Sisters Like Us

by Susan Mallery

  “I will. Thanks, Mom.”

  Her mother waved and drove off. Becca watched her go and thought about all that Lucas had said to her about what her mother did for her. She was still kind of mad at him, but she couldn’t stop thinking about his words. Was it possible he was right? Not anything she wanted to deal with so she turned and studied the complex in front of her.

  There had to be at least a dozen three-and four-story buildings. Signs pointed every which way, showing where she could find The Clubhouse and Memory Care. She knew her grandmother was in an apartment building called The Beach House, so she followed the signs to that one. Only when she came to two different paths, there was no little arrow showing her where to go.

  She chose right and entered one of the apartment buildings. Sliding doors closed behind her, giving her the sensation of being trapped. Jazz stayed close, her ears forward, her head held high as she checked out the situation.

  “It’s okay,” Becca told her, gently petting her, even though she wasn’t sure it was.

  The foyer opened up onto a big, airy common room with lots of seating and several televisions on the wall. They were all tuned to HGTV, where a cheerful couple explored homes in Spain. Several old people sat in wheelchairs or on sofas. A couple had IVs attached to their arms and one man was slumped over in his wheelchair.

  Becca felt herself start to panic. Why was her grandmother living here? She wasn’t old—at least not as old as these people—and she wasn’t sick. Why had she left to come here?

  A woman in a bright purple nurse’s uniform walked over and smiled. “Hi. Can I help you?”

  “I’m looking for my grandmother.” Becca looked around the room. “I don’t think she’s here.”

  “This is one of two skilled nursing facilities. The memory unit is next door.” Her tone gentled. “Did she come in from the hospital?”

  “What? No! She’s fine. She just moved out and I...”

  The woman touched her arm. “It’s all right. I know this can seem a little scary, but it’s not. Do you know the name of her building?”

  “The Beach House.”

  The nurse chuckled. “That’s where our wild seniors live. Let me take you to the path and I’ll point the way. I know the campus is big and can be really confusing, but once you get to know your way around, it’s pretty easy to navigate.”

  Before they could turn toward the door, a white-haired lady using a walker made her way over. Her attention was focused on Jazz.

  “I had a dog just like that one when I was a little girl. I called her Roxie. She and I would play all day long.”

  The woman reached out for Jazz to sniff her hand, then leaned forward to pet her. But she was short and the walker was wide and she couldn’t quite reach. Jazz glanced at Becca, who motioned her forward. Jazz immediately walked around to the woman’s side and sat next to her.

  “Oh, what a good girl you are,” the woman said as she stroked Jazz’s face. “Just seeing you makes my day.” She smiled at Becca. “You’re a very lucky girl to have such a beautiful dog.”

  “I know. Thank you.”

  The nurse led Becca out to the main path and pointed the way.

  “Turn left at the three palm trees,” she said. “The signs will lead you the rest of the way.” She hesitated. “Have you thought about training your dog to be a therapy animal? She’s so gentle and sweet and I know my residents would love to have her visit.”

  “I don’t know anything about that,” Becca admitted. Train Jazz to hang out with old people? Why would she want to do that?

  “It’s not that hard to get a dog certified. They have to be trained, but you already have a leg up with her. It would be nice for them and I think your dog might enjoy it, too. Something to consider anyway.”

  Becca nodded. “Thanks for the directions.”

  She found Bunny’s building and walked inside. The main open area was set up like a big living room, with lots of sofas and chairs. There was a stage at one end and what looked like a very complicated karaoke setup next to it. A woman at the front desk smiled at her.

  “You must be Becca. Bunny told us you were going to stop by. She’s on the third floor, apartment 318. You can go on up. There’s an elevator behind me or stairs at each end of the hall.” She pointed to her right. “That staircase gets you the closest.”

  “Thank you.”

  They walked down a wide hallway. There were a couple of classrooms, a computer lab, a huge movie theater–style room and gym. As she walked by she saw a yoga class in session.

  She and Jazz took the stairs to the third floor, then found their way to Bunny’s apartment. Her grandmother answered quickly.

  “Becca! You came.” Bunny let her in and petted Jazz. “I’ve missed you so much.”

  The warm hug was familiar and comforting. When her grandmother stepped back and led her into the apartment, Becca saw it was about the same size as the one she’d left at their house and all her grandmother’s furniture was in place.

  “How are you?” Bunny asked when they were seated, with Jazz lying on the carpet by Becca’s feet. “Tell me everything. I’m so on my own here. It’s not like I ever see your mother.”

  “Mom said she’s stopped by to see you twice already and you’re always too busy for her.”

  Bunny busied herself pouring lemonade into glasses. “Yes, well, I might have a few things going on, but that’s beside the point. I should come first.”

  Two weeks ago, Becca would have enjoyed the bitchfest about her mother, but Lucas’s stupid words were stuck in her head.

  “I don’t understand,” she admitted. “You left with no warning. You didn’t talk to Mom at all about your decision—you were just gone. She’s come by to see you, even though you never got in touch with her, and she’s the one in trouble?”

  Bunny pressed her lips together. “Why, that’s not at all what I said. How’s school? How are your grades? You only have a few weeks left.”

  Becca accepted the change in subject, mostly because she doubted her grandmother would tell her the truth. “I’m doing okay. Better in some classes than in others. Grandma, what’s a memory care unit? Is it for people with Alzheimer’s?”

  “Why would you ask?”

  “Jazz and I got turned around and ended up there. The lady at the front desk was really nice. One of the residents wanted to pet Jazz. It must be sad not to remember things.”

  “I’m sure it is. Getting old isn’t easy or fun, so enjoy being young. Now tell me, what else is going on with you?”

  “Just school and stuff. I’m nearly done with my driving hours so I’ll be taking my driving test soon. Oh, I’ve got Dad’s wedding coming up.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know how I feel about that. It’s going to be weird.”

  “I don’t think I knew that he was getting remarried. Your mother never tells me anything. Well, it’s her own fault she lost Terence. If she’d taken better care of him, they would still be married.”

  The tirade was familiar. Becca had heard her mother and grandmother fighting about it more than once, but it had never been said directly to her and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. A familiar knot formed in her stomach as she instinctively started petting Jazz. Her dog looked at her anxiously, as if sensing the tension.

  “Grandma, please don’t talk about that with me. It’s not right. She’s my mom.”

  “Since when did you get so delicate? You have to be very upset with the way she’s changed, working all the time. Her clients matter far more than her family. It’s a disgrace.”

  “She’s taking care of me. Do you think my dad cares? He doesn’t. He’s too busy with Alicia and getting married. He hasn’t helped with my driving even once. He never shows up when he says he will. He doesn’t bother to come on the weekends anymore. I never see him. But Mom is always there. Yes, she’s busy, but that’s so
she can take care of me. You’re being unfair, and I can’t listen to it anymore.”

  She stood and hurried to the door. Jazz was at her side the whole way. Together they ran down the stairs and out of the building. It took Becca a second to get her bearings, then she started for home.

  Anger and confusion battled. She didn’t want to take her mom’s side, but she couldn’t help herself. Her grandmother was wrong and always finding fault. That couldn’t feel good and to have Bunny so close, always judging...

  Her phone chimed. She pulled it out of her pocket and read the text from Ashton.

  Talked to Stacey about the wedding weekend. Want to come over after the fun and stay here? There’s an old show called Mystery Science 3000 that’s pretty cool and lame at the same time. One of the cable channels is having an all-night marathon. Stacey and Kit are in and it would be fun if you’d be here, too.

  Her heart bounced so hard, it lodged in her throat. A sleepover with Ashton? Technically it was an all-night TV marathon, but she doubted a very pregnant Stacey would last much past midnight and Kit wouldn’t stay up without her, which meant Becca and Ashton would be alone. For. The. Night! Who knew what could happen. If they slept together, then maybe the rest of her life would start to make sense. At least she would have something in common with Jordan again. Not that Jordan was speaking to her, but still.

  Love to. I have to check with my mom. Can Jazz come?

  Let me know and sure. Miss you.

  Her heart dropped back in place as her breathing stuttered to a stop. He missed her? He missed her? Wasn’t that really close to him liking her? As in “You’re my girlfriend and I really like you?”

  Hope burned so hot and bright, she had to close her eyes against the brilliance, then she began to run. Jazz kept up easily, watching her closely as if wanting to know what was going on.

  “It’s just Ashton,” she told the dog, even though it was so much more.

  Back at the house, she found her mother in her office with Dean. They both looked up at her, then her mother said, “You’re back early.” Her smile faded. “What happened?”

  “Nothing much. She had stuff to do.”

  “For a woman who went to an old folks’ home to die, your mother has quite the social calendar,” Dean said before heading for the door. “I’ll go busy myself in the craft room for a few minutes.”

  Harper waved Becca into his chair. “Tell me what happened. Did she upset you?”

  “She didn’t. Mom, it’s okay.” There was no way to talk about all the horrible things her grandmother had said. “I wanted to talk to you about after the wedding. Can I go over to Aunt Stacey’s house? There’s a TV marathon I want to watch.”

  “With Ashton?”

  Becca felt herself flush. “Yes. He’ll be there, but so will Aunt Stacey and Uncle Kit.”

  Her mother’s gaze was steady. “You’re seeing a lot of him.”

  “We’re hanging out. He’s nice.” She ducked her head. “It’s not exactly dating, but it’s kind of close.”

  “Do you like him?”

  Becca nodded, then looked at her mom. She smiled. “Have you seen him? He’s so...”

  “Hot?” Her mom laughed. “Can I say that? Does it make me sound old?”

  “You can say hot.”

  “Those eyes and his smile. Stacey says he’s a really good guy.” Her mother’s expression turned serious. “You know he’s going to college in September, right? At MIT, which means he’ll be all the way across the country.”

  “I know. But until then, he’s here. So is Saturday okay?”

  “Sure. Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes. There’s no way you’ll want to spend the night in your bridesmaid dress.”

  Becca groaned. “No one should have to wear anything with that much pink tulle. I’ll bring yoga pants and a T-shirt.” Anything else would cause suspicion. But she would have on her best bra and matching panties and she’d shave and, well, she didn’t know what else to do to prepare. Maybe she should look that up online.

  The sex thing was complicated, she thought as she and Jazz went into her room. Maybe it would be easier when she got the hang of it, but even if it wasn’t, she was going to sleep with Ashton, and then everything would be better.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  DRESSING FOR AN ex’s wedding was a bitch. While Harper was technically speaking to her mother, she didn’t want to ask her for advice or accessories. The subject of Terence’s marriage would open a verbal can of worms she simply didn’t want to deal with. That left her in the unfortunate position of having to get ready on her own, with her very limited wardrobe and fashion sense.

  She figured her black dress was somewhat inappropriate, which left her sleeveless floral print. There was no way she was going to shop for a new dress—if she was going to spend hard-earned money on clothes, it would be for a happier occasion than Terence’s nuptials.

  In a charming coincidence, the dress—mostly white with swirls of black and a scattering of peach flowers—went perfectly with the very expensive, very beautiful enamel and diamond bracelet Great-Aunt Cheryl had left her. She also put on the big-ass diamond studs. Terence wouldn’t notice either, or care, but the bride would and that was good enough for Harper. She finished up her outfit with a pair of strappy black sandals that would be killing her by the end of the evening, but looked good enough to be worth the pain. She’d used hot rollers to get a little curl action and plenty of spray to keep it in place. She went a little heavier than usual on her makeup and called it a day.

  After transferring her cell, her driver’s license and a credit card to a small clutch, she went to check on her daughter. She’d already done Becca’s hair in a fancy braid that she’d wrapped around her head and had helped her apply the perfect cat’s eye liner. Becca stood in the pale pink sheath that went under the ballet inspired tulle skirt the bridesmaids were wearing. She sighed when she saw her mom.

  “It’s pretty hideous,” she said. “I feel like I’m five and dressing up for a dance party.”

  “Imagine what the bride’s friends feel like. At least you’re young enough to pull it off. They’ll just look weird.”

  “You’re not going to say her name, are you?”

  “The bride’s? No, I don’t really see the point. After today I can refer to her as your father’s current wife.”

  Becca grinned.

  Harper helped her daughter into the tulle skirt, then fastened the buttons in the back and tied the wide sash. She’d brought along a sewing kit so she could tack the bow into place. Otherwise it would be coming undone every fifteen minutes. Her gaze settled on the backpack by the door. The one Becca would take to the wedding so she would have a change of clothes for tonight.

  Harper felt a slight twinge and wondered if she should talk to Stacey about Ashton and Becca. Just to make sure they weren’t left alone at three in the morning. Only Stacey was still upset about Bunny’s freak-out and Harper was concerned her sister would feel that Harper didn’t trust her.

  Still, Becca and Ashton not having sex was kind of important, so she decided to send a text, which made her a total and complete coward. Of course a text was also how she’d dealt with Terence and the issue of her bringing Lucas to the wedding. Terence’s terse, Do you really have to? along with her saying she did, had been the extent of their communication on the subject.

  Families, she decided. What a mess.

  “You’re beautiful,” she told her daughter. “Everyone in the wedding party is going to be so jealous.”

  Becca surprised her with a hug. “Thanks for helping me today, Mom. And for coming. I know you really don’t want to go to Dad’s wedding.”

  “Not really, but then he doesn’t want me there, either, so it’s kind of a win-win. I get to support you and annoy him. What’s not to like?”

  Becca laughed. “You have styl
e—you know that?”

  The compliment shocked her, but she tried not to show it. “Thank you. As do you.”

  They walked out to the living room. Lucas arrived right on time. He wore a medium gray suit with a shirt and tie the same gray color. The shade brought out the deep green of his eyes and looked sophisticated. The man was a looker, Harper thought, reminding herself that he was only doing her a favor. They were friends, nothing more. In Lucas girlfriend years, she was about a thousand and fifty-seven.

  “Are we ready?” he asked, holding out his hand.

  “We are.”

  Harper passed over her car key. His convertible only had two seats, so they would be taking her car.

  Thirty minutes later they were pulling in to the Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey. A valet handed over a ticket, which Lucas tucked in his jacket pocket, and they walked inside.

  They made their way to the ballroom where the wedding and reception would be held. The huge space was divided in two, with the far end opening on an outdoor area for the ceremony and the reception side spilling out onto a massive deck overlooking the marina. Lucas said he would take care of himself while Harper got Becca settled.

  It only took a few minutes to find the bride’s room. One of the bride’s cousins, a girl about Becca’s age, took charge and showed Becca where they were waiting.

  “We’re junior bridesmaids,” the teen said as she rolled her eyes. “It’s humiliating.”

  Becca flashed Harper a smile. “I’ll be okay, Mom. I know where to find you and Lucas.”

  “Yes, we’ll be with the unwanted guests.”

  Becca laughed. “Save me a seat.”

  Harper left her and found Lucas on a balcony overlooking the marina.

  “She okay?” he asked.

  “Yes. She’s made a friend. Apparently there are junior bridesmaids. I know she thinks she’s only in the wedding because of her dad.”

  “Isn’t that true?”

  “Yes, but I’m sorry she had to figure it out. I don’t want her hurt.”