by Joachim Jean
“It’s fine! Cara, please! Butt out, okay!” Grace raised her voice, grabbed her laptop, and then sped to her room, slamming the door shut. She read it again. Damn right I deserved better. But she was mollified. At least he apologized.
Grace dressed with a little more care than usual for her trip to the theater with Cara. As Cara’s secretary, she handled a wide variety of tasks, from helping Cara file taxes to emergency wardrobe pressing and makeup. They rode together in the limo, with Bobby at the wheel.
“Bobby, what happened last night,” Cara asked, leaning forward, her hand on the partition between driver and passengers. Grace held her breath.
“I just drive, Cara. I can’t watch in front and behind me, too.”
Cara turned to her sister. “Come on, Pookie, give.”
“Okay, okay. You’re so pushy!”
“I worry about you.”
“Yeah, I know. Too much. I’m twenty-seven, and can take care of myself.”
“I don’t know, Pook. This is a rough business. So…?”
“Jake got drunk and a little handy in the backseat.”
Cara’s eyebrows shot up. “Handy? Like fixing things?”
“You know, a little gropy. Touchy-feely. Do I have to spell it out for you?”
“Got it.”
“I set him straight, and he stopped. Today, he apologized with flowers. Period. End of story.”
“Is that everything?” The crease between her eyebrows deepened.
“Oh, wait. I forgot. He blew lunch in the hedges in front of our building,” Grace chuckled.
Cara smiled. “Guess he was over-loaded…get it?”
“Still with the bad puns?” The women laughed as Bobby pulled up to the curb in front of the stage door. Cara slid out first. Grace stopped at the front window of the car. “Thanks for not telling, Bobby.”
“No problem.”
Grace rushed to catch up to her sister and barreled right into Jake. He caught her, gripping her upper arms. She looked up into his eyes and froze, feeling the warmth of his hands right down to her toes.
“Did you get the flowers?”
“They’re beautiful. Thank you.” His liquid gold eyes stared right into hers.
“Do you forgive me?”
“Of course.”
He let out a breath. “Whew. Good. Not having a great day here and that would’ve made it a whole lot worse.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Oh? What’s wrong?” Grace bit her lip. Please don’t let it be my review.
“Some bitch wrote a scathing review of Just In Time. Ripped me to pieces.”
Grace’s pulse kicked up. “Who is it?” Please God, no.
“Don’t know, she signed it ‘Movie Maven.’ Coward. Afraid to sign her real name. I’d like to give her a…” he said, his hands fisting at his sides.
Grace took his arm and continued down the hall. “I understand you’re coming to our house for Christmas?” She changed the subject before he could get graphic.
“Yeah. Too far to go back to Willow Falls.”
“Is this your first Christmas away from home?”
He blushed. “How’d you know?”
“Lucky guess.” Unsophisticated, country bumpkin. Cute country bumpkin.
“I have two sisters, one older and one younger. And a niece and nephew. Christmas won’t be the same without them.”
“Cara’s the only family I have. Now, I’ve got a niece and a brother-in-law…well almost in-law.”
“Cara’s fiancé? Do you like him?”
“Grant’s great. They’re so cute together. They’re what love is.” She stopped at Cara’s dressing room.
He leaned against the wall and looked down at her. “I hope you know how sorry I am. My…libido or whatever got the best of me. I don’t usually get so…familiar or drunk on a first date. Hope you’ll give me another chance.” He rested his hand on her shoulder and again a tingle emanated from his touch.
“Oh?” She cocked an eyebrow. “You usually wait until the second date to get blasted?” She chuckled.
He laughed. “At least!” Grace opened the door. “See ya later. Break a leg.”
He turned away and sauntered down the hall. Grace blew out a breath and watched him walk away. His jeans were just tight enough to outline his long legs and perfect butt. She noticed the slight pull of his flannel shirt, as it strained to cover shoulders so broad. They seemed even wider because his hips were so narrow.
Her gaze followed him for a bit, feeding the electricity running through her. Maybe he’s not so bad. Can’t ever let him find out I’m Movie Maven. Never. She entered Cara’s room.
“There you are. Gabbing with Jake? Can you sew this seam for me?”
“What you do to a costume…” Grace shook her head slowly. “Outta be a law, lady. Give it to me. Where’s the sewing kit?” Gracie closed the door and went to work.
Chapter Four
Gracie couldn’t control her emotions on Christmas Eve, the first holiday where she and Cara had a family again. Gracie missed her mother, who had made a big occasion out of every holiday, trying to make up for the fact that their father had taken a powder. Trudy Brewster had worked hard, often juggling two jobs so her girls could have everything. Carol Anne and Gracie had taken dance lessons and singing lessons…even art classes after school.
Christmas was a major affair in their house, beginning on Christmas Eve. Trudy had had a ton of friends so they had hosted an open house, if she didn’t have to work. The three of them cooked and baked for days, singing Christmas carols, arguing over who was off-key, and getting covered in flour. Times with Trudy were always happy times for Gracie. She adored her mother and sister. They took good care of her, doting on her as the baby.
By junior high school, each girl had a part-time job. Cara worked harder than Gracie because she was older. She waitressed on Friday and Saturday nights at the local diner and did babysitting during the week. Gracie was “the brain” of the family. So Trudy made sure child care jobs didn’t interfere with her daughter’s schoolwork.
When Cara had Sarah, Trudy moved in to help take care of her granddaughter. Their arrangement worked for the first year and a half, until Cara got sick and Trudy was killed in an auto accident. Grace still chokes up when she remembers the call. One day, she was confident and optimistic, fueled by her mother’s loving support, the next, her mom was gone, and Gracie was destroyed.
Cara refused to let Gracie quit college to help with Sarah. So Cara did the only thing she could, she called Grant, Sarah’s father, and gave him custody.
This Christmas they would have happier times, which had not been true of holidays since Trudy Brewster died. Sarah refused to allow Gracie to feel sad. The youngster boosted excitement about Christmas for the whole crew.
Sarah recruited Grace to help plan Christmas decorations, including a tree, go on secret shopping trips, and set aside time to bake together. Grace caught Christmas fever from her. The two became self-appointed, holiday elves around the Hollings household.
Grant’s sister, Jane, had moved in with her boyfriend, Gary Lawrence. They were coming for Christmas day after spending Christmas Eve with Gary’s family. There would be a full house, lots of noise and mouths to feed, presents to open, and gags to laugh over. Excitement was building in Gracie’s heart as she made list after list of chores to be done, gifts to be bought and food to be cooked.
Since there was only a two o’clock matinée performance that day, in honor of Christmas Eve, festivities began at a normal time. Grace was planning to serve a fabulous dinner at six thirty.
“Jake’s bringing his keyboard. We need a piano in this house.” Cara turned around slowly, eyeing the living room.
“Where would you put one?” Grant asked, resting a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t know yet. But I’m working on it.”
“Jake has a keyboard?”
“Yep. He’s musical. His mom’s a music teacher. He plays piano and sings rather we
ll. I’d love to do a musical with him.” The buzzer interrupted, and Sarah ran to talk to Rex on the intercom.
“It’s Jake!” The little girl hollered.
Gracie scurried into her room to comb her hair and refresh her lipstick. What am I running for? Primping for that country boy? Why? Not like we’re going anywhere. Two different ways of life. Still, Cara says, “Always look your best.”
Sarah waited at the door and opened it for him. He was loaded down with Christmas gifts, an overnight bag, and his keyboard. Grace grabbed his keyboard before it hit the ground.
“Moving in?” she asked, a mischievous smile on her lips.
“Into your room, possibly?” he joked. Grace could feel the blush creep up her neck.
“Come on. You can put your bag in my room until tonight.” She let him into her small room and Jake dumped his bag on her bed.
“Nice. I could be very comfortable in here.”
He’s only flirting. Grow up, Grace. Do you even care? Jake leaned down to touch her lips with his, but she pushed away. “My sister invited you here, I didn’t.” Resist. Good looks, nothing more.
“You’re still mad at me?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean I want contact, either.” Liar.
“Come on, Grace. I’m stone cold sober. Don’t you feel the chemistry between us? I only want a little Christmas kiss. Is that such a big deal?” She stood silently debating with herself. A look of exasperation swept over his face. “Never mind. Merry Christmas, Scrooge,” he said in a sharp tone as he brushed by her.
He left the room, laden down with brightly wrapped packages. When he entered the living room, Sarah gave him a hug and Grant a manly handshake. Jake deposited his gifts under the huge, fragrant, beautifully decorated tree in the corner by the window. Grace hung back, leaning against the archway, watching.
“Something sure smells good.” Jake avoided her stare.
“We have ham tonight, turkey tomorrow, lots of cookies…I made some of them…and a bunch of other stuff,” Sarah said, bouncing from lap to lap.
“Have a drink,” Grant offered. “Or would you like this hot, mulled wine instead of the usual?”
“Hot mulled wine? Haven’t had that in a long time.”
“Grace made it.” Jake’s gaze flickered over to hers for a moment before he turned his attention back to Grant, who scooped up a cupful for the young man. The sideboard in the dining room was set up with serving pieces. A tray with crudités, olives, and dip was on the coffee table. Jake relaxed on the sofa while Grace got busy in the kitchen.
“Quinn and Susanna are going to stop by tomorrow after the show. They’re headed to Pine Grove and his sister’s house tonight,” Cara said. “Play for us, Jake.”
He set up his keyboard while Grant found him a chair. “Which carol do you want to start with?”
Cara glanced between Jake and Grace, who hugged the doorway.
“How about ‘Adeste Fidelis’?” He said, playing the first few bars. Grace paled. When she heard Cara’s clear voice ring out, she ran into her room and slammed the door, which bounced back, remaining ajar.
Grace threw herself down on the bed, but picked up her head when she heard Jake’s faint words coming from the other room.
“Gee, I didn’t think my playing was that bad?”
“It’s not you, it’s that song. It was our mother’s favorite. Be right back.” Cara went into the hall and knocked softly. “Pookie, it’s me. Can I come in?”
“Go away,” Grace said through the small opening.
Cara gently pushed her way in. “Don’t blame Jake, he didn’t know. Come on, what’s really bothering you?”
“Nothing. I’m fine. Just missing mom.” Cara sank down next to her sister, so she could look into Grace’s eyes.
“Pookie, you’re not fine. You’re troubled. Something has happened, or is happening, and I want to help you, but I have to know what it is.”
“You can’t help me, Cara. You can’t. I’m stupid. I made a mistake. I’ll get over it…eventually. Please, just leave it alone.” Grace stared at her hands.
Cara sighed. “I suppose you’re too old for me to force it out of you. I wish you’d open up. There’s nothing so terrible you can’t tell me. We can get through this together.”
“Please, Cara. I know you mean well, but I have to deal with this on my own.”
“Does it have to do with Jake? Poor guy. Out there mooning around, giving you longing looks, and you won’t even glance at him. Is it because of what happened at the premiere?”
“It’s complicated. He’s not mooning. How many times do I have to say…I don’t want to talk about it.”
Cara pursed her lips, let out a breath, and then hugged Grace. “Whatever it is, I love you. You’re my sister no matter what.” The women stood up. Grace took a deep, shuddering breath.
“I know mom’s songs make you miss her. I miss her, too. Don’t you think she’d be so proud of Sarah?” Cara’s eyes watered. Grace gave her a hug. “We have a house full of people who love us and want to celebrate. You and I have to dig down inside and find a place to be happy along with them,” Cara said, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. “Think you can do that?”
Grace nodded. Together they returned to the living room.
“How about ‘Jingle Bells’?” Jake asked, his gaze darting from sister to sister.
Gracie managed a small smile and a nod as Jake began to sing with the sounds from the keyboard. Sarah and Grant joined in. Then Cara and lastly, Grace, who stood directly behind Jake, resting her hand on his shoulder.
* * * *
Jake played a few songs until dinner was served. An amazing buffet of ham, scalloped potatoes, Jane’s famous mac and cheese, Brussel sprouts, salad, homemade biscuits, and homemade applesauce with raisins crowded the sideboard and table.
She doesn’t want me here. Why did I come? Stupid. Pushing yourself on her. Give her some space. Jake filled a plate with food and took a seat next to Sarah. He noticed Grace glance at him and frown. If you want me to sit next to you, be nice to me. He turned his attention to the young girl.
“Are you worried Santa won’t find you here with us?” Sarah asked him as she took a forkful of mac and cheese.
Jake stifled a smile. “From what I hear, he can find you anywhere. So I’m not worried.”
“Ewww. You’re gonna eat those? Yuck!” Sarah pointed to Jake’s Brussel sprouts.
“Sarah, don’t make fun of someone’s food choices,” Grant said.
“I love Brussel sprouts, Sarah. You will too, when you get older. They’re an acquired taste, adults only,” Jake offered as he took a forkful of the vegetable.
“Ack-choired?”
“It means developed over time, not something you like right away,” her father explained.
“Lotta big words.” She turned her attention back to her food.
“That’s the best mac and cheese I’ve ever eaten,” Jake said.
“My aunt Jane makes it. Yeah. I think it’s the best, too.” Sarah beamed a slightly toothless smile at him.
“What’s the going rate from the tooth fairy these days?”
“I got two dollars.”
Jake whistled. “Wow! I only got fifty cents.”
Sarah looked at him sideways. “That means you must be pretty old.” Jake burst out laughing.
“Sarah!” Cara’s eyes grew wide.
“Compared to Sarah, I am old. I’m more than four times as old as she is.”
The little girl nodded. “That’s old, Mommy.”
Grace smiled broadly, and her eyes sparkled. Jake’s gaze met hers over the table. She has a beautiful smile. Their eyes held for a moment before she looked away. She’s here then gone.
“How did you get into this crazy business, Jake?” Grant asked.
Jake put down his fork. “I majored in theater at Kensington State.”
“And then,” Cara coaxed. Jake watched Grace pretend not to listen, but he spied her paying close attenti
on.
“I got a shot for a walk-on at the Pine Grove Playhouse. The next season, I got a starring role and, lucky for me, there was a producer in the audience.”
“Did Gunther discover you?” Cara asked.
Grace choked on a bit of ham, and Grant patted her back until she could take some water. Why should his name make her choke?
“As a matter of fact he did.”
“Huh, don’t think of Gunther Quill as hawking talent in regional theaters.”
“So Quill discovered you and the rest is history?” Grant asked.
“Sort of. I’m from Willow Falls, a whistle-stop small town, where the University is. I’m still getting used to Hollywood and New York.”
“You’re great in the play. If I didn’t trust Cara, I’d say she’s more in love with you than me,” Grant joked.
Jake blushed. “Thanks.”
“Mommy! You don’t love Jake more than Daddy, do you?” Sarah wailed.
“Daddy’s kidding, pumpkin,” Cara soothed her daughter and shot a sharp glance at Grant. “I love Daddy most of all.”
Again, Jake’s eyes met Grace’s across the table. Her look was warm but how warm? Is that a “let’s be friends” smile or something more? Does she have feelings for me? What does she really think of me? Damn, she’s the hardest woman to read…ever.
The dinner was convivial, with everyone laughing, joking, and practically inhaling the excellent food. After the main course, they took a break to sing more carols. A smile swept across Jake’s face when Grace came up behind him and rested her hand on him again. Her tender gesture sent flames through his veins. Will I ever be able to touch her again? Even just to put my arm around her? Or will she always be leery because I was a jerk?
The sound of her melodious voice in his ear was exciting because it meant she was standing close to him. He leaned back a little until he made contact with her, igniting sparks in him. She didn’t move away. Maybe her ban on connecting has been lifted?
Cara read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, giving it her best performance. Sarah was mesmerized. Afterwards, Grant slung her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and carted her off to bed amid her howls of protest. One by one, the adults filed in to say goodnight when the young girl was tucked in.