Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

by Susan Mallery

“You’re sure?”

  Kelly thought about all that had happened the night before—with Helen. She’d hurt her friend by not being there for her. By not being the kind of person Helen could trust. She never wanted that to happen again with anyone she loved.

  “I’m very sure.”

  Olivia flew around the desk and pulled Kelly to her feet, then hugged her. “Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She danced in place. “Isn’t he wonderful? He’s so sexy. Didn’t you love how he always walks around naked after sex? It’s like my own private show. I sure can’t get enough of that. And the cooking. The things that man can do with a blintz. He’s so steady and strong and, well, I don’t have to sell you.”

  Olivia hugged her again. “You’re the best. Okay, I’m going back over there now.”

  “Back over.”

  “I spent the night. I told Dad where I was going to be. Didn’t he mention it?”

  “He didn’t.” Probably because they weren’t exactly speaking. Not after their fight this morning.

  “He knew.” She waved. “I’ll be back tonight.”

  “See you then.”

  Olivia ran out of the office. Seconds later the front door opened and closed. Kelly leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. While it was weird that her ex-long-term boyfriend and her sister were together, she was, as she’d said, fine with it. Family was complicated, she thought, turning to look out the window. As were relationships. Even with Helen, which still made her feel bad. The only easy place in her life was with Griffith. He was great. They fit together so much better than she would have imagined possible. Just thinking about him made her smile. Her feelings for him were so different than her feelings for Sven had ever been. Funny how before she could have gone a couple of weeks without seeing Sven and she’d been fine with it, but when it came to Griffith, it had only been a handful of hours and she was already missing him.

  Thoughts swirled and danced, moved and settled. She watched more than participated and when the truth became too big to ignore, she sucked in a breath and let herself accept the possibility.

  She was in love with Griffith. She wanted to be with him—not just as his girlfriend but as the most important person in his life. She wanted to spend time with him, plan a future with him, grow old with him.

  She wanted everything he’d promised wouldn’t happen. She wanted forever. She loved him.

  Kelly wasn’t sure if she should laugh or cry, then she decided there’d been enough tears and she would try to see the humor in the situation. And if not the humor, then at least the irony. Because hey, why was she even surprised? This was so how her life had always gone.

  * * *

  Kelly checked in on Helen who was heading to Delja’s house for a big dinner then, out of excuses and reasons to avoid her own home, left the office about two. Her father’s truck was gone and of course Olivia wasn’t there. No doubt her sister was watching Sven parade naked through the kitchen while he made blintzes.

  “Bitterness is not attractive,” she told herself as she parked her truck. “You love your sister and Sven makes her happy. He didn’t make you happy. Them being together is nice.”

  Which she actually believed—something she could be proud of, she thought as she walked into the house.

  First she was going to get herself some ice cream, then she was going to retreat to her bedroom and find something girly to binge watch until the family meeting that night.

  “There you are!” Marilee stood in the living room, a dress in each hand. “Everyone’s abandoned me. I need your opinion on these. Which one do you think your father will like best?”

  Kelly put her tote bag on the table by the door, drew in a breath and reminded herself that she was a good person and she should act like it.

  “What are you doing here, Mom? I don’t mean why are you picking out dresses, I mean why are you here in town? Why did you come back?”

  Marilee set the dresses on the back of the sofa. “To see my girls, of course. And your father. Why would you ask?”

  Kelly fought against a series of swear words. Yelling wouldn’t accomplish anything.

  “You left him thirteen years ago. In fact, you left all of us. You didn’t care then and you don’t care now. Tell me honestly, why are you here?”

  “That’s not your business, is it?” Her mother looked smug. “This is still your father’s house and Jeff is happy to have me here.”

  “No, he’s not.”

  “Then he should say so.”

  Frustration built. “You know he won’t. He has some dumb-ass idea that he shouldn’t speak ill of his daughters’ mother. I have no idea what that is, but it exists. I don’t get it. I honestly don’t get it. Why now? Why this summer?”

  Marilee played with one of the buttons on the dress and didn’t answer.

  Kelly stared at her. “No way,” she breathed. “Because of Olivia? You came back because she came back? Is that it? Were you afraid we were going to accept her as one of the family?”

  Marilee rolled her eyes. “Hardly.”

  “That’s it, isn’t it? You couldn’t stand for her to be a part of the family again. You liked it better when she was with you.” Kelly couldn’t begin to understand the hows and whys of her parents’ marriage, but she knew she was close to the truth.

  “You’re being vindictive. You’re here so Dad doesn’t win Olivia back. Yet from everything I’ve heard, you don’t want her anymore. What is wrong with you?”

  Marilee’s gaze narrowed. “I’m your mother, Kelly. You’ll do well to remember that.”

  “I can’t seem to forget it, although I’d like to.” She told herself to stay in her head, to not let her emotions run wild. That would only lead to disaster.

  She drew in a breath and gentled her voice. “Mom, you had your chance with us and you don’t get a second one. Not from me or Olivia or Dad. More important, you don’t even want one. You’d never be happy here. This town is too small for you. You always hated it. It’s time for you to leave.”

  “Not your call,” her mother chirped. “I’ll leave when your father says I should.” She smiled. “He’s never been able to resist me. That hasn’t changed. Your little friend thinks she’s all that, but she’s completely wrong.”

  Something inside of Kelly snapped. “You leave Helen out of this. She’s so much better than you in every way. We are all lucky to have her in our lives. As for my father, you know what? Let’s go ask him. Right now. I’ll drive. We’ll go see Dad and ask him flat out if he’s interested in you sticking around or if he’d like nothing better to have you gone.” She grabbed her tote bag. “Come on, Mom. Then we’ll both know where we stand.”

  Her mother’s pleasant expression slipped, revealing cold, ugly rage. “You little bitch! You’re not going to win this one, you hear me?”

  Kelly wanted to take a step back but she knew in her gut that showing weakness would be a disaster. “I take it that’s a no?” she asked, pretending not to be affected by her mother’s vitriol. “Too bad. It would have been a fun conversation.”

  Marilee grabbed her dresses and stalked down the hall. Kelly took a step toward her own room only to realize she was trembling and couldn’t actually walk. She took a couple of deep breaths before trying again. On the bright side, she would guess the family meeting had just been canceled.

  32

  Work was a great way to escape from the horror of her life, Helen told herself Monday morning. Jeff didn’t show up for his pre-opening chat, but that was hardly a surprise. She hadn’t expected him to—only she had hoped and now there wasn’t even that.

  “Dramatic much?” she muttered to herself as she put dirty dishes into the bins, then reminded herself that her customers didn’t care about her issues. They had plenty of their own to deal with.

  Sh
e took three more orders and turned them over to Delja. The cook smiled at her and Helen instantly felt better. Her love life might suck but her friends were great. Delja and her family had kept her busy all yesterday afternoon and evening. Kelly was constantly in touch. She was loved by everyone but one stupid guy. Things could be worse.

  Kelly stopped by during the midmorning lull and told her about the blowout she’d had with Marilee the day before.

  “I think she’s going to be leaving soon.”

  Helen pretended to be pleased by the news, mostly because Kelly looked so hopeful and was trying so hard. But in truth, it wouldn’t matter. Jeff obviously didn’t care about her. Not enough to make things right.

  “Want to go to dinner this week?” Kelly asked as she was leaving. “Just hang out?”

  Helen hugged her. “That would be great.”

  “I’ll text you later and we’ll figure something out.” She hesitated.

  Helen smiled and pushed her toward the door. “I’m fine. Go grow tulips. The world is waiting for your beautiful flowers.”

  Kelly laughed, waved and left. When the door closed behind her, it was all Helen could do not to collapse on the floor and give in to hopelessness.

  But wallowing and doing nothing wasn’t on her to-do list, so it would have to wait, she told herself as she cleared the last of the tables and began to set up for lunch.

  By noon, the café was completely full. She and the other two servers were scrambling to keep up with orders. Everyone wanted to talk about the fund-raiser and how great it had been. Most were hoping it would be an annual tradition. All the puppies and kittens had been adopted and most of the antique furniture sold.

  Helen was happy for Olivia. She’d worked hard and it had paid off—reaffirming world order and a sense of justice. That was nice to know. It could give her hope.

  She heard the front door open and automatically reached for the pad by the cash register. They were going to have to start taking names until tables became available. She was halfway to the door before she looked up and saw Jeff standing in front of her.

  She had no idea what to do or say, which turned out not to be a problem because he walked past her to the center of the room and spoke.

  “If I could have your attention, please,” he said loudly.

  The café went quiet as everyone looked at him.

  “Rumors are flying and I’d like to set the record straight.” He turned to Helen. “I’m not sleeping with my ex-wife. I know her being back in town has been intriguing to many of you and has hurt some of you. I’m sorry about that, Helen. More sorry than I can say.”

  She felt herself blushing but couldn’t seem to move from her spot on the floor.

  His gaze was steady as he continued. “To be honest, I don’t like her very much. I know what I saw in her all those years ago and it had nothing to do with her character.”

  “Tell me about it,” one man yelled.

  Jeff didn’t smile. “I married her and I stayed true to her, but I wasn’t sorry when she left. I was relieved. Time went by and I realized our marriage had been a mistake from the beginning. The only good thing to come out of it was our girls. But while I no longer cared about Marilee, I respected that she was their mother and I vowed never to speak ill of her. That was a mistake, because in keeping that vow, I hurt someone I care about very much.”

  He continued to hold her gaze. “I didn’t get a hotel room because I couldn’t find one. It’s summer. That’s the only reason I stayed in the house. But I see it was a mistake. I should have moved into the office.”

  “You could have stayed with us,” an older man called.

  Jeff ignored him and focused on Helen. “That’s the truth but it’s not an excuse. I hurt you, Helen, and I apologize for that. You deserved so much better. You’re wonderful and honest and kind and sexy as hell and I’m an old fool.”

  He walked toward her. “Please forgive me and give me another chance. I’m hopelessly, desperately in love with you. I have been for a long time only I was too stupid to see it. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I know you could do better, but I hope you won’t try.”

  The room spun. Sound grew louder, then faded to silence. She was confused and shocked and deep, deep inside, trying to believe this was really happening.

  Jeff stopped in front of her and took her hands. “Any chance we can give this a go? I mean it, Helen. I love you.”

  She stared into his eyes and felt herself starting to melt. Loving Jeff had always been the best part of her. Being with him, even just as friends, had always made her happy. How much better to have his heart, as well.

  “It’s time to forgive him, child.” Delja moved into view, then gave her a little push. “Men can be stupid. We know this and we love them anyway.”

  Helen laughed, then threw herself at Jeff. He caught her and held her tight.

  “I’m never letting go,” he whispered. “Not for a second.”

  “Me, either.”

  * * *

  Olivia sorted through the items that hadn’t sold at the silent auction. There were a few salvageable things and the rest had been questionable at best. Fortunately she’d thought to have all the donors sign a release so that she could dispose of the leftovers as she saw fit. The good stuff she would donate to a local women’s shelter. The rest was going to be recycled or tossed.

  She had the double doors open in Sven’s barn. The day was sunny and warm, which fit her happy mood. All was well in her world. Kelly was okay with her seeing Sven—that was huge. She would have broken up with him for her sister, but was so grateful she didn’t have to.

  While she didn’t know all the details, rumor had it her dad had declared himself for Helen, right in the middle of The Parrot Café. She would have given anything to be there for that...or maybe not. She wasn’t sure how she would feel about the happily-ever-after kiss. Helen was cool, but her dad was still her dad and parental heavy kissing was kind of gross to see.

  Regardless of the when and where, it was done. They were hanging out at Helen’s until things settled with Marilee, because while everyone wanted her gone, no one had yet gathered the courage to force her out. Kelly had made a run at it and deserved kudos for the effort. Olivia supposed it was going to come down to her doing the deed.

  She was pretty much ready. She’d written her letter of resignation, so that part was done. Her plan was to finish up here, then head home, confront her mother, quit her job and celebrate with Eliza and a nice, cold bottle of champagne.

  She was already working out a plan for wrapping up her life in Phoenix. She would fly back, rent a moving van and pack what she wanted to bring here. There were her staging supplies and her furniture. She figured she could hire movers for a day to help her load, then drive back herself. It would only take two days. She was hoping she could store everything here, in Sven’s barn, until she figured out her next housing step. If the duplex was still for sale when she got back, she was going to put in an offer and see if she could figure out the financing. Maybe she could talk to her dad about him loaning her the money she needed rather than trying to make it work with a bank. She could pay him a bit above the going rate, give him her down payment and do whatever else was necessary to make it a real loan.

  Something to think about, she told herself. She could work out the details on the drive back from Phoenix. There would be time. Maybe she should ask Sven if he would like to come along with her. They could hang out and he would be excellent company on the long trip. His muscles would be helpful for moving, but they were secondary in her mind.

  Speak of the devil, she thought happily as the man on her mind walked into the barn. She smiled and moved toward him only to stop when she caught sight of his face. His expression was more stern than she’d ever seen—his blue eyes were glacial, his mouth an angry, straight li
ne.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  He stopped in front of her, close enough that she had to look up to meet his gaze. Had he been anyone else, she would have assumed he was using his size to try to intimidate her.

  “So I’m just your fuck buddy?” The harsh words were in keeping with the low, angry growl in his voice.

  She supposed she could have stepped back, but while she might be confused, she wasn’t afraid. Not of Sven.

  “What on earth are you talking about?”

  “You and me. This.” He pointed to himself, then her. “I should have seen you were nothing but a whore.”

  She flinched, then squared her shoulders. “You don’t get to talk to me like that. Whatever you think I did, I don’t deserve that.” She planted her hands on her hips. “We’ll get to you apologizing later. Right now I want to know what has your panties in a bunch.”

  She had to admit, she was a little proud of herself. She was being strong and rational, she was asking questions instead of reacting emotionally. On the inside she was one quivering mass of hurt, terror and confusion. She wasn’t afraid he would hurt her—no, the real fear was that he would leave her. Sven mattered. They mattered. So what had happened?

  He turned and stalked to the far side of the barn, then returned to stand in front of her. Not so close this time, but that was hardly good news. His glower was plenty intimidating on its own.

  “I knew about Ryan,” he told her. “Kelly had mentioned the two of you stayed in touch. So the first time I saw you, I understood you might be open to using me to make him jealous. I decided it didn’t matter. I wanted you and when you said yes, I was okay with however things started.”

  All of which sounded great, but then what?

  “I thought things changed,” he told her.

  “I did, too.”

  “Right.” His voice burned with scorn. “You’ve been seeing him all this time.”

  “What?” The word was a yelp. “I haven’t. I’ve run into him maybe once and I never sought him out. I haven’t had anything to do with him. Even if I was interested, which I’m not, he’s with Autumn, who might be pregnant, by the way.”