PLAN BEA
HILARY GROSSMAN
Booktrope Editions
Seattle, WA 2015
COPYRIGHT 2015 HILARY GROSSMAN
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Cover Design by Greg Simanson
Edited by Samantha Ettinger
Proofread by Cory Williams
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to similarly named places or to persons living or deceased is unintentional.
PRINT ISBN 978-1-5137-0449-4
EPUB ISBN 978-1-5137-0499-9
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015915848
Contents
COVER
TITLE PAGE
COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
PRAISE FOR HILARY GROSSMAN
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PREVIEWS
PLAN CEE CECELIA
DANGLED CARAT December 31, 2003
MORE GREAT READS BY HILARY GROSSMAN AND BOOKTROPE
Mom-Thank you for being you.
PRAISE FOR HILARY GROSSMAN
DANGLED CARAT
"Dangled Carat sparkles with humor and shines with wisdom. It is a gem of a book."
-Christina Baker Kline - New York Times & USA Today Best Selling Author of Orphan Train.
"It was a powerful read that goes to show that there are no steadfast rules in love or relationships and sometimes you just need to listen to your heart."
-Meredith Schorr – Best Selling author of Just Friends with Benefits, State of Jane & Blogger Girl
“Hilary has an easy flowing style of writing that captivates the reader's attention as she retells her and Marc's love story from their first meeting, to the growing pains in their relationship, to the trials and tribulations of convincing an ultimate commitment-phobic man to make a marriage commitment.”
-Kathleen, Jersey Girl Book Reviews
“I loved this book - Grossman was extremely brave sharing her story with the world, but has done it in such a gentle and truthful way as only a talented writer can! I would definitely recommend this to any chick-lit lover who fancies something a little different, and to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs that open your eyes to a common truth.”
-Jess, A Novel Thought
“I literally could not put this book down, and was sad when I had to stop to go to dinner with friends that night. All I wanted to read was this book, wanting to see if Marc would finally propose.”
-Isabella, The Chick Lit Goddess
“When you have a talented and dedicated author at the helm, it creates perfection. Grossman would leave us hanging throughout the book, skipping around time frames and scenarios, and that worked to keep my interest piqued throughout the entire read. At the end, my jaw actually dropped at one point – but I won’t tell you why or even if I was happy or sad about it, because I want you to read this book. Like right now. Loved it!”
-Samantha March, Chick Lit Plus
CHAPTER 1
“OH MY GOD!” I jumped up from a deep sleep and turned on the light over the bed. My heart beat a mile a minute as my stomach took a nosedive. No good ever came from a call in the middle of the night. Trust me, I knew. I learned that lesson the hard way, twelve years ago.
Thankfully, the phone was on Cole’s side of the bed. I knew it was probably silly of me, but when we moved into this house, we placed the phone on his side of the bed for this very reason. I wanted my husband to be the first line of defense if the police or a hospital called with an emergency in the middle of the night. I didn’t think I was emotionally strong enough to experience that again.
Two rings.
Three rings.
Why was Cole letting the phone ring so long? I didn’t want the kids to wake up. It would be impossible to get Harley back to sleep.
As the fourth ring began to sound, Cole thrust the phone at me. “It’s for you. It’s Beatrice.”
“Mom. What’s wrong?”
“Wrong? Wrong?” she repeated in a singsong voice as if I was deaf. “Why do you always assume something is wrong, Annabel?”
“Um, maybe because you’re calling me in the middle of the night?”
My mother let out her slow, sarcastic chuckle. You know, the kind that made you feel insignificant and so inferior. I should have been used to it by now, but sadly, I was not.
“Annabel, really? Middle of the night, aren’t you being a bit melodramatic? It’s what time? It’s only—”
I glanced at the cable box across the room. “Ten-thirty, Mother. To you it may not be late, but Cole and I were both asleep. With work and two kids, we’re exhausted by the end of the day. Call us crazy, but we like to go to bed at a reasonable hour.”
Cole was watching me. As I covered my face with my hands and shook my head in frustration, he must have realized my mother was being her usual self. He flicked off the light and rolled over. He’d be snoring in moments. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous.
My mother exhaled. “I guess I can understand, although I really do think it’s too early for you and Cole to be sleeping. You know Annabel; you really do need to keep that husband of yours happy. I would think you’d have other things to be doing at this time of night if you know what I mean.“
“Mother, I’d love to debate our sleep patterns with you, but I’m guessing that’s not why you called, especially at this hour.”
My mother and I never called each other to just talk. In fact, I didn’t actually remember the last time either one of us spontaneously picked up the phone to have a little mother daughter chat. Our calls were all business, prompted by life events, breaking family news, or just plain old forced. In fact, we have a standard fifteen minute “touching base” phone call each Thursday, precisely at eleven forty-five in the morning when my mom drove to the nail salon for her weekly manicure.
“You’re right, Darling. I did have a reason for my call. I have big news for you. Very exciting news, I must add.”
“Okay. I’m all ears.” I said as I flopped back against the bed and pulled the covers up to my chin.
“Remember the lovely gentleman I told you about? Walter?”
“The one you met a couple of months ago when you went on that cruise with the ladies you play bridge with?”
“Yes!” She exclaimed. “That’s him. Well guess what?”
I couldn’t help it and I certainly didn’t mean it, but a huge, loud yawn escaped my mouth. “Sorry, Mom. I don’t know
, and I’m too tired to play guessing games.” I glanced over at a snoring Cole. Lucky bastard.
“Okay, I had such a great time on the cruise with him. If you remember, we met by the pool bar. I know everyone says the cruise line has impeccable service, but I didn’t experience it. The staff wouldn’t last fifteen minutes at the club, that’s for sure. Good help is so hard to find these days. Anyway, we both must’ve been waiting for the bartender for a full five minutes. Five minutes! Can you believe it? When he finally came over, we both blurted out our order at the same time. Turns out, we both ordered the same drink. We began laughing the moment the words left our mouths.”
“Yes, you told me this.” While my mother had no patience listening to me discuss my children, my husband, or really anything going on in my life. When it comes to one of her stories, you’d better pay attention... Well, unless Marcella her manicurist was waiting. In that case you get a free pass. One thing to know about my mother, Beatrice Buchanan, she has two conversational speeds. One was slow and drawn out, and the other was slower and more drawn out. There was no point in trying to rush her. So I laid my head down on my pillow and prayed I wouldn’t doze off before she got to her point.
“Oh yes. I did mention it, didn't I? But it bears repeating. So after we got our drinks, we sat down together. The cruise ship had these amazing chaise lounges. They were so comfortable, way more comfortable than the ones they have at the club. Walter sat in the sun, but I was under the umbrella. You know, Annabel, I’ve haven’t sat in the sun in twenty-five years. You should take a lesson from me if you don’t want to be all wrinkled up when you are my age.”
I grunted.
“So, as I was saying, once we started talking, we just couldn’t stop! He was so interesting and funny. I was kind of shocked—you know most people aren’t worth paying attention to. Anyway, one drink led to another and by the second gin martini, I was feeling a little tipsy, but I was having a blast!”
“I know, Mother. You told me this story already, right after you got home from the trip. Can we please cut to the chase?” I felt bad that I rushed her but I was fading fast. I feared this could go on for hours.
“Annabel, please. Let me tell my story, maybe if you stopped interrupting me I could finish.”
Why did I even bother? I couldn’t decide if I should stay in bed or go downstairs and brew a cup of tea. Maybe snack on some of those double-chocolate chip cookies I made this past weekend. I decided to forgo the snack, once I’m out of bed there’s no chance of getting back to sleep.
My mother continued. “Where was I anyway? Oh, yes. I remember. We decided to meet up after dinner. As I ate, I wished I had arranged to have dinner with him instead of the ladies. You know I love the girls, but can they gab. I swear if I heard one more word about Miriam’s granddaughter’s college acceptances, I would've had to abandon ship. Stella was no better. She just couldn’t stop talking about her son’s promotion. And don’t get me started on how Wilma kept droning on about her daughter’s new house. She carried on so much you’d think she discovered a new continent, I mean really it's just a house. Some people are so self-centered.”
I couldn’t even reply for fear of what I would say.
“As soon as dinner ended, I ran back to the room to fix my face. The sea air really wreaks havoc on your makeup, you know. I met Walter in the lounge. We ordered an after dinner drink; it sat there untouched. There was a five-piece band, and they were playing the oldies. He asked me to dance, and let’s just say that man can really trip the light fantastic. Before I knew it, it was the wee hours of the morning. I don't remember the last time I had so much fun. We were docking in Cozumel the next day. I was supposed to spend the day with the girls. But I couldn’t handle being with them one more minute. Did I mention how annoying they were?”
“Yes, you did.”
“Oh, well instead I stayed on the ship with Walter. Best. Decision. Ever! Let’s just say for the rest of the cruise I didn’t have to hear anymore about the great Harvard/Yale debate. I spent all my waking and,” Beatrice paused to clear her throat, “my non-waking hours with him.”
“Mother, please. Can we not go down that road, again.”
“Okay, Okay.” She chuckled before continuing. “As I was saying before you interrupted me again, I started to worry as the trip came to an end. I didn’t want to lose Walter. But, as usual, my worry was for nothing! Walter lives in Manhattan. We’ve been seeing each other ever since we got home. And… get ready for it…”
I stifled another yawn. “I am at the edge of my bed.”
“Walter asked me to marry him!” Beatrice screamed so loudly into the phone I was surprised she didn’t wake up Cole. I glanced over at him; he was still fast asleep.
I sat straight up. “He what?”
“You heard me, dear. He asked me to marry him. And I said yes! But it gets even better; I need your help. I don’t want to discuss it over the phone. Prepare dinner tomorrow night. Walter and I are coming over. I want you to meet him, and I want to go over what I need you to do for me.”
“But—”
“No buts. Dinner. Tomorrow. We’ll be there at seven o’clock. Oh and one more thing: no carbs. I have to watch my weight. I’m going to be a bride, you know.”
CHAPTER 2
“YOU’RE SURE GOING all out tonight, aren’t you?” Cole asked me as he snatched the practically empty bowl of chocolate frosting sitting on the white granite counter. He began wiping the spatula clean with his finger. His smile assured me the icing tasted delicious.
“Not really,” I replied as I grabbed the utensil from him and rinsed it in the sink.
“You could have fooled me, Anna. It smells great in here. Believe me, I'm not complaining. I just feel bad you went to all this effort, after work no less, just because Beatrice called last night and demanded you do so.”
“It wasn’t like that,” I lied.
“Anna, it’s me you’re talking to. I know exactly what happened.” He arched an eyebrow at me. “Let’s see if I’ve got this right. I bet not only did she tell you what night she wanted to have dinner, she also told you what time to have it ready, and what or what not to make.”
I smirked. My mother was always on a perpetual diet, even though she’d been a size six her entire life. “Yes. She made a special point of instructing me not to have any carbs on the menu. I guess she won’t partake in this cake.”
“Going against Bea? That’s my girl!” He leaned over and tucked a strand of blond hair away from my eyes before giving me a gentle kiss. “I don’t mean to bust your chops, Anna. I just hate what she does to you. She takes you for granted and you let her do it, time and time again.”
“I know,” I said and sighed deeply. “But you don’t understand. No matter how old you are, you always want your mother’s love and acceptance. I guess I’m hoping one day I’ll get it back.”
He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. He stared at me with his piercing blue eyes. I read him loud and clear. Cole really tried to make a concerted effort to not express his true feelings about my mother. He didn’t often put into words what he felt, but there was no mistaking his disdain for her. I couldn’t blame him for his feelings. From day one, Cole had always been very protective of me, and no one had hurt me as much as she had.
I threw the dishtowel down. “Hell, who am I fooling? I’m not sure I ever had her love or acceptance.”
He took the now-dry bowl and put it in the cupboard. “Remember, it’s her loss, not yours.”
“Have you heard anything more about the acquisition?” I asked, changing the subject.
Cole’s eyes clouded. As he opened his mouth to speak, Violet came charging into the kitchen. “Daddy, Daddy!” she screamed and threw herself at Cole. At only ten years old, she was a force to be reckoned with. She didn’t have a shy bone in her body. She never feared expressing herself or fighting for what she felt was right. With mischievous deep blue eyes and jet-black hair, she was the spitting image of her fath
er. Harley, only five-years old, trailed behind his sister and waited his turn to get a kiss from his dad. I can’t help but see myself when I look at him. He has light brown hair, which turns blonde in the sun, and hazel eyes.
“Guess what, Daddy?” Violet demanded.
“What, sweetheart?”
“I’m so excited! Grandma is coming over for dinner!”
Cole raised an eyebrow at me, clearly confused.
I mouthed to him, “She thinks your mom is coming.” When I told her Grandma was coming, she automatically assumed I meant my mother-in-law. I didn’t have the heart to tell her it was my mom, which was why I baked the cake. I wanted to have a consolation prize for the kids. I knew they would both be disappointed when my mother showed up. My children got more attention and affection from strangers then they did from her.
Cole’s mother, Connie, was everything my mom wasn't. She’s warm, friendly, and always made you feel wanted and special regardless of who you were. She has no air about her. She greeted a cashier at the supermarket with the same warmth she would the CEO of a fortune five hundred company. She was incredibly thoughtful. She was always the first person I called when I needed advice, a shoulder to cry on, or just a good old laugh.
“Grandma's here!” Violet squealed as the door bell sounded. She flew out of the kitchen and ran to the front door.
“Hold up, kiddo,” I yelled as I ran after her, fearing her reaction wouldn't be pretty. Of course, I was too late. Violet already had flung open the door. As soon as she saw my mother, her eyes bulged and her mouth hung open. Violet didn’t even blink until she dramatically closed her eyes, shook her head, and slowly placed her hand against her cheek.
“Hello, darlings,” my mother greeted us. She gave me an air kiss and patted Violet on her head. I could have missed it, but I don’t think she even acknowledged Harley.
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