since she has no looks. Then there’s the crazy sister who believes in visions and herbs, but their father probably believed in voodoo or something, so what can you expect?”
    “That’s not fair,” Tracy chided.
    Unashamed, Deborah continued. “Then there’s poor little Jessie. She always goes around like she’s something important, when everyone knows she acts that way because no one wants her. I mean, she can’t even keep a job. No wonder she has to tell fortunes on the side to make extra money.”
    Tracy giggled.
    “Plus her entire wardrobe consists of thrift-shop rejects. Why would anyone go out with her?”
    That did it. Jessie could no longer hold her tongue. She shoved open the adjoining door, banging it against the wall, and stormed into the room, ready for battle. “As a matter of fact, I can get any man I set my sights on,” she announced, with her head held high.
    Deborah and Tracy spun around, their mouths dropping open in shock.
    Deborah was the first to speak. “What did you say?”
    “I said that I can get any man I want,” she