“Your children suffer each day they are exposed to this poisonous lifestyle.” Andy slowly got to her feet. “I realize you’re not ready to see that, but when you are, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I know people who have helped me, and they can help you.”
Rebecca shook her head with an unhappy laugh. “You don’t even realize how insulting you are—to my family, to Callie. It would be comical if it wasn’t so sad.”
Andy gave her a long look, mixed emotions competing in her expression—anger, sadness, and something else that Rebecca couldn’t define. Nor did she care to.
“I forgive you,” Andy said before she turned to let herself out.
Rebecca stood watching her go, stunned as she wondered whether she had imagined that last part.
It wasn’t until she heard the engine of Andy’s car that she realized what had nagged at her ever since Andy had walked into the kitchen and cut the family gathering short.
All this talk about immorality and suffering…Rebecca had no idea how Andy could have talked to Maggie alone, but she would add her to the list of suspects, watch her closely from now on. She didn’t want to talk to her again any more than Callie would like to contact Nicole. Hopefully, neither would be necessary. Over time, Maggie might feel safe enough to share the last secret.
* * * *
Dina and Sara walked a bit ahead, in deep conversation. Next to Callie, Maggie held on tightly to Barney’s leash. It was with some amusement that Callie asked herself how she’d ended up here with the girls, walking the dog David had bought for his and Rebecca’s daughters. She didn’t mind, spending time with them, or the way Rebecca had handled the unexpected, and rather unwelcome, visitor.
The confrontation with Nicole last winter, and the subsequent one with Beth, was painful, but Callie thought she’d learned her lessons from them, become aware of her own anxieties. If Rebecca needed to give people who might not deserve it a second chance, that’s who she was. It didn’t mean she valued Callie any less or was going to leave her.
The counselor Callie had seen after ending her disastrous relationship with Nicole had said that she needed to distance herself from people who weren’t good for her. It worked out well for Callie. Rebecca was someone who needed a closer look before cutting ties.
Meanwhile, Maggie had her own theories. “Does Mom like Andy more than she likes you?” she asked.
God, I hope not. “I don’t think so. Why are you asking that?”
“She’s Mom’s best friend.” Maggie sounded equally confused and frustrated.
“I think you misunderstood something there. Andy comes to brunch and Marin County, where—” Callie didn’t finish her sentence, speechless for a moment. “Did she tell you that?” She tried to be as diplomatic and stealthy as possible, but Maggie saw through her anyway.
“No. I got it wrong.” Maggie hung her head. They walked for a few more steps. Callie thought of how Maggie had immediately left the table when Andy came in. She suppressed a sigh. Some people had a knack for making you paranoid. Then again, she and Rebecca had discussed this before. Maggie saw her teachers, her counselor, and the other moms of book club attendants. Some suspects looked better than others, judging by their attitude, but there was simply no way they could have harassed the girl.
Even after living with Nicole for a year, Callie still had a hard time figuring her out. She hadn’t shown any interest in interacting with Rebecca’s kids, but she probably didn’t care about the damage done if she thought she could get her will. Andy…her behavior was curious. She had already stepped well over the line with David, but what could she hope to achieve?
Before Callie could come up with an answer for Maggie, her cell phone rang.
“Honey, I’ve got good news and…well, good news for me.”
“I want to hear my good news first.”
Asha chuckled. “I knew you’d say that. Look, I’m going to come by in a few days from now, and we can talk all of this through in person. We’re good on your little story—that’s your good news—but we’d really appreciate Heart Fever number 6 by the end of this year.”
“Oh.” Callie wasn’t sure how to feel about that. She was happy to end the series on the last volume, and even that one had generated a bit of a conflict, when she’d let too much of her personal life seep into her writing. “I was hoping this could be the start of a new series, go more young adult…”
“Yeah, I know.” Asha sighed. “Maybe next year. It’s not a good time for experiments at the moment.”
“Sales haven’t been good?”
“They’ve been better. It’s the same for everyone, except for you know who. You’re doing okay where you are, but your brave little girl is going to get crushed.”
Callie winced at the mental image. “Wait, weren’t you the one who always told me there’s room for everyone?”
“Go play with Sabine and Vanessa. Have them do an exotic trip, a wedding proposal, something of the kind,” Asha advised. “It’s going to be great.”
“Yeah, we should definitely talk about this in person. Let me know when you’ll be in town.”
“I might—but you know, it’s always fun catching you in your PJs.”
“Whatever works for you,” Callie said dryly. “I’ll see you.”
She’d much rather enjoy an exotic trip and a wedding proposal in her real life, but both were not yet in reach. She’d have to look over finances carefully with Rebecca. There wouldn’t be any proposals just yet. Callie didn’t think Rebecca would be comfortable after just having divorced her husband, who kept showing up at odd times. One step at a time.
“Sorry about that,” she said to Maggie. “You don’t have to worry about anything.”
“I didn’t believe her,” Maggie said. “Mom likes you a whole lot more.”
“I would hope so,” Callie crouched down to give her a hug, surprised by the intensity Maggie returned it with, “—but I’m afraid we have to run now. Look.” She pointed at Dina and Sara who had gotten far ahead. “Let’s give Barney a little workout, shall we?”
* * * *
Maggie had taken a book onto the porch outside, and Dina and Sara had gone to town. While stacking the dishwasher, Callie told Rebecca about her conversation with Asha. “I guess I better start working on an outline soon.”
“Are we in any trouble? I mean more than the usual,” Rebecca asked, deadpan.
“No, I don’t think so. There’s no danger of ending up under a bridge…yet, and if that was the case, there’s no one I’d rather share my spot with than you.”
Rebecca laughed. “I’m not sure I could appreciate the outdoors that much.” She stepped closer to embrace Callie from behind, brushing the hair away from her neck and kissing the exposed skin.
Those dishes could wait a little longer.
“Dina will be disappointed, but she’ll get over it if we don’t make it to Italy this year. She’s determined to get into an exchange program for next year anyway, which gives her a little more time to study, and a little less to worry for me.”
Callie didn’t have much of an opinion on the subject at the moment, as she enjoyed the caress. “I’d love to go though. I’ll see what Asha’s ideas are in terms of promotion. I could do a reading for your girls in Marin County, or here, at Maggie’s book club. Not the same type of book, obviously.”
“Andy would be thrilled.”
“Right. Does she have children the right age for the book club? I wonder where Maggie got the idea that Andy’s your best friend.”
“Because she keeps telling everybody?” Rebecca made a frustrated sound. “Besides, she had intimate conversations with David, about me. I guess she thinks that qualifies. Why don’t those people ever stop?”
“They want a reaction? I don’t know, but if she’s the one who went after Maggie, that’s really creepy. She just moved to town.”
“Yeah, and I don’t want to talk to her unless I have proof. That would only convince her she’s right. I don’
t know anymore…I just want that person to answer to me. It’s one thing to spread lies and rumors, but to use a child for this? It’s not just about my family. Every time I talk to Sara, I hear something that gets me even angrier. You don’t mess with kids like that—your own or anyone else’s.”
She stopped at the sound of footsteps but didn’t let go of Callie, even when the door opened and Sara stepped inside. “I guess I better go now…” Her tone was meant to be nonchalant, Callie guessed, but the longing came through quite clearly.
“Do you have some food at the house?” Rebecca asked.
“I know how to shop for groceries,” Sara said defensively.
“So, do you have enough for a few days? Come on, don’t be silly,” Rebecca continued, when Sara bit her lip, looking even more awkward and unhappy. “You can stay another night. We left a phone number at your aunt’s. She’ll know where to call. Unless you absolutely have to go.”
Sara shrugged, which was as good as a no. “You don’t have to do that. I’m sure Andy wouldn’t approve.”
“Well, I don’t care what Andy thinks. If you’d like to stay, you’re welcome.”
Callie hoped they wouldn’t get into trouble over offering asylum to a teenage girl whose living arrangements were not quite resolved. Yet, she had a hard time sending Sara back to the apartment by herself. They might not be able to change the minds of people like Father Reynolds or Andy, but they could lend a hand to someone who needed it.
Chapter Six
“People suck,” Dina said with unmistakable emphasis as she and Rebecca prepared breakfast the next morning. Everyone else in the house was still fast asleep. Rebecca suspected Dina and Sara had once again spent a long night talking, puzzled by the instant connection the two girls had found.
“That’s a very generalizing statement,” Rebecca remarked.
“Well, it’s true. Your new friend, that Andy person—”
“For Christ’s sake, she is not my friend. What did she do now?”
Dina shrugged. “Sara told me stuff…and don’t get me started on her parents. Did you know they kicked her out because she had a girlfriend?” She set down the plate with more vehemence than necessary, making Rebecca worry for the ceramic.
“I know,” she said quietly.
“Wow, I’d be smoking and drinking if I had parents like that…and whoever made Maggie so afraid, I just don’t get it! Why can’t people mind their own business?”
That was a question Rebecca had been trying to answer herself since the day Callie arrived in Autumn Leaves. Her success in doing so remained sketchy. She didn’t understand, and part of her didn’t want to try anymore.
“Sara’s parents are very religious, or at least they think they are…” She held up a hand when Dina started to protest. “I know. It’s no excuse, and you’re right. No one should treat their children like that.”
Dina bit her lip, turning away. Obviously, she had more on her mind than Sara’s situation—as sad as it was. “Hey, don’t worry. It will be okay once her aunt comes back, and she has to hold out a little longer until college.”
“Her parents aren’t going to change their minds though. They said she’s dead to them! I thought—”
That things like this only happen in the movies? Rebecca silently finished Dina’s sentence.
Dina turned to her. Rebecca was startled to see her eyes well up with tears.
“I said mean things to you and Callie. I’m so sorry, Mom.”
“Thank you.” Dina didn’t accept hugs often, so this was a special moment. “It’s okay,” Rebecca said, her throat gone tight at the sudden, unexpected declaration. “It’s been a tough time for all of us.”
“I shouldn’t have made it worse.” Dina sighed. “Is that the reason you haven’t told Grandma and Granddad yet? Do you think they’re going to stop talking to you?”
“I don’t think so. I just haven’t found the right moment.”
“Well, at least they can’t kick you out from anywhere.”
“That’s a very pragmatic interpretation,” Rebecca said dryly. “I see I’ve raised my children well.”
Dina laughed, though her eyes were still bright. “I think they are mostly happy to be left alone. They never stayed long for a visit or anything. You never got along so well with Grandma Laurie, and in the end, she left you and Dad her share of the house. It will be okay.”
“I hope so. I also hope you won’t take back your apology when I tell you we might not make it to Italy this summer.”
Dina’s face fell a little, but she recovered soon from the news. “I won’t, promise, but why? Did Dad say anything?”
“No, this is not about Dad. We need to crunch the numbers and see if we can afford it. If yes, we’ll book the trip soon. We’d love to go.”
“Tomaso’s parents would like to meet you and Callie.”
“We’ll see. We’ll do our best to make it happen. By the way, there are some papers we’d like you to look at. They belonged to Callie’s aunt, and maybe you can help translate them…”
Both of them turned to see a sleepy, yawning Maggie in the doorway. “Hey, look who slept really well last night.” A lot of emotional subjects for the time of day, and it was only a few minutes after eight.
“I’ll go get Sara,” Dina said, ruffling her sister’s hair on the way out.
“Good morning, honey.” Rebecca gave Maggie a hug. “Do you want to go wake Callie?” Or attempt to. Rebecca had vaguely noticed Callie sneaking out of bed in the middle of the night—something that undoubtedly had to do with Asha’s phone call.
Maggie’s face lit up. “Yes!” She was probably looking to enjoy a few more minutes in the waterbed. They let her sleep with them when the nightmares had been at their worst.
Rebecca poured herself a cup of coffee, leaning against the counter.
No matter what Andy or anyone else said, she was happy—with her life, with having happy people under her roof. No one said it would be easy, but you could try. She thought she’d done a pretty good job so far.
Callie walked into the kitchen in a state similar to the one Maggie had been in earlier, heading straight for the coffee maker.
“God, I love you,” she murmured when Rebecca handed her a mug with the steaming content.
“Are you talking to me or the coffee?”
Callie looked up at her with a mischievous smile. “Writers worship coffee. I’m going to worship you later tonight.”
The arrival of Maggie, Dina, and Sara ended that particular conversation, but Rebecca was grateful to sit.
* * * *
The phone wouldn’t stop ringing. First, it was Roz confirming that Rebecca, Callie, and everyone they could get hold of, would come to the big party on opening day. Roz’s Cupcake Delights had shaped up to be one of the most beautiful cafés in Autumn Leaves, with its red and white décor and striped awning over a large window. If the weather forecast lived up to its promise, she’d be able to have tables outside.
“I need all of you on this,” she said. “Jamie and I can’t mess this up.”
“Breathe,” Rebecca said. “I’ll bring all my children. I’ll even bring someone else’s daughter. There’ll be the book club, Betty’s charity folks…I think you’ll be okay.”
“I hope so.” Roz gave a heartfelt sigh. “That’s my name in that window. I’m freaking out.”
“Don’t. We’ll all be with you. Hey, maybe you could book Callie for an event soon.”
“That would be great. You know, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am now, and not just because you did a kickass job on my promo materials. I had this crazy idea, and thanks to you, I discovered I had the guts to run with it.”
“That’s a compliment, I hope?”
Roz laughed. “I love you, Rebecca. Thanks for helping me so much. If this ship goes down, at least I know I tried.”
“We’ll be there. Don’t worry.”
The next call was from the counselor’s office, confirming M
aggie’s appointment for the next day. Rebecca had barely hung up when it rang again.
“Wow, after this, I’m going to unplug the phone and work outside for a bit,” she declared.
“I was thinking of going for a walk, see if Vanessa and Sabine are talking,” Callie said. “Do we need anything for dinner, or do you want to meet me in town?”
“Yes, hello?” Rebecca shrugged and shook her head.
“I take that as a no. See you later.”
“Mrs. Lowman?” an unfamiliar voice asked. “Is Sara there?”
“Yes, one moment, please. I’m going to get her.”
“Thank you so much for letting her stay for a while. I know firsthand how much trouble the girl is.”
“Well, she wasn’t trouble to me,” Rebecca said, her tone sharper than intended. “You’ll be coming to pick her up, I suppose.”
“Actually…I was hoping she could stay a few more days? I came here only to pick up a few clothes. I think you know about her parents. They don’t want her, but they wouldn’t hesitate to call social services on me either.”
“I can imagine that’s tough on you.” That didn’t even sound a bit sarcastic. Rebecca was proud of herself.
“You have no idea.” Sara’s aunt sighed. “I’ll be here all day, if Sara needs fresh clothes too.”
“Sure, no problem. We can come by on the way to Marin County.”
“Oh, but that’s in the evening, isn’t it? I have to leave at four.”
Sure you do. Rebecca mentally calculated the time for some work on her contract with Amber, driving back and forth to Sara’s home, and going to Marin County later in the evening.
“Why don’t I get Sara, and we come by now?”
“You’d do that? Mrs. Lowman, you’re amazing. Frankly, I didn’t even know that Sara has any friends. She’s always moody and brooding, and listening to that depressing music…and those clothes—”
“Yeah, well, we better get going then,” Rebecca interrupted her. “Thanks for your call. I’ll see you in a bit.”
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