BROKEN PROMISES
CHAPTER 1
As Jeremy is finishing up his breakfast, Candy sits down across from him at the table. "Now Jeremy, you will be sure to get home in time for supper tonight, right?"
"Why? What's tonight?"
Candy groans. "You don't remember? Tonight is when Pam is coming over for supper. I want you to meet my new friend."
"I don't know, Candy. We're awfully busy up at camp. We're behind and Stempel is breathing down our necks."
"But you promised!"
"What time are you planning supper?" he almost moans.
"At the usual time, six thirty."
"All I can say is I'll try my best. I'm sorry," he says as he wipes his mouth on his napkin and stands. "I better get going." He heads for the hallway and takes his jacket off the hook beside the door.
Candy follows him and helps him put on his gray striped jacket. "You have a good day and be careful. I'll see you tonight at six thirty." She kisses him goodbye.
"Yeah, whatever," he mumbles and turns and leaves.
X X X
During lunch break, Jeremy sits with his brothers. "I need to leave and be home by six thirty for supper. Candy has a friend coming over and she's insisting I be there."
"Who's coming over?" Josh asks.
"That woman that moved here several months or so ago. You know the one that came to live with her aunt and uncle and then the uncle upped and died a few days after she arrived. Pam, I think her name is," Jeremy replies.
"Oh yes, I remember something about that. So, Candy has taken Pam under her wing, has she," Jason says.
"Yeah, leave it to Candy to always stick her nose in other people's business," Josh laughs.
"She's just trying to help this girl out. She's here all alone with her old aunt and needed a friend," Jeremy states trying to defend his wife.
"Why does she want you there?" Josh asks. "You're already taken," he laughs.
Jeremy's mouth drops open. "What do you mean by that?"
"Just that Candy is always trying to play matchmaker. Surprised she didn't ask a man over for supper, too. Or did she?" Josh replies.
Shrugging his shoulders, Jeremy answers, "Not that I know of. I think she would have told me if she had."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Josh says.
"Come on brothers, let's get back to work so Jeremy can get home in time for supper. Don't want to disappoint the little wife," Jason chuckles.
"That's for sure," Jeremy smirks.
X X X
At ten minutes before six, disaster strikes. The flume collapses and all the men run to survey the damage. Jason wipes the sweat from his forehead. "Well, it looks like we have an all nighter on our hands."
"But. . ." Jeremy starts.
"Jeremy, if we don't get this flume operational by morning, then we will never meet our contract. Is a little dinner party more important than this?" Josh asks.
"No, but I need to go tell Candy that I won't be there."
"Sorry, but we need you up here now, not thirty minutes or an hour from now. Why don't you have one of the men run down and tell Candy? I'm sure she'll understand," Jason says.
"Sure thing, Jason," Jeremy sneers.
"Hey! We need some help over here! Alan's hurt!" they all hear someone call out. The three of them take off running to see about Alan and to start repairs on the flume.
Jeremy forgets all about sending word to Candy about not being able to make it home for supper.
X X X
Candy has cleaned and cooked all day. She has a wonderful supper fixed which consists of Jeremy's favorite fried chicken, along with mashed potatoes, green beans, fresh tomatoes, and biscuits, with another of Jeremy's favorites, chocolate cake for dessert. The table is all set with a bouquet of fresh daisies as a centerpiece.
Candy checks the time as she hears a knock at the door. It is six twenty. Molly opens the door and welcomes Pam. Candy meets them in the parlor as she checks the time again.
"Hello Pam, so glad you could join us for supper. Jeremy should be here soon and then we'll eat. Can I get you something to drink in the meantime?" Candy asks.
"No, thank you. And thank you for inviting me. I look forward to meeting your husband. And these are your brother and sister?" Pam inquires.
"Oh yes, Pam this is Molly and Christopher. Molly and Christopher meet Pam. Now, you two go wash up while I check on supper." She checks the time again.
"May I help you?" Pam asks.
"No, have a seat and I'll be back shortly," Candy smiles and leaves for the kitchen. Jeremy Bolt, where are you? she fumes.
After waiting thirty minutes, Christopher asks, "Candy, can't we eat without Jeremy? I'm hungry."
Candy checks the time again and sighs loudly. "I guess we better eat before everything gets cold. I'm sorry Pam. Jeremy was hoping to get here but I guess they didn't get caught up at work."
"That's all right, Candy. Maybe I can meet him another time."
The four of them go into the dining room and sit down. Candy asks the blessing and then they enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. All the while Candy tries to hide her anger.