The tension rose between them and Cameron tugged her close. He buried his hands in her hair and kissed her all over. Her passion rose, overpowering her anger. Cameron must have known she was ready. He picked her up and walked into their bedroom. Then he placed her on their king-sized bed.
Closing her eyes, Pumpkin gave in to her husband. It felt like coming home.
Hours later, they lay cradled in each other’s arms. Pumpkin was ready to speak. She ran her hand down Cameron’s cheek. “It hurts that you lied to me.”
He kissed her fingers. “I shouldn’t have lied. I’m sorry. I was scared I’d lose you.”
She shook her head. “You wouldn’t have lost me. I’d have made you turn yourself in, but I’d have been by your side.”
“Ashton’s threatened me more than once he’s going to reveal what I’ve done. He wants more money.”
She lifted her chin. “Then beat him to it.”
She could see his face in the moonlight. His eyes were wide.
“The truth always finds its way out. No matter how we bury it, time has a way of removing the dirt and guess what, it’s still there. There is no escaping the truth.” She reassured him.
He exhaled after thinking for a while. “I’m scared because everyone’s going to wonder why I waited two years, but I’ve got to do the right thing. I have to do right by God and society. I’ll call my attorney and have him contact the authorities.” His voice broke. “I can’t live with myself knowing I ruined someone’s life.”
“You’ll get through it,” she said.
He nodded. “I think the movie’s press conference would be a good time to confess everything. I’ll come clean then. Then Ashton’s threats will have no power over me anymore. I’ll be free of his blackmail. Will you help me with my speech for the press conference?”
“I’ll be happy to help you,” she promised and kissed him on the lips. “You won’t be alone. I’ll make sure Heaven and Honey will be there.”
“And I’ll tell Zane. I hope he’ll stand by me.”
“Your cousin loves you. He’ll come if he’s not booked up.”
Cameron pressed his forehead to hers. “I don’t know what our Thanksgiving will be like after I confess on national TV.”
“It’ll be great as always,” she said. “Except this time there will be no secrets between us.”
He cleared his throat.
“What?” Pumpkin lifted herself up and rested on her arms. “What is it?”
“It’s your mother. This is going to sound crazy, but I think she was checking me out,” he said.
“I’m not surprised. Evie’s a flirt,” Pumpkin said.
“This is more than flirting. I don’t like the signals she’s sending,” he said. “I know she’s dying but that hasn’t slowed her down, if you know what I mean. If I were a different man…” he trailed off.
Pumpkin surprised herself when she came to Evie’s defense. “I recognize Evie’s got a weakness for men, but I think you’re safe with her. I don’t think my mother would make a move on my man. That would be low even for her.” She played with his chest hairs. “Besides, I think she’s sweet on Mitch.”
His body relaxed. “Mitch? So that’s why he’s been lurking around.”
Pumpkin rolled her eyes. “He’s doing more than lurking.”
“I’m shocked he’d go there. I know Mitch likes the ghetto fabulous chicks, but I figured since Evie’s your family, he’d think twice.” Cameron drew her close to him and patted her hair. “Do you want me to tell him to back off? Although, I’m glad to hear Evie’s interest lies elsewhere.”
Pumpkin shook her head. “I don’t like the idea but they’re both adults. “ She chuckled against his chest. “You make Evie sound like a barracuda or something.”
“I’m a man. I know a fishing woman when I see one,” Cameron said. “She’s throwing out her line, but lucky for me I’m already hooked on someone else.” He twined her hair around his fingers. “Just don’t leave me alone with her, please.”
She chuckled. “Okay.” His fishing analogy made her ask, “Is this how I reeled you in?” She twirled her hair and slapped his cheek with it. She didn’t take his concerns seriously. She knew she had Cameron’s heart.
Cameron laughed and flipped her on her back. “No, but I’ll tell you what you did.” He whispered something in her ear that made her cheeks go fiery red.
“Behave yourself.” She admonished, but she loved every minute of their rapport.
“Are you sure you want me to behave? Because I was going to…” He showed her.
Pumpkin’s eyes opened wide and she gasped. Cameron chuckled.
All thoughts of her mother and Ashton and their problems vanished as Cameron worked his magic. It took several minutes before she was able to concentrate to speak about the matter closest to her heart.
“I’d like to have a child,” she said, in a dreamy voice.
Cameron stiffened and withdrew from her. “I can’t give you one, especially now. You know that. Why would you ruin our perfect night by bringing up a child? I want you all to myself for a little while longer. Why can’t that be enough for now?”
Her voice rose. “You can have children anytime you want. You can wait until you’re seventy and as long as works,” she pointed in the vicinity, “you can have a child. I, on the other hand,” She jammed a finger into her chest, “I have a time clock. I don’t get to have the luxury of waiting. My eggs are dying as we speak.”
Her chest heaved. Cameron’s gaze was locked onto her ‘girls’ as if he were mesmerized. Pumpkin covered up and dared him to look at her.
They were not avoiding this topic any longer. As far as she was concerned, there would never be a right time to bring a child into the world. You had to make the time.
“If I can stick by you after you almost killed someone, you can do this for me. You can give me a child,” she said.
His brows furrowed. “I can’t believe you’re giving me an ultimatum.”
“It’s not an ultimatum. It’s a bargain.”
“How’s that any better?” He shook his head.
Pumpkin squared her shoulders. “Because we both win in the end. You get what you want and so do I.”
Cameron pounced on her and she fell back on the satin sheets.
“What are you doing?” she asked. His body was like dead weight on top of hers. “I can barely breathe.”
“I’m sealing the bargain.” Cameron reached over to turn on the lamp on the nightstand. He lifted the sheets. “Let me see what you got on sale.” He made a show of looking around. “Oh, I see there’s pumpkin pie. Let me get a slice.” He kissed her cheek. “On second thought, I’ll have me the whole pie. How’s that for a bargain?”
14
She’d made nice with her mother. Check.
She’d worked her way in Pumpkin’s life. Check.
Now it was time for her to get that money. Rodolpho plagued her dreams.
Pumpkin appeared generous, though Evie knew she didn’t trust her. She knew if it weren’t for Bertie, Pumpkin wouldn’t have even looked at her. But maybe Evie should explain the situation to Pumpkin and ask her for the money.
Evie shook away that thought. Then she’d be doing what Bertie said. Taking advantage of Pumpkin’s kindness. Evie didn’t want her daughter to see her as a user, even if that’s what she was doing.
Evie finished her bagel and tea and looked around the apartment. She loved the contemporary furnishings and the chic designs. If Evie had her way, she’d be here for life. Pumpkin had stocked the refrigerator and had provided every personal necessity. She had even set up Evie with her own desktop on the computer to use.
Evie looked at her watch. It was a little past nine. She’d waited long enough to go visit with Pumpkin. She entered the elevator and pressed the button for the penthouse. Evie had been shocked when Pumpkin had given her the code to enter. Although Pumpkin had emphasized she changed it every two months.
If Pumpkin was
n’t up, Evie could make her breakfast. That would explain her presence. She could also further examine the painting hanging in the foyer.
Evie was almost finished making pancakes when the door chimed. She wasn’t sure if she should answer. She headed toward the door when a young woman walked inside. Evie stopped. What’s wrong with that picture?
“Why did you ring the doorbell if you know the code?” Her voice boomed, shocking the woman who was in the foyer.
She stopped. “Who are you?” she demanded.
Evie stiffened. Her attitude came out. “I’m Pumpkin’s mother and you are?”
The girl was all smiles. She came over and held out her free hand since she held a medium-sized box containing small glass bottles in the other. “I’m Sophie Galveston. Pumpkin’s assistant.”
Evie turned down her nose and ignored the girl’s hand. “Pumpkin’s not up yet. So again I ask, why did you ring the doorbell if you have the code?”
Sophie blushed. “Pumpkin’s married. I ring so she knows I’m coming in. In case she was, you know, busy or something.”
Evie relaxed. “That makes sense.”
Sophie grinned. “I’m dropping off her perfume samples. They came earlier than I expected.” She sashayed her perky behind to the dining area and placed the box there. Evie followed her every move.
Sophie walked to the front door. “Would you mind telling Pumpkin I’ll call her later? I have to run to the dry cleaners.”
“I will.”
Evie took that moment to snap a picture of the painting. She’d look it up later. Then she returned to the dining area. She eyed the tiny jars labeled Pumpkin Spice. She had to get a whiff. Gently, she pried one of the bottles open and sniffed.
It smelled like the holidays and everything nice rolled up in one. She sniffed again.
“I didn’t know you were here,” Pumpkin said from behind her.
Evie froze and put the bottle down. Then she turned around. “I came to make you breakfast. I, uh, wanted to thank you for your generosity.”
“You didn’t have to,” she said. “I don’t eat a heavy breakfast, but Cameron will enjoy it. But you’re welcome.”
“It was a pleasure to do,” Evie said.
“Oh, I see Sophie dropped off the samples. That’s what woke me. I heard the doorbell.” Pumpkin said with a yawn. She was dressed in a huge cotton robe that had to belong to Cameron.
Evie hid a smile. She’d seen for herself a glimpse of Cameron’s back so she could imagine what Pumpkin was working with in the front.
Evie had pretended to go to the bathroom when Pumpkin had left to pick out his clothes. She had been eavesdropping to see if they’d talk about their problem. That scoop would’ve been a big payout, but they had spent more time making out than talking.
Evie had wanted to shake Pumpkin for leaving her man in need, but she’d had to hide in the closet to keep Pumpkin from spotting her.
“Pumpkin Spice smells so good,” Evie said. “I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t resist smelling it.”
Pumpkin waved a hand. “Take one.”
“You sure?”
Pumpkin nodded. “They’re for promotional purposes. Did Sophie leave? I meant to tell her that I’m sending one to Christine Stanton.” She tapped her chin. “We’re going to set up a session together. My friend, Honey, is working on getting us ad space in magazines and billboards. Posing with her will create a buzz.”
That was her moment.
“Yes, Sophie left, but you know what might create an even bigger buzz?” Evie chose her words carefully. “Since Pumpkin Spice is releasing near Thanksgiving, maybe you and I should pose together. You would make some serious money off that.” And hopefully, she’d get a cut.
Pumpkin shook her head. “No. I won’t exploit you like that.”
Evie swallowed her disappointment and tried again. “People love a feel-good story. I really don’t mind.”
“You don’t know what it’s like. They’d dig into your background and your past. You’d be under intense scrutiny. I don’t want to put you through instant fame. Think about it. You’d have radio stations, television shows, newspaper columns calling you day and night to tell your story.”
Money. Money. And more money. That’s what Evie heard.
“That does sound overwhelming,” she said, faking her fear. She’d love every second of it. “But, I’d see it as helping you. I haven’t done much as a mother for you. Let me do this.”
Pumpkin crooked her head. “What about your illness?”
Her brows furrowed. What illness?
“Stop pretending like you don’t know what I’m talking about,” Pumpkin said. “Do you want any coffee?”
Evie shook her head.
Pumpkin went into the kitchen. Evie racked her brain. She had no clue what Pumpkin was referring to.
Pumpkin returned holding a steaming cup and two bananas. She took a chair adjacent to Evie and offered her a banana. Evie took the fruit but she was still trying to figure out what Pumpkin was saying.
“Grandma told me about your tumor. That’s why I gave you the code. If you had an emergency…”
Evie nearly fainted at Pumpkin’s words. She lowered herself onto one of the chairs in the dining room table. How could she have forgotten? She should’ve known Bertie would’ve told Pumpkin.
That explains why her daughter was so quick to see her. Evie had expected Pumpkin to pepper her with questions. But instead, she’d taken Evie on a shopping spree and hooked her up in style.
Pumpkin thought she was dying.
Evie peeled her banana and took a bite. She didn’t know what to say. She wanted to scream she wasn’t dying. She chewed and thought. Maybe in a few months, she could fake a miracle.
“You’re not saying anything,” Pumpkin said, sipping her coffee. “I can’t imagine the ordeal you must have been through alone.”
Evie knew how to milk a moment. “It was tough. There are some things you don’t want to go through by yourself. It might sound crazy, but when I hear your grandmother praying, it gives me hope. Maybe God can do something. You never know.”
Pumpkin studied her. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I didn’t peg you as the Bible-believing type. You seem like the type who has to touch it to believe it.”
That sure was right.
“I know who to believe in,” Evie said, keeping her words vague. She believed in herself.
“I believe in God, too, but I’m practical.” Pumpkin peeled her banana. “That’s why I’ve taken the liberty of seeking an oncologist. Dr. Carter is the best. She’s agreed to give you a consultation.” Pumpkin finished her banana in seconds.
Evie knew her eyes were wide. She placed the rest of her banana on her leg. How was she going to get out of this? She only had one choice.
“I don’t believe you!” she railed. “Is that why you’re being so nice to me? I don’t need you prying in my life. I’m a grown woman. It took me a year to finally accept I’m dying and now you want to…” Her chest heaved.
Pumpkin lowered her head.
Evie regretted her harsh words, but it was the only way out of this jam.
Pumpkin held up a hand. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I was only trying to help,” she said. “I think you need to get a second opinion.” She put a hand to her chest. “Regardless of anything, you’re still my mother. I don’t want to think about you dying.”
Goodness. Some lies weren’t worth the hassle. She should confess.
But if she did, Pumpkin would kick Evie out of her life. She’d never want to see Evie again. Evie didn’t like that possibility.
“You won’t lose me,” Evie said. “I might be here for a long time.”
“You have a tumor. You could die tomorrow,” Pumpkin said.
Her child was dramatic. “I hope not,” Evie replied.
Pumpkin took her hand. “I didn’t want to see you at first, but I’m glad we had this chance to spend some time together. I’ll treasure it.”
<
br /> Evie shifted. Pumpkin was talking like she was already in the grave. “I’m not dead, yet. Can we go day by day? I don’t want to walk around here feeling like you’re expecting me to pass away at any second.”
Pumpkin nodded. “I’ll try.”
“If I had known you’d react this way, I would’ve never suggested the picture,” Evie said, and that was the honest truth. She finished her banana.
Her daughter chuckled. “I’m sorry you’re dying.”
Evie smiled. “I’m sorry, too. I just don’t want to harp on it.”
Pumpkin reached for her iPhone. “Let’s take a picture. I don’t have any of us together.”
Evie experienced a rare sentimental moment. She was taking her first picture with her daughter. “I’d like that,” she said and picked up both their banana peels. “Let me throw these out first and wash my hands.” She scurried into the kitchen and performed the tasks.
When she returned, they posed and took several shots. Evie loved every minute of it.
“What’s your number? I’ll send them to you.” Pumpkin asked.
Evie gave her cell phone number. That’s when Evie knew Pumpkin was beginning to trust her. She battled uneasiness that the trust was based on a lie. Several lies.
Then she shook it off.
It was better to be alive because of a lie than to die because of a truth. If she told the truth, she wouldn’t get the money. If she didn’t get the money, she’d be dead.
15
Pumpkin showed off her office to her mother.
Her decision to invite Evie along had been precipitated after a phone call from Grandma Bertie. She’d call to see how things were going with Pumpkin and Evie. Pumpkin had admitted she had been too swamped with work to spend anytime with Evie.
Then Bertie had suggested Pumpkin ask Evie to tag along. Pumpkin had agreed. She refused to acknowledge that she had had fun giving Evie a tour of the place. Pumpkin knew a part of her wanted Evie to see what she’d accomplished despite Evie’s abandoning her as a child.
Evie’s chin was in the air. She wore a black and white Donna Karan dress and some black pumps. Pumpkin thought she looked amazing. She planned to get her some more outfits later that day.
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