“Thanks, Patty. I always appreciate hearing those words from our customers. I just wanted to check on the stuffed cabbage rolls. They may need to be heated.”
“I put them in the oven on a low temperature. They do look good. What’re they stuffed with?” Patty ran a hand through her shoulder-length brown hair.
“Some with meat and rice, others with veggies. My chef is experimenting and I wanted to get a reaction from your family before I put them on the menu.”
Stacy turned her back on everyone and started slicing a pound cake with sharp stabs of her knife. “We really had enough of everything. Those cabbage rolls aren’t needed.”
Patty stared at her with an astonished expression. “Stacy, how can you say that? Dan’s a guest who brought something for the brunch. I’m sure we’ll all want to taste them.”
“Not me,” Stacy answered testily. “I can’t stand cabbage. But at least they’re cooked, not like some of Kate’s so-called healthy raw crap.”
Patty visibly paled. “Stacy, that’s really rude. I can’t believe you said that.”
An awkward silence followed. Ready to blast her sister, Kate pressed her lips together. No way would she compromise her father’s health by getting into a verbal battle. “Let’s go out to the patio,” she suggested to Dan in a low tone.
Without another word, he took her hand and they left the kitchen.
Flushed with annoyance, Kate couldn’t help comparing her warm welcome from Dan’s family to the tension-filled moments with Stacy. “I’m sorry I subjected you to this,” she murmured.
“No problem,” he replied, squeezing her hand. “Your sister’s a very negative person who lashes out to relieve her anger. Counseling might help, but I doubt she’d try it.”
“You’re right about that. Next time I’ll make sure my parents are alone before I invite you to their home.” Turning to him with an apologetic air, she added, “I’m really sorry you had to put up with her insulting words. If my father wasn’t in ill health, I’d have told her off.”
Dan brought her close, his smile tender. “Thanks for wanting to defend me, but that’s not necessary. I’ve come across people like your sister. Although I try to avoid them, I can deal with the problem.”
Tears rose in Kate’s eyes. Blinking hard, she tried to chase them away. “You shouldn’t have to,” she whispered. “At least not in my family.”
Sensing her distress, Dan sought to change the subject. “Let’s rejoin your parents and relax a while. I’d like to get to know Greg and Jack. They both seem like easy-going guys.”
Walking with him to the outdoor area, she said, “You’re right. Greg is usually upbeat and optimistic and Jack’s a sweet man. What he sees in my sister, I can’t imagine.”
Dan whispered something in her ear and Kate blushed. “You could be right.” He’d hinted at the more intimate aspects of marriage and while she couldn’t imagine her sister being wildly seductive in bed, the idea caused her to reflect. Maybe Jack and Stacy did have the chemistry right.
Before leaving Kate’s parents’ home, Dan managed to find a private moment with Marge Bromley. “Kate and I are taking a vacation in Colorado during the Spring break. My son, Ethan, and my nephew are joining us. I want you to have an itinerary of our trip with phone numbers in case you need to contact us.” He handed her an envelope.
After a moment of surprise, Marge said, “Thank you. Kate never said anything about taking a trip. In fact, she barely mentioned that she’s seeing anyone.” She shook her head with a bewildered expression. “I’m pleased she’s finally going out again. After her divorce she kept insisting she’d never get involved. But she’s too young to live her whole life alone. Marrying at seventeen was a mistake. We did try to prevent that marriage, but she can be stubborn.”
“I know that.” Dan smiled. “I’m working on it. Kate’s the kind of woman I’ve been looking for. But I’m taking it slow and easy. She can’t be rushed.”
Giving Dan a quizzical glance, Marge said, “I’m glad you feel that way. I’ll let her father know about the trip after everyone leaves.” Then she added, “Those cabbage rolls were wonderful. As you see, there are no leftovers. The guys really wolfed them down.”
“Glad you enjoyed them. Now I can add them to the menu.”
~ ~ ~
“I can’t believe we spent so many hours in bed,” Kate murmured, resting her head on Dan’s chest.
“Maybe we needed to relax. Don’t forget you put me through a long run. Not that I’m complaining.” He ran a hand down the length of her soft curves. “This is the best part of my week. Do you know that?” With half-closed eyes he reflected on the afternoon’s events. After leaving the brunch they’d driven to Kate’s home, changed into running gear, and sprinted around the nearby park. A long, delightful shower followed, after which they’d tumbled into her large bed. “I always knew you had a passionate streak.” He kissed her tenderly.
Cuddling closer, Kate gave an affirmative nod. “You bring that particular trait out in me, for some reason.”
He laughed. “The reason’s pretty clear. There was an instant rapport even though you were determined to keep your distance. Guess your mom’s upcoming birthday party was the catalyst.” Leaning up on one elbow, he looked at her thoughtfully. “Would you have phoned me if you hadn’t needed a place for the party? Be honest.”
She drew in a startled breath. “I don’t really know. Looking back, there was something about you that pulled me in, which frightened me to no end.” Those blue eyes of his held a world of understanding. “Maybe I would’ve found a reason to contact you at some point.”
“I think fate gave us a shove,” he said. “Which I’m grateful for. Changing the subject, next week is going to be crazy. I’ll be out-of-town for several days.” He gave a weary sigh. “Then there’s Ethan’s birthday party. How about I phone you Thursday night? We can plan something for Saturday evening and Sunday. Remember, the following Friday evening you’ll spend at my place since we fly out early Saturday.” He smiled down at her. “Can’t wait to hit the slopes and have more time with you.”
“Me too.” Kate smiled with anticipation. “Oh, before I forget, I bought Ethan a croquet set for his birthday. I just have to wrap it and sign the card. I want to give it to you before you leave tonight. It’ll keep him busy outside and it’s something that he can play with you. There are rules, which aren’t too difficult to learn. And you’ve plenty of lawn to set it up.” She’d thought long and hard about what to buy him and the idea of keeping him occupied outside the house led her to make this choice.
“Thanks Kate. You didn’t have to do that, but I know he’ll love it.”
~ ~ ~
After Dan left Sunday evening, Kate started planning her classes for the week. It was after eight when the phone rang. She was surprised her mother was calling this late. Was something wrong? “Hi mom. Is everything okay? Is dad feeling all right?”
“Everything’s fine, Kate. Your father’s watching a golf game on TV so I had a moment to call.” There was a brief pause. “I don’t like to interfere in your life, but something’s bothering me about this trip. Don’t get me wrong, your father and I are pleased you’re dating again and we think Dan seems very pleasant. If the two of you were going away together, there’d be no problem. But you’re going away with two children, Dan’s son and his nephew. I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.”
Kate’s heart thudded. What was her mother talking about? And what was wrong? “I don’t understand your reasoning.” She frowned as her mind grappled with the supposed problem.
“Kate, I’m assuming you and Dan will share a bedroom. You have two impressionable children staying with you. Do you think that’s wise? You’re not a married couple or even engaged. Unless Dan is in the habit of bringing women to his home and sleeping with them whi
le his son is there . . .” Her voice trailed off.
Kate was silent a moment as her mind whirled with her mother’s words. Dan had been pretty casual about inviting her on this trip. Had he made other trips with other women and his son? The thought made her stomach knot. Maybe her mom was right. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Perplexed, she tried to come to terms with the situation. “Let me think about it,” she finally said.
“Please do, Kate. I don’t want you to be hurt and I don’t want those children to get the wrong impression of family life.”
After the call ended Kate sat for several moments, going over the conversation. All the plans had been made and she’d been looking forward to the trip. Was her mother right to be cautious? She wasn’t sure. The best thing to do would be to discuss this with Dan. Glancing at the clock she realized he’d be busy with Ethan now, probably getting him ready for bed. She’d phone around nine. Yes, that was the thing to do.
A few minutes after nine Kate punched in Dan’s number. When he picked up, she said, “Hope I’m not calling while you’re still with Ethan.”
Something in her voice alerted Dan to her mood. “No, he’s sound asleep. What’s up? You sound worried. Is anything wrong?”
Taking a deep breath Kate plunged into the specifics of her mother’s call. “Do you think we’re doing the right thing? I never thought about what impression our being together would have on Ethan and Oliver.”
Frowning, Dan felt the stirrings of anger and forced himself to look at their situation through Kate’s mother’s eyes. “Kate, I appreciate your mother’s concern but I think her worries are misguided. In your mother’s time there might have been a stigma to an unmarried couple sleeping together with children around. Nowadays it’s more common and accepted. Some couples prefer not to marry at all and raise their children very well. I can talk to your parents and assure them Ethan and Oliver will come to no harm if that will help the situation.” He waited for her response hoping she’d see his point of view. When the pause became too long, he said, “Can we talk about this Thursday evening? I’ll ask Eileen to watch Ethan and come over to your place.” Time was running out and he’d been looking forward to this trip with her.
With trepidation she asked the one question that was preying on her mind. “Dan, have you had other women staying over at your house when Ethan was there?”
“No, I haven’t,” he said grimly. “Is this something your mother suggested?” He couldn’t help feeling angry at the implication that he wasn’t a responsible father. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever invited on a trip, if you want to know.” Disappointed at this turn of events, he shook his head in annoyance.
Hearing his displeasure, Kate realized she’d gone too far. Besides, what they did together was their business. Why had she let her mother’s words penetrate so deeply? “Dan, I’m sorry I mentioned anything. Our time together has to be what we want it to be. I’m sure my mother meant well – she’s always been protective – but in this case she’s not being realistic.” Would he understand?
“Let’s table our talk until Thursday evening. And give it more thought. If you’re uncomfortable in any way about our trip, I can take the boys on my own.” This wasn’t what he wanted or what he was looking forward to, but he wasn’t going to beg her to come. She’d have to feel completely at ease for them to enjoy being together on this vacation. He was sure of it.
Why had she called Dan in the first place? She’d have been better off discussing this with Laura or even Greg. Her mother’s views were old fashioned. Perhaps in her mom’s dating days there were more stringent views on what was appropriate. Dan sounded upset and she didn’t blame him.
After a restless night, Kate woke determined to put the whole matter out of her mind. Her life was her own affair. Even if she did make mistakes now and then, like marrying too early, she’d learned her lesson. She trusted Dan’s judgment and would act accordingly. Coming to this conclusion, she breathed a sigh of relief. Almost tempted to phone Dan, she decided to let the matter rest. She’d talk to him Thursday night. Meanwhile, she needed to pick up ski clothes she’d stored at her parents’ home. While there, she’d have a talk with her mom and get this whole business straightened out once and for all.
~ ~ ~
“You don’t look happy.” Laura Frazer studied Kate’s expression as they lunched together on Monday. “What’s wrong?”
Taken aback, Kate thought quickly. “My father’s not well and he’s going for tests. My mother feels it’s just overwork. He’ll be sixty-eight in June and he’s always been an active and vigorous man. I can’t help feeling worried.” No point in mentioning her recent dilemma with Dan about their trip. She’d settled everything in her mind about that situation.
“I’m sorry to hear about that. My parents are having health issues, too. They’re in their seventies and live in Arizona near my older sister. I try to visit as often as possible, but between Tony and work, it’s not nearly enough.” She sighed as she unwrapped a tuna salad sandwich and took a bite. “Guess we have to take it one day at a time. Changing the subject, you haven’t mentioned what you’ll be doing over Spring break. Maybe we can get together one day and plan the layout for your raw food book.”
Kate wondered how much to reveal about her plans with Dan. “That wouldn’t work. We’ll have to plan time for the book after school gets out in June. I’m planning a ski trip to Colorado for spring break.”
“Really? How exciting. Are you going solo? Or with a group?” Laura’s eyes were wide with interest.
“I’ll be with Dan and his son and nephew.” She might as well tell the truth. With bated breath she waited for her friend’s reaction.
For a few moments Laura just stared at her. “I can’t believe it. That’s a big leap. The last time you mentioned his name you were just friends. What happened? Or shouldn’t I ask.” She sent Kate a sly smile.
Trying for a nonchalant attitude, Kate replied, “You can ask but I’m not about to add any further details. Let’s just say our friendship has recently escalated.”
Laughing, Laura put down her sandwich. “That sounds like the understatement of the year. Anyway, I’m happy for you. I hope you have a wonderful time even though I’m jealous. Tony has to work all week. The only thing we’ll be able to do is take in a play next weekend. I bought the tickets so he can’t squirm out of it.”
“I’m hoping all works out well. My mother’s not supportive of the trip since there’ll be children along. I think her views are old-fashioned and I’m not listening to her advice on this matter.” Would Laura agree with her?
Frowning, Laura was silent as she considered Kate’s words. “Mothers tend to be overprotective. As long as you’re comfortable with the situation, it’s right for you. I’d certainly have no qualms about going away with Tony and any of his nephews or nieces.”
Letting out a sigh of relief, Kate replied, “Thanks, Laura.” Now she was sure she was doing the right thing.
After school finished Kate drove to her mom’s home. She’d phoned earlier and been assured they’d be there. Walking into the house she said, “How’s dad doing? I know his tests start soon. Is he worried?”
“He’s doing okay, although I have to tie him down to the chaise lounge sometimes,” her mother complained.
“I wanted to pick up my ski clothes for the trip,” Kate explained. Taking a deep breath she added, “I’ve thought about your concerns and decided I’m comfortable with going away with Dan and the children.” There was nothing further to add. If her mother was not happy, so be it.
Kate saw her mother hesitate as if deliberating with herself. “Well, if that’s what you want to do, there’s nothing more I can say. You’re old enough to make up your own mind.” With those words she led the way to one of the upstairs bedrooms. “I’ve stored your things in the closet along with some of Greg’s
sports items.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll get everything together and then come and spend time with dad. And thanks for understanding.” She gave her mom a quick hug before turning her attention to the closet. Now she could contemplate the trip with an easy heart.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
1 head of green cabbage
One sweet or white onion, chopped
One cup mushrooms, chopped
Three to four carrots, chopped
One cup string beans, chopped
Two tomatoes, diced
One half cup raisins
One tablespoon lemon juice
One cup rice, quinoa, or lentils, cooked
Tomato sauce under cabbage rolls and some for the top
Since this is a time-consuming recipe, you may want to do some preparatory work the day before. Take a head of green cabbage and set in a large soup pot with several inches of water around it. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and cover to steam for anywhere from five to ten minutes depending on size of cabbage. You want to ease off the outside leaves of the cabbage to act as wrappers for your stuffing. If you can cut out the core before cooking, it will be easier. Once leaves are taken off the cabbage, put each one down on a flat surface and cut out the heavy stem so the leaf sits flat on surface. For stuffing, I steamed several veggies, such as carrots and string beans, and sautéed chopped onion and mushrooms to mix with steamed ones. The veggies should be cut into matchsticks or diced. I added diced tomatoes, raisins, and lemon juice to the sautéed veggies to add a sweet and sour flavor. Mix steamed and sautéed veggies together with either rice or quinoa or, if desired, cooked lentils. Take a large cooking dish and place some tomato sauce on the bottom. You can buy prepared sauce or make your own. I used onions, garlic powder and mushrooms plus two cans of tomato sauce. To stuff the cabbage rolls, lay cabbage leaves on flat surface, put a spoonful of stuffing mixture at one end, fold over that end, then the side pieces and tuck the last piece over the rest. Lay seam side down on tomato sauce in large pan, cover with additional sauce and bake at 350’ for fifty to sixty minutes. Extra stuffing left over can be cooked in another pan. Cover pans with aluminum foil to keep from drying out.
The Sweet Touch Page 21