by Anna Adams
“She barely tolerates me.”
“Is she mean to you? Deliberately mean.”
“She’s not always kind,” Maude said mildly, out of a sense of loyalty. “But she’s trying, somehow. I just don’t know how to get through to her.”
“There’s no way. I tried everything. I tried bribing and threatening. She just doesn’t listen, she doesn’t care. And when she answers, her tongue is like a serpent’s.”
“Grace is hurting,” Maude said, fighting to keep her cool. She squeezed one of Mrs. Heaton’s cushions, before placing it gently on her knees. “She needs you.”
“You think I don’t hurt? That I don’t need help? No, nobody warns you of these things, I tell you. I used to think babies were cute. Never thought mine would turn out to be such a monster.”
Maude put her hand to her heart. “You don’t mean what you say.”
“Don’t judge me. I’m sure you don’t have any of your own.”
“I’m not judging,” Maude replied, though she knew the opposite to be true.
“I gave up. Stopped taking care of her. Until she complained to her school and social services came and took her away. I can finally breathe again and I don’t want her in this house ever again. Since she left, my house has been clean and quiet. God, the quiet, how I missed it! Never was quiet with her. She would put on that awful music. Those musicals. She couldn’t stop.”
“She liked musicals back then?”
“Exasperated me to no end. Made so much noise.”
“I think what Grace needs is for you to give her permission to sing. By telling her to stop singing back then, she stopped, and now she can’t do it again. Please, give her a call and encourage her just once more.”
“I can’t.”
Maude had saved one last argument in her plea. It was one that no parent or guardian was insensitive to: promises of success. This simple argument preyed on human vanity. Everyone wanted to say that they were responsible for someone else’s recognition. In a world where celebrities were royalty, facilitating a person’s fame was the next best thing.
“Mrs. Heaton, you don’t understand. Your daughter could become famous.”
Mrs. Heaton’s face grew red with interest.
“When she becomes famous, she’ll remember that you encouraged her. If you don’t do it now, you might regret it sooner than you think.”
“She’s really got a shot at getting that part?”
“Grace is on the verge of great things.”
“I suppose that’s why you’re interested in her. You see only your gain.”
Maude remained silent and let Mrs. Heaton project her own ambitions on her, waiting before adding, “That’s true. But you’re her mother. I know you want only what’s best for Grace.”
“That’s why I put her in that home. And she never would’ve met you if I hadn’t put her there.”
“She’ll be grateful.”
“That she should. What do you want me to say?”
Maude gave her the phone number to the Baldwin landline and told her.
“Don’t rattle her. Just tell her you’re proud,” Maude said as she left.
Once the door closed behind her, Maude shivered from Mrs. Heaton’s handshake and hoped that, with this meeting, she had not made matters worse.
Chapter 10
THE SILVER SPOON WAS packed that Friday evening.
Maude and Matt sat a table near the piano player, lovingly holding hands all the while listening to the music.
When dessert arrived, Maude dug first into Matt’s chocolate cake, before tasting her apple pie.
“I knew you should’ve chosen a slice of cake instead of pie,” Matt laughed.
“I got both.”
“Nope, you’ve got pie. I’ve got cake.”
“I’ll finish that cake before you even get a bite. Little tip, if ever you want to ask me to marry you, you should put the ring in your dessert, not mine.”
Maude giggled, stuck her spoon into Matt’s cake, and pretended not to notice the look of panic as he clutched his left breast pocket. When she looked at him, his continuing quizzical expression alarmed her. Thinking that her mention of marriage had scared him, she sought to reassure.
“I was joking. Don’t look so freaked out,” she added quickly. “I mean, can you imagine us married and raising kids? I can’t.”
Maude stuck her spoon into her pie and scraped out the topping. She could not admit she’d thought about their future more than once since she’d begun to care for Grace.
Her student and her troubled behavior had provoked conflicting emotions in Maude. Not only did she recall her time with the Ruchet twins, who treated her like she meant nothing to them, it brought about the question of whether she would ever be able to care deeply for someone who needed her.
The absence of a benevolent mother figure for the first sixteen years of her life and the exhausting job of looking after children had made her wary quite early of motherhood.
When she thought of Matt’s childhood and his strained relationship with his father, she wondered if he desired children. It was a question she dared not ask for fear he’d return the query.
She had no clear answer.
“I’d make a terrible mother.” Maude toyed with her fork. “Just look at how stupid I was for thinking I could help Grace. Mrs. Heaton never called and Grace is still ignoring everything I say.”
“You’d make a great mother,” Matt said soothingly. “I don’t know how I’d fare as a father, since I have a really bad role model and all.” His eyes grew troubled for an instant and he glanced at his plate, brow furrowed.
Maude rearranged her napkin on her lap. She was cautious about his father. It seemed only yesterday that they’d fought about her meddling in their relationship. She never wanted Lionel Beauchamp to come between her and Matt again.
“You’re nothing like him.”
“How do you know I don’t have defects that might show up only when I become a father? Maybe they’re in me now, just dormant.”
Leaning over the table, she took his hand and played with his fingers.
“I know you, that’s why. You wouldn’t intentionally hurt or abandon anyone. Unlike your father, you’re not dominated by pride or your own reputation. You have an abundance of patience. I understand how you feel about role models. I never had a proper role model before Aunt Victoria. I took care of the twins, but I didn’t love them. And now, there’s Grace. She might be more than I can handle. Matt, I don’t know if I should believe her, but Mrs. Heaton says it’s Grace’s fault her father died.”
“Mrs. Heaton’s grieving. And she gave up on Grace. Nothing she says about her should influence the way you feel about your student.”
“What if it’s true? Grace might be more traumatized than I realize. What if I never get through to her? Only Ben seems to elicit a positive response from her.”
“He probably wants to date her.”
“You think? Did he say anything to you?”
“He says she’s as much of a sister as you were when you arrived. Would it be weird if he liked her?”
“I guess not. I didn’t notice anything was going on there. Why didn’t I notice?”
“You’re busy. Besides, I’m a guy. I tend to notice when guys like girls who don’t like them back.”
“How do you know Grace doesn’t like him? She’d be lucky to have Ben. He’d be such a sweet boyfriend.”
“Girls trample all over his heart. Grace probably will, too. He’ll learn eventually. Or he’ll wait if she’s worth waiting for. Like you were.”
His hand found her cheek and he caressed it with love.
“Maude, I’ve been meaning to tell you—”
“Oh no!” Maude shrieked. She pointed a trembling finger behind him.
Matt’s hand slipped from her face. Disappointment filled his gray eyes, but he turned to see what had caused the interruption.
Thomas and Lindsey had just entered the restauran
t.
Not only were they speaking to their waitress, but Lindsey was also pointing to Matt.
“They’re heading over here,” Maude squeaked. “Tell me they’re not going to join us.”
“Table for four,” the waitress said upon arrival. “This party says that we should join the two tables. Are they with you?”
“They’re not,” Matt said, grating his teeth. “They can sit anywhere else but here.”
“Our tables are right next to each other,” Lindsey said. “Besides, you wouldn’t want the paparazzi to think something’s wrong in this picture.”
With one quick glance across the room, Maude saw three paparazzi outside looking in.
“You’ve got to have a death wish, Bradfield,” Matt muttered.
“It wasn’t my idea,” Thomas said darkly.
“Are you two joining tables?” the waitress asked.
Glaring at the paparazzi, Matt relented. “Fine. Join the tables. It’s not like anything else was about to happen tonight.”
“Great, I’ll sit next to Matt!” Lindsey pulled the chair closer to him.
“Why would you sit next to him?” Maude asked, annoyed.
“I haven’t seen him in such a long time. I’ve missed him. Thomas gets to sit next to you that way.”
“Who says I want to sit next to Maude?” Thomas asked, irritated.
Maude winced. “Gee, I don’t stink you know.” She looked at Matt, tilting her head in Thomas’ direction as if to say ‘See, he’s not in love with me.’
Pleading silently for Matt to be courteous, she chewed her lower lip nervously.
Matt cleared his throat and, in an effort to show the amiable side of his personality, said to Thomas, “Maude’s harmless. But I wouldn’t order the chocolate cake for dessert or you won’t get a bite.”
“I’m not sharing food with your girlfriend,” Thomas protested.
“I was just making a polite joke.”
“Yeah, well, it wasn’t funny.”
He took his seat next to Maude and moved his chair several inches from hers, while Matt glared at him.
“I don’t mind sharing food with you.” Lindsey unfolded her napkin and placed it on his knees.
“How about you choose what food you’ll order before making any promises about eating from each other’s plates,” Maude said through gritted teeth. “We’re almost done anyway.”
Once they’d ordered dessert and Lindsey had made inappropriate jokes about each item, Maude turned to Thomas.
“How long have you and Lindsey been together? Almost a year?”
“I wouldn’t say we’re together-together,” Lindsey said. “We’re free. Like the wind.”
“Really?” Matt said. “You’re allowed to date other people?”
“No,” Thomas said curtly. “I’m not planning on seeing any other girl.”
“We all know there’s only room for one girl in Thomas’ heart,” Lindsey said with a wink at Maude.
“That would be you,” Thomas said to Lindsey.
“My heart’s already taken.” Lindsey slipped her arm under Matt’s, but he shrugged her off.
Thomas’ jaw locked and he threw a somber look in Matt and Lindsey’s direction.
Maude could tell he was on edge and tried to ease the tension.
“Let’s talk about music!”
“Let’s,” Matt agreed. “Thomas, why don’t you tell me how you and Lindsey decided to steal the song I co-wrote with Maude?”
Maude hit her forehead with her palm in exasperation.
“Let’s not go down memory lane.” With a tight smile, Maude pulled her chair closer to the table.
Lindsey was not listening.
“I remember. Thomas came with a recording of Maude’s song. He’d filmed her with his phone that day, after their La Cenerentola rehearsal.”
“You filmed her?” Matt lowered his voice. “You actually filmed her without her consent? I knew you were low, but that’s really messed up.”
“I’d asked for his feedback,” Maude mumbled shamefacedly. “He recorded me and we discussed it.”
Thomas clenched his fists, remaining silent and moody.
“I see.” Matt rubbed his chin. “Basically, you get close to girls only so you can get something out of them.”
“I’m not proud of what I did,” Thomas said. “I’m trying to reform. Unfortunately, no one allows me to forget my mistakes.”
“Because you don’t fundamentally change. You use people for your own gain.”
“Isn’t that what every relationship is made of?” Lindsey asked, stealing a bite from Matt’s dessert. She licked the fork slowly and seductively before saying, “I for one would never love someone who couldn’t bring anything to the table.”
“You were with Thomas even when his career was at a dead end,” Maude pointed out.
“I never said I was in love,” Lindsey giggled.
Maude stole an embarrassed glance at Thomas. He gripped his napkin and twisted it into a ball.
“Hey, Lindsey, would you mind coming with me to the bathroom?” Maude asked.
“Hope you won’t be too lonely without me, superstar,” Lindsey cooed in Matt’s ear.
“I think I can handle five minutes on my own. Besides, Thomas will keep me company.”
Maude pulled Lindsey away and dragged her to the bathroom. After checking that every stall was empty, Maude faced her.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Stop flirting with Matt. You’re making everyone at the table uncomfortable.”
“Matt doesn’t seem to mind.”
“He minds. So does Thomas.”
“You think?”
“Do I think he’s pissed off at you for flirting right under his nose?” Maude screeched. “Yes, I’m sure he is.”
“You’re not saying that just to make me happy?”
“Why would I say that? Why would you be happy?”
“Because I’m in love with Thomas.”
Maude leaned against the sink.
“You’ve got a funny way of showing it.”
“Hey, I’m not like you, all lovey-dovey.”
“I’m not lovey-dovey.”
“’Oh Matt, I love you. I love you too, Maude. Let’s be together forever!” Lindsey mimicked.
“When have I ever spoken like that in front of you? You weren’t even there when we first admitted our love for each other. And you know what, you’re making a fool of yourself. No one in their right mind would believe you’re in love with Thomas. Including him.”
“That’s what I’m aiming at. I don’t want him to know I love him.”
“Mission accomplished!” Maude calmed down. “Why don’t you want him to know?”
“Aargh, Maude! Don’t play dumb. He’s obviously still in love with you.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that? Thomas doesn’t love me!”
“He’s the one who suggested we stay in an open relationship. He only wants me because I can give him certain things thanks to my position at Glitter Records. They do anything their bestselling artist asks.”
“If you believe he’s in this for what he can get, why stay with him?”
“Haven’t you just heard what I said. I’m in love with him! I love his stupid, moody face. I can’t believe I love him. He’s a loser, with no real musical career. He’s a one-hit wonder. His only hit was one he stole.”
“You both stole that song.”
“Whatever! I’ve had other hits. He has nothing that normally attracts me to a guy.”
“What attracted you?”
“He’s really cute. And funny. And charming. And we got along great when we recorded that song of yours. We’re alike in so many ways. Then there was the scandal. I’m the only one who went to see him after Glitter dropped him. In fact, I’m kinda the one who told him. We stayed friends and I tried to uplift his spirits. Then, it sort of happened. I’d broken up with my lates
t boyfriend, Tommy Yennis, and I kissed Thomas.”
“You went out with Tommy Yennis?” Maude asked, impressed. “Do you think he’d ever be interested in singing a duet with me? How long did you two date?”
“It was on the down-low. Not the point. Stay focused.”
“Sorry.”
“We both decided to keep it casual. I was heartbroken about Tommy and Thomas wasn’t over you. He told me plainly that he wanted me to help him get his career back on track. I told him I would. I remember the day I realized I was in love with him. It was when I saw him speaking to you at the NAM awards last year. I’d wished you’d disappear.”
“That’s not cool. He’s over me. Don’t you see how cold he is?”
“You’re just being fooled. Thomas is giving you the cold shoulder so that Matt will be convinced he isn’t in love with you and that he’ll play along for the paparazzi and the press.”
“He told me you’re the one who helped him get over me.”
“He’s never said anything like that to me. I don’t believe him for a second. There’s one thing that Thomas loves above all: his career. The only way for him to succeed is to make sure that the musical goes smoothly. For that, he needs you and Matt on his side.”
“You should’ve seen him. I’m convinced he loves you.”
“You’re so naïve. That’s why you never see anything coming. You didn’t see that Thomas was stealing your song, that Alan Lewis was manipulating you or that Julia was a professional liar.”
“You knew Julia didn’t play the piano?”
“From the start! You know why? Because my eyes are open and I don’t believe in fairy tales. Thomas is in love with you. The sooner you see that, the better off you’ll be.”
“You’re both so manipulative, you don’t see when you’ve got a good thing going.”
Maude stormed out, followed by Lindsey. Once she reached the table, Maude said,
“I’ve had it. I’m out.”
At that instant, a flash blinded Maude. She turned to the window.
“Drat, I forgot the paparazzi were here,” Maude whined.
“Mr. Soderline wants us to spin a positive tale to this story.” Thomas said. “You sure you want to leave?”
Maude looked around the table. Matt had risen and put on his jacket.