Holiday Spice & Everything Nice

by Conn, Claudy

  “There's no way you got Sasha pregnant and would know about it already. So how did that one start?”

  He sighed. “No. She thought she was pregnant with her ex's child. Sasha's father has Alzheimer's and, in a rage, made a spectacle because he thought she was still fifteen. I'm not sure how this got out, unless someone realized I came in the apartment at the time and heard her dad yelling at me about getting her pregnant. A lot of people know I'm here, and because I'm in the news... Well, you know how rumors go.”

  “I sure do. I'm sorry to hear he's that bad off. I'd hoped for the best for him after all those years ago.” She shook her head, sipping from her mug again.

  “What exactly happened?”

  “He decided to go Robin Hood on our neighbors,” Mom stated.

  “What?”

  “He had a brain tumor. He was afraid of leaving his daughter alone with nothing, especially after losing her mother, so Archer tried to set something up for her in case he died. He panicked and got caught.”

  “Wow.” Kevin thought about this. “A brain tumor? No wonder Sasha was afraid. I've heard sometimes, depending on the placement, it can cause a person to become very rash.”

  “Yes, he had his moments, but no one knew why. Archer didn't tell anyone. He had a surgery a few months later, and that's how we all found out.”

  “They still don't let him live it down,” Kevin noted.

  “I guess not.” Mom heaved a sigh.

  “Now he's facing a new illness and Sasha's paying for his behavior. It's wrong.”

  “I know you're upset at her for something, but I want to say something.”

  Kevin finally looked at his mother again.

  “Whatever it is, let it go. I've never seen you so comfortable and happy as I did when you two were together.” A smile played at her lips. “Marly Jean and Rocky love each other, but it's different. What I see from you and Sasha makes me long for something real. I think that's part of the reason I'm ready to leave your father. I want real love.”

  “I never said I loved her!” Kevin protested. He had strong feelings, no doubt, but love? When his phone rang again, Kevin groaned. He expected it to be Jack, wished it was Sasha, but when he glanced at the screen, an unknown number registered. “Hold on, Mom,” he said before taking the call.

  A male voice hesitated on the other end. “I'm looking for Kevin Wright. I'd like to talk to you about Marianne.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  A week went by with no word from Kevin. Sasha had to put her feelings aside and focus on her father. After that disastrous day, she knew in her heart she couldn't take him to that center.

  Her emergency funds were running low. At one time, that had been her school savings, but ever since taking in her father after his Alzheimer's started to worsen, it became her back up. After only working part time for Casey the last two weeks, not only was she running short on cash, but also hope and energy.

  “Just another cup of coffee. It'll get me through this evening,” she muttered, lying to herself.

  Instead of being Kevin's date at Marly Jean's latest shindig, she'd be catering it. Casey offered it to her, since they were paying big time and she could use the cash.

  There wasn't a good way to decline, especially since she couldn't be too picky. Seeing Kevin tonight this way wasn't the best, but she'd have to suck it up.

  Thank goodness Arlene was so helpful, otherwise Sasha didn't know what she'd do. Still, Arlene was just as worn down and though she hadn't said anything, it probably wouldn't be too much longer before Arlene couldn't do the job anymore.

  Sasha had a feeling Arlene did this for free because she was in love with her father. It was the only feasible explanation.

  Stifling another yawn, Sasha muddled through the day. She ran home a few hours later to shower and change just to get back to work again.

  “Are you sure you're going to be okay?” Arlene stopped her at the door.

  “I have to be.” Sasha held back her tears.

  “You barely sleep. You walk around in a daze. I'm afraid to let you drive.” Her friend touched her shoulder.

  “This is a big night. It pays well. I can manage a few more hours.”

  “Sasha...”

  She hung her head. “I know, this isn't fair to you. You're just as tired as I am. What can I do? All the places that will accept Dad are...less than stellar. I don't know how to get in a good place, and I can't take Jack's offer. I should never have done it in the first place.”

  “You were thinking of your dad. Maybe the guy shouldn't have done it that way, because he made an offer you couldn't refuse. Kevin will see past that soon. He really cares about you.” Arlene half smiled.

  Cared. She wasn't sure if he still did.

  “I care about him, too. But it still doesn't help my current situation.”

  “Let me talk to a few people I know. There's got to be a way we can do something more for your dad. You and I don't have the power to keep this up, as much as we both want to.”

  “Thank you.” Sasha hugged her. “I'll do my best to find something. This isn't fair to you.”

  “It isn't to you, either. You're the daughter- the one he doesn't see as his child any more. It'll work out. I'll help as much as I can as long as we both know time isn't on our side at home.”

  “I wish it was.” She glanced toward the bedroom where Dad watched TV.

  “You've been a good daughter. Your dad's had a hell of a few years, and you suffered just as much. Just because you'd be putting him in a care center doesn't mean you're giving up. It doesn't mean you don't love him. All it means is he gets the around-the-clock care he needs. And just because some places aren't top of the line doesn't mean they won't do a good job. If you aren't happy with the one you looked at, then find another. I promise, not all facilities are the same. Your dad's lucky to have a bright, beautiful daughter. Somewhere in his memory, he knows this.”

  Fresh tears spilled from Sasha's eyes. “Stop making me cry! I know you're right. I love you, Arlene. I wouldn't be where I am without you.”

  “I wouldn't be where I am without you, either. Now take it easy tonight.” She hugged her once again.

  “I will. See you in a few hours.” Feeling a little better, Sasha headed off to the catering store, and then to the Wright mansion.

  *****

  Kevin stuck by his mom a lot tonight. The last few days, they'd been talking more and more. Dad and Marly Jean still had no idea about what was coming. They'd barely said a word to him about his own thing, so no way did they have a clue about Mom.

  His mind went back to that phone call. He hadn't done a thing since talking to Marianne's ex, but he knew he'd have to do something soon. The comments were getting out of control. The long discussion with the ex put a lot of things into perspective. They were both in the same boat.

  He was tired of being Scrooged.

  Kevin's breath hitched when Sasha walked in the door. What was she doing here?

  Oh, he noticed right away. She was the one catering the party. He'd heard she took a part time job with Casey.

  Their eyes met briefly. So much emotion filled hers. She was worn out. Even the makeup couldn't hide the bags under her eyes. She turned away from him, headed toward the food table, and busied herself with work.

  Whatever happened with the facility? Either she'd been able to get her dad in and her worn out look came from worrying, or she didn't and she was still taking care of her father.

  You still care about her, man.

  Not that he'd deny it, but Kevin didn't know what to say to Sasha right now. He was still pretty steamed over what happened, but then again, if he was in her position, what would he do?

  Suppressing a sigh, he focused his attention away from Sasha. At some point in the next few days, he'd have to sort out his feelings. That included talking to her.

  Marly Jean and Rocky made their grand entrance. His sister shined, wearing a long, dark red dress with a slit at the side. She had her c
urls piled up high atop her head. Rocky had dressed in a suit. Kevin studied them. On the outside, at least at the moment, they both looked happy and in love. He hadn't had much of a chance to get to know Rocky, but after his initial bad first impression, he seemed like a decent guy. Would they last? Only time would tell. Kevin knew his parents had a rough relationship, but he'd never known the deep secrets his mother had kept. Marly Jean was a lot like their father, so he hoped Rocky was a tough guy to handle his sister.

  He hoped most of all that they'd end up happy and live a good life together.

  “I wonder where your father is,” Mom mused from beside him.

  Kevin honestly hadn't known he was missing. “I'm sure he'll be down. Marly Jean is the golden child.” Not meaning to say that, he shut his mouth quick.

  “Did you always feel that way?” his mother asked quietly.

  Heaving a sigh, Kevin adjusted his tie. “Yeah.”

  “Your father does dote on her.”

  “I know. I'm the disappointment, because I didn't follow in his footsteps.”

  Mom touched his arm. “I'm glad you didn't. Don't become your father. Be better. I suppose I'll go mingle, although I wish I could hide out tonight.”

  He knew the feeling. Kevin watched his mom talk to friends.

  “So why is Sasha catering instead of your date tonight?” Marly Jean asked, startling him. She and Rocky were now by his side. Kevin hadn't seen them come up.

  “She needs the job,” he said simply.

  “I'm sure she does, but I thought you two were hot and heavy.” His sister raised a perfectly arched brow.

  “What do you care?” he snapped, not ready for these conversations.

  “Oh, I don't know. You're my brother, it's Christmas, and she's actually really nice. Not like the rumors I've heard about the Morettis.” Marly Jean let go of Rocky to hang on Kevin's arm. “I might come across as obnoxious and all, but I think I can spot love when I see it. You two had a lot of something going on. Give yourself a Christmas present this year. Get the girl.”

  Sasha stood behind the table talking to someone. Her face was flushed. Sweat poured down her neck. It wasn't even hot in here. She didn't look good. Without a seconds hesitance, Kevin started her way.

  “Atta boy,” Rocky said from behind him.

  Sasha crumpled to the floor before Kevin could reach her. Several gasps filled the room. Heart racing, he rushed to Sasha's side, gathering her in his arms.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Sasha blinked, unsure of her surroundings. Something light and cool was draped over her forehead. She sat up quickly, coming face to face with Kevin. He was sitting by her side.

  In the guest cottage.

  The guest cottage? How? Why?

  Vague memories flooded her. She'd been hot. Sweaty. Very tired.

  “Hey there. Glad to see you up and alert,” he said softly, brushing his fingers across her forehead. “You scared me. What's with you falling at my feet all the time?”

  She half smiled. Kevin would never be fully serious, would he? “How long have I been out?”

  “A couple of hours. Casey came by to take over for you. How long have you been going without a decent night's sleep, Sasha?”

  Too long. But she didn't say that.

  “I'm fine,” she insisted.

  “You can't pass out in front of me and still expect me to believe that you're fine.”

  “Okay, so I'm a little tired.”

  Kevin's eyes narrowed. “I talked to Arlene. I know all about the last week. I'm sorry the place you checked out wasn't up to your liking.”

  He talked to Arlene? “I should get home, so I can give her a break.” Sasha moved the blanket, but Kevin put a hand on her leg.

  “I paid for someone to come in for the next few days. Arlene will still be there, but she can relax a little as well.”

  “You did what?” She jumped up. “Why the hell would you do that?”

  He hesitated. “Because I care about what happens to you.”

  Oh really? After a week of silence, suddenly he cared?

  “Can I say something before you erupt like a volcano on me? Not that I blame you by any means.” Kevin grasped her hand.

  “Go on.” She sat down on the bed again, curious.

  “I'm still upset over this whole thing, but I know why you did it. If tonight is any indication of how much you're struggling but don't want anyone to know, then I can sympathize. You were desperate, but not for yourself. Jack knew this and played the right cards.”

  “Kevin-”

  “Shh.” He placed a finger gently against her lips. “A lot has happened this week. Before I go into that, do you need anything? A drink? Something to eat? Have you been taking care of yourself, or did you run completely ragged?”

  Her breath hitched, full of emotion. “You don't want to know.” She'd barely scraped by in all senses.

  “Guess I'll be getting you a nice hot meal. My mom is making something right now.”

  “Your mom?” He'd barely said much about her, now all of a sudden she was making something?

  “It's all part of what's been going on. First, I want to apologize for comparing you to Marianne. You're nothing like her, and I doubt you ever would be. That was my anger talking. There were some slightly similar things, which set me over the edge.”

  “I deserved-”

  The finger went to her lips again. “You didn't deserve that. Don't make excuses for me. In that sense, I was the ass. Yes, I felt blindsided and betrayed, but your intentions were honest. Hell, I have no room to talk, because I recall telling Jack to find some kind of program for your dad and I was going to pay for it without telling you it was from me, so I was kinda two faced.”

  Stunned, she gaped at him.

  “I also heard the real story about what happened with your dad.”

  “I hate talking about that. I didn't know about the tumor right away. I just knew he was keeping secrets and his mood had changed.”

  “Yeah, I know. Mom told me what happened. She's...” Kevin glanced toward the door. “After the holidays, she's leaving my father. Mom's tired of being a trophy wife. She wants a chance at real love. She's suffered over her relationship, kind of like I did with Marianne. That brings me to my next point. Her ex- the one I thought was the jerk- called me and told me his side of things. He's planning on making a statement about her. She needs serious help. I guess with my name being in the news because of her, he wanted to come clean with what happened back then.”

  “What does that do for you?” She asked.

  “I should probably break my silence, but I'm not ready to yet. This gives me time to figure out how to open up about that relationship. Her ex and I had a real long talk. We're going to meet face to face in a few weeks. He understands why I don't want to talk about it, but neither of us want Marianne to do this to anyone else. I'm also attempting to get your name out of the tabloids.” He grimaced.

  “You're the one with a career. Is the Scrooge thing still going around?”

  “A little bit, but I'm trying not to let it get to me. This is why I'm working on my statement and plan of action, but I'm treading carefully.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I was thinking, since I have a hired nurse completely trained in working with Alzheimer's patients that I could take you to a real nice facility about three hours away.”

  “Three-”

  There he went again with the finger. “Jack called in a favor. He feels bad about the way things went, but he knows how torn up you were about doing this. There's a pretty little tourist town my mom wants to move to. I was thinking about going there as well. I was originally going to ask if you'd consider coming to California and seeing where things go, but I kind of like the idea of a new place. It's close to here, but far enough away that we can all shed our images and start fresh. The facility is nice, and you'd always be close to your father. Plus, I heard there's a great school about a half hour away from there you were interested in.” His eyes twi
nkled.

  “But how could I afford to go to school?”

  “Since you don't want a handout, I was thinking you'd consider taking a loan from your hot movie star boyfriend.” Kevin cracked a grin.

  “But I don't have a hot movie star boyfriend,” she tossed back, wondering what he'd say to that.

  “Okay... hot movie star friend with benefits who would love to share a house with you?” He tried again.

  “I'm not a friends with benefits kind of girl.” Sasha grinned. She was making him antsy and knew it.

  “So how does one movie star convince a sexy small town girl that he wants to have a relationship with her?”

  She slapped the mattress playfully. “Don't you watch any movies? Sweep me off my feet and make me an offer I can't refuse!”

  He curled his fist under his chin and pretended to think. “Hmm.” Without another word, he practically flew off the bed, swooping Sasha up in his arms. “Okay, got the sweep you off your feet part down.” He grinned, peppering her face with kisses.

  “Ahh!” She shrieked, holding on tight.

  Then his mother walked in the room, carrying a tray. “Maybe I should come back?”

  Heat rushed to Sasha's cheeks. “Put me down,” she whispered.

  Kevin set her down and slid an arm around her shoulders. “I'm trying to be a good movie hero guy. I don't think my mom walking in helped.” He laughed.

  “I don't think you'll have a problem winning her over.” His mother chuckled. “Are you feeling okay, Sasha?”

  “Better. Thank you.” She ignored the butterflies in her stomach.

  “I'll leave you two alone. I'm sure there's things in the house I can do while you work your stuff out.” His mom set the tray down, waved, and left the guest cottage.

  “Embarrassing!” Sasha giggled once she was gone.

  “No, it would have been worse if she'd walked in on us the other day while I made you scream in this bed.” He nuzzled her neck. “Tell me you'll forgive me for being an ass.”