Family Bonds

Chapter 12, Episode 1

 "Hey, Marty, how are you? I didn't know you were in this class." Chet took the seat next to her.

Marty glanced sidelong at Chet, ever the charmer. "And the only spots were closer to the front."

"I saw Jane the other day. She's taking a heavy load and doing double shifts at Alice's."

Marty's eyes narrowed. "And taking care of Bert. I guess the two of you really are done, because of that disaster at the barbecue—with your dad."

"I'm trying to get us past that. Jane wants to sell her duplex. Asked if I could help her talk to my dad. After she graduates spring quarter, she can get a real job. Did her student teaching this quarter. I guess you know she's scheduled to interview over spring break."

Chet slid down in the chair until his neck rested on the top of the back rest. "Can we talk after class? Here comes the prof."

~ ~ ~

Eighty minutes later, Marty closed her notebook and turned to Chet. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Have a class right after this?"

"No. I was going to hit the library."

"Good. Coffee. My treat." Chet accompanied her to the student union.

Their coffee mugs sent fragrant tendrils of steam skyward. "Tell me everything," Chet said. When did Jane find out about Bert's cancer?"

"About a month ago. She only found out he was sick because the nurse called and Jane happened to pick up the phone."

"That sucks."

"No shit. Bert's probably had it for a while. She said he's been complaining of the flu since before Thanksgiving. Maybe even before he caught the two of you sucking face in the kitchen."

"Jane told you?"

Marty put down her mug. "I think she's in love with you—even if she'd never admit it. What your dad said was so nasty. Because of the kind of family she has, she won't do anything to get between you and your folks. And now she has to deal with this." She glared at him. "I know you two are still meeting at the Bean Blossom, but if you really cared about her, you'd stay away. It just hurts her to see you, especially now that you're with someone else."

"What gave you that idea?"

"We saw you with that girl who was feeling you up in the parking lot the end of fall quarter."

He grimaced. "She came on to me. I don't even know her."

"Well, she sure seemed to know you. All of you." She arched her left eyebrow.

Chet's face reddened. "Look, if Jane asks, tell her. Even if she doesn't ask. I'm not seeing anyone. And I want to help her. I'm calling my dad tonight, after I'm done with class. Maybe he knows a buyer for the duplex."

"Do you have to tell him why you're asking?"

"No. I'll see what I can find out without telling him it's her. I don't want to hurt her, Marty. I ..."

She looked at him and lowered her voice. "Are you in love with her, Chet?"

His ears turned pink. "That's for me to tell her, not you."

"Look, she's my best friend and she doesn't deserve to be beaten down again." Her back stiff, Marty rose from the table, hoping her frown convinced Chet. "She's had enough bad things happen since her stepdad died. Don't make her life worse."