The Enforcer - Kelli Callahan Page 0,60

I’m glad you liked it. I’ll talk to her and see how she feels about it,” I say, glancing around for my daughter.

Unlike Jan, I try not to dictate everything my daughter wears, which means she sometimes leaves the house in more scandalous attire than would be appreciated by Jan and other members of the community. But at the same time, kids should be allowed to express themselves. Though there’s no point in discussing this with Jan, of course.

“Where are the girls?” I ask, look about the room to distract myself.

“Oh, they’re around here somewhere. I put Sam in charge of the canned goods section.”

“Oh?” I ask, a little surprised since handing out assignments is my job.

“Yes, she’s got a real knack for volunteer work. I was telling her she should spend more time with you since you’re a true pillar of the community. In this area, few women have done as much as you have.”

“Thank you, that’s very kind of you. Of course, I admire the way you brought up Sam. She’s always so polite.”

“Yes, she’s a gentle soul, my girl. We’re very lucky to have her,” Jan gushes, turning and smiling at the sunny blonde who is bouncing over to us with Holly at her side. “Hello, gorgeous! How are you?” Sam’s face flushes with color.

“Oh, I’m doing great! We’re making a lot of progress over there with the canned goods.” Sam turns and motions to the boxes stacked high with products. “We’ve received so many donations. It’s absolutely thrilling!” Her small hands clap together.

“That’s one word for it,” Holly mutters.

I give her a significant glance, telling her now is not the time for sass.

“What do you mean?” Jan asks.

“Oh, Mom, she just means there are so many words we could use to describe the enormity of the community’s generosity,” Sam quickly chimes in, and I notice Holly stifling laughter as she turns and pretends to examine a box full of peanut butter.

I wonder if Sam’s in the habit of lying this easily to her mother, or if Holly is just rubbing off on her.

“Oh, well, of course, that makes sense. But you know how it goes. When people are in crisis, the community and the church will rally together!” Jan claps her hands, reaching down and grabbing a large box marked Donations. “That’s a wonderful thing about the Baptist Church,” she continues, turning back to me. “We stand together, fall together, and rise together.”

I wonder just how long she’s had that phrase in her back pocket, ready to use for such an occasion.

“Sorry about my mom,” Sam whispers, as Jan strolls away, greeting people with lavish praise.

I laugh. “Oh no, she’s fine. She’s absolutely harmless.”

“Maybe to you. My dad spends an awful lot of time in the garage listening to Hank Williams Jr. and popping what sounds suspiciously like beer cans. All while claiming he has a Diet Coke addiction!” Sam whispers.

“Are you serious?” Holly laughs.

“Absolutely. I cannot wait to get out of here.” Sam shudders.

“When’s that happening?” I wonder, glancing over at Jan who’s reorganizing my neatly arranged meal kits.

“Oh, just as soon as my mom decides on what college I’m going to.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, peering into those soft blue eyes.

“Just that.” Sam shrugs, adding canned soup to the cardboard box next to her.

“Wait. Sam, are you telling me your mom’s deciding what college you’re going to?” Holly asks, her eyes wide with horror.

“Basically. She says she wants to make sure I get into a good one. Somewhere respectable.” Sam nods her head, imitating her mother with such spot-on accuracy I have to laugh.

“Yes, well, your mother loves you very much,” I say, hoping that my encouragement will somehow improve their relationship.

“She does, but she can be kind of suffocating sometimes.” Sam sighs, her face a little sad.

“How long do you think it will take for her to decide?” Holly asks.

“That depends. I have this theory that she doesn’t actually want me to go to college. She’s just trying to keep me as her pet forever.”

“If you didn’t go to college, what would you do?” Holly interjects.

“I don’t know, volunteer like she does every day. Find a suitable husband.” Sam shrugs, nodding her head to a blond haired, blue eyed, teen in a varsity jacket.

“Is that what you want?” I ask.

Sam smiles quickly.

“What? What is it?” I urge, curious now.

“Don’t tell her, Sam,” Holly orders. “You’re one of the few people that she trusts me with exclusively. And I can’t risk losing you.”

“What