Helen cringed.
“But that's not even an even time,” she said. Her stomach grumbled again, so she rolled her eyes and said, “Okay, fine! We'll eat when the turkey is finished. Are you happy now?”
Lyle did not reply, but wore a small, satisfied smile on his face and turned to the television. Helen's stomach growled for the third time and everyone burst into laughter. It was the best time they had had as a family in a long time.
* * * * *
Thanksgiving dinner was not as delicious as everyone had hoped, mostly because Helen had put the turkey in much earlier than she had thought. It was becoming apparent to Teresa that her mother was getting older and she started to feel a little guilty about not being forthright with their parents. Nevertheless, she swallowed the feeling and pushed it to the back of her mind as she shoveled a forkful of mashed potatoes into her mouth.
“This turkey is dry as hell,” Helen said. “This is what happens when you don't wait until two o' clock!”
Teresa cocked an eyebrow.
“If it stayed in until two, wouldn't it have been drier?” she said.
Helen scowled, but Lyle just nodded and chuckled.
“You're right, Teresa,” he agreed. “Vince, ain't this turkey dry as hell?”
Vince shrugged.
“I dunno. I think it's fine,” he muttered. “Better than what I've been eating.”
“You hear that, honey?” Lyle jested. “Your food is better than dehydrated Salisbury steak! How's that make ya feel?”
Helen glared at him before scooping a spoonful of mashed potatoes and launching it at her husband's face. Everyone stopped eating and stared at her in disbelief before they all began to laugh once more. Teresa was happy to be sharing the joyous occasion with them, even if everything was an illusion. Deep down, she had missed her family. She knew that her relationship with Vince created a bigger gap between them. However, for that day, she was able to enjoy her family's togetherness. She met Vince's eye and they smiled at one another. She knew that he felt happy too.
“You know, it's a shame you have to go so soon, Mom,” Teresa said, placing her hand on her mother's.
It was the first time she had ever said that and meant it. Helen could tell that it was sincere. She smiled at her daughter and patted her shoulder.
“Maybe you should let us visit more often,” she said. “You know, we love seeing you—both of you.”
Teresa furrowed her brow. For a minute, she saw a knowing look in Helen's eyes and she thought that maybe she knew about her and Vince. After shaking the thought, she smiled and nodded. It was time to put on her mask again.
“Yes, Mom, I know,” she said. She then turned to Lyle and added, “And Lyle! I'm sure you were happy to see Vince after so long.”
Lyle snorted and nodded.
“Yep. He's a good boy,” he said, giving Vince a hard pat on the shoulder.
Vince coughed on a bite of turkey.
“Yeah, thanks Dad,” he choked.
“No problem, son. Now, let's eat some goddamn pie so I can take my nap!”
Helen rolled her eyes.
“Get him the damn pie,” she said. “Lyle, you'd think you'd learn some manners before the day you die. What is wrong with you?”
Lyle rolled his eyes.
“Oh for Chrissake, Helen. It's Thanksgiving. Live a little!”
* * * * *
The next day, Helen and Lyle left. Vince drove them to the airport while Teresa was at work and by the time that she got home, they were already gone. Although she had enjoyed the holiday with them, she was relieved that they were not there anymore.
“The house is so empty!” Teresa said, dancing around the living room as she let her purse plop to the floor.
Vince laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Yes, finally. I mean, they weren't so bad but it was bit hard to keep my hands off you,” he said, tickling her sides.
Teresa giggled and shook herself free of his hands. He laughed and kissed her lips.
“Do you have the day off tomorrow?” he asked.
Teresa nodded and cocked an eyebrow.
“Why?”
“I was thinking...leftover turkey sandwiches at two o' clock?” Vince asked, trying to keep a straight face.
Teresa laughed so hard she snorted.
“They'll taste better, right?” she asked. She then kissed his lips and murmured, “It's nice having you home.”
“It's nice to be here,” he whispered. “I missed you like crazy.”
“I missed you like crazy too. When do you have to leave again?” Teresa asked, biting her lip.
Vince held a finger to her lips and shook his head, hushing her.
“Shh,” he whispered. “Let's not talk about that.”
Teresa smiled.
“Yeah, let's not.”
“I'm here now. That's what matters.”
THE END
Stepbrother: Lucky Day
“How was Vegas?” asked Harriet as she picked up the phone. Mom had just returned from vacation so she was expecting some juicy stories about the blackjack tables or maybe some male exotic dancers.
“Unexpected.” came the answer, with just a bit of uncertainty in her tone.
Harriet flopped onto her dorm bed and frowned. “What happened, Mom?”
“Well, I met someone,” she started.
Ooh, this could get interesting fast. “Yeah? Is he cute?” Sometimes talking to her mother was like pulling teeth.
There was a deep breath. “I got married, Harriet.”
She sat up. “You what?”
“Got married. He’s nice, he’s handsome. He’s filthy rich, but that wasn’t why I married him. We just...hit it off really well. I only found out he was rich after we got hitched.”
Harriet pinched her nose. She knew that her mom had been looking for someone a long time, but this was crazy. The kind of thing she should be doing as a college student, not a forty-something mother. Harriet took a deep breath. “Okay. You got married. When do I get to meet him?”
“You’re almost done with finals, right? He’s got a place in the Hamptons. We’d like you to come out for the summer.”
“Christ, mom, you married someone with a house in the Hamptons? Who is this guy?”
“Reginald Diamond,” she said.
“I am not changing my name to Diamond-Day,” said Harriet.
“I wouldn’t expect you to sweetheart. I think you’ll like him, really. He’s nice. Also he’s already said he’ll be happy to pay for the rest of your college.”
“How much money does this guy have?” Harriet was trying not to sound hysterical.
“A lot, honey. We don’t have to worry about anything.”
“How do you know he’s not just going to annul the whole thing and call it a mistake?”
“Harriet, I just want you to be happy for me.” Her mom’s tone turned a little sharper.
Taking a deep breath, Harriet tried to calm herself. “Okay. I’m happy for you. I.... if you say he’s a good guy, mom, I believe you. I’ll be done with classes in a week and a half.”
“I love you Harriet. I’ll let Reggie know so we can get you a plane ticket. Are classes going well?”
“Yeah,” Harriet appreciated the topic change, “I should make Dean’s list again.
“Good. I’m very proud of you and I can’t wait for you to meet Reggie.”
Harriet bit her lip. “Mom?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“I’m glad you’re happy.” Harriet wished she could give her a hug through the line.
“Thank you honey. I’ll talk to you again soon.”
Harriet shook her head as she hung up the phone. So mom had gone to Las Vegas and come home with a husband. A rich husband, apparently. This was probably going to be the craziest summer vacation she had ever had.
***
Two weeks later found her getting off a plane and heading for the baggage claim, nervous. Mom had promis
ed she’d be here waiting for her, but still, everything was going to be different if she and Reggie were serious. And it sounded like they were. Harriet and mom had talked a few more times and she had somehow managed not to bomb her finals.
Finally she navigated the airport halls and came out at the other end. “Harriet!” Her mom was right there waiting and pulled her into a tight hug. “Oh I missed you.”
“Missed you too mom. So where is this mystery man you married?” She looked around the baggage claim.
“Over here. I think you’ll like him.” She held her daughter’s hand as she walked her over and practically beamed as they encountered a distinguished looking man maybe a few years her mother’s senior. “Reggie this is Harriet. Harriet this is Reginald Diamond.”
Harriet managed not to gape as he offered his hand. She’d seen his face on business magazines from time to time; the name hadn’t clicked until this moment. She gave a firm shake and smiled. “Pleased to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” he said, letting go and taking her mom’s arm. “Rachel has told me much about you and I look forward to getting to know you better.”
“You as well,” said Harriet.
“I understand you’re studying business. My son is as well.”
“You have a son?” asked Harriet. “Mom didn’t mention...”
“He’s coming from college himself in a couple of days. We figured you could meet each other then.”
“I look forward to it,” mumbled Harriet, wondering what other surprises lay in store.
They gathered her bags and walked out to the parking garage. Of course Reggie had a huge SUV, though she was a little bit surprised there wasn’t some driver or something. Didn’t rich guys have other people do the driving? Still, as she got in the back she saw the way he and her mom smiled at each other and as he got behind the wheel they touched each other the way she’d seen other dating couples do. It was ridiculous that they’d gotten married, but whatever, they seemed happy.
Reggie quickly drove them out of the airport parking lot with practiced ease. Harriet looked out the window at the city. They were going to a house somewhere outside of New York City. Mom had only been renting an apartment and now that she was married to Reginald Diamond there was no worry in breaking the lease. Harriet pinched herself and found she was indeed wide awake.
Finally they pulled up in front of a house that could nearly be called a manor. A man opened the door for her and Harriet stood looking up at the place. “There’s lots of room,” said Reggie. “And lots of grounds if you care to go hiking or camping or any of that sort of thing. Back in my grandfather’s time they used to hunt, but not so much anymore.”
“It is gorgeous,” admitted Harriet as they walked inside. She tried and failed not to stare around her.
“Let me show you around,” said Rachel, taking her arm. “I know it’s a lot at first.”
“Did you win him at blackjack?” asked Harriet when they were out of earshot.
Her mom laughed. “No. I was reading a Michner book at the pool and he saw it and we started talking. Had a lot of good conversation, found out we had a lot in common. You know I miss your father, but he’s a widower as well and one thing led to another...”
“And here we are in Oz,” said Harriet, shaking her head.
Rachel gave her a hug and opened a door. “This is your room.”
Harriet again couldn’t help staring. “This is bigger than your apartment.”
“I know. He’s a nice guy, Harriet, I hope you give him a chance.”
“You know I will. I’m just still wrapping my mind around the whole thing. I’ll adjust.”
“I know you will.” She hugged Harriet again. “Well if you want to freshen up or nap anything I can leave you be. You can, of course, explore the house as much as you want.”
“What, there isn’t any forbidden wing? No family secrets buried in the cellar?”
“Not that I’ve found. The closet is full of clothes for you and there’s a formal dinner in the city in two days.” Rachel walked to the closet and opened the door.
“What, is it my society debut or something?” Harriet was half joking.
“No, nothing like that. Just dinner with some business people. This is good for you too, you know. You’ve wanted to get into business. That’s not why we got hitched though.”
“I know. Go on, I want to take a nap. I’ll play Cinderella with the clothes later.
Rachel smiled and hugged her, then left her alone..
With a sigh, Harriet undressed and took out her pajamas. At least those were still comfortable and familiar. Going to the closet she found that a lot of her old clothes had come over, for which she was grateful. That said, there was also a lot of really nice stuff that she would certainly be trying on later. She found the door to the en suite bathroom and checked it out, shaking her head at the shower and the tub with a window overlooking the view. There was a good view from her bedroom as well. She could see where the lawn and gardens ended and the forest began, going back to the river in the distance. The Diamond family had been in business for generations, if she remembered correctly. And a house like this certainly proved it.
Shaking her head, Harriet crawled between soft blankets and closed her eyes, wondering if she was going to wake up in her old bed or wake and find all of this was still here.
***
Sometime later there was a knock on her door and a woman opened it. “Dinner will be served in about twenty minutes,” she said, then vanished before Harriet could ask questions. Good Lord, there were servants. Shaking her head she got up and went to the closet, picking out a pair of her old jeans and a new shirt. Probably best to show Reggie that she was grateful and not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Did they have horses here?
Pushing those thoughts aside, Harriet, finished getting dressed and went outside her room, trying to see if she remembered how to find the stairs, let alone the dining room. It was with a sense of triumph that she found both, but Mom and Reggie were in a smaller room just off the kitchen. “We don’t use the formal dining room unless I’m hosting a dinner,” said Reggie as he saw her confusion. “Officially this is the breakfast room.”
“I guess a place like this you can have three dining rooms and still not run out of space,” said Harriet, taking a seat.
Reggie chuckled. “It is a lot of house. My great-grandfather that built it had seven boys. I’m descended from the youngest. He’s the one that most closely followed his father in business.”
“You guys started out in mining, yeah?” asked Harriet
“California Gold Rush,” confirmed Reggie. “You do know your history.”
“I did some research,” admitted Harriet.
“Nothing wrong with that. I know this has all been rather sudden. But I do love your mother.” Reggie squeezed her hand.
“I can tell. Don’t worry, I’m not upset. So you said you’ve got a son?”
“Lucas, yes. He’s arriving very early tomorrow morning. He’s a year older than you, I believe.”
“He is,” chimed in Rachel. “From what Reggie has said he’s very nice and we hope you two will get along.”
“I hope so too.” Harriet dug into the delicious dinner.
***
Harriet woke early the next morning. She stretched in her bed and got up, padding to the window to watch the sun rise. It really was gorgeous. She got dressed and headed downstairs, looking for some coffee. There was another young man sitting at the smaller table. He looked up, smiled, and got to his feet as he saw her. “You must be Harriet,” he said, offering his hand.
“And I’m guessing your Lucas?” she asked, looking him over. He oozed money in the way he stood and talked and dressed. But there was also something kind in his blue eyes and while he certainly looked wealthy, he also had a nice air about him.
“Yes, I am,” he said. “Coffee?”
“I’d love some,” she said, following him into the kitchen. He poured he
r a mug. The older woman scrambling some eggs at the stove looked at Harriet and added in a couple more,
“Thank you,” said Harriet, to both of them. “You got in this morning?” she asked Lucas.
“Yes. I go to school in California. Something of a tradition for us to attend Stanford still, even though we live on the other coast. Dad said you’re a business major as well?”
“I am. I always thought I’d end up rich and taking care of mom, but looks like your dad beat me to it,” Harriet smiled as they moved back to the table.
“I was as surprised as you were. But I’m glad for them.” The cook brought them both plates.
“Same here. Maybe you could show me around the grounds a bit or something after breakfast?”
“Sure, I can do that.”
They did go out afterward. The day was warm and clear. Lucas was clearly at ease here chattering with Harriet and pointing out various things about the house and gardens as they walked. They moved into the woods, talking about school and the things they did. Lucas led her down a green path to an overlook with a bench. Glancing around as if afraid he was being watching, Lucas pulled out a small sketchbook and sat. “Don’t tell Dad, okay?”
Harriet frowned. “What’s wrong with you drawing?”
“Dad doesn’t like it. Thinks it’s a waste of time, always has. When mom was alive she used to buy me paints and things, I think maybe it still reminds him of her a bit. I thought about going for an art degree instead, but I’m pretty sure he’d disown me. Besides, someone has to be able to take over the family business and I’m his only kid.”
“That’s not really fair to you though, is it?” asked Harriet, sitting next to him.
Lucas shrugged, pencil moving easily over the paper. “It is what it is though. I can do it on the side or when I’m not studying. But there’s no way I can do this for a career. And like I said, there’s the family business to consider.”
Reminding The SEAL (Navy SEAL Military Romance) Page 24