by Judith Keim
“Oh, now you’re too busy even to talk to your mother?”
No, of course not floated in her brain until she gathered herself. “Actually, I am. I’ll call you later.”
“Well, I never ...”
Carol Ann clicked off the call. She had business to attend to.
###
Ed’s smile when he opened his door to her washed away any remaining guilt over the way she’d abruptly ended the call with her mother.
“Glad to see you. You’re right on time,” said Ed. “You said you wanted to take measurements of the living room and dining room. I got out a tape measure and drew a sketch of both rooms.”
“Great,” said Carol Ann, pleased to see how serious he was about her work. “Let’s get started.”
Together they took measurements and carefully noted everything.
“Before we take off, how about a sandwich? I’ve got fresh-cooked, sliced turkey.”
Carol Ann smiled. “That would be lovely.” She’d been too nervous to eat much of her breakfast.
Sitting together at his kitchen table, they ate quietly for a few moments. Then Ed spoke up. “I know you thought you might live here one day with that old boyfriend of yours. Is it going to be uncomfortable for you to decorate the condo for me?”
Carol Ann shook her head. “No, it’ll be fine. A lot has happened to me since then, and I can’t wait to help make this nice for you.”
“Good,” said Ed. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and a warm smile that made her lips curve happily in reply.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
TIFFANY
Tiffany waited for Grace and Misty to arrive at her house. The other women in the group were planning to come later, after Misty had had a chance to try on some articles of clothing Tiffany thought Misty might like. Tiffany felt good to be able to do this small thing for Grace and Misty. They both deserved a break. Grace’s husband and Misty’s father, Buck Jamison, was one bad guy who’d done a lot of damage to both of them.
She saw Grace and Misty pull into the driveway. While Tiffany waited for them to come inside, she pondered Kevin’s invitation to go out with him on New Year’s Eve. Though Beau’s and her marriage had been in serious trouble, Beau had been dead less than six months. Tiffany couldn’t deny her attraction to Kevin, but it made her feel guilty. How could she be having romantic thoughts about Kevin when she was still mourning Beau? She’d tried to pretend they were just business partners, but that was a lie. She wanted more. What kind of woman did that make her, especially when Beau had left her with a huge estate and the big responsibility of following through on his dreams?
The doorbell rang, jarring Tiffany out of her worrying thoughts. She answered the door with a bright, “Hello.”
Grace gave her a teasing smile. “Is this Tiffany’s Boutique?”
“Why, yes, it is,” said Tiffany, playing along. “Is this the young woman you brought to model my clothes.”
Grace laughed.
“Thank you,” said Misty primly.
“Come on in,” said Tiffany. “I went through my closet and found a lot of things you may like. It’ll be like sisters sharing clothes.”
Misty and Grace exchanged glances and stepped inside.
Tiffany led them upstairs to the master bedroom. A number of outfits were laid out on the king-size bed. “Some of these are too small for me now, after having Vanna. I hope they fit you.”
Misty’s eyes lit up at the sight of the fashionable clothes. “I’ll try them on.”
“Grace and I will give you privacy, but if you find something you like that fits, will you show us?” said Tiffany. “We’ll be in the bedroom across the hall. I’ve made it into a sitting room.”
Grace followed Tiffany out of the room.
“This way,” said Tiffany, leading Grace into a small room. “This is part of a suite that I’ve made out of two bedrooms with a bath in between. It makes a very nice area for guests or, if I need it, for an au pair in the future.”
“Very nice,” said Grace. She looked around for a moment before sitting in an overstuffed chair opposite Tiffany. Changing the use of one of the three rooms made the space an elegant suite.
“Thank you so much for doing this, Tiffany,” said Grace. “I wasn’t sure if Misty would come here with me today. Apparently, the situation in Ohio was more cult-like than I could ever have imagined. Being interested in nice clothes is a big step for Misty. But after attending some support meetings with me, she’s decided to enjoy the last of her visit. This will be fun for her.”
“Last of her visit?” Tiffany couldn’t hide her dismay. “You can’t let her go, Grace. Not after all you’ve been through. Not when Kate will do anything to keep her.”
Grace held up a hand. “I can’t force her to stay. I’ve asked her if she will, but that’s all I can do.”
“We’ll see,” said Tiffany mysteriously.
Misty tapped on the door and entered the room wearing a green shirt as bright as her smile. The color was perfect with her auburn hair. The jeans she wore fit her to a tee. Both Tiffany and Grace gasped with admiration.
“Perfect,” said Tiffany. “Let me show you how you can get mileage out of this outfit by pairing it with a jacket or a sweater. Come with me! Let’s have some fun!”
In a short period, Misty and Tiffany had a nice pile of clothes for Misty to take home.
“These clothes will be good for school as well as for other activities. Most things you can dress up or down.” Tiffany gave Misty an impulsive hug. “I’m so, so glad you’re here. We love Grace, and I know how much she loves you.”
Misty’s cheeks flushed a pretty pink. She glanced at Grace and then away.
“When the warmer weather comes, we’ll go through some more of my things,” said Tiffany. “It’s great that we’re about the same size.”
Neither Grace nor Misty responded.
“I’d better change out of this dress,” said Misty.
Tiffany held up a hand to stop her. “No, no, please, let’s wait until the others get here. I want them to see how beautiful you look.”
“The others will love seeing you in this,” prompted Grace.
“Okay,” said Misty, glancing at herself in the mirror and smiling.
The doorbell rang, and Tiffany hurried downstairs to greet the other women.
As expected, when the rest of the Fat Fridays women saw Misty, they gushed over her appearance in the soft-green dress.
“That’ll be perfect for the Spring Dance at school,” Lynetta said to Misty. “You are going to Sherman High, aren’t you?”
“She hasn’t decided,” Grace said quickly. “I’m hoping so. I hear it’s a good school.”
Lynetta nodded. “It’s got a great reputation. What grade are you in, Misty?”
Misty looked like a deer caught in headlights. “I ... I ... don’t know. Kate homeschooled me.”
“That won’t be a problem, I’m sure,” said Sukie, giving Misty an encouraging smile. “I work at the library with someone whose children were homeschooled, and they made a nice transition into the schools.”
“You’ll have fun, I bet,” said Carol Ann. “The boys are going to be crazy about you.”
“Oh.” Misty lowered her head. “I’m not allowed to date.”
Speaking into the quiet, Tiffany said, “I hear Vanna crying. Help yourselves to refreshments in the kitchen, and I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll go with you,” said Misty. “I want to change out of the dress now.”
“Is everything okay?” Tiffany said to her as they climbed the stairway.
Misty shrugged. “It’s fine.”
Tiffany could tell that Misty was upset and wished she knew what to say to her. But all she could do was give Misty an encouraging pat on the back.
Later, after everyone else had left, Tiffany helped Grace and Misty carry the clothes to Grace’s car. At the last minute, she hugged Misty and whispered in her ear, “Please stay. Your mother and all of us
want you here with us.”
Misty stared into Tiffany’s eyes for a moment and then turned away.
CHAPTER TWENTY
CAROL ANN
Working with Ed had a whole different feel to it now that Carol Ann was beginning to see him as a person and not just her boss. This past Sunday, they’d had so much fun together. In contrast, while he was pleasant and easy to work for in the office, there was no playfulness about him. He took his work seriously. She’d always liked that about him.
She caught him looking at her from time to time, but, mindful of company rules, she didn’t respond. She was saving money for doctor’s bills and for all the supplies a baby would need. Her friends were generous people, but she didn’t want to rely on them or anyone else to take care of her.
One morning, Lynetta came over to Carol Ann’s desk. “What’s with you and Ed?”
Carol Ann’s pulse sprinted with alarm. “What do you mean?”
“You act as if you’re mad at him. What happened?”
Carol Ann’s laugh was genuine. “Believe me; there’s nothing wrong. I’m just trying to be professional. That’s what he expects.”
“Okay. Sure would hate to lose you up here on the Exec floor.”
“Thanks,” Carol Ann said, though she hoped the day would come when she’d leave MacTel for a thriving business of her own.
“What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?” Lynetta asked.
“Babysitting for Tiffany. She’s going out to a party with Kevin. Some sort of business connection of his. How about you?”
Lynetta shrugged. “I was hoping James would call, but I haven’t heard from him or seen him around at all. I guess I’ll stay home and keep watch over the boys.”
Carol Ann gave Lynetta an encouraging smile. “I really like James. Maybe he’s away for the holiday.” She liked Lynetta and didn’t want her to get hurt. With her bubbly personality, Lynetta’s easy laughter filled any room, making the people around her happy.
“Ah, well, he seemed too good to be true,” sighed Lynetta. “Guess it will be just the kids and me.”
Lynetta returned to her desk, leaving Carol Ann to her work.
Later, when Carol Ann took the completed report into Ed’s office, he smiled at her. “Guess what! I have a date for New Year’s Eve, someone I met online.”
“That’s nice. I hope you have fun.” She couldn’t hide the hollowness in her voice. She liked Ed, as a friend. She wasn’t jealous. It’s only that another woman in his life could mess up her plans to redo his condo. That, she told herself, is what the sinking feeling was in the pit of her stomach.
“So what are you doing to celebrate?” he asked her.
“Vanna Wright and I are planning a big party,” she said, attempting a joke. “She might have more than one bottle of milk, and I might have a diet soda.”
He laughed. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a great new year. I’m glad you’re helping me fix up my place.”
“Me, too.” She left his office feeling as if her plans for New Year’s Eve were totally lame. And, she admitted to herself, she didn’t like the thought of Ed spending that time with someone else. But then, she was glad she could help Tiffany. If it hadn’t been for Tiffany, she might still be living at home. Carol Ann shuddered at the thought.
###
Carol Ann arrived at Tiffany’s house early, to allow her plenty of time to get ready for her special evening.
Tiffany met her at the door with a towel wrapped around her head. “I’m so glad to see you! Vanna has been a pill, and I haven’t had time to do my hair.”
Carol Ann smiled. “I’ll tend to the baby. You go and get ready. That’s why I’m here.”
“Thank you!” cried Tiffany, charging up the stairs.
Hearing cries, Carol Ann went into the family room to check on Vanna. She was sitting in her swing, red-faced and fussing. When she saw Carol Ann, she stopped.
“Hi, baby girl,” crooned Carol Ann, swooping Vanna up in her arms. It seemed so unbelievable to think of having a baby of her own. But the reality of that was becoming more evident. Her pants were becoming tighter and tighter.
Vanna stopped fussing and simply stared at Carol Ann with round blue eyes.
Carol Ann began singing the song about seeing the moon, her favorite as a little girl at church camp.
Vanna’s expression changed to one of recognition. She patted Carol Ann’s shoulder as if asking for more. Carol Ann laughed and hugged Vanna to her.
“What do you think?”
At the sound of Tiffany’s voice, Carol Ann turned around.
Tiffany wore a simple, scooped-neck black dress with a wrapped waist. Her streaked blond hair hung softly at the shoulders, curling in slightly for a smooth look. A string of pearls and matching pearl-drop earrings added the perfect touch. Carol Ann had often admired Tiffany’s looks and the way she presented herself. Tonight was another reason to do so.
“Oh, sweetie! You look perfect! Kevin is going to be so proud to have you at his side.”
Tiffany’s brow creased with concern. “You think it’s all right for me to go out with him?”
“Sure, why not?”
Looking uneasy, Tiffany lifted a shoulder. “It’s not what anyone would call a real date. It’s more like a business thing ...” Her voice trailed off.
Carol Ann placed a hand on Tiffany’s arm. “It would be okay if it was a real date, Tiff. Beau’s gone. He’d want you to have fun, wouldn’t he?”
Tiffany sighed. “He’s the one who wanted Kevin and me to work together. But I’m not sure he imagined us dating.”
“I think maybe he did,” said Carol Ann. “Go and have a good time. It can be for both business and fun.”
Tiffany’s face lit with a smile. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe he wouldn’t mind.”
She gave Carol Ann an update on Vanna’s schedule, went over all the emergency numbers she kept posted by the phone, and showed her the snacks and treats she’d bought for her.
The doorbell rang.
Carol Ann gave Tiffany a steady look. “Go. Have fun. Vanna and I will see you later.”
Tiffany’s lips curved into a pretty smile. “Okay, I will. Thanks!”
After Tiffany left, the house seemed too quiet. Carol Ann turned on the television and switched to a music channel. Smooth jazz softly filled the room.
She laid a blanket on the living room carpet, lowered Vanna onto it, and sat down beside her.
Vanna kicked happily and grabbed for the toys Carol Ann dangled above her. Watching her, Carol Ann wondered what her baby would look like. Probably he or she would have brown eyes and black hair like Ramón, the man she knew only by his first name. Shame washed over her at the memory of how gullible she’d been, how easy.
Sitting in the living room with Tiffany’s baby, Carol Ann felt a stab of loneliness. For all her bravado about wanting independence, it was a solitary deal.
“Ah, Vanna, your Auntie Carol Ann is such a dope sometimes,” she murmured to the baby.
Vanna kicked her feet and said, “Ohhhh,” very clearly, making Carol Ann laugh.
At the ring of the phone, Carol Ann struggled to her feet. If it was her mother calling, she wasn’t going to answer. She was already depressed.
Caller ID showed Ed’s number. She picked up. “Hi. What’s going on?”
“My date canceled. She’s sick with a terrible cold. She sounded awful. What are you doing?”
“Babysitting Tiffany’s little girl, Vanna.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot. Well, Happy New Year. I’d better go.” Ed’s words dripped with unhappiness.
Carol Ann battled insecurity and then forced herself to speak up. “Ed? Do you want to come and keep me company here? I’m sure Tiffany wouldn’t mind. The baby will be going down for the night soon, and I’ll just be sitting here watching TV.”
“’Sure you wouldn’t rather be alone?”
“I’d rather be with a friend like you,” she answered sincerely.
/> “Okay, then, give me her address, and I’ll come over.”
After Carol Ann hung up, she wondered if she’d been too forward. But wasn’t that what friends were for? Helping each other out? And he’d sure sounded as if he needed a friend.
###
Ed arrived with a bottle of champagne and a little box of chocolate-covered strawberries. He proudly handed them to her. “Thought you might like these to ring in the new year.”
She smiled. “Mmm. Yum. Can I have a strawberry now?”
He laughed. “Sure.” He looked around curiously. “Where’s the baby?”
She pointed behind her. “Right there.” Vanna was still kicking happily on the blanket she’d spread on the carpet.
“Ah, I see her now.”
He entered the living room and looked down at Vanna. “Hi there, little one.”
His deep voice startled Vanna. She began to whimper. Carol Ann rushed over to her and picked her up. Patting the baby’s back, Carol Ann said, “We were just playing for a while. Vanna’s due for her bottle. Then I’ll put her to bed.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make her cry.”
“Don’t worry. Look! Vanna’s holding out her toy to you.”
Ed took it. “Thank you, Vanna. Here, you can have it back.”
A game began between them.
“Why don’t you hold her for a minute while I take care of her bottle?”
Ed’s look of surprise made Carol Ann laugh.
“It will only be for a short time. I promise.” She placed Vanna in Ed’s arms. “You can follow me into the kitchen if you want.”
Ed stayed beside Carol Ann as she went into the kitchen to prepare the bottle. Vanna didn’t seem to mind his holding her. By the smile on Ed’s face, he didn’t mind it either.
After fixing the bottle, Carol Ann took Vanna from Ed and got comfortable on the couch. Ed watched with interest as Vanna ate enthusiastically. By the time the bottle was almost empty, Vanna’s eye lids were closing.
“Ahhh, she looks so comfortable,” said Ed. “And you’re so good with her, Carol Ann. You’ll make a great mother someday.”
Carol Ann felt her cheeks grow hot. As friendly as they were becoming, she had no intention of telling him about her situation.