Widow's Secrets

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  Spearing another bite of cake, Liana guessed that might be the reason. For years now she’d been living quietly, half-awake, under the radar. Instead of screaming against the injustices in her life, she’d simply woken up each day and did her best to get through it.

  But that was all she’d been doing. Just subsisting. Never really alive, never really anything. Numb to the world.

  Quitting her job at the diner and embracing her art would mean that she’d have to stop hiding behind the bright artwork and come into her own. But...was she really brave enough to hold her head up high and look people like Brenda in the eye and say that she was an artist? Would she really be able to admit to her brother that she was no longer living on the outskirts of poverty but dancing in the shadows of all their dreams? She didn’t know. Billy had left her a massive amount of scars, both physical and emotional. But while faint white lines from his various injuries marred her body, they weren’t the ones that still hurt. No, the injuries that still seared her soul had come from his emotional abuse. The lies. The way he’d always made her feel less than she was.

  Tonight’s visit to the gallery was evidence of that.

  Then there was Kent. What was going on with them? Yes, they were just friends now, but she knew as much as he did that they weren’t fooling anyone with that label. Least of all themselves.

  When her phone rang, she stared at it in confusion before picking it up. “Kent?”

  “Yeah, it’s me.” He sounded disgruntled. “Sorry it’s so late. Did I wake you up?”

  “No. I was um, just sitting here on the couch.” No reason to tell him about the half-demolished cake still perched on her lap. “Is everything okay? Did you make it home okay?”

  “Hmm? Oh, yeah. I’ve been home for a while.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Listen, the whole way home, I was thinking about us, and about fear and all the reasons that we should probably wait to take things further.”

  He was breaking up with her. “I see. So you want to not see each other anymore?”

  “What? No. No!” He groaned. “See, this is why I have as many hang-ups as you do. I overthink things. Then, when I finally do get the nerve to do what’s on my mind, it comes out in a heap of complicated gibberish.”

  She chuckled. “Maybe not that bad.”

  “It feels like it.” He sighed. “Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that while there are a lot of good reasons to wait and be cautious, I’m tired of letting all of my fears rule my actions.”

  “Okay...” she said, hoping that he would give her some more information and not leave her hanging there.

  When he exhaled, she could practically feel his frustration with himself. “Liana, what I’m trying to say is that I want you to come over to my parents’ house with me for Sunday dinner.”

  “Sunday dinner?”

  “I always go over there on Sunday nights. Don’t say no. It’s casual. Well, pretty casual, I mean for them. What do you say?”

  “I say...what?”

  “Uh-oh. What did I do now?”

  “You’re talking in circles, Kent.” She felt like he’d gone from point A to B to the letter M in one fell swoop. “We agreed a few days ago that our seeing each other was a conflict of interest. Then we were going to be just friends but then you kissed me. And now you’ve decided to stop living in fear and your solution is to eat dinner with your parents?”

  “Okay, I know I might sound like I don’t know what I want. But I do.”

  “And you want...what?” She really needed everything to be spelled out.

  “I want to do something that actually shows you how serious I’m becoming about the two of us. Having you over at my parents’ is a good first step.”

  “I guess it is.”

  “So what do you think?”

  She thought she wanted the same thing he did. “I think I’m flattered by your invitation and I’m wondering what they’ll think of me.”

  “Don’t worry about that.” Sounding confident again, Kent said, “Liana, they’re going to love you. I promise they’re not the type to ask you a dozen inappropriate questions, either. They’re nice people.”

  He was making it sound like his parents were practically the Waltons. “Kent, your father is a cop, right? And your mother is a lawyer?”

  “Yes.” He paused. “Is something wrong with that?”

  “Only that they don’t quite sound like the easygoing, down-to-earth folks you’re making them out to be. What do you think they’re going to say when they discover we met because of one of your cold cases?”

  “After getting to know you, my dad is going to say that I’ve never been too smart but that I’ve obviously been getting smarter in spite of myself. And my mother is going to say something just like that but using bigger words,” he joked. “Please say yes, Liana.”

  “What Sunday are we talking about?”

  “This Sunday.”

  “The day after tomorrow.” Yes, she was sounding panicked.

  “Yep. So what do you think?”

  “Kent, I think that you’ve given me no notice and that I have to work tomorrow.”

  “This is for dinner, Li. What are you getting at?”

  “I’m not going to have time to go shopping.”

  “Just wear whatever,” he said like a guy who had never stared blankly at a closet full of clothes. “So it’s a yes?”

  “Yes.” She couldn’t believe she was agreeing so easily, but she didn’t want to let him down. Or maybe it was herself she didn’t want to let down.

  “Great. I’ll pick you up at five, Liana.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She didn’t know how she was going to do it, but she would. Just as she was about to tell him that she was looking forward to it, she yawned. Almost immediately, he yawned, as well. “I guess we finally got tired.”

  “I guess so. Sleep well, Liana. Good night.”

  “You, too,” she said softly before hanging up, throwing the last of the cake away and then trotting off to bed.

  Hmm. It seemed she hadn’t needed a chocolate fix after all. Just a good phone call with Kent Olson.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Kent had prepped his parents before their arrival, but he didn’t know if it had done a lot of good. Dad had sounded amused on the phone and barely stayed on five minutes before passing it on to his mother. Kent had watched his father practice that move all his life. There was a reason his father had risen so high in the ranks of the police department, and it was his ability to step away before he said or did something inappropriate.

  Dad had put that habit into play with his parents and in-laws plenty of times. Even the Bennetts, the annoying neighbors who’d moved in from Maryland and then moved out again ten months later, citing that Cincinnati, Ohio, was just far too quaint for someone with their East Coast roots.

  And now his father had played that same game with him.

  Not Mom, though. Mom had been determined to speak her mind, all of which was focused on her son’s mistaken impression that she wouldn’t be welcoming to his new girlfriend.

  Kent had hung up with the feeling that he’d made an error, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on what, exactly, he’d done wrong.

  Now, as he was pulling into his parents’ driveway with Liana by his side, he was hoping he was a better actor than parent-prepper. Liana looked so nervous she was practically shaking, and simply holding her hand wasn’t making things any better.

  “Liana, I promise, they’re nice people and they’re excited to meet you.”

  But she kept staring at the front of the house. “You said your father was a cop, just like you.”

  “That’s true.”

  “Then how come y’all have this?” She waved a hand toward the black front door.

  “It’s just a house, Li.”

/>   “No, it’s a really big house.”

  He felt like pointing out that she could probably get herself a pretty fine-looking house with the money she’d been stashing in her bank account, but knew that wouldn’t go over too well. “Both of my parents have worked hard all their lives. Plus, Dad inherited some money when his father died. That’s how they have this.”

  “So it’s family money.”

  She made it sound like he was a trust-fund kid, and he wasn’t that. Not at all. However, he was beginning to realize that anything he said wouldn’t come across right. Taking her other hand in his, he added, “Liana, I promise none of this matters all that much. It’s just a house. What matters is the people inside, and I can tell you with a hundred percent certainty that both of my parents are currently peeking out the window and wondering why we aren’t coming in.”

  “You think so?”

  “Oh, yeah. They’re sneaky that way.”

  When she looked like she was going to start fussing with her hair—which was down around her shoulders and as pretty as ever—he leaned over and kissed her brow. “Come on. It’s just dinner.”

  She got out of her side before he could get her door for her, but he let it slide. Instead, she looked like she was steeling herself to go into battle. Her chin was up, her shoulders were back and she looked determined to conquer the world. He could only hope that his parents wouldn’t disappoint and that they’d be as great as he knew they could be.

  Just as he helped her up the four steps leading to the landing by the front door, it swung open. And there were his parents, dressed casually—for them. His father was in jeans, loafers and a button-down. His mom was wearing a loose sleeveless sheath dress made out of black linen.

  He and Liana looked almost like carbon copies. He was wearing his favorite pair of worn khaki chinos, Birkenstocks and a black polo. Liana was wearing a pale yellow sundress and gold flip-flops.

  He noticed Liana had taken stock of everyone’s outfits, too, because she breathed a sigh of relief just as his parents stepped forward.

  “Hi, guys. We’re so glad you’re here,” Mom said. Smiling brightly at Liana, she held out her hand. “I’m Peggy and this is my husband, Richard.”

  “Liana Mann. Thank you for having me.”

  After Kent shook his dad’s hand and kissed his mother’s cheek while Liana shook hands with both his parents, he rested his hand on the small of Liana’s back. She didn’t pull away, which he was grateful for. He wanted her to know that he literally and figuratively had her back. He wasn’t going to allow her to flounder for one minute during this dinner.

  To his relief, his parents walked them right through the entryway, to the kitchen, and then out on to the backyard patio. The patio was made of red brick, had a fire pit and was surrounded by eight or ten elm and birch trees. The iron patio furniture had bright orange cushions and was comfortable and cozy.

  “Do you like salmon, Liana?” his father asked.

  “Yes. I mean, I haven’t had it that much but I’m sure I’ll like it.”

  “We grilled it on a cedar plank and drizzled it with teriyaki and lemons,” his dad said. “Teriyaki sauce makes everything better, right?”

  Liana’s lips curved into a beautiful smile for the first time all day. “I’ve always thought so.”

  “Kent, come help me with the drinks,” his mom said as she headed toward the kitchen. “Arnold Palmers okay with you, Liana?”

  “Do you know what an Arnold Palmer is?” Dad asked. “It’s lemonade and iced tea.”

  “I know all about them. I make about thirty of them a day at the diner where I work.”

  Dad smiled. “Oh yeah? Is that the drink of choice?”

  “It is in the summer.” Liana made a move to get up. “Would you like some help, Peggy?”

  “Not at all. That’s what sons are for. You sit down and relax.”

  After double-checking to see that Liana looked just fine, Kent followed his mother inside. “What do you need me to do? Get out the drinks or the glasses?”

  “The tea and lemonade. I’ll put ice in the glasses.”

  Just as he got out the two pitchers, his mom smiled. “She’s darling, Kent. So wholesome-looking, too.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” he asked as he continued to fill each glass with lemonade and tea.

  “Not a thing. I guess I just had a different vision of her.” She sent him a pointed look. “Plus, it’s not like you’re one to give great descriptions or much information at all, Mr. Privacy.”

  He supposed he deserved that. It wasn’t like he was going to call his parents and tell them how fascinated he was with Liana. “Ready to take the drinks out?”

  “Yep. You take the glasses. I’ll take the appetizers.”

  He noticed then that she had the oven door open and was pulling out her favorite puff pastry appetizers. Glad that she wasn’t serving anything too crazy, he walked outside to join his dad and Liana. They were chatting together like they were best friends.

  “I have drinks,” he announced. “Mom’s behind me with those puff pastry things she had in the freezer.”

  “We’re going all out for you, girl,” his dad teased. “Sunday appetizers aren’t our norm.”

  Looking even more at ease, she smiled up at him. “I’m feeling more special by the minute.”

  “If this keeps up, I’m going to bring you here every Sunday, Liana,” Kent said as he handed her a glass and then took a seat next to her. “Last weekend we ate hot dogs and tater tots.”

  “If I get to come again one day, I’ll bring a dish.”

  “Anytime you want to join us, just show up,” Mom said as she sat down. “Even if Kent can’t make it.”

  He pretended to look affronted. “Wow. Thanks, Mom.”

  “Oh, you know what I meant,” his mother said. “Help yourself, Liana.”

  And so it continued. Kent leaned back, sipped his drink and watched Liana come out of her shell. He’d never been so proud of his parents. They had somehow managed to make her feel special but like an old friend at the same time.

  Later, when the fish and baked potatoes and greens were ready, they moved to the dining room. By this time Liana looked so relaxed, Kent figured she wouldn’t have been nervous about anything they could have served.

  The only uncomfortable bit came at the end when they were saying their goodbyes.

  “I don’t want you to leave without mentioning that we know Kent is working on your husband’s case,” his dad said. “I didn’t work on it all those years ago but I was aware that it was never closed. I’m sorry about what you’ve been going through.”

  And just like that, Liana froze. Seeing that she’d paled slightly, Kent moved closer to her. “Dad, now’s not the time.”

  Liana put one slim hand on his forearm. “Kent, it’s okay.” Turning to his father, she nodded. “Thank you for saying that.”

  “Kent’s a good cop. He’ll figure out what happened. I have no doubt about it.”

  But instead of looking pleased, a new shadow entered her eyes. “I guess we’ll see what happens. I’m starting to realize that ten years really is a long time ago.”

  “Dad, I’m sorry, but we really do have to go,” he said. No way did he want his father to start discussing old cases.

  After flicking a glance at him, his dad nodded. “Right. Good to see you, son. And Liana, I hope to see you again soon.”

  His mother hugged her. “You’re a delight, dear. Keep my boy in line.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “I’ll call you soon, Mom. Thanks.”

  His mother smiled. “Anytime, son.”

  When they got back to the car, he helped Liana in and then got in the driver’s seat. As he pressed the button on his ignition, he exhaled deeply. “We survived.”

  When Liana giggled a
nd smiled at him softly, he knew right then and there that they’d done more than that.

  Chapter Twenty

  Liana had been a nervous wreck the entire day, sure that the dinner with Kent’s parents was going to be awful. By now she knew that Kent was well-spoken, well educated and came from parents who only wanted the best for him.

  There wasn’t a lot about her background that was the same. So she’d been worried about what they were going to ask her and how she was going to respond.

  Among other things.

  But she’d fallen in love with Richard and Peggy. She’d loved her parents, but they hadn’t been around much. Then her mother had gotten sick and her father had just been plain tired. He’d been more of the kind of guy to sit in his chair by the TV and doze until she informed him that supper was ready.

  But even when things had been pretty good, neither had been the type to joke around with her and her friends or to go all out for a Sunday dinner. They hadn’t even done those things for Mason, which Liana figured said a lot. She’d never needed a counselor to explain why she’d gotten in a relationship with Billy Mann. Liana knew—she’d never thought she deserved anyone better.

  So Peggy and Richard Olson were amazing.

  But they couldn’t hold a candle to Kent. He’d been close to a hero in a TV movie that evening. The stuff that teenage girls’ dreams were made of, before they realized that such dreams were never going to come true.

  But maybe she’d been wrong.

  After all, he’d been attentive and sweet from the time he picked her up to now, driving her home. He’d gone out of his way to make sure she was happy and didn’t feel threatened. He waited on her. Encouraged her and held her hand. He’d even gently reminded his parents that they needed to keep things light with her, too.

  He was still being sweet now, since he was driving her home and she hadn’t done much besides gaze out the window and replay the whole surprising evening in her head.

  When he slowed to take her exit off the highway, he glanced her way. “Did my parents wear you out so much that you need a nap? Are you exhausted?”