She released a breath. “All right, Daddy. Here goes. I lost my job with the Kansas City Star.”
“Oh, Baby, no.” Daddy squeezed her hand again.
“Wait until you hear the rest. That’s only the beginning. And really, it’s not such a bad thing. I wanted to be a serious journalist, not some gossip columnist. And—I wanted to be near you in San Antonio.”
She risked a peek into his eyes and saw his pleasure.
“I would love that. But surely, you’re not upset over losing your job, then.”
“No, there’s more. I had an interview here in San Antonio. That’s why I stayed in a friend’s apartment. I didn’t want to let on that I was unemployed. Daddy, I wanted to surprise you with my new job.”
“Oh, Ecko. I’m so sorry you didn’t get that job. But you’re young and talented. There will be other opportunities.”
“That’s just it. I did get the job.”
Daddy appeared confused. “I’m listening.”
Ecko’s chest rose and fell with a sigh. “I get the job if I complete their test assignment to their satisfaction.”
“I have no doubt that you can do this.”
He didn’t understand. This time, Ecko reached for Daddy’s hand. “The assignment is to write what amounts to a smear campaign against Giselle Honors. Against Laura.”
Daddy looked as though someone punched his heart. He leaned back, pulling his hand free of Ecko’s. “What?”
Ecko could hardly stand to look in his eyes. She felt tears stinging hers. “You know I won’t do it.”
“How or why would anyone want to hurt Laura like that?”
Here came the difficult part. Ecko tugged a tissue from her purse. She had hoped meeting him in public would help her remain composed. “You know Laura’s past as a famous model. She’s a celebrity of sorts. And celebrities are fair game. Daddy, this will mean your life will come under scrutiny once you’re married. My life, too.”
The waitress approached to take their orders. They hadn’t even looked at the menus.
Frowning, Daddy kept his eyes on Ecko as he spoke to the waitress. “Please give us a minute.”
Ecko couldn’t look at him any longer and stared at the table.
“Ecko, I’m hurt that you would use this to attempt to persuade me not to marry Laura. I love her. I won’t change my mind.”
She searched Daddy’s eyes, hoping he would understand. “I’ve miscommunicated. I’m only trying to make sure you are informed and understand all that you’re getting into. I know that you love her.” Despite the gravity of their discussion, Ecko smiled. “In fact, I think I’m in love, too.”
The lines around Daddy’s eyes eased into a smile. “Now that’s the best news I’ve heard all night. Tell me about him.”
Ecko couldn’t help herself. She laughed. Daddy gave her a strange look, as though he thought she’d lost her mind.
“That’s the last piece of this story. Please don’t be upset, but I did some research on Giselle Honors—Daddy, I had to know what you were getting into.”
His smile flattened. “And?”
“I’m in love with Laura’s son, Joshua Sheppard.”
To Ecko’s surprise, Daddy’s mouth dropped open. He shook his head. “Ecko, you don’t know him like I do. And you’ve been in San Antonio all of what—six days?”
Ecko held up her hand to stop Daddy’s tirade. “I doubt you’ve seen the side of him that I’ve seen, either.”
Daddy laughed. “I suppose you’re right. It looks like we’re both stepping on each other’s toes when it comes to love. But that’s just because we love each other, right?”
“Right. And maybe you see Joshua differently, because he, too, is trying to protect his mother. Maybe he shows you a different side.”
“I think you might be on to something. He certainly doesn’t like me.”
The notion saddened Ecko. She wanted the man she loved to adore her father as much as she did. “None of this solves the fact that I don’t have a job. And once I find one, I might not end up in San Antonio.”
“I have an idea. I had hoped to introduce you to Laura tonight. If you’re willing, I think she’d love to hear your tale.” Daddy winked. “Including the fact that you’re in love with her son.”
Joshua walked the Riverwalk that night, not caring as tourists and busy shoppers bumped him coming and going. The bustle of the crowd was far from his mind.
Where did I go wrong, Lord?
He’d honestly believed that Eliza was the woman of his dreams. And once he’d completed his task of exposing Tom’s indiscretions to his mother, he hoped for an opportunity to make Eliza a permanent part of his life. In an appropriate time frame, of course. His mother would need time to recover.
Never would he have thought that Eliza Connors and Tom Lewis were seeing each other. But what did he really know about the woman? He’d spent such a short amount of time with her—what had convinced him that she was the one?
Pain had coursed through him for so long now that he’d become numb. Somehow, he found his way home. He sat on the sofa in his lonely apartment, staring at nothing. He had to regain his handle on the situation—there was still a wedding to prevent.
Who was Eliza Connors, after all? A quick Google search told him the worst of it.
Why should he be devastated that he was right and his mother wrong? Love at first sight didn’t exist. He’d known that, yet he’d allowed himself to believe in it. He’d wanted to believe in it.
The next morning, Joshua took the day off, disregarding the fact that he was in the middle of his busy season. Considering his mood, interacting with customers or his employees wasn’t a good idea. He phoned Eliza and invited himself over. The sound of her voice, seeming to drip honey as though she were pleased to hear from him, made him nauseous.
The ruse was up. But he would save the words.
On the drive over, he recalled her face when she’d given the doll to Maria. She appeared completely sincere. In fact, he didn’t doubt that she was sincere when it came to her giving spirit. But the way she’d used him was beyond excuse.
Finally, he stood outside her apartment door and knocked.
When the door swung open, she smiled—so beautiful his heart ached—and stepped aside for him to enter.
“I won’t be staying long.”
Immediately, he sensed when her guard came up. “Joshua, what’s wrong?”
“The ruse is up.”
Her hand went to her throat. “Joshua, I—”
“Save it. I know the job you so desperately wanted is for a tabloid. And I know all about the sorts of stories tabloid reporters write. You used me to get to my mother, so you could further your career. Worse, you’re using my mother’s fiancé, Tom, as well. How does a person stoop so low?”
Her mouth fell open, leaving her speechless. Good, he didn’t want to hear her excuses. He left her standing there. Descending the steps, he heard her cry out from above.
“Joshua, wait. You don’t understand.”
With no intention of stopping, he climbed into his truck. Now, to take care of Tom. He sped from the parking lot without another look back. But he felt no better for having said the words to Eliza. In fact, he felt worse. Bitterness and resentment seemed to eat away at his insides.
“Lord, help me. I’m trying to set things right, but why doesn’t it feel right?”
Joshua mulled over waiting to speak to his mother. But with her wedding just a few days away, he couldn’t wait, no matter how much he wanted to put it off until his own pain subsided. With the way he felt, that could be an eternity.
He found his mother in the kitchen, drinking coffee and reading the morning paper. She rose when she saw him and as always gave him a peck on his cheek.
She took a second look at him. “What on earth is the matter?”
“Please, sit down.” He wished he could wipe away the grim look he knew was on his face, but it was no use.
“Joshua, you’re s
caring me. Has someone died?”
“I know you don’t want to hear this.”
“Oh, please, not your suspicions of Tom’s unfaithfulness again. I love you, but you’re going too far to stop this wedding.”
“Mother, I saw her.”
“Oh? Who exactly did you see?” His mother appeared only vaguely interested as she perused the paper.
“Tom’s girlfriend. I saw him with her.”
That got her attention. She stared up at him. Joshua sat down, too, and took his mother’s hand in his. “I’m so very sorry, but I warned you of this.”
“Tell me about the other woman, Joshua. Do you know her name?”
“Yes, mother. She’s a younger woman, much younger than Tom.” Joshua felt an ache all the way to his bones. “She’s a reporter for a tabloid. I believe she’s using Tom to get information on you. But it doesn’t change the fact that he met with her.”
“Is that all?” A strange smile spread over her face.
Perplexed, Joshua continued. “Isn’t that enough? I overheard Tom making plans with her. His exact words were”—Joshua tugged the paper from his pocket—“‘I’ll have to give Laura an excuse. You’re the most important woman in my life. La Paloma at seven?’ Then, ‘I love you. You know that will never change.’”
“Does this person have a name?”
“Eliza Connors.” He flinched. Saying her name aloud, hearing it, tore through his gut.
To his surprise, she smiled softly and slid her hand down his cheek as though he were a child. “Oh, Joshua, I appreciate you trying to save me. A mother couldn’t ask for more. I’ll take what you’ve learned under consideration. In the meantime, the engagement party will not be canceled, and I expect you to attend. I promise to have a big surprise for you.”
Chapter 8
Baby, I have an idea.” Daddy sounded excited over the cell.
“What’s that?” She stared at the e-mail she composed to let Chris Barnett know that she had decided against taking the test assignment. She hadn’t hit SEND yet.
“First, let me tell you how impressed Laura was with you last night.”
“I can see why you love her so much.” Ecko had been impressed as well. Beautiful and refined, Laura was also warm and loving. “I’m glad I finally got to meet her.”
Ecko struggled to keep disappointment from seeping into her words, but she hadn’t told Daddy about Joshua’s accusations.
“I know your job situation has been disconcerting for you. Laura has offered to give you an exclusive interview. Her exact words were ‘an elegant interview.’ I’m not sure that’s something your tabloid will appreciate, but it’s worth a try, don’t you think?”
Ecko stared at the e-mail. “You know, I like that idea.” She would make sure they understood the article belonged to her before she sent it. If Mr. Barnett didn’t like it because it didn’t fit in with their gossip guidelines, then Ecko could attempt to sell the interview elsewhere.
Feeling more encouraged than she had in two days, Ecko sat up straight. She could freelance. Plenty of writers did.
“Good. Now, about the engagement party. It’s only three days away.”
Ecko’s heavy sigh gave Daddy pause. She wished she was better at hiding things from him.
“What’s the matter now?”
“I’m not sure I can go, Daddy.” She regretted having to say the words. “I’ve had a falling-out with Joshua.”
Daddy didn’t respond. Ecko gave him time to think.
“I’m sorry about that. Can you tell me what happened?”
“If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not. At least not yet.”
“All right.” Daddy’s breathing sounded heavier now. “But I need you at the engagement party. I know that Laura expects you there. I talked to her earlier this morning, and she made a special request, asking that I pass it on.”
“A special request?” Ecko couldn’t imagine what.
“At the time I thought it odd. But now I think she knew something that I didn’t. She asked that you avoid speaking to her son, if possible, until the party.”
Incredulous, Ecko laughed. “I don’t think that will be a problem.”
A thick knot grew in her throat, despite her attempt to sound cheerful. They said their good-byes, and Ecko grabbed a few pieces of candy. Joshua resented her for writing an article about his mother. Resented Ecko because he thought she’d simply used him to get to her. No wonder he hadn’t shared her identity with Ecko.
Joshua’s words had stung, giving Ecko a piercing ache in her heart, and a throbbing head. But his accusations about Daddy—well, that was something different, entirely. Nobody accused her father. At the moment, her fury over that kept Ecko from crumpling into bed.
Joshua believed that Ecko’s father was unfaithful because he hadn’t known that Ecko was Tom’s daughter. What made a person that crazy with suspicion? If Ecko fell back on her minor in psychology—courses that helped her toward her journalistic goals—she’d think that Joshua had had a few bad experiences in his life. A cheating father came to mind.
Sighing, Ecko admitted that she was as much to blame as anyone.
She could have prevented the misunderstanding if she’d been up front with Joshua. Now, he had the wrong idea about her. She didn’t blame him, though. After wiping away the tears for the hundredth time in the last two days, Ecko decided she wouldn’t call him to explain.
After everything she’d been through with Brennan, she’d had enough of men who would rather accuse her than give her the benefit of the doubt. Or at least ask for an explanation.
Ecko parked her car in the hotel parking garage, wondering if this was such a good idea, after all. She stepped out of the vehicle and into the cold night. The private engagement party was to take place in an elite hotel along the Riverwalk. Ecko shook her head. They were having a party to officially announce the engagement and would marry less than a week later.
She straightened the teal satin dress she’d purchased just for the occasion—compliments of Daddy—and tugged her black velvet wrap around tight and snug. Though she hated heels, the dress wouldn’t work without them. Clicking her way through the parking garage, she entered the hotel, found the elevator, and pressed the button for the twelfth floor. The invitation said seven thirty, but Laura had asked Ecko to arrive at least half an hour early.
Alone on the elevator, she marveled that she should be nervous, and yet her heart drummed in her throat, and her palms grew more moist by the second. This was Daddy’s night, his event. What was wrong with her?
Joshua.
Joshua was what was wrong with her. Had he learned the truth yet? It had been three days since he’d accused her. She hadn’t heard a word from him since. And if he did know the truth, would he continue to think negatively of her because she’d not been up front with him? Because she worked as a gossip columnist and had interviewed with a tabloid?
Living with a celebrity mother more than likely had given Joshua his fill of media attention. Still, Laura had done an excellent job of keeping family matters private.
The elevator doors slid open. Ecko took a deep breath and stepped into the hall, wondering if Joshua would be there early, too. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to see him or not.
She knocked on room 1233. The door quickly opened to reveal Daddy beaming at her.
“Ecko, you look stunning.” If possible, his smile grew brighter as he gestured for her to enter.
The chic suite was dimly lit. A large Christmas tree stood in the corner, stylishly decorated in shades of violet. Tables were adorned for Christmas, as well, along with hors d’oeuvres of every kind. Tuxedoed waiters stood nearby, waiting to serve guests.
“Am I the first to arrive?” Ecko asked.
“Yes, but not for long. Come with me,” Daddy said, and led her to another room off the suite.
Once inside the room, Ecko saw Laura standing before a long mirror, completing the final details of her appearance. She smile
d at Ecko through the mirror as she applied soft pink lipstick.
“You wanted me to be here early,” Ecko offered.
“Thank you for coming.” Laura seemed to float across the room. She took Ecko’s hands in hers. “You’re a lovely woman. I know that my son loves you.” Her smile faded but only slightly.
Ecko felt the burn of tears behind her eyes. Please, Lord, don’t let me cry. Unsure of her voice, she said nothing in response.
“But he’s confused right now. I would like for you to wait in this room until I introduce you as Tom’s daughter. If you will accommodate me in this one thing, I’m sure we’ll both get what we want.”
Though Ecko nodded her agreement—she wouldn’t do anything to hurt Daddy or ruin his night—she was uneasy with Laura’s request. She doubted anything Laura could do or say could make things right for Ecko or give her what she wanted.
“Lord, let me see things through Your eyes,” Joshua prayed, pouring out his heart on his drive to the party.
Without God’s help, he wouldn’t make it through this evening. The way things looked right now, the situation was beyond tolerable. Yet, there wasn’t any way he could avoid attending his mother’s engagement party.
If only he could stop thinking about Eliza. He’d been a fool to fall for her so quickly, to believe, like his mother, that he could be in love with someone he barely knew. Yet, despite all he’d learned about her, his heart ached to be with her again. He missed her glowing smile. The way her hair caught the sunlight. The look in her eyes when she’d found the doll, and when she’d given it to Maria. Before he discovered the truth, she’d been the light of his life, if only briefly.
And—he loved her, still.
Images of the conversation he’d had with his mother came to mind. Joshua released a weighty breath. He’d done all he could to convince his mother about Tom.
But she was a grown woman. Her choices, her own. And likewise, her mistakes.
Joshua parked his truck and rushed through the parking lot. Already late, he hoped to avoid much of the celebration and leave early, too, diminishing his time spent in an uncomfortable situation.
A Riverwalk Christmas: Four-in-One Collection Page 5