He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me goodbye.
Chapter 17
I walked into Mrs. Vaughn’s kitchen at eight fifty-five, and headed straight to the utility closet behind the main staircase. Mom had given me a list of tasks to do on Wednesdays. Downstairs bathrooms first, then dusting, vacuuming, and finally the kitchen. I gathered my supplies and headed for the small bathroom by the mudroom.
As I wiped down the countertops, I heard someone walk into the kitchen.
“Claire?” Mrs. Vaughn’s voice echoed off the walls. “Is that you?”
I peered around the corner. “No, Mrs. Vaughn. It’s me, Elsie.”
“Oh. I forgot about you,” she said, without a smile. “When does your mother return?”
“Monday morning, I think.”
She gave me an annoyed glance and turned away.
Gritting my teeth, I returned to the sink and sprayed the mirror with cleaner. My arm shook as I rubbed the glass. Maybe she would leave. She was all talk. Her words couldn’t hurt me if I didn’t allow them to.
Ten minutes later, I collected the supplies, took a deep breath, and stepped into the kitchen. Mrs. Vaughn sat at the island, holding a coffee cup, drumming her long red claws on the side. She shot me a dismissive glance, then looked out the sunroom windows.
“Elizabeth,” she said to the glass.
“Yeah?... Yes?” I stuttered, almost dropping the toilet cleaner.
“Those cleaners are too strong. Don’t use so much.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I answered to the back of her head as I hurried out of the room.
Three hours later, I traded the bathroom supplies for dusting and polishing tools. I walked around the staircase and glanced over my shoulder. Tyler. He flashed me a smile from the kitchen. My insides fluttered. I grinned back and headed to the great room.
Starting at the French doors, I sprayed cleaner on the glass and began wiping it off. A few minutes later, I heard, or more so felt, someone walk in the room. I froze. Please don’t be Tyler.
In the refection, I saw Mrs. Vaughn standing rigid in the middle of the room, staring me down. She cleared her throat. I slowly turned around, trying not to look terrified.
“These are priceless artifacts,” she enunciated her words, pointing at various tables in the room. “I expect them to stay intact. In fact, why don’t you skip dusting today and leave it for your mother next week?” She tilted her head. “You know the saying... you break it, you buy it. That goes for anything in the house, so be sure to mind yourself in the study, as well.”
She pivoted and walked out. Speechless, I turned around.
“‘Priceless artifacts,’” I mimicked as I returned to my task.
By twelve-thirty, I’d finished cleaning the glass and vacuuming, giving me an extra half hour to clean the kitchen. I headed to the utility room to swap out my supplies again. Lost in thought, I grabbed the broom off the hook on the wall and turned around.
I gasped. The broom handle fell to the floor with a loud smack.
Tyler. He pressed his finger to his smiling lips, shushing me.
I covered my mouth to resist the urge to talk. He stepped inside and shut the door with a quiet click. Then, he took one long stride and pressed his lips to mine. I held his solid arms, surrendering to his deep, passionate kiss. He slowly eased away, letting the current linger between us. Gently, he brushed his lips over mine again, grinned, and within seconds, the door clicked shut, and he was gone.
My heart raced, lips tingling. I could still feel his hands clutching my face. A hint of his cologne drifted off my chest. I pulled my shirt to my nose and took a deep breath.
Complete bliss.
After taking a few minutes to gather my composure, I headed into the foyer to finish my last job. Mrs. Vaughn’s voice floated my way from the kitchen.
“How sad, yes, it is,” she was saying. “That family will never survive without him—”
“Nana, enough.” I heard Tyler’s dry tone.
“Oh, Tyler, darling,” she cooed. “You’re always so sensitive. It’s just how it is for some people. They’ll never get ahead. It’s a curse.”
“Will you please stop?” he said. “No one’s cursed. Give people a little more credit.”
“Well, aren’t we in a foul mood. You’re so defensive about those... Yank—people. This is the second time you’ve snapped at me about them.”
I closed my eyes, completely mortified that my family was the topic of conversation.
“Yes, ma’am,” Tyler said. A chair moved. “I’m going for a swim.”
“Tyler Jackson,” she declared. “Come back here.”
A door opened and clicked shut.
Blood rushed to my face, and my skin prickled like needles were poking me. I peeked around the corner. Mrs. Vaughn sat at the kitchen table in front of the large windows. Making a beeline to the sink, I realized I was squeezing the cleaners so tight, they were gouging my arms. I set them on the counter with an audible sigh that I didn’t mean to share.
“Are you having a fine day?” Mrs. Vaughn asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” I said, and then I turned on the water to rinse dishes.
“That’s nice.” Her words were simple, but her surly tone made my skin crawl. I fumbled the wet plate in my hands and it clanked in the metal sink. “So, you’ve met Tyler, hmm?”
“I, um... yes,” I glanced at her, “I have.”
“Awfully fine young man, isn’t he?”
“Mm-hmm,” I nodded, scrubbing the plate harder.
Why did she end every sentence with a question? Just. Leave. Please.
“I’m sure you’ve noticed how handsome he is. Who wouldn’t?” She smirked at her rhetorical question. “You know... we have high expectations for him, nothing second rate.”
I clenched my jaw.
“Nothing but the best for our Tyler,” she continued. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her flick her red fingernails. “Are you aware that he started college at sixteen?”
I looked at her. Her expression said: You’re a dumbass, Elsie. I see right through you.
“I had no idea,” I said slower than I intended.
What the hell was she talking about? He’d never mentioned anything like that.
“Yes, yes. He scored a thirty-six on his ACT. High school just wasn’t a challenge for him. He needed to move on, as he will again. We expect him to begin his Master’s soon.”
She may as well have kicked me in the gut. I wiped the counter, resisting the urge to scream, “You’re the fool, old woman. I’m his girl. Ha, ha, joke’s on you!”
Turning to the island, I wiped the granite top, then my adrenaline spiked and I saw dirt everywhere. I knew he was smart, but a thirty-six on his ACT, at 16? That’s pure brilliance.
I polished the faucet, then sprinkled powder cleaner all over the sink. While scouring the stainless steel, I stole a glance at Mrs. Vaughn.
She was watching me like a union foreman.
A few moments later, she said, “You silly girl... I just realized you did the dishes by hand. That hunk of metal right next to the sink is a dishwasher. Don’t you have one, child?”
I cringed. Her intentions were to antagonize me until I broke. I had no choice but to take it. I glanced at the clock. One thirty-one. Twenty-nine more minutes and I could leave.
“Claire usually polishes the refrigerator,” she said. “And the oven, as well.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I wiped the front of the oven with the stainless steel wipes, repeating the process on all of the other appliances. Every piece gleamed when I finished. I needed to sweep and mop, then I could get out of the temporary hell I was trapped in.
She sat with her elbow on the table, chin resting in her hand with one red fingernail between her teeth. Crack! The broom handle hit the cabinet. My nerves spiked. Smack! I did it again. Rolling my eyes, I took a deep breath and slowed down.
When I made my way near the table, she let out a long ya
wn like my presentation had started to bore her. She gracefully stood and stepped beside me. Cocking her head to the side, she looked me up and down.
“Elizabeth, you look like you’ve toned up this summer.” She raised her eyebrows. “Have you been jogging?”
My whole body began to tremble.
“I sure do love Shiloh in the summer,” she continued. “You must visit in the Spring, though. The true spirit of the battle is in the Spring. I’m sure you know all about the history by now. I had many ancestors who gave their lives out on those fields. Damn Yankees.” She curled her Botoxed lip. “Oh, excuse me. No offense.”
As she stepped around me, her overpriced shoes scattered the pile of dirt I’d swept. I let my head flop back and stared at the ceiling. For crying out loud. I couldn’t even defend myself. I couldn’t go off on her. I couldn’t do anything but stand there and take it. How in the hell did she know Tyler and I had been jogging? She knew something, and she wasn’t going to let it go. When Tyler asked me to be his girl, he’d said we couldn’t let anyone around us matter. Our relationship was between us. That cruel old woman was exactly who he’d meant. He knew damn well she didn’t think I was good enough for him, and she’d just delivered her first warning. I shivered at the thought.
I swept and mopped the kitchen in record time, hurried through the garage, and climbed into the truck before I could be seen again.
Chapter 18
Half an hour later, I paced from my living room to the kitchen, wringing my hands. Going to Memphis sounded like a really bad idea now. Mrs. Vaughn had just scared the hell out of me. What if the rest of his family treated me the same way?
I looked out of the dining room window and scanned the field. Mark was walking the rows near the pond. Yes! He was finally out there. I ran out the back door.
“Yay!” I squealed, as I hurried down a row.
“What’s up?” he asked, as I wrapped my arms around his sweaty shoulders and gave him a hug. Tensing, he wiggled away. “Would you stop? I’m trying to work here.”
“Thank you! I promise I’ll help more later. I’m going to Memphis for the night.”
“No way. You’re nuts.”
“It’s no big deal,” I said. “Tyler wants to introduce me to his parents. Isn’t that sweet?”
“Sweet,” he mocked. “You won’t even tell Mom about him.”
“I’m going to when everything settles down.” I pressed my hands together. “I promise.”
“When do I get to meet this guy?”
“He’s picking me up. I’ll introduce you.”
He shrugged. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re with that Josie girl, as usual.”
“It’s Jenna,” I stressed. “Just meet him. I’ll bring him out when he gets here.”
On my way back to the house, I got a text alert.
Tyler: I’ll be there at 3:30
Me: Okay.
I hurried back inside, took a shower, and dressed in a gray T-shirt and dark jeans. As I brushed my hair, my phone dinged again. Another text. He shouldn’t be texting and driving. I snatched the device off the dresser.
Mom: Sorry I can’t call right now. The doctor just stepped out for a second. Hope your day was good. Dad’s stable.
Me: I miss you guys.
Mom: Me too.
Me: When are you coming home?
Mom: Saturday. They’re sending your dad home.
Me: Okay. Mark told me. Will we have someone to help?
Mom: Yes. Hospice. I’ll call soon. I need to go. Love you.
Me: Love you too.
Hospice. I didn’t want to think about it.
I heard a knock at the front door. Holding my breath, I walked through the house. Here we go. I grabbed the knob and pulled. Tyler’s radiant smile instantly melted my defenses.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said. “Ready?”
I waved him inside. He stepped past me and stopped in the middle of the living room. Our eyes met. I was powerless against them, but I needed his reassurance before I could leave.
“Um, Tyler. I don’t know if this is a good idea.”
“Why?”
“I don’t think.” I sighed. “I’m not—”
“You’re not what?” he asked in a gentle tone. “Just say it.”
“Your grandmother. She’s—”
“Crazy?” He smiled and wriggled his eyebrows.
I deflated in relief, and then we both started laughing.
“Come with me.” He took my hand in his. “We can talk about it on the way. I really want you to go. Please.”
I couldn’t tell the guy no for anything.
“Okay,” I said. “But come meet Mark. He’s in the field.”
By the time we walked out to the backyard, Mark was headed toward the house. I snickered. He couldn’t resist. He’d been dying to know who drove the Mercedes.
“Um, you might not want to tell him you’re a Vaughn,” I whispered. “He’ll freak out if he realizes Mom works for your grandmother.”
“I got your back,” Tyler said.
When Mark walked up, sweat was pouring down his red cheeks, and he looked in dire need of water. I sucked in a deep breath. Please, don’t be an asshole.
“Mark, this is Tyler,” I said.
Tyler held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, man.”
“Same to you,” Mark said, returning his handshake. “You’re from Memphis? What brings you to this god-forsaken place?”
Tyler chuckled. “My grandmother.”
I tensed. Tyler casually took my hand, squeezing my fingers tight.
“So, you wanna take my sister home for the night?” Mark smirked, as he wiped his face.
“Mark... ” I said like any annoyed sister.
“This is my only chance to introduce her to my parents,” Tyler said. “Nothing to worry about. We’ll be back first thing in the morning.”
“I have to be at Smith’s by nine,” I said.
“I don’t give a shit what you do,” Mark said with his typical sarcasm. “Just don’t throw me under the bus with Mom.” He looked at Tyler. “I saw your Mercedes the other night. CL63, right?”
“Yeah.” Tyler smiled. “Wanna check it out?”
“Hell, yes. Is it an AMG?”
Tyler nodded.
“I’m gonna grab my stuff,” I said.
Tyler waved. “Okay.”
Ten minutes later, we said goodbye to Mark and headed for Memphis. Tyler turned down the radio and gave me a quick glance.
“Talk to me,” he said. “What happened at the house?”
My heart skipped. I’d almost forgotten about the evil woman.
“I’m pretty sure your grandmother knows about us.”
Another glance. “Why?”
“She freaking cornered me. I thought I’d pee my pants.” Tears stung my eyes. Turning toward the window, I watched the passing trees until the burn subsided.
“Don’t let her do this to you,” he said.
“But what if your parents hate me like she does? She told me, ‘Nothing but the best for our Tyler... nothing second rate.’ She may as well have said, ‘Elsie, you’re a piece of shit, and I won’t let you have anything to do with my grandson.’ And then, then... she made fun of me for washing the dishes by hand.” That one hurt to admit. Tears began to stream at an alarming rate. I wiped them as fast as I could, but I was outnumbered. “Worst of all, she like, cornered me as I swept the floors,” I said. “She told me I looked like I’d been jogging, and then she talked about Shiloh. After her recommendation to visit the park in the Spring, she basically called me a damn Yankee. Oh. But she said, ‘No offense,’ so I guess that makes it okay. Tyler, she totally knows.”
Mrs. Vaughn’s comment about his ACT score nagged the back of my mind. I shook it off. There was no way he would keep something like that from me.
Tyler let out a long sigh. “I’m not sure how she figured it out. But I suspect it has something to do with the black Cadillac I see at the park eve
ry day.”
I gasped. “You’ve seen it, too? Oh my gosh! I saw him Sunday, and Monday morning.”
“You saw his face?”
“Yes. He took a picture of the truck. It creeped me out.”
“I don’t know who the hell he is,” Tyler said, irritated. “I couldn’t get a good look at him. His windows were too dark. It doesn’t matter though, I’m not ashamed of us. And I promise I won’t let her speak to you that way again. As for my parents, I’ve already told Dad.”
“When?”
“Um, Monday.” He chuckled. “I might’ve... overreacted when you were dodging me at the house. Anyway, Jonathan, the guy we ran into at the club? He called Dad like I said he would. He told him he saw me with a girl and that I’d volunteered to show Rachel around campus. Asshole. I’ll buy and sell his ass someday, and I can’t stand his daughter. Regardless, Dad already knew something was up. Honestly? I couldn’t wait to tell him about you.”
I looked down at my lap. “That’s really nice of you to say.”
Poor guy. The tentacles of his overbearing family hid around every corner.
“It’s the truth. Elsie, I wish this was as simple as Nana just being a bitch, but it’s not. She was diagnosed with early dementia two, three years ago.” He held up his hand. “I’m not making excuses for her. However, this is what we’re all dealing with. She’s gone from naturally mean and hateful, to hateful and downright cruel.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but I’ll only take so much.”
“I understand. You certainly don’t have to take abuse from anyone, and I’ll be the first to stand in your defense. Now, as far as my parents are concerned, Dad had asked if I would bring you along. We’re meeting him for dinner. Are you okay with that?”
“Of course,” I said, relaxing in the seat. “What about your mom?”
“She knows you’re coming. It’ll be fine. I promise.”
“Okay.”
For the rest of the drive, we chatted and laughed, enjoying our private world alone.
An hour and a half later, we pulled up to a gate at Spring Creek Ranch. The guard recognized Tyler and waved us through. The black gate parted, and he drove us into a paradise of golf courses with a sprawling brick clubhouse at the front of the grounds.
Life Happens on the Stairs Page 14