“Yes.” But she stood in place, her stance her weapon.
“Then,” Grace started, “take your bag downstairs.”
Jayde held her stare for a moment longer before she turned away.
Grace wanted to be patient because she knew Jayde was treading in a pool of insecurity. In the last week, her daughter had seen a lot that didn’t make sense, and this trip was another unsettling wave. But Grace didn’t know how to bring peace to Jayde’s heart when she had none in her own. When it was time for Conner to take the girls to Lily’s, Grace had held Jayde longer than normal, hoping to fill her with assurance.
Now, as Grace focused on the other planes that crowded the runways, she wished for the reassurance that she prayed she’d given Jayde.
The seat belt sign clicked off, and Conner stood, helping Grace from her seat. He pulled her into his arms. “It’s going to be all right,” he said as if he’d heard her thoughts.
She smiled. She and Conner had as much of a connection as he had with his twin. The marital bed connection. That thought tore her smile away.
At baggage claim, Grace spotted the fortyish white-haired man dressed in the standard black suit holding a cardboard sign with “Monroe” printed in black marker. His smile looked as if it was part of his job as he placed their carry-ons onto the cart, then escorted them through the maze of people to the awaiting car. While Conner helped Grace inside, the driver tossed their bags into the trunk.
It had been three years since Grace had visited this city that she loved. But as they drove past various shades of gray two-story houses along the parkway, New York wasn’t as inviting as she remembered. The sun that had been bright above the clouds did not shine as they edged forward on the Van Wyck Expressway.
Conner took Grace’s hand, but she kept her gaze outside.
It took seventy minutes for the car to crawl from parkway to expressway and exit on the Manhattan side of the Midtown Tunnel. The sun burned on this part of the city and brought with it an energy that felt as if they’d landed on another planet.
As they moved up the Avenue of the Americas, Grace wondered if every one of New York’s seven million residents was outside. The streets pulsed; the buildings breathed. The anxiety that had been her constant companion dissipated. By the time the car cruised to a stop in front of the Plaza, she was part of New York.
“Good evening.” The black doorman, dressed in the gold-trimmed navy uniform, smiled as he opened the door and helped Grace from the car. She returned his smile and wondered why he wasn’t starring in a movie somewhere.
Though this was her first time at the Plaza, Grace felt acquainted with the spectacular lobby, remembering details from her favorite movie: The Way We Were.
Within minutes, the Plaza’s staff had them inside their thirteenth-floor suite. The moment the room’s door opened, they were greeted by sweeping views of Central Park that filled every floor-to-ceiling window. While Conner directed the bellman to the bedroom with their bags, Grace stood in the living room. Darkness was beginning to descend upon the never-sleeping city, but millions of lights twinkled outside.
“Would you like me to close the drapes?” the bellman asked.
“No, thank you.”
Conner tipped the bellman, then joined Grace. He enveloped her in his arms as they shared the view.
“This is a beautiful place,” she said.
“That’s why I wanted to stay here.” He turned her around so they faced each other. “These aren’t the best of times, but I was praying that we could make this trip … pleasurable.”
She pulled away from him. “So, what are the plans?” she asked, diverting her eyes.
“I thought we would have dinner. Maybe Tavern on the Green.” He stopped as if it hurt to say the next words. “We can call Pilar in the morning.”
She folded her arms. “We should call Pilar now, Conner. Let’s handle our business.”
He looked at his watch and then moved to the phone.
Grace returned to the window, watching Conner’s reflection through the glass.
“Hello, Pilar,” he said before turning his back, muffling his words.
But Grace could still hear it all. It was a simple conversation. The lawyer had become the defendant, answering questions with simple responses: “yes,” “just now,” “fine.” He turned around when he said, “Yes, she’s here with me.”
Grace took a deep breath, but stayed in place as Conner made plans. Even when he hung up the phone, she remained still.
“Pilar said to tell you hello.”
She whipped around. “What are the plans?”
“We’re going to meet Pilar in the morning. She’ll meet us here after Solomon goes to school. I’m sending a car for her.” His words became softer with each sentence. “We’ll go to the diagnostics center from here.”
She nodded, then began studying the pattern in the Persian carpet.
Conner said, “Where do you want to go?” She lifted her glance. “To eat,” he clarified.
She let a silent moment pass. “I’m going to bed.” She brushed past him. The last thing she heard before she closed the bedroom door was her husband’s sigh.
Chapter 23
“Mom,” Starlight called out. She could hear the television from one of the back bedrooms.
Lily rushed into the living room. “Starlight, what are you doing here?”
Before she could respond, Jayde came into the room. “Aunt Star?”
Starlight smiled. “Come here, girl. Give your auntie a kiss.”
“It’s good to see you, Auntie Star.”
She loosened her embrace. “My goodness, you are growing into such a beautiful young lady.”
Over Jayde’s shoulder, Starlight saw Amber standing with her head down. “Amber, come here so I can see you too.”
Amber smiled and hugged her aunt.
“What are you girls doing here?” Starlight asked as she held them both.
“Mommy and Daddy went away,” Amber said.
Starlight didn’t miss the way Jayde pulled back. She watched her niece walk to the couch.
Amber continued, “We’re staying with Nana.”
“And I bet Nana loves every moment.”
Lily smiled. “Ms. Amber, it’s time for bed.”
Amber set her mouth to protest, and Lily held up her hand. “No complaining, or else you won’t get any ice cream.”
Amber’s eyes widened. “I can have a cup in bed like last time?”
Lily nodded. “Kiss your aunt good-night.”
They hugged, and after Lily and Amber left, Starlight joined Jayde on the couch. She playfully poked her arm. “So how is my favorite teenage niece?”
“I’m your only teenage niece.” Jayde smiled a bit.
“A technicality.” Starlight cocked her head. “You’re not having a good time here?”
Jayde shrugged. “It’s all right.”
Starlight smiled and remembered why she didn’t have children. “Let’s get some ice cream.” Together they went into the kitchen.
When Starlight opened the freezer’s door, she asked, “Where did your parents go?”
“New York.” Jayde slumped at the table.
She pulled out a pint of pink bubblegum ice cream and wondered, Didn’t anyone eat vanilla anymore? “You might want this.” She held the carton in the air for Jayde to see and then searched for another package.
“What are they doing in New York?” Starlight asked as Jayde went to the cabinets for bowls.
“Mom wouldn’t tell me.”
Starlight’s frown wasn’t for the almond mocha truffle ice cream carton that she’d found. “Was it business?” she asked as they scooped spoonfuls into the dishes.
Jayde shrugged. “I don’t know. But I think it was pretty bad. Mom and Dad have been acting weird.”
Starlight lifted her eyebrows, but remained silent. She knew when to talk—and when to listen.
Jayde continued when they sat at the table. “I t
hink they’re mad at each other.”
Starlight nodded as if she understood. “They’re having problems?” It didn’t make her feel good that she smiled inside.
Jayde slumped in her chair and shrugged.
Starlight knew that Jayde’s information door had closed. But she had enough. “I’m sure it’s okay.” She paused. “How’s school? Tell me about the cute boys.”
Jayde’s smile returned. “I met someone who knew all about you.”
As Jayde told her aunt about Donald, Starlight kept her eyes on her niece, but her thoughts had wandered. So Grace and Conner were having problems. They’d been so good together that Starlight believed their past would never come back. But actually, she wasn’t surprised. That old boyfriend of Grace’s had probably reared his head again.
“Did you leave out this ice cream?” Lily asked.
Starlight didn’t even notice her mother come into the kitchen.
“Sorry,” she and Jayde said at the same time.
Lily chuckled and filled another bowl with pink bubblegum ice cream. “Do me a favor, Jayde. Take this to your sister while I talk to your aunt, please.”
Jayde stood. “Aunt Star, will you let me know when you’re leaving?”
“Sure, sweetie.”
As soon as Jayde disappeared, Starlight said, “So give me the scoop on Grace and Conner.”
“They went to New York on business.”
“Jayde said Grace and Conner are having problems.”
“That’s not true.”
Starlight stared at her mother, trying to determine if she was just protecting her sweet Grace. It didn’t matter. She had enough information already. “Anyway, Mom, I wanted to remind you that I won’t be by on Saturday. I have that conference.”
Lily leaned forward, eager to hear the details of the Sisters of the Sun conference, and Starlight obliged. It felt good to see the gleam in her mother’s eyes. Lily whooped when Starlight mentioned that Pastor Carey’s wife would attend.
“I’m so proud of you,” Lily exclaimed. “If I didn’t have the girls, I would come.”
“That’s okay, Mom,” Starlight said as she put her bowl into the dishwasher. “I’ll fill you in next week.” She hugged her mother. “I’ve got to go. I have an early day tomorrow.”
“Don’t forget to say good-bye to Jayde.”
Starlight glanced toward the hall. “Give them both a kiss for me.” She rushed into the hallway before Lily could protest.
As she ran down the stairs, a welter of emotions stirred inside. She couldn’t say she was pleased Grace and Conner were having challenges. But if they were, it just proved what she’d been saying all along: there was really no difference between them. Maybe when Grace came home, she’d invite her to lunch. There were many lessons that she could pass on to her younger sister. This might just be what they needed to draw them closer.
She slid into the back seat of her car, and before her driver took his seat, she punched a number on her cell phone.
“Where are you?” she asked the moment the phone was answered.
“Where do you want me to be?” Lexington responded.
Good answer, she thought. “In my bed in thirty minutes.” She clicked off the phone.
There was no need to spend the entire night thinking about Conner and Grace. She’d help her sister when Grace returned from New York. In the meantime, she had her own life to live.
Chapter 24
Grace and Conner stood in front of the gold letters that spelled Palm Court Café.
“Mr. Monroe, your party is waiting inside.”
Grace gripped Conner’s hand as they followed the mâitre d’ through the restaurant to a table along the far wall. Although Grace was dressed as if she were going to a council meeting and Conner as if he were presenting a major case, Pilar wore a simple black sweater as a shawl over a white T-shirt. She sat with her back to the window; the noon light shined behind her.
Grace held her gasp inside. She couldn’t remember how many days had passed since she’d seen Pilar in Encounters, but it wasn’t enough time to shed ten, maybe fifteen pounds, though that’s the way Pilar looked. Her makeup couldn’t hide the hollowness of her cheeks or the blanched tint of her skin. Her arms were mere bones. She was being ravaged by disease.
Still, Pilar smiled as they approached. Her eyes locked with Grace’s.
“Hello …” Pilar’s voice trailed off, as if she had more to say, but couldn’t find the words. When she looked at Conner, her smile widened. “Thank you for meeting me.”
Conner nodded as he held the chair for Grace, then sat next to her.
In the discomforting silence, Grace smoothed the yellow tablecloth in the spot in front of her. When she allowed her glance to rise, Pilar was doing the same to her space.
“I’m glad we could all get together,” Conner said. He slipped his hand across the table and held Grace’s.
Pilar nodded and looked at Grace as she spoke. “I feel blessed that we’re moving forward.”
Grace spoke only with her eyes.
“Would you like anything to eat?” Conner asked them both.
It was almost noon, and though too many hours had passed since Grace’s last meal, she couldn’t fathom the concept of food. Her sole desire was to get away from this place.
“I’m not hungry,” Pilar said, as if she spoke for all of them. She kept her gaze on Grace. “I’ve wanted to speak to you.”
Something we have in common, Grace thought. She could see Conner shifting from the corner of her eye.
“I want to thank you … for this.”
“Nothing to thank me for, Pilar. Nothing’s been decided.”
Pilar’s glance skittered between Grace and Conner. “I’m just saying, to come this far …”
“New York is not far.”
Pilar pressed her lips together before she said, “That’s not what I meant.”
Conner said, “Do either of you want coffee?”
“No,” Grace and Pilar said together.
Conner cleared his throat in the silence that followed. “Then maybe we should …” Without finishing, he grabbed a Federal Express packet from his briefcase.
As he did, Pilar pulled an envelope from her purse.
Conner said, “This is from the diagnostics center. Everything we need is here.” He turned the packet over in his hands and looked at Pilar. “I was thinking that I could get Solomon’s and your samples and take the package to the center.”
Pilar waited a moment. “I’ve decided to have the test done at the New York College Medical Center.”
Grace and Conner blinked in one accord.
“I thought you didn’t have a place in mind,” Conner said.
“I didn’t, but when I thought about it, I realized that the tests should be done where Solomon was born.”
Grace’s eyes narrowed.
“And it’s where I’m being treated.”
“Well, that makes sense,” Conner said.
“And NYCMC can have the results in less than a week. Any days we can save …” She looked away.
Conner slipped his package back into his briefcase. “What do I have to do?”
Grace studied Pilar as she passed a plastic baggie to Conner. She examined her eyes, watched her hands, scrutinized every motion.
Conner pushed his chair from the table. “I’m going to the rest room.” He lowered his voice. “Will you be okay?”
Grace’s eyes never left Pilar. “Of course.”
Conner had barely taken three steps away when Pilar jutted her chin forward and smiled at Grace with a different confidence. Now Pilar looked at Grace with the assurance of a woman who had shared her husband.
“I’m glad we have some time alone,” Pilar said.
Grace remained silent.
“I want to thank you for coming with Conner.”
“You don’t have to. He’s my husband.”
Pilar turned somber. “I only came to Conner because of my situati
on.”
“If Solomon is Conner’s son, we should know.”
“I never wanted to intrude on your life. For that, I apologize.”
Grace spoke before she had a chance to think. “I thought you’d be apologizing for sleeping with my husband.”
A beat passed. “What I did was wrong. My only defense is that I was helping a friend through a bad time. It turned into something more.”
If she had been keeping score, Grace would have given the point to Pilar. She now knew that they’d shared more than a bed; Conner had shared details of their life.
“Look,” Pilar began softly. Her tone made Grace wonder if Pilar could see the tears on her heart. “Conner never gave me a penny or a promise. There was never any doubt that he loved you.” She sounded as if she harbored regret. Pilar glanced down, and when she looked up, her eyes had changed, holding more fear than sadness. “But in the middle of that sin, I received a wonderful gift, Grace. Now, Solomon is my only concern.”
It was the mother’s heart in Grace that said, “I understand.”
“We can’t be enemies. You’re going to be …” Pilar’s lips trembled. “My son has more days in front of him than behind him. You’re going to be there for the best of his life. It’s important that we find a way …”
Pilar broke her gaze as Conner returned to the table. “I did both swabs.” He set the small envelope on the table as if it were precious cargo.
Pilar placed it inside her bag. “I already have Solomon’s samples. I’m going to take them right over.”
“We can do that for you,” Grace said.
“No,” Pilar’s objection came quickly. “I … asked the driver if we could stop … on our way back to Queens.”
Grace leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms again.
Conner said, “Well, I don’t think we should hold this table….”
“Yes,” Pilar said, almost jumping from her seat. “I want to stop by the hospital and be home when Solomon gets there.”
When Pilar stood, Conner did the same and reached across the table, helping her. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Thank you.”
Pilar’s steps were slow; she wavered as if she were marching on wooden legs. By the time they got to the lobby, Pilar staggered like a marathon runner at the finish line.
Truth Be Told Page 18