Secret Sundays

by Judith Keim

  From across the room, Sukie studied her friend and was pleased to see the changes in Carol Ann. Getting out from under her mother had given her a growing self-assurance that was attractive. It was noticeable in the upright way she held herself. She’d also had her hair styled and was wearing a black dress that looked great on her but would, no doubt, garner disapproval from her conservative mother.

  Carol Ann gave her a hug hello and handed her a bright-red-plaid paper bag. “I brought you some wine to celebrate.”

  “Thanks, sweetie. There’s bubbly water or whatever else you want in the kitchen. A bartender there will help you.”

  Lynetta approached Sukie and Carol Ann, trailed by her two boys.

  “There you are,” said Sukie, giving Lynetta a hug. “Hi, Martin. Hi, Jackson. There are plenty of refreshments in the dining room. Help yourselves.”

  They smiled, nodded a greeting, and headed right for the food.

  “Is Grace here?” asked Lynetta. “I didn’t see her when I came in.”

  “Not yet,” said Sukie. “And I’m still waiting for Tiffany and Kevin to show up with Vanna.”

  “What about Betsy?” Carol Ann said.

  Sukie smiled. “She had a change of plans at the last minute. Richie and the children flew to Florida last night to be with her. His ex, that awful woman, finally agreed Richie could have the children for Christmas as she’d promised in the divorce settlement. So they decided to leave a couple of days early.”

  “Oh, how nice!” said Carol Ann. “Betsy’s condo is beautiful, and the kids will have a fabulous time in the complex’s large pool.”

  “And Betsy and Karen can be together,” said Sukie. It had been such a surprise to learn that Betsy was gay. But it was clear when Betsy and Karen were together how special their relationship was—gentle, loving, and kind.

  “Let me know when Grace gets here. I’m worried about her,” said Carol Ann before moving away.

  Sukie glanced at the front entrance. She was worried about Grace too.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  GRACE

  Grace and Misty headed inside.

  Grace was still shaken by Misty’s running away and having the policeman suddenly appear with her. It brought back memories of the very real fear for her daughter’s safety. Lost in those thoughts, Grace stumbled on the steps leading into the apartment building.

  Misty turned to her. “Are you all right?”

  Grace held up a hand. “Just give me a second. I will be.”

  As she entered her apartment, Grace drew a deep breath. She had no choice but to relive past years. It was the only way Misty would understand the truth.

  “Better have a seat,” she said to Misty, indicating the couch. “Like I said, we need to talk.”

  Misty gave her an uncertain look but did as she was told.

  Grace sat opposite her in a chair. “Do you remember anything about your father and what it was like living with him?”

  Misty frowned. “I remember some pretty bad things about him. When I tried to talk to Mom about it, she told me I was making that stuff up, that people in our family didn’t live like that. And when I had bad dreams, she told me I’d watched too much television and then wouldn’t allow me to watch it. The people at church told me to do the right thing and move on, that I was lucky to have Kate and Josh as parents, that it was God’s will.”

  “What were those dreams like?” Grace said softly, feeling a chill go down her spine. Had Misty been programmed?

  Misty closed her eyes. “They thought I’d let them go. But I’ll always remember one of them. A man was chasing me with a knife,” she whispered. “A man like Dad.”

  “Was anyone with you in your dream?” Misty’s answer meant so much to Grace.

  “Sometimes in the beginning, and then it was just me alone.”

  Anger roared inside Grace’s head, making it hard to form civil words. “So, Kate took away the truth and let you think you were alone in all this?”

  “She said you didn’t care, that you thought I was a problem and didn’t want me with you.” Tears shone in Misty’s eyes.

  Fighting to keep from screeching with fury, Grace spoke as calmly as she could. “Think back farther in time. Do you remember the songs we used to sing? The books we read together? Making chocolate chip cookies—your favorite?”

  Misty lowered her face in her hands. “Kate doesn’t like singing. Not anymore. Only in church. And I’m not allowed sweets.”

  When Misty lifted her face to Grace, anger flushed her cheeks. “You say you left me with her to keep me safe. Why should I believe you?”

  “Because of these.” Grace stood and tugged her sweater over her head. She lifted her arm, exposing the scar that ran the length of her forearm. She pointed to scars on the side of her torso, and then she touched her shoulder, which bore all the scars of the shooting.

  Tears rolled down Grace’s cheeks. “I kept you safe as long as I could, but the time came when I knew I had to do better to keep him from going after you. I took you to Kate and then led him away from you. He was a very sick, very sadistic person who was obsessed with killing us.”

  “All those dreams, those memories were true?” The horror on Misty’s face was anything but gratifying to Grace.

  “Do you see how cruel it was of Kate to make you think it was unreal? She promised me she’d take you to counseling to help you deal with the violence you’d lived through.”

  “Josh doesn’t believe in shrinks ...” Misty’s voice trailed off. “I’m going to lie down. I don’t feel very well.”

  “I’m here for you, Misty. I’m sorry it all had to come out so quickly, but I hope you understand how much I love you, how much I’ve always wanted the best for you. I should’ve investigated Kate more thoroughly, but she was family, and I was desperate to get you away from the man who wanted us both dead. And whenever I could sneak a call into her, she told me everything was fine, that I wasn’t to worry, she was taking good care of you.”

  Misty turned and walked into her bedroom, leaving Grace behind wondering if she’d done the right thing.

  After pacing the room, Grace went into the kitchen, looking for something to do. She had to keep busy, or she’d go crazy with worry. From the refrigerator, she pulled out the cookie dough she’d made earlier. These refrigerator cookies had been another favorite of Misty’s. She started slicing the roll of cookie dough, intent on keeping busy, when Misty walked into the room with her suitcase.

  “What are you doing?” Grace asked, forcing the words through a throat gone dry.

  “I talked to Mom. She said to come home right away.”

  “No.” Grace set the knife down on the counter. “You’re not going anywhere. You made a commitment to come here for the holidays, and you’re going to honor it as you should anytime you give your word to someone. If at the end of your visit, you don’t want to stay, we can discuss it. Understand?”

  “But ... but ...”

  Grace walked over to her daughter and placed her hand on Misty’s shoulders. “I lost you once, Misty. I won’t lose you again. Not if I can help it. I love you more than life itself. My scars prove that. I’ve always loved you, and I always will. I need you to give me a chance to show you.” Grace remembered her terror facing the man she’d once loved. She recalled how lonely she’d been without her daughter, and she began to cry—deep sobs that came from years of trials.

  Misty started to pull away and then stopped. She tentatively held onto her mother, patting her back as best she could.

  In time, Grace quieted, and Misty stepped aside.

  “All right,” said Misty. “I’ll tell Kate you won’t let me leave until the holidays are over. But I’m not going to any party tonight.”

  Grace nodded, wishing for much more than that. If things worked out the way she hoped, Misty would never go back to Kate.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  TIFFANY

  Tiffany waited for Kevin to arrive at her house. He was going to walk wi
th her down the street to Sukie’s for the Christmas party. With all the changes in the past year, this holiday season felt strange to her, as if it was happening to someone else. Beau was gone, Vanna was now in her life, and she and Kevin seemed to be heading down a path together.

  She gazed out the front window of her new home. Colorful lights decorated many of the other houses that lined the street of the small neighborhood. Some of the lights blinked in a steady rhythm that would be annoying at another time of year but seemed magical during this holiday season.

  Kevin pulled into the driveway and got out of the car.

  Tiffany turned to Vanna, who was lying on a blanket on the floor kicking happily as she clutched her favorite toy—a little rubber giraffe.

  “Let’s go party,” she said to her baby, smiling when Vanna kicked even harder at seeing her mother’s face.

  Tiffany lifted Vanna and pulled on the one-piece snowsuit Muffy had sent, being careful not to wrinkle Vanna’s special holiday dress. With just her face showing under the hood of the soft white fabric, Vanna looked like a pink-cheeked angel.

  Kevin rang the bell.

  Carrying Vanna, Tiffany went to greet him. “Hi, Kevin! Will you take Vanna while I’ll get my coat?”

  He easily accepted the baby in his arms, and then stood a moment, staring directly at her. “Wow, Tiff! You look amazing!”

  Tiffany self-consciously tugged at the winter-white dress that clung to her body. She and Kevin worked together almost every day, but after seeing him so often, their relationship was changing. Going out with him now, she saw him in a different light—noticed the width of his shoulders, the way his dark eyes brightened at the sight of her, his broad, strong hands holding onto Vanna and keeping her safe.

  The women in the Fat Fridays group had told her Kevin was attracted to her, but she’d dismissed it, concentrating instead on their working relationship. She knew she couldn’t do her job running Beau’s charity without Kevin’s steady hand helping her, and she didn’t want to mess it up with her growing attraction to him. Besides, doing so would make her feel she was disloyal to Beau, and she didn’t like that idea. Especially after all Beau had done to give her life new purpose.

  She retrieved her coat from the closet and turned to face him. “Thanks, Kevin, I ... I don’t know what to say.”

  He smiled. “Don’t say a word. Let’s just enjoy the evening.”

  She nodded. It was best to keep things as they were—two people working together. Two people who liked each other but were not about to take it to the next level.

  They walked down the street, keeping a careful distance between them. When Vanna pointed at the colorful lights and made a chortling sound, Kevin and Tiffany laughed together.

  ###

  Sukie’s house was filled with the sounds of people having a good time. Cam rushed over to greet them.

  He gave Tiffany a kiss on the cheek and shook hands with Kevin. “Welcome! Come on in! Coats go in the den, food is in the dining room, and drinks at the bar in the kitchen.”

  Tiffany carried Vanna into the den and carefully removed the baby’s outerwear, taking time to fluff her dress.

  Carol Ann came into the room. “I thought I saw you heading this way. Merry Christmas! I brought a little gift for Vanna.” She handed Tiffany a small, gaily wrapped package. “Thanks again for all you’ve done for me. I can’t wait for you to see the apartment decorated for the holidays. You’ll be able to come and see it sometime soon, won’t you?”

  Tiffany smiled. “Of course. We girls wouldn’t miss it for all the world, would we, Vanna?”

  Vanna reached for Carol Ann.

  Carol Ann bent down and gave the baby a kiss. “She looks like an angel in that dress. Muffy sure has good taste. Wait until she sees Vanna in all those holiday clothes. She’ll love it.”

  Tiffany drew a calming breath. Her mother-in-law, Muffy, and her father-in-law, Regard, had always intimidated her. But, with Beau’s death and following his direction for her to run his charity, she’d had to deal with them on a different level. It still didn’t mean they were easy to get along with. And like it or not, they were coming to her house the next day to celebrate Christmas. The thought took away her appetite.

  Carrying Vanna, Tiffany followed Carol Ann out of the den and joined the group of guests. Tiffany found Sukie, and after exchanging greetings with her, went to find Lynetta and to see if Grace and Misty had made it to the party but couldn’t find them.

  Lynetta was deep in conversation with another woman, so Tiffany continued on into the kitchen. Kevin saw her and offered her a glass of wine. She’d had to stop nursing Vanna, so she was free to accept the wine.

  Moving into the dining room, Tiffany noticed Madeleine and went to talk to her. Soon she was swept up in several different conversations with her new neighbors.

  After a while, Kevin came to her side. When it was time to introduce him, Tiffany hesitated, searching for the right words. “This is my business partner, Kevin Bascombe.”

  He turned his smile on the people surrounding them. “Yes, that’s why you might see my car at Tiffany’s house a whole lot. We’re working out of her home office.”

  The discussion soon led to Beau’s charitable organization, and Tiffany relaxed. Certainly, that’s all she and Kevin were and would be—just business partners.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CAROL ANN

  Carol Ann returned to her apartment humming Christmas carols and smiling. At the party, Lynetta had invited her to attend a Christmas Eve church service with her boys and her, and she’d gone with them. Celebrating in a church that talked about love and inclusion, not the fire and brimstone of her mother’s church, made this holiday special. Best of all, she was going to have her own Christmas celebration in her own home with her own friend. It was the best gift she could’ve ever imagined.

  She climbed into bed and lay there, thinking of all her blessings. Even the idea of having a baby alone seemed not quite as daunting. She lay a hand on what would become a real baby bump, determined to make it all work out. Her thoughts turned to Ed Pritchard. If her decorating job for him turned out to be a success, she’d quietly build up a business on the side until she reached the point where she could quit her job.

  Rolling over, she hugged her pillow. She’d once dreamed of a man lying beside her, but she was too disillusioned by all that had happened to her to hold onto those battered hopes.

  ###

  The shrill sound of the phone woke her, shattering her peaceful sleep. She knew who it was even before she answered it. Only her mother could make even her cell phone trill like one of her shrieking commands. Sighing, Carol Ann picked up her phone.

  “Merry Christmas, Mama!” she said sleepily.

  “What on earth! We go to church, and when we got home and went to open our gifts, we find a little envelope from you tucked into the branches of the tree. No wrapped gifts, just one envelope you must have placed there the other day. And why weren’t you at church? I raised you to be better than that.”

  “Mama, did you open the envelope?”

  “Yes, it’s some kind of card.”

  “Did you read what is on it?” Carol Ann said with as much patience as she could muster while squeezing the edge of her top sheet so tightly she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to get it smooth again.

  “It says somethin’ about pizza,” said her mother.

  “Right. It’s a $200 gift certificate for pizza from The Pizza Place. I know you don’t like Anthony’s. So now you can have your pizza on Saturday night without paying for a while.”

  “Oh. Well, I didn’t understand that from the card,” said Carol Ann’s mother a bit sheepishly.

  Carol Ann rolled her eyes. “And as for church, you don’t have to worry about me, Mama. I’m on my own now. Merry Christmas. Have a nice day.”

  “You really aren’t going to come to your sister’s house for Christmas dinner?”

  “No, I’ve already explained that to her.
I’m going to have a quiet day at home.” It was a little lie, and although it wasn’t a Sunday, she was keeping her plans secret.

  “Well, then, maybe we’ll see you later this week.”

  “Sure,” said Carol Ann. “I’ll stop by to say hello. Wish Daddy a Merry Christmas from me. Goodbye, Mama.”

  Carol Ann hung up the phone wishing just once her mother would be grateful for what she tried to do for them. And once, just once, couldn’t Christmas be a merry time for all? She vowed not to let her mother spoil her excitement at having Ed for dinner. Entertaining him would be like she’d always dreamed of except there wouldn’t be any romance, just friendship.

  Thinking of the meal ahead, Carol Ann put on a warm robe and wandered into the kitchen to fix herself a cup of decaf. She’d gone over the menu a million times in her mind.

  For the main course, she would serve roasted Cornish hens stuffed with an onion and mushroom mixture, broccoli au gratin, and a simple, fresh green salad. She’d already made a Bûche de Noel to serve for dessert, complete with confectioners’ sugar sprinkled on top of the “log” to look like snow.

  Remembering the tasteless Christmas dinners she usually had with her family, Carol Ann was thrilled with the idea of having something so different, so sophisticated.

  She poured herself a cup of coffee and wandered into the dining room. Yesterday while the cake was baking, she’d set the dining room table with green placemats, white linen napkins, and crystal glasses for wine or water. Large, round white candles surrounded by small holly wreaths sat in the middle of the table, waiting to be lit. Satisfied, Carol Ann headed into her room to take a shower. She’d invited Ed for noon but said he could come earlier if he wished.

  Carol Ann had just finished getting dressed when she heard the doorbell. Staring in the mirror at her still-wet hair, she wondered what to do. At the second ring, she hurried to the door and called through it. “Yes? Who is it?”