by Dara Girard
“I’m making the choice for him.”
She held up her hands in surrender. “Fine.” She winked at Justin. “Happy holidays,” she said as she turned away.
“Yes,” Lora sneered. “Ho, ho, ho.”
The woman spun around, her eyes blazing at the innuendo. “What did you say?”
Justin covered Lora’s mouth. “She didn’t say anything.”
The woman shot her a venomous glance as she walked away.
Lora removed Justin’s hand. “That woman ruined everything.” She turned to Justin and saw him bite his lip. “You think this is funny?”
He shook his head, but his chin trembled.
“It’s not funny,” she said.
He turned his back to her, and she saw his shoulders shake.
“Stop laughing.”
He sent her a glance over his shoulder. “Ho, ho, ho?” he said between breaths. “You’re vicious.”
“I suppose that was a little juvenile.”
He laughed harder.
“You’re really enjoying this.”
He grinned. “I should go shopping more.”
“She ruined my fantasy.”
“We can still have sex in the parking lot if you want.”
“It’s too cold.”
“I could keep the car running.”
“No. That wouldn’t be smart or safe. We could die of carbon monoxide poisoning. I could just imagine the news report,” she teased, knowing that couldn’t really happen.
A light twinkled in his eyes. “Yes, but what a way to die.”
“Try to be serious.”
“I’m always serious. Wait right here. I’m going to pick up a few things.” He left.
Lora chose several plantains, annoyed. Damn—all that buildup for nothing. They could always try again, but she wasn’t sure she’d be in the mood.
“You know I never know how to cook those,” a deep voice said behind her.
She glanced up and saw a good-looking man staring at the plantain with confusion. “Oh, it’s really easy. First you have to make sure it’s ripe enough. You don’t want it to be too soft or too brown or bruised. It should be firm with a little give, deep yellow with few brown spots.”
He stepped closer. “And then what do I do?”
“The best part. Fry them, bake them or steam them.”
“Sounds complicated. Do you think you could show me?”
“No, she couldn’t,” Justin said.
The man looked at him and then at Lora.
“Sorry,” Lora said, attempting to soften Justin’s cutting tone.
“Thanks for the tip,” the man said as he walked away.
Lora turned to Justin. “What was that? You nearly made him jump out of his skin.”
Justin smiled. “That was my intention.”
“So you can flirt, and I can’t?”
He raised a brow. “I wasn’t flirting.”
“You were enjoying the attention of that woman, and I was enjoying the attention of that man.”
“Now you have my undivided attention,” Justin said with a teasing look “What are you going to do with it?”
Lora playfully grabbed his collar. “Come with me. I have a few ideas.”
* * *
A few days later Lora’s spirits weren’t so buoyant. She felt a sense of dread as she and Justin drove to her family’s holiday party. The word “party” seemed liked a misnomer. Instead it would likely be her father insulting someone and her mother and various relatives trying to pry into her private life. At least now they wouldn’t pity her.
Her plan had worked but not the way she’d expected it to. She wasn’t spending the holidays alone and she finally had someone to take with her to the family gathering. She was in control this time. But that knowledge didn’t stop her from trembling inside.
“You’re quiet,” Justin said. “Are you nervous?”
“Yes.”
“Why? You don’t think they’ll like me?”
“No, it’s not you.” It’s me, she silently added. She wanted the evening to be perfect.
“Then what is it?”
“I just want you to enjoy yourself.”
“I will.”
That would be a miracle. “My family’s not always very friendly. Especially my father.”
He squeezed her hand. “It’ll be fine.”
Unfortunately, her mother had set out to prove him wrong. She opened the door dressed in a fitted grey outfit more suited to a woman with three times her income and flashed a polite, plastic smile. “I was wondering if you two would ever show up.” Her words were short and snappy, making her sound like a displeased English headmistress.
Lora stepped inside and took off her coat. “I didn’t mean to be late.”
“I suppose I can’t blame you. I guess you wanted to make a special entrance to show off your new man.”
“No—”
“You can blame me for the delay,” Justin said. “I’m sorry if I’ve caused any trouble. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Lora’s mother smiled. “The pleasure’s all mine. I’m Grace.” She wrapped her hands around his arm and led him away. Lora went into the kitchen, where she found her sister.
“Can I help?”
“No, I’ve got things under control. What’s the name of your date again?”
“Justin Silver.”
“Wait...the guy you hate?”
“I don’t hate him anymore.”
Belinda looked past her toward the kitchen door. “So where is he?”
“In Mom’s clutches.”
“Poor man.” She handed Lora a tray. “I’d better go rescue him.” Belinda rushed out of the kitchen before Lora could stop her. She sighed. She should have been prepared for this, but even she hadn’t expected such an obvious display of interest. She left the kitchen with the food tray and saw Justin talking to her mother, her sister and a cousin. She held out her tray. “Mushroom tarts, anyone?”
Her mother touched a finger to her forehead as if in pain. “Are you trying to embarrass me?”
“Belinda handed me the tray—”
“To put down,” her sister said. “Not to serve.”
“That’s okay,” Justin said, reaching for one. “They look delicious.”
“I made them myself.” Belinda said.
“Along with Betty Crocker,” her cousin snorted.
“I followed the instructions.”
“Wonderful,” Justin said.
“Put the tray down,” her mother said.
“Fine, I’ll be right back.”
“Just set it over there.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“You’re a guest and should act like one. Do you want Justin to think I treat you like a servant?”
“I’m sure you’re a wonderful mother,” Justin said.
“I try my best, but sometimes I wonder.”
Lora bit back a groan.
“Hello,” her father said as he joined them. It was uncharacteristic of him to greet anyone. “You must be Belinda’s new man,” he continued, his island accent heavy.
“No,” Justin corrected. “I’m here with Lora.”
“Lora?” He sent his younger daughter a dismissive look. “Why? You’re a good-looking man, so what would you want with her?”
“Stop joking,” her mother said with an uncomfortable laugh. “Justin’s not used to your humor.”
“Who says I’m joking?”
“Lora doesn’t have many male friends,” her mother said quickly.
“She doesn’t have any,” her father said in a flat tone. “You’re the first she’s ever brought over to meet us. S
he thinks she’s better than everyone because she’s got a bunch of letters after her name. How did you meet her?”
“We work together.”
“That’s good. I’m sure they do background checks where you work. The classifieds and those things online are full of scammers and liars.”
“Not all, Dad,” Lora said.
“Did I say all? You’re just lucky you haven’t fallen for one of them.”
“Come on, Dad. Let’s not argue,” Belinda said.
“I’m not. I’m just stating fact. How come every time I talk to your sister you think I’m arguing? Is she so thin-skinned? Do you think we should all be impressed because she brought this man here? Will we meet another one next year?”
Justin looked at Lora. “Get your coat, Lora.”
“What?”
“We’re leaving.”
Mrs. Rice gasped. “But you just got here.”
Her father laughed. “You’re as soft as she is.”
“Apologize,” her mother pleaded to her father.
“Why should I? It’s my house. I’ll say what I want.”
“You’re embarrassing me,” her mother said as Justin helped Lora with her coat.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Lora said.
Justin shook his head. “Blame me, Mrs. Rice.” He opened the door.
“Does she pay you by the hour?” her father called after him. “I guess she couldn’t afford more than a half hour.”
Justin spun around, and Lora saw his eyes flash fire. She grabbed his arm and tried to drag him out the door. “Let’s go, please.”
“Let me just say one word,” he said under his voice.
“You’ll regret it.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Please.”
He stared at her then nodded and turned.
Lora waved at her stunned family before closing the door.
They got in his car and drove in silence. It was worse than she could have imagined. Couldn’t they have pretended to be proud of her instead of making it all a cruel joke? Were they really so ashamed of her? She was glad Justin wanted to leave so that he could drop her home and she could go into her room and cry.
“I guess you must think I’m a liar,” Justin said.
She turned to him surprised. “No, why?”
“I didn’t handle your parents well. I don’t like your father, and it appears the feeling is mutual.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
“I know.” She sniffed and wiped away a tear.
Justin swore fiercely. “He made you cry? That’s it—I’m going back.”
Lora grabbed his arm before he could make a U-turn. “No, don’t, please. It’s not worth it. I don’t want to go back.”
“I hate to see you cry.”
“I’ll stop in a minute.”
He pulled the car over to the side, parked and gathered her into his arms. “I didn’t realize...” His words fell away.
“They were that bad? I should have prepared you.”
“I wouldn’t have believed you.” He stroked her back. “Please stop crying.”
“I didn’t think it would hurt so much. I don’t mind when they do that in front of strangers or when it’s just family but to behave that way in front of you? I’m so embarrassed.”
“That’s your mother talking. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” He brushed her hair from her face. “Are you sure you weren’t adopted?”
She laughed. “I’m not. I checked.”
He glanced at his watch. “There still might be time.”
“For what?” she sniffed, suddenly feeling better. Her family hadn’t driven him away. That meant something.
“I want you to meet my sisters.”
“I can’t meet them yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve just been crying.”
“You look fine. Besides, by the time we get there your eyes won’t be so red and puffy.”
She shot him a glare. “Thanks.”
He grinned. “You’ll like them.”
“I hope they’ll like me.”
“They don’t have a choice.”
Chapter 11
A half hour later Lora stared up at a house aglow with Christmas lights. Everything looked so homey. She already knew that his family celebrated the holidays in a big way, so what if she didn’t fit in? She stopped at the walkway.
Justin turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
Lora searched inside her purse for her phone. “I’m calling a cab.”
He seized her hand. “No, you’re not.” He pulled her along.
“We can do this another day. They’re not even expecting us. Are you sure they like surprises?”
He rang the doorbell. “Yes.”
“You’re hurting me.”
“No, I’m not.”
“If you let me go, I won’t run away.”
“I don’t believe you.”
She made a face.
He laughed and rang the bell again. “You’re going to thank me for this.”
The door swung open and a short woman with dimples and a wide smile stood there. Her hair was braided and pulled back. She wiped her hands on her apron, which covered her full figure, and hugged him. “Justin, what a surprise!”
“This is my girlfriend, Lora. Lora, this is my sister Ann.”
“Nice to meet you, Lora. This is great! We can always use more hands in the kitchen.” She turned and hurried down the hall. “Come on in.”
Lora turned to Justin. “More hands for what? I’m not the best chef.”
“You’re a great cook.” He gently shoved her in front of him. “Relax. Don’t you trust me?” Before she could say no, he bent down and kissed her. “That’s what I thought.”
He led her into the kitchen. On the table were cookie sheets and cutters, and the scent of vanilla and sugar filled the air.
“It’s great to have you here, Lora,” another woman said, shaking her hand. “I’m Maureen and that’s Sarah. “The way our brother goes on about you we thought he’d made you up.”
Unlike with her family, Lora could tell their teasing wasn’t mean-spirited.
“You look all dressed up. Where did you two come from?”
Lora opened her mouth, not sure what to say.
Justin rested a protective arm around her shoulders. “We briefly visited her family,” he said in a terse voice that invited no questions. His sisters took the hint and said nothing.
Maureen wisely changed the topic and put Lora and Justin to work. Lora was soon having more fun than she ever thought possible. Within minutes she felt like one of the family as she talked and laughed with them. Ann talked about her daughters, who were at a sleepover, Maureen discussed her recent vacation to the Cayman Islands and her current boyfriend, while Sarah talked about her flower shop. This was how a family should be, Lora realized.
Once the cookies were all out of the oven and cooling, they all gathered in the family room. Sarah sat next to Lora but Justin stood in front of them. “Move.”
“No, I want to talk to Lora.”
He lifted his sister and moved her, then he sat down beside Lora. “She’s mine.” He winked at Lora and she blushed.
“I’m so glad Justin has found a woman like you. Interested in sickle cell disease, especially because he—”
“—is so interested in it, too,” Justin interrupted.
Maureen narrowed her eyes. “Yes,” she said slowly.
“How long have you been seeing each other?” Sarah asked, changing the subject.
“Almost two weeks,” Justin said. “Not long.”
/>
“It’s long enough.”
“A woman should know everything about the man she’s seeing,” Maureen said.
“Lora knows plenty.”
“I’m still learning,” Lora said with a nervous laugh, not understanding the sudden tension. “Justin is full of surprises.”
“Right now our little brother is full of something.”
“Maureen, be fair,” Sarah said. “It’s too soon.”
Lora leaned forward. “I don’t know what’s going on, but if I’ve done something—”
“It’s not you,” Justin said.
Maureen stood. “Justin, help me bring out the cookies.”
He sighed then followed her into the kitchen.
* * *
“You haven’t told her?” Maureen said once she and Justin were alone.
“Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“It’s too soon. I’ll tell her after the holidays.”
“She really likes you. I don’t see that changing.”
“Her friend died from complications of sickle cell anemia. I was there. I’m not sure she’s ready to be close with someone like that again.”
Maureen shook her head and sighed. “You sure know how to pick them. First that girl who dumped you after you had a crisis, and now her.”
“She’s different.”
“Then prove it. Tell her tonight and see if she’ll stick around.”
“I don’t need to prove anything to you. I know her, and I know what I’m doing.”
“You deserve a woman who loves you no matter what. Like we do. If she can’t handle the truth about you, then it’s best to know that now.”
“She can handle it. Just give her time. Right now she needs me. If you’d met her family you’d understand. She needs to create happy memories and good times. I want to give them to her.”
“At what price? Does she know she can’t push you too hard? That you can’t—”
“I’m taking care of it.”
“I don’t like this. I—” Maureen stopped when they heard a light knock on the door as Sarah entered.
“What’s taking you two so long?” she demanded. “Lora is already beginning to suspect something.”
“Don’t you think Justin should tell her the truth?”
“This isn’t up for discussion,” Justin said, heading for the door.
