A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Neither Cora nor Joseph could convince the other. They called a silent truce, knowing that any further argument would only turn bitter.

Shortly after, Ella informed Cora, “Ms. Lowell, Mr. Hart is heading out. He’s loading things into the car and said he won’t be back for dinner.”

Cora immediately hurried outside. “Joe, we were just having a discussion. So what if we have different opinions? I didn’t say anything extreme, and I didn’t demand anything from you. Is it really necessary to run away from home again?”

This was the move Cora feared most. When Joseph left, he’d stay gone. He would check into the hotel, or worse, find some woman to accompany him. She wasn’t about to spend the night alone in an empty house.

“Run away? No, no. I’m going fishing,” Joseph replied, gesturing toward the fishing gear packed in the car.

“Fishing? I’m coming with you then.” Cora packed up, changed into casual clothes, grabbed some outdoor gear, and entered Joseph’s car.

“Cora, I’m free from work. I just want to relax. I’m 40 years old, not some kid. I need to learn how to enjoy life. You’re different-you’re responsible for the well-being of countless people. You should go back to work.”

“I’m 40, too. I’m going to enjoy life with you,” Cora insisted.

Joseph didn’t say another word. He drove Cora to the riverbank, found a spot to cast his line, and set up his gear for a day of leisure.

After watching him for a while, Cora realized Joseph had absolutely no idea what he was doing.

“You didn’t even bait the hook,” she pointed out. “How do you expect to catch anything? No one fishes like that.”

“Some people fish for the experience; others fish for the catch. I’m not like them. I’m here to relax. If I start acting like a professional, it becomes exhausting.”

“I suspect you didn’t come here to fish. You’re only pretending to fish because I showed up.”

“Oh? Then what was I originally planning to do?”

“You tell me. I’m sure you were up to no good.”

“Are you afraid I was headed for a foot spa and a full-service massage?”

“Don’t act like the thought didn’t cross your mind.”

“Well, since you’re the one bringing it up, Cora, where’s the lady from the dorm previously?”

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