by Judith Keim
Thankfully, the driver she hired was quiet as they made the trip to McMinnville and to Chandler Hill. As he pulled the car up to the front of the inn, he said, “I’ve heard about this place. It looks nice.”
“Oh, it is,” Lulu assured him, feeling a sense of pride that she was part of the fascinating family that had changed it from a small, country bed-and-breakfast to the luxurious property it was today.
She paid the driver and got out of the car, standing a moment to take in the pleasure of being here again.
Lulu had no sooner entered the inn when she heard her name being called. She turned to see Cami running toward her. “Lulu! So glad you’re back!” Cami cried, giving her a hug. “How’s everything at home? Come, let’s go into my office. We can catch up with one another there.”
Arm in arm they headed into Cami’s office, which had been recently renovated. The soft-green and hibiscus-green color scheme was pleasing to the eye.
“I love this office,” said Lulu. “It always makes me think of spring.”
“Me too. It’s why I chose it. Gray, rainy days can be depressing.” Cami stopped talking and turned to her. “How’s your mother? Did you have a good time away? We haven’t talked much on the phone, but I wanted to give you some time to see things settled.”
“I understand. That’s why I’m here—for time to think a few things over. There’s a man I want you to meet. He worked for my father’s campaign, and he and I ... well, he and I want to see where we can take our relationship.”
“Is this Wilson Chambers by any chance?” Cami asked, giving her a sly smile.
“Yes. How did you know?”
“There was a blurb on last night’s west coast news. You were seen with him last week, and speculation is that there is an Edward Kingsley follower trying to carry on with his message.”
Lulu’s jaw dropped. She stood a moment, not knowing what to say.
Cami wrapped her in a hug. “He’s a hottie, and if this is what you want, I say go for it.”
“But that’s the thing,” she protested. “I don’t know if it’s what I want. That’s why I’m here.”
Cami gazed into her eyes. “Okay. I’ll give you all the space you need. But in the meantime, can I put you to work?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” Lulu said, pleased to be part of this family operation again.
Hearing a knock at the door, they turned.
Becca opened the door, let out a little squeal, and hurried to Lulu to give her a warm hug. “I heard you were back. How are you, Weezie Lopez?”
Lulu laughed. No one at Chandler Hill was going to let her forget their name for her. “I’m fine. I’m here for a little while. My mother seems to be doing better, and I need time to think things over.”
“Time to decide if that handsome guy on television, the one her name has been associated with, is what she wants,” Cami said, giving her a playful nudge.
Becca fanned her face. “He looked hot to me. What’s the problem?”
Lulu sighed and gave them a steady look. “Will wants me to run his campaign to carry on some of my father’s ideas and wants to see if our relationship can grow. We’ve worked together in the past, had a few dates, and he knows we’d make a good team.”
“Is it true, then, that you’re going to help him?” Cami asked.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure if I want a political life again.” The thought of it spun in her head, circling with irritating uncertainty.
Becca and Cami exchanged worried looks.
“Marriage isn’t a business relationship,” said Cami. “How does he make you feel?”
Lulu’s lips spread into a smile. “Nice. Very nice. He and I are naturally comfortable with one another.”
Becca and Cami exchanged more worried looks.
“What? Go ahead and say it,” Lulu said, unnerved by their reaction.
“The spark between the two of you better be real if it’s going to last.” Becca gave Lulu an impish grin. “Why don’t you invite him here sometime? Cami and I will make sure he’s the right one for you.”
“No way,” said Lulu, laughing along with them.
“How about working in The Barn?” Cami said to her. “You’re excellent selling, and we’ve got a lot of merchandise to move for the holidays.”
“My pleasure to help you out,” said Lulu. “First, let me get my things settled at the house, and then I’ll check in with Gwen.”
“I’m so happy to have you back, sis,” Cami said, giving her another hug.
Lulu left the office humming softly under her breath and headed to Cami’s house to change her clothes and get settled.
She was about to head to The Barn when Rafe appeared at the house.
“Hi, I saw your car and thought I’d stop by to say hello.” He embraced her. “It’s very nice to have you here with Cami. My two favorites.”
“And you’re my favorite, darling old man,” she joked.
Chuckling softly, he stepped back and gave her a penetrating look. “How’re things at home with your mother?”
“Better than I thought they’d be. We’re working on getting her medications regulated. I see a big change already.”
“Ah, that’s good to hear. How long are you staying this time?”
“I’m not sure,” she told him honestly. “Hopefully through the holidays, and then I’ll see. I’ve been invited to work on my father’s protégé’s campaign.”
“An interesting challenge,” he said.
“What do you think about it?” Lulu asked, knowing he would be straightforward with her.
“If it’s done for the right reason it could be very healing for you. But it’s a life decision you can make for only yourself, not for others.”
She gave him a quick hug. “I love having you for my grandfather.”
His eyes were moist as he smiled at her. “And I, you, Cariño. You are my other gift from heaven.”
They walked out of the house together.
###
For the next few days, Lulu enjoyed working with customers at The Barn. She loved seeing the things she’d suggested to them leave the store.
One afternoon, Gwen came over to her. “You’re a natural salesperson. I’m glad you’re here to help through the holidays. And I know how happy Cami is to have you back. For sisters who haven’t known of each other for years, you are very caring to one another, which is touching to see.”
“Both of us always wanted a sister,” Lulu said, giving her manager a smile. “Who knew we had one all along? Life sure is crazy sometimes.”
“Indeed. For everyone,” said Gwen. “Let’s go over some inventory figures, and then you can help me decide on reorders.”
Soon, Lulu was immersed in numbers and facts.
Later, as she prepared to head to Cami’s for dinner and a lazy evening of watching television, Cami buzzed her on her cell. “A group of us are going to order pizza and meet at my house. What kind do you want? And, yes, we’re ordering salad too.”
“Oriental chicken pizza,” Lulu said without hesitation. She missed some of the restaurants in L.A., and having a taste of Asian flavoring was a treat.
“Great, I’ll place the orders. Drew said he’d pick them up on his way home.”
As Lulu clicked off the call, she was forced to recognize that she had few close friends left in L.A.—friends who would do something as simple as an impromptu pizza party. Some of her so-called friends had ditched her during her father’s troubles; others no longer lived in L.A. after their marriages.
She set aside her thoughts and hurried to Cami’s to help her get ready.
###
Standing in the kitchen with Sophie underfoot, Lulu got plates out of the cupboard. “How many?” she asked Cami.
“Let’s see, Drew and me, Becca and Dan, Miguel and a woman named Caro. She’s someone new.”
A stab of disappointment made Lulu gasp. She hadn’t realized how much she’d hoped to see Miguel again. It had been only a few days since her
return and she’d yet to call him, but now that she knew he already was interested in someone else, it hurt. This scenario was exactly as she’d feared. She told herself to stop thinking of him, that the single evening with him would remain just that—a sexual fling.
“Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve invited Ross Coughlin,” said Cami. “During school breaks and on weekends, he works for Drew.”
“Nice. I had to cancel coffee with him. I promised I’d tell him about some of the innovative after-school programs I’ve worked on in L.A.”
“Great,” Cami said as Becca, Dan, and Drew entered the house.
Sophie barked and raced to greet them.
A few minutes later, Miguel arrived with a tall, willowy blond who stood beside him with a wide smile. Introduced as Caro Schinder, she seemed both nice and smart as she exchanged greetings and comments with everyone. Lulu learned she was a new teacher in town, taking over for another on maternity leave.
Ross arrived, and after greeting everyone, turned to her. “So glad to finally meet you, Lulu. Maybe we can do coffee this week. Sorry you had to cancel the other one. How’s your mother?”
Lulu’s smile was heartfelt. “She’s doing much better, thank you. Depression is a tough thing to deal with.”
“I guess it’s all about the meds,” Ross said. “One of my students is dealing with the same issue with his mother, and he told me that.”
“Yes, that’s it. The meds,” Lulu said, happy she could be open with someone who knew about the difficulty with it.
The group grew noisy as beer was given out with the pizza. The party spread from the kitchen into the living room, where people took seats wherever they could find them. Extra chairs were brought in, and soon the noise died down as people dug into the food.
From her seat across the room, Lulu noticed Miguel’s gaze on her from time to time, but did her best to ignore it. She was the kind of person who needed a steady, trustworthy man, someone devoted to her and her alone. Miguel Lopez did not appear to be ready to settle down. As soon as she finished her pizza, she moved into the kitchen to get away from him.
She was standing at the sink stacking her plate inside when she felt a movement behind her.
“How are you?” Miguel asked quietly. “I didn’t know you were back in town. You said you’d call me.”
Heat raced through her until she reminded herself that he was already dating someone else. She stiffened and slowly turned around, forcing a smile. “I’m fine, thank you. And you? Have you been able to start construction on your house?” She knew she sounded cold and awkward, but she needed to play it safe with him. She’d thought they might have something special, but he’d already moved along.
He shrugged. “Some inside construction stuff is being worked on. We’re waiting for warmer, drier weather before adding the addition I showed you.” His eyes softened. “I thought we could get together again, but I didn’t know you and Ross were seeing one another.”
“We’re not. Not really. But you’re with Caro.”
“We just started dating. I’m helping her get to know the area.”
Lulu didn’t know how to respond. The silence between them pounded in her ear, and then she said, “Guess I’d better help Cami.” She turned to go.
He held her back. “Why didn’t you call me like you said you would?” His gaze stayed on her, making her wish things were simpler between them.
“I’m sorry, I was going to, but I thought if you wanted to talk to me, you’d have been in touch.”
“But I left a message saying to call me if you needed me,” he said, sounding disappointed. “And then, when you said you’d call me, I took you at your word.” He turned and walked away, leaving her to wonder why she suddenly wanted to cry.
###
Later, after most of the food had been eaten, they all sat around drinking beer and talking.
Beside her, Ross asked about the work she’d done in L.A. She told him about the need for after-school programs there and how they used them to make sure the kids had enough food to eat at home.
“Some restaurants in the area provide us with snacks, and those not eaten at school are sent home with the kids. It’s all tactfully done. Of course, it’s handled without being part of a school program per se. By keeping it independent but on school grounds we have more flexibility.”
“Yes, I can see the need to do something like that here.”
“I worked at one of the programs a few years ago. It’s very important. In fact, a man I know who is running for Congress has some ideas about expanding services like that not only for children, but their entire families. He’s asked me to help him.”
“Yes, he wants her to marry him and run his campaign,” blurted Becca.
Lulu felt her cheeks grow as hot as burning coals as everyone stared at her. “Hold on! I don’t know if I’m going to do that. I just want programs like these to succeed.”
“We need to give her time to think things through,” Cami reminded Becca, frowning at her.
“So, you’re probably not staying here? Weezie Lopez was a short-term joke?” Miguel said with enough sharpness in his voice to make everyone turn and stare at him.
“Don’t be so quick to judge,” Cami said. “My sister has a lot to handle, more than you’d guess. I’m hoping she decides to stay right here because I love her, but that is her choice to make and hers alone.”
“Thanks, Cami.” Lulu was touched by Cami’s quick defense.
The silence that followed was broken by Dan’s announcing that he had to get up early and better go home to bed. He wiggled his eyebrows at Becca, and Lulu, like the others, grinned at them. Their wedding was tentatively planned for February.
With their departure, Ross announced it was time for him to go too. He turned to Caro. “I’ll see you tomorrow at school. Remember, if you need anything, I’m available.”
“Thanks,” Caro said to him. “I’m still finding my way around the school and might need your help.”
“I’m showing her around the town and making sure she’s comfortable here,” Miguel said. He glanced at Lulu. “One of my nephews is in her class.”
After everyone had left, Lulu quickly said goodnight and went to her room. She may have tried to ignore Miguel’s glances, but she wasn’t fooled by the way her body had reacted to him in the kitchen. She’d come to Chandler Hill to gain clarity on her future only to find it more complicated than ever.
She changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed wondering what she was going to do about her feelings for Miguel.
A knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts.
Cami cracked the door open. “Okay, if I come in?”
“Sure, I’m just lying here as confused as ever.”
Cami walked into the room, and when Lulu indicated a place for her on the bed, Cami sat down beside her.
“I’m sorry Becca brought up the business about Will and your decision. I noticed how embarrassed you were.”
“Yeah, I’m not ready to talk about it yet.”
“And what was the thing about Miguel being so judgmental? You just went out on one date with him, right?”
“That’s it.” No way was she going to admit to Cami that it was the most wonderful night of her life. “You’re not upset with me for thinking of going back to L.A., are you?”
“No,” said Cami. “Honestly, I wish you’d stay here permanently, but I know how you feel about doing some good things for families. That’s important.”
“Will is going to try to do that no matter what decision I make, but I can be a big help to him. Like I said, we’ve worked together before. He’s got the same way with people as my father. He could be very successful in a political career.”
“You were all set to help your father’s presidential campaign. Do you feel the same way about Will running for office, maybe even running for president someday?”
Lulu made a face. “I’m not sure. My mother reminded me that a political life is a difficult
one. Look what it did to her!”
“That, and her depression,” Cami said softly.
“Right,” Lulu admitted. “But hiding behind facades is exhausting and disheartening. I know it all too well.”
Cami got to her feet and studied her. “I don’t envy you the decisions you’re facing. I hope I get to meet Will. Have you invited him to come visit?”
Lulu shook her head. “Not yet. I need more time before I do. Maybe after the holidays. He’s got a busy schedule right now doing year-end legal work, and I think it’s better if I wait.”
Cami leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Good night, Lulu. Glad you’re here.”
“Good night,” Lulu said softly.
After Cami left the room, Lulu lay in bed staring up at the ceiling thinking about why she’d been so quick to tell Cami she needed more time before inviting Will to Chandler Hill. Though she was conflicted about the idea, she was pretty sure it had something to do with Miguel. That man brought out feelings in her that scared her to death, especially when she knew she wasn’t the only one he made feel that way.
CHAPTER NINE
Lulu found herself drawn into the Christmas spirit in a new way at the inn. All the glitz of L.A. seemed overdone compared to the simpler, more-alive decorations that were displayed all around her. Following her family tradition, Cami used live evergreens for Christmas trees and sold wreaths made of fresh, woven boughs of pine. Homemade, decorated candles in a variety of scents became best sellers at The Barn. Though they were former employees who had moved away, Abby and Lisa still made them for the store. And Lulu’s favorite chocolates imported from Belgium were another traditional hit.
During this busy time, Lulu still checked in every couple of days with Melba and her mother. With an adjustment of her medication, her mother pulled through a down period, and for the first time in a long while, Rosalie was looking forward to Christmas.
When Lulu heard this, she went to Cami. “Is it okay with you if I reserve a room for my mother at the inn?”
“No, it isn’t,” Cami replied, giving her a mock frown. “I’d like to offer her the second guest room at my house where she might be more comfortable and have more privacy.”