Their plan had begun before Jake ever moved into my home.
They had been gathering information about my age, forgetfulness, and the fact that I lived alone.
And when Jake appeared, they decided to use his presence as additional evidence that I was vulnerable and unable to make sound decisions.
I slowly lowered myself onto the sofa.
Suddenly, I understood why David kept saying that a woman my age couldn’t possibly have a relationship with such a young man.
He wasn’t simply embarrassed.
He was preparing to use that relationship against me.
“But why did you pretend to be in love with me?” I asked Jake.
He lowered his eyes.
“Because my mother was afraid that if I told you the truth immediately, you wouldn’t believe me.”
“So you lied to me?”
“Yes. And I’m sorry.”
Those words hurt more than Sarah’s threats.
For two months, I had believed that someone finally saw me as a woman again, rather than simply an elderly mother or grandmother.
