by Beth Carter
Victoria exhaled loudly as she set her wine down. Rummaging through her designer purse, she said, “I’ll show you why.” She plucked tissues, a wallet, and cellphone, and keep digging. “Where is it? I know it’s in here somewhere.” She kept fishing until she produced a gold and blue topaz heart-shaped earring. “This.” She shook the earring in the air and hissed, “This is what I have against French Bordeaux.”
As Cheri reached for the earring, a memory shot through her like a lightning bolt. “Is this the earring I found on your kitchen floor last year?”
Smirking, Victoria said, “No, it’s the matching earring to the one you found in my kitchen. I found this one near the cash register while paying for three thousand dollars’ worth of crap I’ll never wear. I recognized the earring immediately and asked Gigi why she only had one.”
Cheri held her breath, not wanting the answer but she had to know. In a quiet voice, she asked, “What did Gigi say?”
Victoria took a healthy sip of Chablis before answering. “Gigi said she lost the other earring, got a faraway look in her eyes, and mentioned it had been a gift from a special man in her life. She went on to say she’s in love with him.” Cheri’s mom threw the earring across the room. “Your dad is having an affair with that woman. I can’t believe she let me take her under my wing, shop at her boutique, and pretended to be my friend.” A tear trailed down her cheek. She angrily swiped it away. “I can’t believe they both did this to me. Right under my fucking nose.”
Cheri’s mouth fell open. “Why didn’t you stay and try to work it out, Mom? You and Dad have been married for over thirty years. You’ve built a successful business together. You’re the perfect cou—”
“We were the perfect couple.” Victoria took another healthy sip of wine followed by a long drag on her cigarette. Her despondent eyes bore into Cheri’s. “I left because your dad changed the fucking locks.”
Chapter 77
Hope checked the suggestion box outside her office to see if students had dropped off any wellness exercise ideas. Inside, she found a scrawled note which read:
Thank you, Miss Truman, for the awesome day at the fall festival! I really had fun. Did you hear Tucker bought me a Smartphone? It’s adorbs. Hugs, Britney
She reached for the phone to call Tucker. Deciding she’d rather show him the letter, she emailed and reminded the Hilltop English teachers of their exercise plan later that day and mentioned she had already bought sidewalk chalk.
~ ~ ~
Armed with buckets of colorful chalk, Hope and two English teachers handed out the chalk to English students before they began their two-mile trek.
“Write whatever you want, kids, but make sure it’s a positive message,” Hope said.
One of the English teachers added, “You can use quotes or uplifting notes. Think of something that will make passersby smile as they go about their day.”
The students reached in the bucket and began writing funny, humorous, and sweet sentiments. Several took photos with their phones as joggers and dog walkers stopped to read their notes. Britney reached for pink chalk.
Hope read the students’ messages which included “Dream big, “Be real, not perfect,” “You are brave,” “Never give up,” and “When nothing goes right, go left.” Proud of their profound messages, she couldn’t wait to see what Britney would pen. She nonchalantly peered over Britney’s shoulder as the teen wrote one word: “Family.”
Tears sprang to Hope’s eyes. She wanted to rush over and tell Britney they were going to be a family but this wasn’t the time. Tucker had to be involved in that conversation. Standing back, she watched as Britney took photos and selfies with her new phone. Hope smiled so much her cheeks hurt. I’m getting a twofer with Tucker and Brit.
Chapter 78
Hearing the heartbreaking news about her parents, Cheri couldn’t breathe. She placed her head in her hands as endless tears stung her eyes. “I-I can’t believe this.” Her voice caught. “None of this makes sense.” Wiping her runny nose with a tissue, she asked, “Why would Dad lock you out? Why would he do this to you? To us?”
Victoria drained her wine. “Obviously, he wanted younger blood, Cheri. I’m the old model. Gigi is young, beautiful, and talented. I’m a has-been.”
“Don’t ever say that. You’re gorgeous, Mom. You’re smart, savvy, and look fifteen years younger than your age.”
Clucking her tongue, Victoria said, “Actually most people think I look twenty years younger, but whatever.” She waved her empty wineglass in the air. “I really could use another drink.”
“Me too, but it’s early morning. Oh, hell, this calls for alcohol. You’re right, Mom.” Cheri half smiled. “I’ll get refills and brew some strong coffee. I think this is going to be a long night and day.” Her mind raced as she poured more wine. This can’t be happening.
As she approached the living room, Victoria had already lit another cigarette. This wasn’t the time to lecture her, so she let it go. Cheri handed her the wine. “Here. Coffee’s brewing too. We can sleep in tomorrow, and I’ll make a big brunch. How does that sound? Would you like that, huh?”
“Please don’t talk to me like a child.” Victoria stared at her over her wineglass. “I’d love brunch later—much later—as long as it involves mimosas.”
Cheri reached for her mom’s petite hand. “You’ll get through this. We’ll get through it.” She chewed on a newly manicured purple nail.
“Don’t bite your nails, darling. I don’t know where you picked up that nasty habit.”
As if smoking weren’t a nasty habit. “Are you hungry now? Want some cheese and crackers or popcorn?”
“No, darling. Just booze. You might want to stock up.”
The thought of an extended stay hadn’t yet occurred to Cheri. “How-How long are you staying?”
“Weeks? Months?” Victoria shrugged. “Maybe a year? Who knows?”
Cheri’s mouth fell open. “A year?”
“Where else would I go, darling?”
Ticking off her parents’ multiple houses on her fingers, Cheri said, “Your Manhattan penthouse, your European home, and isn’t there a bungalow in Carmel?”
A sob escaped Victoria’s throat. “Cheri, I’ve never been alone. Your father and I got married in college. We were not only married, we were in business together.” She sniffled. “I don’t know how to live alone.” Holding her daughter’s gaze, Victoria reached across the table and held Cheri’s hand. “Can I live with you?”
Cheri’s mouth went dry.
Victoria didn’t miss a beat. Face solemn, she asked, “I never thought I’d be saying these words but I’m suddenly homeless.” She stared at Cheri with reddened eyes. “I’m not strong like you.”
Chapter 79
Hope and Tucker decided they needed to tell Britney they were getting married sooner rather than later. He had asked Jill’s permission to take Britney to dinner to make the big announcement.
Driving to Britney’s house, Tucker said, “What do you think she’ll say?”
Hope grinned. “I think she’ll be thrilled—and surprised.”
Hope stayed in the car while Tucker went to the door. She stared at her diamond. I’m surprised Britney hasn’t noticed my engagement ring. Maybe she was too enthralled with her new phone.
The back door of the SUV opened, and Britney said, “Hi, Miss Truman. I’m glad you’re joining us for dinner.”
Hope glanced at Tucker who winked at her. “Me too,” Hope said. “Where would you like to eat?”
Tucker leaned across the seat. “You pick and make it good. We have a special announcement.”
“You do?” Britney wriggled in the back seat as she fastened her seatbelt. “Are we going to another festival? Is that it?”
Hope and Tucker laughed. “Not even close,” Tucker sa
id.
As they drove, Hope remarked about the changing fall leaves and asked Britney her favorite colors.
“Red, orange, and yellow—and pink, of course.”
“That about covers it.” Tucker grinned as he turned a knob on the dash. “It’s getting chilly. “Do you need some heat in the back seat?”
“Nah. I’m fine.”
“Okay, where am I headed, Britney?” After she chose the Olive Garden, they settled into a booth. The server promptly brought warm breadsticks and took beverage orders. The minute the server left, Britney said, “What’s the announcement?”
“Don’t you want to eat first?” Hope asked.
“No.” Britney placed her napkin in her lap. “I mean, no, thank you.”
Chapter 80
Cheri put her hands over her ears like a child as she sat at her mom’s feet. “I feel like I’m dreaming. No, I’m having a nightmare or have been transported to some alternate reality. This cannot be happening. I refuse to believe my dad is having an affair and locked you out of your own house.”
“Oh, it’s true.” Victoria took another healthy gulp. “I hope your . . . trust . . . is . . . intact.”
“Mom, you’re starting to slur.” She reached for her mother’s almost-empty wineglass. “I’ll get the coffee. Still take it black?”
“I’d rather have wine.”
“Maybe tomorrow. You’ll feel worse if you have a hangover.” Cheri poured two cups of black coffee, even though it would keep her up all night. She knew the only way to force her mother to drink the java was to join in. “Here you go.”
“P-Pretty . . . orange mugs.”
“I like orange. I also have yellow.” Cheri sipped the coffee and studied her mother’s frozen forehead. Maybe she’ll slow down on the plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements.
“Do you still have your trust, darling?”
“Of course. You and Daddy set it up. I used it as collateral to fund Fifth Avenue Catering in New York City.”
Victoria stared into her black coffee. “I bet you wish you hadn’t insisted we give you so little. Remember your tantrum when you said you wanted to make your own way?”
“It wasn’t a tantrum. I was simply expressing my independence as an entrepreneur. I’m proud of creating Fifth Avenue Catering.”
Her mom took a sip of coffee. “I’m proud of you too, darling. So is Thomas.”
The sound of his name brought Cheri to tears again. “I’m hoping this is all a phase. A short phase.”
“It’s over. I wouldn’t go back to him now if he begged me.”
“What?” Cheri’s mouth fell open. “Why not?”
“He chose another woman over me. He invited another woman—supposedly my friend—to our home and bedroom. I could never trust him again.” She shook her head vehemently. “Never.”
Somehow I bet she’d change her mind if daddy came crawling back. At least, I hope she would.
Victoria ran her finger around the rim of the coffee mug. “Do you still have two million in your trust?”
“You are awfully interested in my trust. Yes and no. One million is tied up in the business, as I mentioned.”
Trying to force her eyebrows to shoot up, her mother said, “So, you only have a paltry one million?” She clucked her tongue. “Of course, it’s more than I have right now.”
Cheri’s brows furrowed. “I’d hardly call one million paltry. Things are cheap here in the Midwest. I could live on that for the rest of my life.”
“Maybe without ever traveling, buying a second home, or shopping trips at Bloomies.”
Sighing loudly, Cheri said, “I think shopping trips to Bloomingdales are the least of your worries, Mom. Besides you should try T.J. Maxx or Target. They have cute clothes and shoes and they’re much cheaper. I’ll take you sometime.”
“You must be kidding. I’m perfectly sober now.” Victoria held her coffee mug in the air. Stretching, she said, “I’m getting tired. Do you have pajamas and a toothbrush I can borrow?”
“Sure. Let me put these away.” Cheri scrambled to her feet and took their mugs to the sink.
Victoria followed her. “I’ve missed Nana’s house. It’s . . . quaint.”
“Quaint? It’s stunning. Everything has been remodeled with new appliances, lighting, and granite. The view overlooking Crystal Lake is spectacular. And, Mom, it’s no longer Nana’s house. The memories are, but I bought it, remember?”
Victoria ran her finger across the brown, black, and gold speckled granite. “I think you need to update it again with white. Everyone is using white, you know. Did the house purchase come out of the one million you have left in your trust or did you take out a loan?”
“I paid cash—from my trust.” Cheri turned to face her mother. “Are you always going to be this nosy and totally fixated on money? Because I’m not happy about that. It’s my business.”
“I think I deserve to know. Your dad and I set up the trust when you were in college.”
Cheri bit her tongue. “About your pajamas and toothbrush. Follow me. You can stay in Nana’s room. Her homemade quilt is on the bed. That’ll be comforting, right?” I can only imagine what Mom’s going to say after she meets Cole.
Chapter 81
Hearing one of the twins squeal, Suzy rolled over and felt the bed. Ken was gone. That’s strange.
She padded into the nursery, soothed Matthew, and noticed Maggie was thankfully fast asleep. After changing his diaper, she breastfed him and laid him back in his bassinet before he was fully awake. She tiptoed out before Maggie requested a repeat performance.
In the hallway, she noticed a light over the kitchen table. She stepped into the living room and saw Ken hunched over his laptop. Lowering her voice so the twins wouldn’t hear, Suzy asked, “What are you doing, hon?”
He didn’t bother looking up. “Searching Izzy’s social media posts.”
Suzy glanced at the clock. “It’s three in the morning. Why now?”
Ken scratched his head. “Because I couldn’t sleep. I don’t like this. Not one bit. Come here.” Suzy sat beside him and stared at the screen. “Is that a tattoo peeking out from beneath Izzy’s top?”
Leaning forward, Suzy said she couldn’t tell. “It looks like she’s making a lot of friends.”
“Yeah. Look at all of them half naked on the beach with piercings everywhere. A few look like they used Picasso’s paint palette for their multi-colored hair. I don’t like it, Suze. Not one bit.”
“She’s in Hollywood, not the Midwest. They’re more carefree.” Suzy put her arm around his shoulders. “Besides, teens like to express themselves. We did the same thing.”
He frowned. “We didn’t have permanent tattoos and piercings.”
Reaching for her earlobe, Suzy said, “My ears are pierced. I even had two holes in each at one time but they grew back.”
He stared at her earlobes. “I never noticed that before.”
“Exactly. Don’t worry so much. She’ll be fine. Come back to bed.”
He closed the laptop. “I don’t know. I have half a mind to drive to California and see what’s going on.”
“And leave me with the twins? No way. That’s not going to happen.” Suzy yawned. “Call Izzy tomorrow. Let’s go to bed. I need some shuteye before Maggie wakes up.”
Chapter 82
Tucker reached for a breadstick as the server took their orders. Once the waitress left, he stared at Hope. “You tell her. Go ahead.”
Swallowing, Hope reached for Britney’s hand. “I-We have special news that affects us, and you, Brit.”
Britney glanced from Hope to Tucker. “Are you moving? Please don’t say you’re moving.”
“No, no. It’s nothing like that.”
“Good.” Britney
slurped her soda while Hope extended her left hand across the table and positioned her diamond on top. She had done her best to slide it beneath her finger every time Britney was around because she didn’t want to overwhelm the teen with their engagement until she had time to process the life-changing news about her dad.
Britney seemed more interested in the breadsticks until Hope literally waved her ring underneath the teen’s nose.
Bursting at the seams to shout their engagement to all of the restaurant patrons, Hope said, “What do you think?”
“That’s a pretty ring, Miss Truman.”
Hope and Tucker grinned. Tucker said, “Do you know what kind of ring this is?”
The teen shrugged. “A diamond or CZ, I guess.”
Tucker chuckled. “It’s definitely a diamond.” He reached for Hope’s right hand and extended his hand across the table. Britney gripped it as he said, “We’re going to be a family.”
Her eyes widened. “Wait. What?”
“I asked Hope—Miss Truman—to marry me.” He turned toward Hope. “And she said yes.”
Mouth open, Britney stared agog. “Does this mean-?”
Hope found her voice. “It means we’re engaged to be married. I’m marrying your dad, Britney.” She paused as the weight of the moment sunk in.
Britney jumped up from the table and hugged Hope. “I can’t believe this, Miss Truman. I suddenly have a dad and you’ll be—”
“Your stepmother.”
Britney nearly squeezed the breath out of Hope with her hug. Hope whispered in her ear. “I’m sure you know you were always my favorite student. Now, we’ll be a family.”
