Cassidy nodded. “But I don’t like homework.”
“Join the club. No one does.” Shelby glanced up at Kenny, who stood on his porch, backpack at his feet. “Kenny, come on. Gramma left some brownies today.”
“Can’t we stay at our house today? Please? I want to play with Chester. I don’t want to wait until Dad gets home.”
Cassidy nodded. “Could we? I like being at your house, but I’d really like to go home.”
Shelby couldn’t think of any reason not to, other than she would feel uncomfortable in Matt’s home. But her primary concern was the children. “I suppose. Let me go get the key and a few of my things.”
Standing in Matt’s house a few minutes later, she couldn’t resist the temptation to look around. Unlike her grandmother’s house, which retained all its original details, Matt’s home had been completely remodeled. Walls had been removed, rooms opened up and windows replaced, giving the home an open, spacious feel. Despite the clean lines and modern style, the furniture was practical and functional. Evidence of the children lay scattered around the room—toys on the floor, a stuffed animal on the ottoman. Matt’s work boots stood beside the leather recliner.
She forced herself to ignore her surroundings. Quickly she moved to the kitchen and set her laptop on the table. Cassidy, never far from her side, took the brownies and set them on the island. “Any homework?”
“A little. But I can do it Sunday night.”
Shelby laid an arm across the girl’s shoulders. “Would you like some advice, woman to woman?” Cassidy nodded, a huge smile on her face. “Do you know what the word procrastinate means?”
Cassidy groaned softly. “To put stuff off.”
“Yep. I learned after much painful struggle that the best way to enjoy your time off is by getting the unpleasant things out of the way first. It’s freeing. I think you should try it.”
Cassidy pointed to the treats on the counter.
Shelby shook her head. “Before we have brownies.”
With the young girl up in her room and Kenny safely in the backyard with Chester, Shelby took a moment to check emails on her smart phone. There was no more news about the future of the company. Not surprising. Everything was on hold until the upcoming meeting. It was the not knowing that kept her on edge. The cold hard truth was the chances of her being out of work soon were very good. And she couldn’t get back to New York to look for another job until she had her health back on track.
“I used to live in Atlanta when I was little,” Cassidy stated as they munched on homemade brownies a short while later. Kenny had scooped his up and returned to the yard, mumbling something about finding a lizard on the fence.
Shelby was still picking at her piece, knowing she shouldn’t be eating the chocolate treat but unable to completely resist. “So I heard. Atlanta is a very big city.”
“There’s a lot to do there. Not like here.”
Shelby stifled a grin at the girls assumed air of sophistication. “Don’t you like Dover?”
“It’s okay. I didn’t like it much when I first got here. Boring.” She rolled her eyes. “But I have friends now so it’s not so bad.” Cassidy took another bite of brownie. “What do you do in New York?”
“I edit a magazine. You may know it. Tween Scene.”
Cassidy eyes widened. “Really? That’s the coolest magazine ever.”
“Thank you.” Shelby couldn’t help a swell of pride at the compliment. She’d worked hard to make the magazine a success. It broke her heart to think it might be discontinued under the new management.
“I can’t believe that’s your magazine. Wait until I tell my friends.”
“Well, it’s not mine. I don’t own it. I only work for it, but I’m glad to hear you like Tween Scene so much. What’s your favorite section?”
Cassidy thought a moment. “The one where they show you what to wear and what not to wear. And the makeup one, and the part where you talk about TV stars. Only…I’m not allowed to read it.”
Shelby stopped midbite. “What? But you’re so familiar with it.”
“I know, but Dad says it’s too grown-up for me. He says the articles aren’t good for girls my age.”
Tween Scene precisely targeted Cassidy’s demographic. Did Matt really disapprove or was he steering her away from the publication because she was the editor? Come to think of it, did he even know she was connected to the magazine? Could his comments be solely objective? Doubtful. Tween Scene was perfect. “I’m sorry to hear that. We try very hard to make the magazine appeal to girls your age. If your dad won’t let you read it, how do you know so much about it?”
A guilty smile moved her lips. “I read it at Molly’s.”
“Oh. I see.”
“You won’t tell Dad, will you?”
“No. But do you think you should be disobeying your father?”
Cassidy shook her head. “But it’s such a cool magazine.”
Cool in the young girl’s eyes. Inappropriate in her parent’s. Which one was the truth? As far as Shelby could recall, nothing in Tween Scene should cause concern in parents. Apparently, Matt’s overprotective streak ran to more than just their hearts.
“I wish I was thin and pretty like you,” Cassidy said, her voice soft and wistful. Shelby made a quick survey of the little girl. She wasn’t rail thin, but she wasn’t chubby, either. She was nicely filled out and starting to transform into a young lady. “I think you’re perfect.”
Cassidy smiled. “Thanks, but I want to look like that girl on the cover last time. You know, the one where she was wearing those cool jeans and that striped top with the patches.”
She remembered it well. It had been one of the best covers all year. “That was Yasmine.”
Shelby thought about the child models and celebrities she worked with regularly. They were nothing like Cassidy. Most were mature beyond their years and bone thin. Nearly all the models were older than the preteen image Tween Scene promoted. Something about that bothered her, but she wasn’t sure what.
“I wish I could look like that.” Cassidy sighed wistfully. “She’s so cool.”
Shelby could remember when she felt the same way. She’d look at the girls in the magazines and long for a magic wand that could transform her into a glamorous model.
“I have an idea.” Shelby moved to the table and pulled out her smart phone and opened her laptop.
“What are we going to do?”
“You’ll see.” Shelby winked, opening her camera app. “I have a magic wand.” She motioned Cassidy to stand against the wall. “Okay, now strike a pose.”
Cassidy giggled self-consciously. “I don’t know what to do.”
Shelby began taking pictures. “Pretend you’re a model. Pose like you see the girls on the cover of my magazine.”
A few minutes later, Shelby moved to her laptop and pulled up the images. “Come watch.” Cassidy came to her side. After selecting her editing program, she scrolled through the shots to find the best image to work with. First she added highlights and fullness to Cassidy’s hair. Next she made her eyes larger and deepened the color, adding sparkle for good measure. A click of the mouse slimmed the neck and added hollows to the cheeks. Another whitened the teeth. One more trimmed the body line.
Lastly, she turned her attention to the clothes. She lightened the hue of the jeans and changed the color of the blouse to a jewel tone that better complemented the new deeper shade of her eyes. A few more minor touch-ups, and Shelby leaned back in her chair. “Well, what do you think?”
“Oh wow. I look like a TV star.” She was breathless. “That is so cool.”
Shelby gave the girl a quick hug. “You look exactly like the girls on the covers of my magazine. In fact.” She made a few more clicks and added the magazine banner across the top of the page, making the picture resemble the cover of Tween Scene.
“It’s me, but it’s not me. Oh thank you, thank you,” Cassidy gushed, bouncing up and down. “This is so awesome. Can I hav
e a copy?”
“Sure. I’m not connected to your printer though. I can email it to you so you can print it out. What’s your address?” Shelby typed in the address, attached the file and hit Send. “There you go. Do you know how to print on your computer?”
“We only have Dad’s. He won’t let us have our own. He says we’re too young.”
“I’m sure he’ll print it for you when he gets here.” She glanced at the wall clock. Matt would be home before long. “What are you doing for supper? Should I be putting something in the oven?”
Cassidy shrugged. “I don’t know. Aunt Laura usually made something for us, but she’s not here now.”
Cassidy’s eyes grew wide, and Shelby saw excitement building.
“What?”
“Can I cook supper for Daddy? I could surprise him.”
It was a sweet idea. “Do you know how to cook?”
“A little. I help Aunt Laura sometimes. I know how to make lasagna. My gramma showed me how.”
Shelby was warming to the idea. She used to love to cook, but like many of her favorite pastimes, she’d given it up for lack of time. “I think that’s a great idea. Let’s see if we have everything we need.” Cassidy jumped into the task with gusto, surprising Shelby with how much she knew. Working with the little girl on the dinner and helping her through the process was a surprisingly satisfying experience.
Shelby watched the clock. Matt should be home any moment and all was ready. “Cassidy, you did a wonderful job.” Even Kenny had contributed his table-setting skills. All that remained was for their dad to come home and enjoy their efforts.
Cassidy kept dashing to the front door, looking for Matt’s car. “Do you think he’ll be surprised? What if he doesn’t like it?”
Shelby squeezed her shoulders. “He’ll love it because you made if for him.”
“He’s here!” Kenny dashed out the back door.
Shelby’s heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t question the cause. This was simple pride. Her heart was bursting. She couldn’t wait to see Matt’s reaction. Of course then she’d slip out and go home. She had no intentions of intruding on the family meal. The feeling of disappointment over that knowledge was stronger than she’d expected. She found herself wanting to stay and be part of the camaraderie.
Matt strode through the back door, a puzzled look on his chiseled features. Kenny bounced on his feet beside him. “What’s going on?” He inhaled deeply. “Something smells good.”
“Cassidy did it.” Kenny pointed at his sister.
Matt looked first at her then to his daughter. “Did you make dinner?”
Cassidy ran to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I baked lasagna. I did it all by myself.”
“Miss Shelby helped, and I did, too,” Kenny announced.
“I didn’t know you could cook.” He glanced over at Shelby.
She smiled and nodded. “She did it all by herself. I think you may have a future chef on your hands.”
“Well, let’s sit down and try it. I’m sure it’ll taste as good as it smells.” Matt’s gaze met hers. “Where’s Ellen?”
“She’s dining out with friends.” He looked like he wanted to say something then changed his mind. Had she overstepped again?
Cassidy scanned the table. “Kenny, you forgot to put a plate for Miss Shelby.”
“Oh, no. I’m not staying. This is your family time.”
“You have to stay. Please?” Cassidy grabbed her arm and squeezed.
She looked at Matt and cringed. Great. She’d placed Matt in an awkward position once again. Either way he replied would be uncomfortable.
“Of course she has to stay.”
She looked over at Matt, gauging his expression. Was he serious or was he merely tolerating her for his daughter’s sake? Suddenly she knew what she wanted to do. Lifting her chin, she met Matt’s gaze. “Thank you. I’d love to stay. I’m looking forward to having some of Cassidy’s wonderful meal.” He didn’t flinch.
“Kenny, set another plate on the table.”
The meal was more pleasant than Shelby had anticipated. Matt was sincerely impressed with his daughter’s cooking efforts and Kenny kept them entertained with stories about Chester.
She’d picked at her lasagna, hoping Cassidy wouldn’t notice how little she ate. As delicious as it was, the heavy pasta dish wasn’t something she could indulge in.
“I’ll clean up, Daddy.”
Matt raised his eyebrows. “I know when to not argue. We’ll be in the living room.”
Reluctantly Shelby followed Matt from the room. She’d much rather be helping Cassidy with the dishes. She strived for a topic of conversation. “You have a lovely home, Matt.”
“Thanks. Katie, my wife, was a decorator. She always had our home looking like a magazine spread. I have no talent in that department. I go with what I like.”
“It’s a very comfortable room. Very homey.” Her gaze settled on a framed photo on the sofa table. She lifted it, her heart skipping a beat when she realized it was a family picture. A stately blonde smiled out at her. Katie. The wife. “She’s a beautiful woman.”
“Yes, she was.”
The sadness in his voice broke her heart. “Kenny resembles her a good bit.”
He nodded “Yes, he does. He has her personality, too. She was always busy, always involved in something. Kenny has only one speed. Fast.”
“I’ve noticed. I wish I had some of his energy.” Shelby chuckled and put the frame down. “How did you and your wife meet?”
“At school. She had a project for a design class and she needed someone good with tools to help. A friend mentioned me.”
Cassidy poked her head in the room. “Daddy, I just remembered. I need to print something. Can I get on the computer?”
He moved to the desk at the end of the kitchen and tapped the keys. “There you go.”
“Look, Daddy.” Cassidy came to his side, holding up a picture, a beaming smile on her face. “It’s me.”
“You? It doesn’t look anything like you.” He frowned, shooting a quick glance at Shelby.
Cassidy bounced up and down, giggling with delight. “I know. Don’t I look awesome?”
Matt sighed and pulled the little girl against his side. “No, princess. You’re much prettier than that.”
Shelby started to comment, then her gaze fell on Cassidy. The child really was beautiful. Her large, dark blue eyes were rimmed with long lashes, framed in a heart-shaped face. A sweet, happy smile reflected her bubbly personality.
Shelby thought about the photo she’d created on the screen. Matt was right. Cassidy bore no resemblance to the perfect image she’d created. Cassidy was real, blessed with an attractiveness no program could improve upon. She’d never thought about the difference between normal little girls and the airbrushed faces that appeared on Tween Scene’s covers. Suddenly turning sweet Cassidy into a too-perfect cover image seemed wrong.
“Cassie, honey, why don’t you go on to your room. Miss Shelby and I will finish up in the kitchen.”
“Cool. I want to tell Darcy about this picture.”
The moment his child was out of earshot, Matt pinned her with a stony glare. “What is this?” He waved the picture in air. “She looks like she’s sixteen. I didn’t recognize her.”
Shelby’s defenses kicked in. “I was showing her how we alter images for the covers of the magazine.”
“And you thought it would be a good idea to make Cassidy look like some anorexic pop star?”
“No. It wasn’t like that. She found out I was the editor of Tween Scene and she said she wanted to look like the girls on the covers. So, I took her picture and showed her how we augment the image for the best result.”
“Augment? My little girl doesn’t need to be augmented.”
“Of course not. I only thought that if I—”
Matt held up his hand. “I don’t expect you to understand, and I know you probably didn’t think you were doing anything wro
ng, but my daughter is growing up fast enough. She doesn’t need to be rushing things. One of the reasons I moved back here was to keep her from the destructive influences of the big city.”
“It was a little harmless fun.”
“Harmless? Really?” Matt exhaled slowly. “You’ve basically told her she’s not good enough as she is. You’ve shown her that unless she looks like a movie star or a model, she’s not acceptable. Is that really what you were trying to accomplish?”
“No, of course not.” How could he even think such a thing? It was insulting. “I do this kind of thing all the time with our models.”
“Shelby, Cassidy is a real little girl. Not a seasoned professional like you’re used to dealing with. She’s very vulnerable at this age. She has enough things assaulting her self-image. She doesn’t need any more to confuse her.”
Is that what she’d done? Had she confused Cassidy? In making her look perfect, had she done more harm than good? The truth in Matt’s words filtered into her heart, filling her with regret. But Matt was overreacting.
“Matt, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any harm. But Cassidy is at an age when she wants to experiment with clothes and makeup and hairstyles. It’s natural. I’ll talk to her. Make sure she understands the difference between real life and magazine pictures.” She’d come to care for her too much. The last thing she wanted was to be a bad influence on Matt’s little girl.
Matt ran a hand through his hair and sat down on the arm of the sofa, clasping his fingers together tightly. “This is when I miss Katie the most. Cassidy needs a mother. I’m not sure I can provide her with everything she needs.”
Shelby longed to reach out and touch him, give him comfort and reassurance, but she doubted he’d accept it. “But you’ll marry again someday and—”
“No.”
The steely determination in his dark blue eyes stunned her. He couldn’t be serious. “But why? You’re still young and there’s so much life ahead for you.”
The muscle in Matt’s jaw flexed rapidly. “I’ll never risk losing someone I love again. Watching her slowly waste away, knowing there was nothing I could do to help. I won’t put my children through that a second time.”
Rekindled Romance Page 5