Redemption Lake Read Online Free Page B

pressure of Beryl’s finger nudging into his arm. She cocked her head to the side. “Did you hear that? We’re a day early.”
    Refusing to face his wife, Travis said, “Yeah, I heard him. I made a little mistake.”
    Out of the corner of his eye, Travis saw Beryl roll her eyes as she turned her attention back in Phillip’s direction. “We got the letter all right, or shall I say my husband did. Then he lost it and swore we were supposed to be here today. So—what are we suppose to do now?” She tapped her foot as she spoke. “Do we have to drive four hours back home?”
    â€œI made a little mistake, baby,” Travis said.
    She huffed. “Save it for someone who believes you. Honestly, Travis, just admit it. Once again you’ve gotten it all wrong. Your lack of attention to detail and irresponsibility has gotten us into yet another mess.” Beryl shook her head. “We’ve only been here five minutes and already you’re batting a thousand—a thousand in the red that is.”
    â€œHonestly, I—”
    Beryl cut Travis off clinching her dreadlocks with both hands and saying, “Travis, I really don’t want to hear you speak another word right now. That lake isn’t too far from here, and so help me God, if you keep it up, I will throw you in.”
    â€œWhoa, whoa,” Phillip said. “I’m sure it was a simple mistake. And you don’t have to drive back home. Why don’t you go ahead and get your bags, and my wife and I will show you to your room.”
    Travis smiled inwardly. This brother was all right. He was glad Phillip had his back.
    Beryl waved her hand and rotated her neck. “Oh believe me, it wasn’t a simple mistake. That’s why we’re here. It’s always a simple mistake or a simple misunderstanding with Travis.”
    Travis looked toward Phillip again for help.
    â€œAnd that’s okay. Like you said, that’s why you’re here, and we’re here to help you,” Phillip said with reassurance.
    This was gonna be all right. The brother had his back. We brothers got to stick together, Travis thought.
    Shelby joined them in the foyer. “Yeah, Beryl, I can show you your room while your husband gets the luggage.”
    Travis realized the sister had jumped in to help Beryl. Under his breath, he mumbled, “I guess all is fair in love and war. If the sisters want to unite then let them go ahead and try.”
    Beryl clutched her purse and walked toward Shelby.
    â€œHey, man, let me put my shoes and coat on, and I’ll help you get your luggage,” Phillip offered.
    â€œThanks, man. I appreciate it,” Travis said. He was relieved to be out of his wife’s presence for a few minutes. She’d been nagging him on the whole trip up about how he needed to find a job as soon as they got back. That was ... if things worked out at the retreat.
    Travis stepped out onto the porch as he waited for Phillip to get his coat and shoes. He popped a piece of Big Red gum into his mouth. The temperature seemed to have dropped a few more degrees, but he’d rather be outside in the cold than to continue standing next to Beryl, with her poking and prodding accusing tone, reminding him of his incompetence.
    Again, from Beryl’s point of view, he was just proving what a failure he was. And for the life of him he couldn’t understand why she even applied for the retreat in the first place. She was always complaining about money and how he needed to get a steady job. He couldn’t count the times she’d nagged him about needing help with the mounting bills. But Travis knew Beryl kept a stash of money for rainy days because every time she claimed they needed money for a bill or something for the kids at school, those things hadn’t gone lacking, and he hadn’t given her a dime.
    If he could just land the right job with the right boss, then everything would be