Fearless

by Fern Michaels

  Mandy’s eyes pooled with tears. “Thanks. I needed to hear this. As I said, I’m a little jealous.” She dabbed her eyes with the hem of her Pink Floyd T-shirt.

  “Don’t be.”

  “If you two don’t stop your hootin’ and hollerin’, we ain’t gonna get this mountain of food ready for tomorrow,” Mona called over her shoulder. She was still at the sink, prepping the ribs for Anna’s dry rub.

  Anna grinned at Mandy.

  “We’re fine, Mona. Why don’t you switch places with me? I want to get this rub on and let it marinate overnight,” Anna said, glad they were finally focusing on the food prep.

  “Gladly; this old woman needs a two-minute break,” she said, taking a can of Coke from the refrigerator and sitting on a barstool to drink it.

  Christina burst through the back door, the smell of chlorine clinging to her, her wet shorts and T-shirt dripping all over the floor. “You’ve been in the pool,” Anna said.

  “Duh, yeah. Jeb dropped the bag of mesquite chips in the pool. He tried to get them out with the net, and pushed them too far for me to reach, so I just jumped in and got them. No biggie.” She plopped the wet plastic bag onto the bar. “You’re supposed to soak these or something?” she added.

  “Something like that. Thanks, sweetie. Why don’t you run upstairs and change into dry clothes? You can help with the dessert later if you want.”

  Anna was going to make her mother’s red devil’s food cake for tomorrow. She liked it to sit overnight, as it always tasted better that way.

  “Only if I get to lick the beater,” Christina tossed over her shoulder, heading upstairs.

  “Always,” Anna called out. “They never outgrow the beater licking.”

  Mandy shot her a wry smile. “I could run with that, but I’ll be kind and not. I’ll leave it, but only till next time.”

  “You’re such a pig.” Anna tossed a mesquite chip at her. Back to their usual crazy banter, Anna hated that she’d made her feel even the slightest bit of jealousy. Certainly it wasn’t her intention. She didn’t understand why she felt so defensive, other than that she suspected Ryan might be a bit hard on his kids. She would see how the barbecue went tomorrow. For her, this was a test. If Ryan’s mouth let loose, she would tell him they needed to sit down and discuss this habit of his. It was another slight problem, that she had recently learned needed attention, that was concerning her. She wanted to see how he interacted with Christina and his kids together, plus Mandy, Jeb, and Mona. If there was even a hint of his implying he was better than they were, something she’d picked up on a few times when she spoke of Mona and Jeb, she would seriously consider ending their relationship. Maybe. Regardless of that, the slight problem she had required both of their attention or there could be issues down the road. How did I get myself into such a mess?

  Though she wasn’t one hundred percent sure, she wasn’t naïve. Having these suspicions should be a deal breaker. But she would give them all a chance to get to know one another, then make her decision accordingly.

  “Deep thoughts?” Mandy asked, dumping the freshly shucked corn in a large bowl.

  “I never have deep thoughts,” Anna said, forcing a laugh. “My only deep thoughts consist of food and grocery lists.”

  “I know from personal knowledge that your grocery bills dig deep into your bank account.”

  “True, but that’s part of the job, so I’ll let my accountant worry about it,” Anna quipped, finishing her spice mix and focusing her attention on the slabs of ribs. She smeared her dry rub across them on both sides, then took the baking sheets and placed them inside the refrigerator. “Remind me to set those out a couple of hours before putting them on the grill. They’ll cook evenly when they start at room temperature.”

  “You’re not filming,” Mandy said.

  “Habit. Just tune me out.”

  “Yep, it’s what I always do,” Mona said from her place at the bar. “Tune ya out. I wait to watch ya on the show each week. Me and Jeb have supper every Tuesday night in front of that smart TV you gave us for Christmas. I don’t get why it’s smart, ’cause I can’t figure how to turn the darned channel. Jeb’s good for it, though.”

  “I’ll give you a lesson anytime. Just say the word,” Mandy said.

  “Nah, gives Jeb somethin’ to do. Makes him feel smarter than me, and the TV.”

  “Men and their TVs,” Anna said. She’d bought them a smart TV because they couldn’t figure how to watch her YouTube channel on their computer, a desktop which was so old, it was a miracle they could log on to the Internet. She planned to get both new laptops for Christmas this year. Mandy could give them a crash course in how they operated.

  “I wouldn’t know, being single and all,” Mandy tossed in. She’d broken off with Eric.

  “You ain’t got to be in no hurry to get unsingle. Someone’ll find you when you’re ready. Matter of fact, enjoy being alone for a while longer, ’cause I guarantee, when you do tie the knot, you ain’t gonna get no TV time unless you beg. When Jeb ain’t a-workin’, that TV blares like a battle cry. He’s addicted to that show about dead people that walk. Dumbest stuff I’ve ever heard of,” Mona said.

  “I know that show, and agree, it’s a stretch of the imagination,” Anna said. “Christina and Tiffany watch it. It’s probably not very age-appropriate, but I can’t control everything she does.”

  “She’s knows it’s not real. Anyone with a brain does,” Mandy said.

  “Then that leaves Jeb out,” Mona said.

  Anna burst out laughing. “You’re so mean!”

  “Nope, it’s the truth. He thinks that stuff happens or it’s gonna happen, not sure which, but you can’t tell him it’s malarkey. He’ll argue with ya till the cows come home.”

  When Mona was on a roll, and had an audience, she was as entertaining as any stand-up comedian.

  “Did I hear my name?” Jeb himself stood in the mudroom entry leading to the kitchen. He was a true Texan. He wore blue Levi’s, one of his many Stetson hats, a pale blue, short-sleeved western shirt with snaps in place of buttons, and a worn leather belt, with a silver buckle in the shape of Texas with a brass star in the middle. A full head of white hair showed when he removed his hat, and the hatband had left a deep dent around his head. His bright blue eyes were as alert as those of a man half his age. “What lies you tellin’ these kids now?” he asked his wife as he planted a kiss on her cheek.

  “Nothing that ain’t true,” Mona said. “What’re you doin’ in here? Thought you was cleaning that pool.”

  “I’m finished. No sweet tea in the little house.” Jeb always referred to the guesthouse as the little house. “So I figure Miss Anna’s got to have some here in the big house.”

  “Always,” Anna said. She washed her hands, grabbed a glass, filled it with ice, then took the pitcher of tea from the refrigerator and filled the glass. “Here you go, Jeb. Thanks for taking care of the pool for me. The guys at Neptune are off the entire month of September.”

  “I’d be hirin’ another company,” Mona said, sipping her Coke. “It’s hotter than a jalapeño in a baby’s mouth right now. Why in the world would ya take this month off?”

  “Wasn’t a lick a trouble,” Jeb said. “I’m gonna head out, get the grills ready for tomorrow. You need me for anything else, just holler.” Jeb downed his glass of tea, gave a wave, put his Stetson on, and exited as fast as he’d entered.

  “I swear that man makes my ankles swell,” Mona said. “I’m gonna go make some sweet tea, so you girls behave yourselves.” She went through the mudroom and out the back door.

  Mandy waited until the door closed. “Are you setting the alarm during the day? I was curious since they’re running in and out like house flies, as Mona would say.”

  “No, I haven’t. I don’t think it’s unsafe. If I did, I wouldn’t let Christina run in and out. The gates are locked, the security cameras are on.”

  “I take it that you haven’t heard any more news then?” Mandy asked.


  Grateful for her concern, Anna answered. “No, it’s been a while. I think whoever they are, maybe they decided I wasn’t worth going to jail over. Whatever the reason, I don’t have that creeped-out feeling I had when I was being watched. I know it’s a possibility that they could start up again. I think we’ve got enough security and alarms to ensure we’re all safe here at the house. Out in public, there isn’t anything I can do about it except stay on high alert. And I have. I promise you.” They hadn’t discussed her stalker in a while, and Anna found that she could speak about it now without the fear she had once had.

  “I worry about you.” Mandy seemed to be struggling with whatever it was she wanted to say. “You seem, I don’t know, different. Are you sure there isn’t anything you want to tell me?”

  Anna sat down at the bar on the stool beside her best friend. “You know me that well, don’t you?”

  “I’d like to think I do.”

  Anna felt anxious, unsure whether she wanted to tell Mandy what she suspected. By all rights, Ryan should be the one she told first, but this felt right.

  “Can you keep this to yourself for a while?” Anna asked, turning her stool so that they faced one another.

  “I’m sure I can, whatever it is,” Mandy said.

  Closing her eyes and trying to visualize her next words, she couldn’t see an easy way to say what she needed to other than spit it out as Mandy would tell her to do. “I think I might be pregnant.”

  Mandy stared at her, apparently at a loss for words.

  Chapter 13

  The front doorbell rang promptly at twelve o’clock. Ryan, Patrick, and Renée were standing at the door, each holding a package, though Ryan had a gorgeous bouquet of Texas bluebonnets. Anna smiled. “I’m so glad ya’ll came. Come on in.” She took the flowers from Ryan. “These are a favorite of mine, thanks.” She inhaled their slight scent. “How did you find these this time of year?”

  “My best-kept secret,” he intoned, his dark blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

  “Fine by me,” Anna said. “Patrick, Renée, glad you’re here. Christina is already in the pool. I want you all to meet her. Follow me,” she said. Neither of the kids spoke, but Anna got that. This place could be a bit intimidating, the size alone, not to mention the two winding staircases that expanded to three levels at the main entrance. Eight bedrooms, five full-size bathrooms, all equipped with Jacuzzi tubs, the same luxuries she had in her master bath. She’d sunk several million dollars into the place, but in spite of its grandeur and size, she’d managed to make it homey and comfortable.

  “Does YouTube make people rich?” Renée asked out of the blue, handing her the small package.

  “Renée Robertson! Where are your manners?” Ryan said in a stern voice. “That’s not very polite.”

  Anna stopped when they reached the kitchen. “It’s okay, Ryan. Thanks for the gift. It’s sweet of you both.” Anna placed the package on the bar, and Patrick placed another matching gift beside hers. “Renée, lots of people make their fortunes in jobs that make them happy. I’ve been very blessed to do what I love and earn a living. It’s always been my hope that one day this house will be full of kids and grandkids, and all their families. I was an only child, so some might think I’ve gone a bit overboard. But someday this will all go to Christina and her family. So”—she smiled at Ryan, who was listening intently—“that’s my story.

  “Come on, through here. Jeb and Christina worked on the pool yesterday to make sure it was fit to swim in. The pool company I use takes a vacation in September,” Anna explained.” She led them through the kitchen, to the mudroom and outside.

  Christina was floating in the center of the pool on a giant pink flamingo, her latest float. Free-floating in the pool were a giant duck, a frog, and a doughnut, all picked out by Christina when she had learned of the pool party. Mandy had taken her to Paul’s Plus, where they had the most unique, sturdy floats in town. Anna laughed but allowed her daughter to put her mark on whatever she thought she could do to add to the ambience, if you will, and most of the time, she was spot-on. Today was no different.

  “Cool!” Renée said when she saw the pool. She ran ahead of them, stopping when she reached the raised ledge, an area Anna had had built for those who wanted to sun alongside the pool without being splashed. Most of the time it was a safe space. However, when Christina and her friends were in the mood, no one was safe around them as they splashed and jumped off the diving board. A total free-for-all.

  “Patrick, what do you think?” Anna really wanted his opinion as he was a swimmer. They stood around the deck taking in the enormity of the pool and the areas surrounding it.

  Anna continued. “It’s about forty feet long, and sixteen in width. I had to check the specifics as I wasn’t sure when you asked me at dinner. Eight feet deep, and the shallow end is about four foot deep.”

  Patrick stepped toward the pool, not saying a word as he stripped off his shirt, kicked off his flip-flops, walked around to the diving board, and slowly walked to the edge. He looked down, walked back, then took off in a run, bouncing high into the air, his lean body forming into a perfect dive, hitting the water with barely a splash.

  “Holy cow!” Christina called. “That is totally the most perfect dive I’ve ever seen.” She slid off her flamingo and swam across the pool to where they were standing. Without bothering to use the steps, Christina easily lifted herself out of the pool. She was wearing a fluorescent orange one-piece swimsuit. “Hey, I’m Christina. You must be Renée. And I know that’s your brother. Mom said he was a swimmer, but didn’t mention anything about being an expert diver.” She held her hand out to Renée, but the girl just stood there. “Hey, Ryan.” Christina focused her attention on him.

  “How’s it going, kiddo?” he said to her.

  “Well, Patrick needs no encouragement, but did you all bring swimsuits?” Anna asked.

  “They did.” Ryan answered. “They’re in the car, with a change of clothes for all of us. Wasn’t sure, so I told the kids to pack like they were going on a trip. Renée brought her entire bedroom,” he said jokingly. He turned back to Christina. “Looks like you’ve been out in the sun for a while.”

  “Yeah, sorry, Mom. I forgot the sunscreen. I’ll go inside and put some on.” She stopped, turned to Renée, and asked, “You want to see my room?” That was so typical of her daughter, polite to a fault.

  “Yeah, sure,” Renée finally answered.

  “Come on,” Christina held her hand out, and shockingly, Renée placed her hand in Christina’s. “We’ll be back in a bit, Mom,” she said.

  “No worries. Take all the time you want.”

  “That’s unusual,” Ryan said. “She’s not the most outgoing kid.”

  “She’s great! Now why didn’t you tell me that Patrick was such an expert on the diving board?” Patrick swam to the end of the pool and back so fast that Anna was truly amazed. “And that?” She pointed to his fast-moving figure in the pool. “Dang, he’s good.”

  “Yeah,” Ryan said, a note of disappointment in his voice. “He was.”

  “Was? I think he still is,” she countered, emphasizing the two verbs. “Want to talk about it?” she asked. Anna had been avoiding discussing Patrick and whatever his issues were, but now, being in the condition she was, she truly wanted, needed to know what had happened to take him away from a sport he obviously excelled at.

  “It’s not something I like to talk about. Maybe later?” He turned to her, a smile on his face. “I want today to be perfect, nothing negative to ruin it for me.”

  Anna sighed. “Okay, but I truly would like to learn more about your children, what made them become the people they are now. But if you’d rather wait, I understand.”

  Ryan pulled her close to him, his forehead touching hers, though he had to stoop down to do this as he was much taller than her. “That’s what I love most about you, Anna. You’re so understanding. Patrick doesn’t like me to talk about this, but later, I .
. . No, forget that. Step over here,” he said, guiding her to one of the four tables with giant blue-and-white-striped umbrellas. They sat down and he pulled his chair as close to hers as he could. “This is between us, okay?”

  “Of course,” she replied.

  “The summer before Patrick’s junior year, he met this girl, Rosalee; they were inseparable, they were madly in love. You know how first love can be?” He paused, as if he needed her to answer.

  “Sure,” she said. Did she ever.

  “One thing led to another, and Rosalee was pregnant by the end of the summer.”

  “Oh, I had . . . no idea.” Anything but that, she thought, but she let him continue with this story before the rest of her hodgepodge family made their first appearance.

  “Yeah, it wasn’t a good time for either of them.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Her family went ballistic, as you would expect. I wasn’t happy, but as a guy, I understood.”

  Would he be as understanding when she told him of her suspicions?

  She nodded encouragingly.

  “Ryan wanted to marry her, said he would quit school, get a job. He wanted to take care of Rosalee and their baby. While I admired him for accepting his responsibility, as his father, I couldn’t allow him to ruin his life over one summer love, since, as we both know, first loves last like a paper to a flame. They’re hot and exciting, then most die out as fast as they began. Logan, his swimming coach, got word of this, not sure how, but he came to me, told me it was highly probable that if Patrick continued on the swim team, he’d get a full scholarship to a college of his choice. So, of course, I was thrilled to hear that, but I knew it wasn’t possible if he dropped out of school and took a damn job selling hamburgers. He had a bright future.” He took a deep breath.

  “I met with Rosalee’s parents; they’re a good Spanish family, very moral. Catholic. I explained to them that Patrick had an awesome future ahead of him. His coach even talked Olympics, but Patrick shut his mind off to his future. Unless Rosalee and his child were a part of it, he wouldn’t listen to her family, and certainly I was the bad guy, so he wouldn’t listen to me, either. We were all at a crossroad, we wanted what was best for the kids, even if they thought they knew better. They were barely sixteen. Her parents refused to allow her to have an abortion, which is what I suggested, thinking it was best. Her family wouldn’t hear of it, so they sent Rosalee to live with a cousin. In Spain, of all places. The baby was adopted, and we’ve never discussed it since. Patrick’s way of showing his disappointment was to quit the swim team. Today’s the first day he’s been in a pool since.”