Raven was hiding secrets, and Rhea needed to find out the reason behind her sister’s cryptic attitude the last time she’d visited her home. If she found the courage to accept Martin into her life, would her sister ever come to terms with Rhea’s relationship with Martin?
She sniffed, leaned back on the couch, eating a slice of chocolate cake. She ate four slices, skipping lunch and dinner. She guzzled two cold glasses of milk, the sugar temporarily relieving her tension. She closed her eyes, dozing on the couch, the TV still on.
A pounding knock awakened her. She slowly stood, walking to the door, her slippers slapping against the scarred floor. Checking her peephole, she spotted Mary standing in the hallway. What was she doing here?
Rhea knew she looked a mess, but she was too tired and depressed to care. She opened the door, staring at Mary, silent.
Mary looked chic in a black dress that hugged her thin body. Bright red lipstick colored her mouth. She glared at the broken toys littering the dirty hallway. Rolling her large blue eyes, she stepped into Rhea’s apartment, scrunching her nose. “Hello…”
Realizing her lack of manners, Rhea finally found her voice. “Hi, Mary. What are you doing here?” Rhea closed the door.
She’d been wondering about Mary since she’d returned the key to her house, but had been hesitant about contacting her. Rhea’s concern seemed to anger Mary, and she didn’t really know how to show her sister-in-law that she cared about her. “I’ll tell you in a minute, but I wanted to ask you something first.”
“Yes?”
“Who is that dreadful man outside standing on a ladder? I think he’s changing a light bulb.”
Rhea frowned, going into her kitchen, looking outside. Leonard. The light bulb had burned out months ago and tenants had complained about it. Leonard was too cheap to hire a maintenance man, so he did all repairs himself, when he got around to it.
He looked up, spotted Rhea staring at him. He gave her a slow, lazy smile, showing his tobacco-stained teeth. “That’s Leonard, my landlord.” She returned to the living room, giving Mary a brief rundown about how he was forcing her to move from her apartment.
“You need to find a new place to live.” She shuddered, eyeing her apartment. “That man gives me the creeps. He looked at me as if I were a piece of meat.”
Mary continued glancing around, frowning. Rhea figured she was finding fault with her home. “You needed to ask me something?” Rhea prompted.
“Yes, before I ask, I wanted to tell you something. I wanted to say I’m sorry.” She looked away, her pale skin flushing. “I acted dreadful when you returned the key to my home. I never properly thanked you for taking care of my cat. I snapped at you when you inquired about my health. Will you accept my apology?”
“Yes.” She studied Mary, realizing she didn’t look as if she’d improved. “Have you been feeling better?”
Mary shook her head, her blonde hair glimmering. “No.”
If Stan were alive, what would he do to help Mary? Could he have helped her? She’d tried to help but had failed. Should she take Martin’s advice, surrender the entire situation to prayer? “I’m sorry to hear that.” Rhea gestured toward the couch. “Would you like to sit down?”
“No, thank you.” Mary peeked into the kitchen. “Something smells good.”
“I baked a cake.” Mary’s eyes widened and she gazed at Rhea from head to toe, probably thinking about Rhea’s weight gain. “Would you like some?”
“I’d love some, but I can’t. I’m in a hurry, and I don’t eat cake. I haven’t had a piece of cake in two years.” Her voice filled with pride while she patted her flat stomach. “I just came to drop off the stuff I’d mentioned when I saw you at the restaurant.” That’s when Rhea noticed the small packet in Mary’s hand. “I don’t know if you remember, but when you and Stan were married, and you came to family events, I was always taking pictures. It was my favorite hobby, and I loved it.” She pressed the packet into Rhea’s hands. “I was cleaning up and found these pictures, and I thought you’d like them. I believe I have the digital copies somewhere. Once I find them, I’ll email them it to you.”
Rhea nodded, staring at the packet. She’d open it after Mary left. “How did you know my address?”
“From your file at my employment agency.”
Rhea looked up and caught Mary blatantly staring at her. “Sorry for staring, but Rhea, you look a mess. Your eyes have dark circles under them, you’ve got a runny nose, and there’s white stuff above your upper lip. Why are you wearing your pajamas? Are you sick?” Rhea shrugged. She supposed her nose had started running when she was crying—she’d barely noticed. She guessed the white stuff above her lip was dried-up milk.
Mary looked a mess, too, but in a different way. She looked like an anorexic skeleton. Rhea clamped her lips shut, resisting the urge to tell Mary her true thoughts. “I had a rotten day.”
Mary placed her cool, pale hand on Rhea’s shoulder. “I hope things get better for you.”
Rhea nodded. “Thanks.”
Mary paused, looking down at the floor, scratching the back of her neck. “I wasn’t sure if you were still interested in temporary employment assignments,” she began.
Rhea shook her head. “Thanks for asking, but I can’t work two jobs anymore. Hopefully, if my sales continue to get better at the bakery, I’ll make enough money to live on, without having to take out a loan to pay my bills. The grand opening yesterday was wonderful. I made over two thousand dollars in sales.”
“My, how’d you turn your bakery around so quickly?”
Rhea blinked, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I had an advisor, Martin Lane. Mary, he’s so wonderful…” her voice faltered, and she squeezed her hands together, trying to get ahold of herself. She sniffed. “He’s the most wonderful man. He’s kind, gentle, strong, caring…. Since I’ve met him, my life hasn’t been the same.”
“You mean your life has gotten better?”
She shrugged. “Better and worse.”
“What do you mean?” Mary’s soulful blue eyes, so much like Stan’s, were full of compassion.
“You’re in a hurry. It’d take me too long to tell you.”
“I have a few minutes.” Mary glanced at Rhea’s worn couch before carefully perching on the edge of the cushion.
Rhea sat beside her. In a rushed voice, she told about the conditions of Raven’s loan, her meeting Martin, and their deep attraction, and developing relationship. She then mentioned her confrontation with Raven earlier that day. “I can’t stop thinking about Martin. But, I feel horrible for hurting Raven. My sister is just so difficult and complicated, but I love her and don’t want her to get hurt.”
“My, your twin sounds like a piece of work. I remember during your wedding reception how she kept flirting with one of the groomsmen. She commanded attention, getting upset if he paid attention to another woman.”
Rhea frowned. “I don’t remember her getting upset.”
Mary shook her head. “She didn’t make a spectacle of herself or anything. It’s just that I saw her frown, glaring at him whenever she saw him talking to another female.” She shrugged her bony shoulders. “I just found it strange that she’d just met this man, and she wanted him to act as if they were a couple. Rhea, your sister was acting jealous, in a subtle way, and I found it highly disturbing.”
“Why was it disturbing to you?”
Mary widened her large blue eyes, looking at Rhea as if she were an idiot. “Why? Rhea, from what you’re telling me, the answer is obvious. Your sister slapped you because Martin, a man she’s not even dating, likes you instead of her.” She shuddered, placing her hand over her forehead. “Your sister sounds like she’s highly disturbed and needs to figure out the source of her problem. My former therapist said that our problems are linked to our childhood. When the two of you were growing up, did she not get enough attention from your parents?”
Rhea thought about growing up with Raven. Once they were teenagers, Raven
had always been the one instigating trouble. Her parents had always been annoyed with Raven, complaining about her actions, arguing with her. From their teen years forward, Raven’s relationship with their parents was full of drama, especially when they’d reached puberty. Raven always wanted to be the center of attention at gatherings. Rhea had always been the opposite, a quiet bookworm who enjoyed school and never got into trouble. She recalled her parents had said a number of times to Raven, “Why can’t you be more like Rhea?”
She didn’t want to tell Mary about Raven’s cancer, how she’d almost died when they were children. But, Mary’s observation shed light on Raven’s actions.
“From your extended silence, I guess the answer to my question is no.” Mary’s slightly husky voice broke into her thoughts.
She slowly nodded.
“Rhea, I’m just speaking from limited information, but I think your sister might be jealous of you. Deep down, you might even know that, but may have never admitted it to yourself.”
She shook her head, unable to process such thought-provoking information. Could Mary be right?
“I don’t want to talk about my sister anymore.”
Mary touched Rhea’s hand. “I didn’t mean to upset you. But, just think about what I’ve said.”
“Okay, I will.”
“So, you care about Martin?” Mary changed the subject.
“This is the first time I’ve felt any attraction for a man since your brother died.” She swallowed, gathering her thoughts. “But, things are a mess.”
“I’m sorry. I hope things work out for you. I also came to tell you I’m sorry about what I said when you first came to my agency.”
“What do you mean?”
“I never should’ve said that it was stupid of you to use Stan’s life insurance money to purchase your bakery. Baking is obviously your passion, and it appears you’re off to a good start with running your business.”
Mary, apologizing, twice in the same conversation? The thought literally blew her mind. Mary seldom admitted she was wrong, and she rarely apologized about anything. Stan had told Rhea it would take a rare type of man to marry his sister—that he could imagine her being single forever. He said that Mary’s strong, superior attitude, coupled with her bouts of anorexia, made her a difficult woman to deal with.
“Are you still dating Ron? I know you were mad at him at the restaurant.”
Mary’s skin reddened. “I regret telling you about that. I wanted to break up with him, but, I changed my mind. For the most part, I love Ron, but he drives me so crazy when he complains about my fatigue and my not eating. Rhea, when we argue about it he stalks out of the room like a wild animal.” She pressed her hands together. “Last night, he brought my favorite ice cream. We stayed up half the night, arguing because he couldn’t force me to take one bite. Sometimes, I feel like if we’re in a room together for too long, we’ll destruct.”
Shocked, Rhea wasn’t sure what she should say. She imagined it would be extremely hard for a man to love a woman who was starving herself to death. Mary lifted her bony wrist, glancing at her silver watch. “I must go. I’m just letting you know that I’ll be gone for a month and somebody else will be running the agency…just in case you change your mind and were interested in another assignment.”
She raised her eyebrows. “You’re leaving for an entire month? Are you going on a business trip?”
Mary shook her head, her red-painted mouth set in tense line. “No.” She paused. Why wasn’t she saying anything? Was the reason for her trip a secret? “I must go away for medical reasons.”
She looked away, toward the wall, as if ashamed. “I’m not sure if Stan told you about my anorexia?”
Rhea nodded. “He told me.”
“Well, sometimes…stuff happens, and I have a hard time controlling my anorexia. It’s getting worse, and my doctor suggested I go someplace for a while where I can get help.” She dipped her head. “Ron also said he wants me to get better. I honestly don’t know if he’ll stay with me. I’ve put him through so much already.”
What could she say? “I’m sorry.” Although they’d never been close, Rhea found herself worrying about Mary since she’d first visited her temp agency to search for work. She’d gotten more worried after Mary had been forced to go to the hospital. She closed her eyes, relief sweeping through her like a warm tidal wave. If Mary got help, started eating regularly, then she’d get better. “I’ll pray for your health.”
Mary smiled. “Thanks.” She patted Rhea’s shoulder and stood. “If I had more courage, I’d try a piece of your cake. But, Rhea, if I took one bite, I’d feel guilty about it all week.”
“I understand. Maybe you can try one of my desserts after…after your trip.”
“Maybe.”
She walked Mary to the door and opened it. She stepped into the hallway, and turned toward Rhea.
She hugged Rhea, leaving Rhea too stunned to say anything. Rhea returned Mary’s hug, trying not to react to how Mary’s bones poked beneath her skin. Sadness for Mary consumed her again. Rhea sniffed, blinked back her tears, knowing Mary might get upset with her again.
Mary quickly released Rhea, her face flushing. “Are you crying about me again?”
Rhea nodded. What if Mary died? “Mary, please get better. I meant what I said when you interviewed me at the agency. Call me if you ever want to talk. Maybe when you get back, we can go out for coffee.”
Mary nodded, and Rhea noticed the slump of her bony shoulders as she walked down the stairs.
Sniffing, Rhea closed the door before dropping onto the couch. Man, she was exhausted! Hopefully, Mary would get better soon. Mary’s insight about her relationship with Raven gave her much to think about. She closed her eyes, trying to process this newfound information. Could Raven be jealous of her?
She pushed the thought aside, unable to focus on it any longer. She was grateful that the bakery was closed tomorrow since it was Monday. Taking a deep breath, she ripped open the packet that Mary had given to her. She gasped, her heart pounding. The very first picture was of her and Stan. They’d mistakenly thought they’d stolen away to a private corner during a family event. Stan passionately kissed her in the photo and, unbeknownst to them, Mary had taken their picture.
She looked through the stack of photos several times, fondly recalling the two years she’d been married to Stan. It was refreshing to see the happiness sparkling in each picture.
When she went to bed that night, she felt her stomach ache from all of the sugar she’d consumed. Eating cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner had not been a very healthy idea. She cleaned her messy face before taking a long, hot shower. When she slipped into the bed, she was plagued with dreams. She dreamed about Stan kissing her amidst rose bushes. She was then tormented with dreams about angry church members who unfairly judged her, gossiping behind her back.
The cry from the baby in the upstairs apartment woke her up. She placed her glasses over her eyes and stared at the clock. It was three in the morning and her head felt like it was stuffed with cotton. Cradling her aching head, her mind wandered.
“Lord, I’m so confused right now. I love Martin, but I don’t want to be a preacher’s wife again. I loved Stan, too, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to be involved with another man right now. I wonder if Stan would approve.” She paused, thinking about what else she could say to God. “I’m also confused about Raven. I love my sister, Lord, and I don’t want to hurt her. Lord, please be with Mary as she goes on her trip. Lord, please help her to heal. I don’t want her to die… Jesus, please help me. I’m struggling and I need your help, Lord. Amen.”
She got under the covers and tried to fall back to sleep.
Chapter Twenty-three
Martin’s phone buzzed. His heart skipped as he jerked it from his pocket. Maybe Rhea was calling! He’d been hoping to hear from her since their disastrous business dinner three days ago. He’d already called and left several messages, but so far, no word.
He checked the caller ID. It was his father.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Martin, the pastoral selection committee has made a decision about the candidates.” His voice filled with excitement as he delivered the news. “Son, you made it! They chose both you and Michael Tucker as candidates.”
Martin gripped the phone, pleasure flowing through him like warm honey. “Thank You, Jesus.”
“Now, we need to let Michael Tucker preach since the congregation is not familiar with him. He’s scheduled to speak this coming Sunday during the evening service. He’ll be scheduled for several Sundays. Since there’s seven weeks until the election, that’ll give the congregation plenty of time to get familiar with Michael’s style.” He paused. “We’ll be announcing the candidates and issuing the schedule this Sunday during the services.”
“What about the question-and-answer sessions?”
Before the election, the congregation had the chance to ask the candidates questions during an open interview in the church.
“The committee and the deacons will organize it and then make an announcement in church.”
Euphoria swirled within his soul. Martin ended the call with his dad, shoving his phone back into his pocket. His dismal day already looked a little bit brighter. He sighed, staring at the trees across the street. How would Rhea react when he told her about his candidacy?
*
The following Saturday, Martin pulled into the church parking lot, surprised to see his Uncle Jesse’s car. He’d hoped the church would be empty since he needed some time alone with God to think about his wayward week while he prepared food for the Ladies Fellowship Luncheon.
Another church member was supposed to make the lunch that morning, but she woke up sick. She’d called Martin, and he agreed to do it early this morning since he was busy later.
He sighed. He still had not heard from Rhea since their dinner date one week ago. Should he go to Raven’s house to see if she had any idea what was wrong with Rhea? No, there was no telling how she’d react if he did that.
Raspberry Kisses (The Bakery Romance Series Book 1) Page 23