Sherry’s expression hardened. “I’m sorry for being so blunt, but you don’t give me the impression that free space in your home would be an issue.” She squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe to calm down or to think of another argument for her crazy plan. When Sherry looked up again, her eyes seemed to be determined not to give in. “Taking her in as well is the only way to make sure that she won’t talk to anybody about this.”

Damn, she was right. Not that this mother hen in the next room couldn’t still talk, but the chances of that happening were at least smaller that way. It seemed like her workout room would have to be turned into another bedroom. “Great,” she mumbled under her breath.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Before she could talk herself out of it, Madison stomped toward the door. “Let’s give your friend Rita March the good news so that we can finally leave.” Madison held up a finger in warning. “But I warn you, if she can’t keep her mouth shut, you’re in trouble too.”

“She won’t tell anybody,” Sherry said. “And Madison?”

“Yeah?”

“Her name’s Rita Mae.”

“Whatever.” Madison opened the door and left the so-called bedroom.

When Madison plopped back down onto the booth, the whole trailer was shaking. With her luck today, it would collapse right under her butt. “Tell her.”

Sherry squeezed in beside her friend. “Madison wants to offer you a job too.”

“A job?” She regarded Madison. “What kind of job?”

“Housekeeper,” Madison said.

“Madison would like you to move in with her to take care of the household and to keep an eye on Jake, when we’re gone.”

“What does that mean? Why would Jake be there?” Rita Mae asked. “What’s going on here?”

“Madison has offered to pay me to, um, play her partner. Jake and I will move in with her soon.”

Rita Mae’s jaw dropped.

“Of course we’re not really a couple,” Sherry continued. “But it’s very important that everybody around us thinks so.”

“Couple? Like in…lesbian couple?”

Sherry nodded.

Rita Mae’s face contorted as if she felt nauseous. “But why? You are not a lesb—”

“All you need to know is that Sherry is playing my partner,” Madison said. “The reasons behind it are none of your concern.”

Rita Mae covered one of Sherry’s hands with her own. “What’s she paying you, dear?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Madison grumbled. This woman knew too much already.

“Please, Rita Mae, stop asking questions,” Sherry said. “Just imagine what that would mean. No need to worry any more about Andy and that he might throw you out at any moment.”

“As long as I’ve got the job. And then?”