Madam Mom

by Lynda Rees

  “Things were better than good between us. Getting to know each other and having fun, we enjoyed each other’s company. I care for Tisha McClain, different and more intense than for others in the past—much more. It was mutual. Now I wonder if she merely acted the part. Tisha suddenly stopped seeing me and avoided me. Now she’s gone. I don’t know what to do.” Sam stared out the window, not seeing the spectacular city view. He focused on Tisha and his longing and concern for her.

  “Tell me more.” Daniel sounded curious and wondering how best to help his son.

  “She left me a message in the middle of the night breaking our date. She hasn’t answered my frequent calls. I’ve been acting like a stalker, I ‘ve tried so hard to reach her. He slipped a quivering hand through his mane, at his wits’ end.

  “Are you pissed or concerned for her? What do you want?” He leaned elbows on his desk, clasping his hand together.

  “I’m worried sick. She bore the weight of the world on those strong shoulders of hers and grieving about her mom, while learning, hard facts about their involvement in shady operations. I want her. At the very least, I need her to be okay.” His heart had never felt so fragile and he feared it would shatter. She left him hanging.

  “All right, Sam. I can help. Tisha dispersed certain properties ridding her of anything shady. Handling the burden her inheritance in an extraordinary manner, she settled her affairs. I’m impressed. The shrewd business woman has a good head on her shoulders, decisive, smart and clever. With everything in order, she grew anxious to return home. I’m not sure it had anything to do with you. Not distraught, she acted in control of her emotions, resolved, strong and healthy. Don’t worry about her well-being.” Daniel’s information helped alleviate a small part of Sam’s angst.

  “Thanks, Dad. I’m somewhat better.” Sam wrung the paper more. “I don’t suppose she mentioned me.”

  “Actually, she did. I intended to discuss it with you and Lee tomorrow. I can tell you now. Tisha asked for Lee to continue managing her portfolio and doesn’t want her account moved to New York. You won’t work on her account.”

  It stung like an injection, but her finances and legal matters weren’t Sam’s prime concern. He shrugged at the icy tingle spanning his spine.

  “She expressed a desire to avoid you. It appears she put distance between the two of you. Apparently your liaison with Tisha McClain ran its course, far as she’s concerned. I’m sorry Son. I warned you not to get involved.” Daniel rounded the desk.

  Sam stood as well and his dad hugged him. He melted into Daniel’s strong arms like he did as a boy. Daniel patted his shoulders. The warmth of his dad’s love didn’t solve this problem for him.

  “I see.” Sam stared out the window then at Daniel. “Did she explain?”

  “No. She’s pleased with the current arrangement and didn’t want management changes. I didn’t realize the intimate relationship between you at the time.”

  “Dad, I couldn’t care less whether Lee manages her portfolio and you handle her legal affairs or I do.” He bent forward glaring at the floor, wringing his hands between his knees and looking dejected. “Tisha wants nothing to do with me. She cut professional and personal ties cleanly. I’d best let her go.”

  “Sadly Son, I agree.”

  “Thanks for the talk Dad. Keep this between us. No need for the family to learn about it.” He smiled weakly.

  “No one else needs to know.”

  They locked up and rode the elevators together. “So I guess you’ll join us for dinner—pot roast, your favorite.” Daniel grinned.

  “Guess so. I have nowhere to be.” Sam smiled weakly at the father he idolized.

  Tisha dumped him. No warning. No argument. He’d been a momentary diversion she used then slipped away from.

  CHAPTER 24

  Tisha checked her messages. Sam had stopped calling. She attempted to convince herself she was happy and done with Sam. Why feel so empty?

  Sam got the message and moved to greener pastures. She was nothing more than a fling. His family needed him. He’d go home to his beautiful wife and daughter resuming life as usual. She’d be a distant memory.

  She’d been fooled—shame on her. He performed well. She gave him that. Thinking he cared and his emotions genuine, she’d believed they shared something special.

  Boy, she read him wrong, risked her heart and fell in love.

  She gave up on love after Simon’s betrayal. She’d sworn to never let it happen again, but she did. Sam played her the same as Simon.

  Her exceedingly powerful sentiments for Sam were unlike her previous shallow relationships. Tisha genuinely loved Sam.

  She lost him, but never truly had him to lose. He belonged to someone else. Once again Tisha was alone.

  Gran called, breaking Tisha’s morose spell. “Morning, baby. I wanted to make sure you arrived safely before going to play bingo.”

  “Thanks, Gran. Yep, I’m home safe. What’s up with you?”

  “I danced the evening away in the arms of a masculine heartthrob named Frank. A DJ played rock-and-roll from the sixties and seventies. We had a blast. Belly-rubbing to a slow dance with the sexy gentleman kick-started a flame in my gut. The old gal still has life in her.” She giggled in a teetering way bringing Tisha to tears of laughter. Gran had a way with words.

  “Gran, you’re such a treat. Thanks for making my day. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying your new home.”

  “Damn straight. You ought to see him, Tisha. He’s got the sexy, Dean Martin, smoldering air about him. Frank towers above me with a lean body I wouldn’t mind seeing more of.”

  “Everybody towers above you, Gran. You’re short. I bet you were adorable standing beside Frank.”

  “He thought so. The stud couldn’t keep his eyes or hands off me, but he’s at true gentleman and did nothing out of line. He’s a real looker with a full head of wavy, silver hair.”

  “It’s lovely, Gran.”

  “His smiling eyes sparkle. He smiles often when I’m around.”

  “No doubt, you give him plenty to smile about. Frank’s taken with you, Gran.”

  “Could be, kiddo. Could be. Frank’s a snappy dresser too. He wore casual, blue slacks, a baby-blue, striped, button-down shirt and kid-leather loafers looking elegant and put together. I like a man who cares about his appearance. He has money and discriminating style. I can tell by his clothing.”

  “It’s good to know. He sounds charming.”

  “Oh, he is that. He oozes confidence and is polite and gracious.”

  “I’m sure you flirted with him mercilessly.”

  “I couldn’t resist. I like him a lot, and he has been attentive to me treating me as though I’m precious to him.”

  “He’d better treat you well, Gran. Otherwise, kick him aside.”

  “Honey child, you know I won’t stand for nonsense from the opposite sex.”

  “I’ve seen it firsthand.” She chucked. Carlo would attest to it if he were alive.

  “I’m real sorry things didn’t work out between you and Sam. I had a good vibe from him. My man-radar must’ve been malfunctioning.” Gran snickered. “I better check old Frank out better. Maybe he has a wife hiding someplace.”

  Despite the shot of pain searing through her heart at Sam’s name, Tisha couldn’t hold back laughter. “Gran, Frank couldn’t hide a wife from you in the hotbed for chatter you live in.”

  “You’re right. Gossip mills originate from here.” Gran had a way of changing subjects to distract and tickled Tisha’s funny bone if a subject grew too heavy.

  “Yes, well we do love our gossip, dear.”

  “I’m glad one of us has an active sex life. Don’t worry too much. It is what it is. I’ll live. I’m one of those folks not lucky in love.”

  Why did it hurt so badly?

  “Nonsense. You’re young and haven’t met the right one. Who knows? He may be around the next corner. I’m proving you’re never too old for love. Don’t forget it.”
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  Tisha pictured the sparkle in Gran’s gazing at Frank with a lusty look. “Good luck with Frank and enjoy.”

  It wasn’t surprising Gran was horny, even at her advanced age. She’d had an eye for a swarthy, good-looking man. Frank didn’t stand a chance.

  “Got to go, my girl. Bingo starts soon. My man’s a calling.”

  “Bye, Gran. Have fun.” Tisha kissed into the phone happy being home where she belonged.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Kelle glanced up from her desk. Tisha entered carrying two steaming cups of coffee. She circled the desk and after relieving Tisha of the cups, circled her in a big hug looking thrilled and exuberant.

  They reviewed the day’s schedule and had a few minutes before opening the doors, so enjoyed their drinks catching up.

  “How did it go meeting the parents?”

  “Wonderful. They acted welcoming and kind, at ease with me seeing their son. I liked them. It surprised me. I figured it would be a fiasco.”

  “Seriously? Who wouldn’t love you, Kelle?”

  With a serious expression on her face, she nodded. “You have a point there.” Then she burst into laughter.

  “You’ve spent a lot of time with Brad lately. I must tell you, I’m surprised, but excited for you. You sincerely care for this guy. Meeting the family is a big step. Brad must be special and think you are as well.”

  “I know. I usually don’t stick with one man for long. I can tell after a date or two whether it’s worth spending more time in a man. Most don’t rate the investment. This one is serious. Brad is special.” Kelle’s face glowed. Tisha had never seen her so blissful.

  “I’m pleased for you, Kelle. You deserve happiness and a good man if there is such a thing. I wonder if they exist, but you may have snagged one.” She toasted Kelle with her cup. She wasn’t sure Kelle had it in her. If not, she’d soon get Brad out of her system like all the others and return to playing the field again—Kelle’s way.

  “Tell me about your Sam.” Kelle eyed her studiously above the cup she held in both hands.

  “Sam’s married. I saw him with his wife and their adorable daughter. She must’ve surprised him with a visit while there. They didn’t see me, but it proved to me what kind of man he truly is. I liked Sam.” Understatement of the year. “I had hopes for us, but it wasn’t to be. He’s a snake in the grass like all the rest. He kept calling. I ignored him. He finally gave up. He must’ve seen our affair for what it was—a temporary fling. It had a sudden end like its hasty beginning and is over.” A familiar tingle jolted between her legs recalling Sam embedded deeply inside her with her ass against the airport restroom wall. She shuddered, and the sensation pooled in her panties.

  “I’m sorry, Tisha.”

  “No worries.” Saved by the clock, Tisha strutted to the front door to open the gallery ready for a busy day.

  What the hell? Fun while it lasted.

  Doomed from the start, she never intended the tryst to develop into anything solid. Why so upset by its ending?

  Sam had a life, a wife and child to return to. Too bad he cheated. His wife deserved better.

  CHAPTER 25

  Unusual for her, Kelle straggled in a few minutes late for work the next morning. A stickler for promptness, she smiled at Tisha with an, I know you don’t, look. With one eyebrow cocked, she plopped onto Tisha’s desk corner. A sparkle on her left hand caught the morning light.

  Tisha had woken earlier in a fowl mood, struggling to disguise heartache. The glistening look of joyous moisture pooling in Kelle’s eyes flipped her into an instant high. Her own unhappiness shot to the back crevices of her mind. Kelle was in love walking around as though floating on air. It was thrilling.

  “Spill the beans.” She jumped from her seat and snatched Kelle’s hand admiring the sizable row of diamonds holding an enormous solitaire. “It’s one hell of a ring, girl.”

  Kelle dramatically placed her hand on her cheek, embellishing her mock-southern accent. “Something is happening in my little, old world.”

  “It’s a huge sparkler. You’re engaged. How? Last night?” She drew Kelly into a hug. Excited tremors rippled along her skin.

  “Mr. Brad Mason found it impossible to live without me. He simply can’t resist my charm.” Her southern drawl accentuated giddy laughter.

  “I want juicy details.” Tisha stepped back eyeing her.

  “We’re happy together. We can’t bear being apart.” Her brash friend hugged herself adorably swaying side-to-side. “We’ve been inseparable for weeks and can’t get enough of each other. I swear, Tisha. The sun shines when he’s around, even on a cloudy day. Sweet and considerate, he listens and cares what I think. We want and enjoy the same things, even the same food.”

  “And you’re sure?” Tisha leaned her behind against the desk, suddenly needing something to support her.

  “Absolutely. We’re meant to be together. We’re getting married and don’t want to waste time waiting.” An evil glint glistened in her eye as she winked. “He is dynamite in bed.”

  Giggling like school girls, they hugged and danced around the room.

  “Color me impressed. Did you set a wedding date?”

  “Yes, we agreed not to wait and don’t want a big wedding. We decided on elegant but simple and quick, so a Vegas wedding.”

  “An Elvis impersonator? How quickly?”

  “Saturday, a week from now. I called Dad last night. He’ll meet us there. We’re flying out next Friday evening. The wedding is Saturday evening. Elvis won’t oversee nuptials. You’re maid of honor, if you agree.”

  Tisha breathed a sigh of relief. “Damn straight, I’m happy standing up for you. I’m relieved about the Elvis thing. I pictured it in my mind.” She shuddered and shook her shoulders. “Tell me more.”

  “I reserved a darling chapel in the garden at the Flamingo surrounded by acres of lush trees and ponds with flamingos and swans. They provide a licensed minister to officiate and take care of flowers, dinner afterward in a private room, and I booked the wedding suite for a long weekend.” Kelle beamed looking pleased. “It comes complete with a heart-shaped tub.”

  “I bet you have plans for the trashy tub.” It felt good considering Kelle’s happiness, planning her wedding and forgetting her own situation for a while.

  “Absolutely.” Kelle proudly wagged her brows.

  “Sounds sinful and wonderful.”

  “I booked rooms for you and Dad, a two-bedroom suite for Brad’s parents and his brother, Jake. He’s best man.”

  “You’ve thought this through.”

  “Yes.” Kelle grabbed Tisha’s two hands and held them in hers.

  “I’m honored you chose me.” Tisha hoped her broad grin expressed what she couldn’t find words for. They squealed and did another happy dance. “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. Do I have to wear some ugly, taffeta bridesmaid garb?” Her nose wrinkled.

  “Nope. You have a stunning wardrobe and raided Roberta’s closet. She had tons of gorgeous gowns. If you choose to purchase a dress for the wedding, it’s fine. Wear one you have if you like. I don’t care about color. You’re my singular bridesmaid. You’ll look stunning no matter what.”

  “Awesome! I love dressing formal, but don’t get the chance often—when we host shows at the gallery. It will be fun. What about your gown?”

  “I’m wearing white. Brad and his brother will dress in black. I chose white and yellow orchids. Select something for you to look gorgeous with it in mind. Don’t look frumpy so I’ll look better. We both know I’ll look spectacular, as always, and even more so in my sexy wedding gown. I have nothing to fear.”

  “You don’t think it’s weird I want to wear white. Do you? Hell won’t freeze over or anything. Right?”

  Tisha laughed. “Of course not, it’s your wedding. Wear what you want. We need to go shopping and find you something sexy and fabulous in white. You free tonight after closing?”

  “It works for me. Brad has clients in town, so I
won’t see him until late. He’s spending the night at my place.” She winked mischievously.

  “Great, it’s a date. Hey, Kelle, don’t try fixing me up with Brad’s buddies. I’ve had enough men for a while. The gallery is my love affair for now.” Kelle exited her office helping a customer entering the gallery.

  Kelle grinned knowingly and nodded. “You’ve got it, babe. Some love affair. It can’t make your eyes roll back in your head.” Kelle winked.

  “I have a toy for it.” Tisha grumbled.

  “No appliance can do what a real man can do, and you know it.” Kelle chuckled loudly disappearing.

  Tisha dutifully started formulating plans for the bachelorette party and wedding shower for Kelle giving opportunity for her friends in New York to wish her well. Most would not fly to Las Vegas for the wedding though a couple of them would. Tisha determined it would be the best wedding possible. Kelle deserved delirious happiness. Tisha, anxious to contribute to their happiness eagerly embraced the distraction from her own woes.

  High on marriage vibes Kelle remained sensitive to sadness permeating Tisha’s mood. More than mourning Roberta’s death, she grieved the demise of her romance with Sam. No qualms about prying candid about their lives, they talked about everything, with nothing sacred or off limits. Kelle asked outright.

  Tisha didn’t walk around on egg shells with Kelle, but confided about everything–the business stuff and of course Sam. Embarrassed but not standing on ceremony with her closest friend, like a sister she never had, they talked it out while shopping.

  Tisha started with the real estate business, the finances, and arrangements she had made for Gran. “Let’s start by saying I’m a disgustingly rich woman, and it came with a price.”

  “At least it’s something to celebrate.” Kelle hugged her in the dressing room of a bridal boutique.

  “I discovered my family has a shady past. Gran was raped at a young age resulting in Mom’s birth. She loved Mom and tried raising her, but financially it proved difficult. Gran became a stripper.”