The Henson Brothers: Two Complete Novels

by Girard, Dara

He opened the cupboard and picked up a can. "What is Quick-Slim doing in my kitchen?"

  She reached for the can. "Drake, don't be silly."

  He moved the can out of reach and frowned. "I can't seem to make clear how much I hate these things."

  "I just bought it today. I've been exercising, but the fat from Ericka is still clinging on."

  He shoved a hand in his pocket, unconvinced.

  "It's been six months."

  He rubbed his nose and sniffed.

  "I just want to lose—"

  He lifted a brow and measured her body. "When you want a workout, you can just come to me."

  She frowned. "I don't like your workouts. Torturous machines, running until my lungs threaten to burst."

  "This involves lying down. I—"

  She snatched the can and tossed it in the bin. "I'm in."

  He smiled and grabbed her.

  * * *

  Adriana dumped The Washington Post advertising inserts in the trash bin, but their glossy covers and bright colors remained in her memory. The Thanksgiving sales were calling her like the Sirens. She had to resist them. Most of the stores were closed today, but tomorrow would be sale heaven. She had to try and think of something else.

  She missed shopping. Missed the feel of shopping bags, their logos stamped on the bags signs of a successful hunt. She missed clothes wrapped in tissue paper, the rush of crowds, spotting a bargain, seeing the red dash slashing through the price tag. Her palms began to sweat. She had to think of something else. It was Thanksgiving Day. There had to be something she could think of.

  "Nina, we're going to volunteer."

  She arrived at the Memorial Church just as the meal ended. She glanced at the black and orange streamers on the walls, the remnants of food on paper plates, and trash bins overflowing with rubbish.

  "It smells funny," Nina said, wrinkling her nose.

  "Remember what I told you," Adriana whispered as they walked past the row of tables. "Many of these people don't have homes so they don't get the chance to shower."

  "Isn't this a surprise!" Cassie said. She approached them wearing a plastic cap and an apron.

  "I'm surprised myself."

  "Eric's over there." She pointed to him in the kids' corner, helping a little girl with a puzzle. Nina ran to him.

  "He volunteers with the kids every year," Cassie said. "I don't know why. He doesn't seem the type."

  "But he is," Adriana said. "He understands them."

  "Are you going to say hello?"

  She hesitated. "He looks busy."

  "He's never too busy to say hello."

  She shrugged and watched him. He didn't seem as distant with kids. Probably because he remembered what it was like to be a child, the uncertainty and private insecurities that most adults chose to forget.

  Cassie took off her cap and sat at an empty table.

  Adriana sat in front of her. "Where are the kids?"

  "At home with a baby-sitter. I love them, but sometimes I have to get away before they drive me crazy."

  "How do you do it?"

  "Do what?"

  "Be a mother, wife, and Cassie."

  "It's a struggle, Drake helps a lot. It's really about planning and getting help when you need it. There are those women who are meant to be stay-at-home moms and that's great, but I'm not one of them. If I stayed home I would only end up resenting the very thing I love most—my family."

  "Do you feel guilty?"

  Cassie looked sheepish. "I'm supposed to say yes, but I don't. I'm so happy with everything about my life—my husband, my kids, my career. It's all about priority. I love them more by loving me first. I'll always be Cassie in every role I have."

  "You're brave to admit that."

  "Sure, and if you repeat it I will deny every word." She drummed her fingers. "You're doing the same thing. You're a mom in a relationship also running a business."

  "I keep waiting to mess up."

  "We all mess up, but we try our best. Should I ask how things are going with you and Eric?"

  Adriana glanced at a streamer that was slowly falling from the wall. "I'm scared to think about the future."

  "Why?"

  "Because I know it will be without him."

  "It doesn't have to be."

  She wished she had Cassie's optimism. "I'm not marrying Laurence again, you know that."

  "Eric is not like Laurence and it's unfair to compare them. It's downright cruel, really. I know he's a nerd, but—"

  "He's not a nerd," Adriana cut in. "He's a little brainy but not that."

  "Those were your words, not mine," Cassie reminded her.

  Her voice dropped, ashamed. "I know. I've changed."

  "I've noticed." She switched topics. "I'm glad you'll be joining us for dinner tomorrow. Eric has made sure it's to be a fantastic affair."

  Adriana stared, amazed. "He has?"

  "Yes." Cassie smiled, pleased. "He's fussed over every detail—the table setting, the food. Don't tell him I told you." She stretched the elastic rim of her cap and chose her words carefully. "He really cares about you and Nina. I think if you want him, you can have him. He's officially on the marriage market."

  Adriana shook her head. "You know marriage changes things."

  "Yes, sometimes for the worse, sometimes for the better. I didn't let a first bad marriage stop me from enjoying a second one."

  She lowered her eyes. "Truth is. I don't think I'm the wife he's looking for."

  "How do you know?"

  "Past experience. You've met the women he's gone out with."

  "He wouldn't have married the ones I met."

  "He asked Lynda."

  "He did?" She made a face. "Then you'd be a nice change."

  "You didn't like her either?"

  "No."

  "He doesn't want to be Nina's father," Adriana said.

  Cassie blinked. "He said that?"

  "Yes."

  She was quiet a moment. "Perhaps he meant he doesn't want you to be with him for that reason."

  Adriana shrugged.

  "Sometimes we don't know what we want until we find it. And who says he wouldn't want you?"

  "I don't know why we're having this conversation. I don't want to get married."

  "Aren't you going to say anything to him at least?"

  "No, not yet."

  Cassie stood. "Then you can help me clean up."

  Adriana glanced at a young man gloomily sweeping the floor. "What's wrong with him?"

  Cassie turned. "Cedric?" She sighed. "Pamela won't be coming home for the winter holiday. He's very disappointed."

  Drake passed them humming the death march.

  Cassie hit him. "Be quiet."

  He stopped in front of them. "The end is near," he said in ominous tones.

  "She had an opportunity to travel to France and took it."

  "I'm not faulting her choices. Unfortunately, she's leaving Cedric behind. Even if she does come back—"

  "She will."

  "I bet we won't recognize her." Drake watched him, pensive. "I'm surprised he hasn't started to cheat."

  Adriana and Cassie sent him a venomous glare.

  He held up his hands in surrender. "It happens. I'm not condoning it but—"

  Cassie pushed him away. "Go before you shame me further. I'll give you a lesson on appropriate conversations in mixed company later."

  Adriana watched Cedric put the broom aside, wondering if his relationship would last. Educational differences was a big hurdle to climb, especially when you're young. Perhaps it would be better for them to break up as friends.

  To date people who had similar experiences so that there would be no awkward moments, no instances when one would be regarded as better than the other.

  Cassie nudged her. "Let's work. I see a table with your name on it."

  The trash bag felt like an anchor, but she wasn't emptying out its contents. She took a deep breath and swung it over her shoulder, teetering backward. S
he was saved from falling over when the load was suddenly lifted. She turned and saw Eric.

  He didn't smile, but looked pleased to see her. "Cassie is working you so hard you didn't have a moment to say hello," he said with mock annoyance.

  "It's not completely her fault. I wanted to help."

  "Thanks for coming."

  She felt shamed into honesty. "A Thanksgiving's sale was calling me." She shoved her hands in her pockets. "I felt safe to come here."

  He nodded with sympathy. "I'm sure that must hurt. All those designer blouses fifty percent off, designer shoes buy one, get one free."

  Adriana frowned. "You're not helping."

  Eric tossed the bag in the bin. "That's because I know the secret."

  "What?"

  "Sales always come back."

  "But it's not the same," she said, gloomy.

  "True, but considering how quickly trends change, that's a good thing, right?"

  She sighed. "I miss shopping."

  "Don't worry. Christmas is coming up. I'll be sure to give you my list."

  * * *

  "Come on, Nina, time to go," Adriana said once the clearing had been completed.

  Nina came up to her smiling. "This was fun."

  "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Where's your jacket?"

  Her smile faltered. "Tamara needed it."

  "Tamara?"

  She nodded.

  "You gave your leather jacket away?"

  Nina wrung her hands, sensing she was in trouble. "She needed it. She doesn't have anything, not anything, and it's so cold. I can't take it back."

  "But I gave you..." She stopped. It was gone and it was no big deal. She shouldn't feel betrayed. "Forget it." She took her hand to go.

  Eric approached them, zipping up his coat. "Hey, Nina, where's your jacket?"

  She lowered her eyes, but her words were defiant. "I gave it away."

  "That was nice of you." He glanced at Adriana and could see she didn't agree. "Why don't you let Aunt Cassie give you something for your special deed?"

  She turned to her mother for permission. Adriana nodded and she left.

  Eric said, "I can see that Mom doesn't approve."

  "Do you know how much that jacket cost? I bought it especially for her and she just gives it away like it's nothing."

  "Adriana, she has plenty of coats. She did a good thing."

  "Yes, now some homeless kid is going to look good in—"

  "Adriana," he warned.

  She moved her hand in a quick dismissive gesture. "Callous of me, I know. She did a good thing. Very much in the holiday spirit. I shouldn't care she gave away the very coat I bought especially so that we'd look like mother and daughter. My gifts never mean anything. They're just shallow, materialistic baubles. Your gifts, of course, are gold. Heaven forbid she should give one of your beloved books away."

  Eric shoved his hands in his pockets.

  "No, don't explain the reason," Adriana said, sarcastic. "I forgot that I'm not as deep as the rest of you. My cares and concerns are frivolous, or had you forgotten? I wouldn't even be here if there hadn't been a sale. The only time I volunteer involves clothes and makeup to help women look beautiful for an interview. Not deep stuff like feeding them." She turned.

  He grabbed her arm. "Stop it."

  "I probably shouldn't even give her a Christmas gift. Just offer a donation."

  "Are you finished?"

  "What? You're not enjoying my little tantrum?"

  "It was just a jacket."

  Adriana yanked her arm away. "No, it wasn't. It was a symbol of how much I loved her and she didn't care."

  * * *

  "I didn't mean to make you mad," Nina said in the car.

  Adriana stared at the traffic lights. "It doesn't matter. You did the right thing."

  "But you're still mad."

  "Only at myself."

  "Are we still going to Aunt Cassie's for Thanksgiving?"

  "Sure." But Nina would be the only one staying.

  Eric picked them up around seven. He looked handsome in a black jacket, gray trousers, and navy dress shirt. His eyes were remote. She smiled and he relaxed.

  "Everything sorted out?" he asked, studying her face.

  Adriana kept her smile. "Yes."

  "Good."

  He complimented Nina on her rose dress and they headed out. Adriana was quiet on the drive. Nina and Eric were so busy guessing all the food they were going to eat that they didn't notice.

  Drake met them at the door. Marcus followed, shouting, "Awety Anna, Uncow Ewic!" He abruptly stopped when he saw Nina. His stocking feet didn't. They slid on the slick wood floor and he fell backward, hitting his head. Everyone rushed to him, ready to offer comfort. Nina reached him first.

  She saw ready tears swimming in his big amber eyes. He was trying to be brave. She quickly rubbed the back of his head. "Ow, that must hurt." She gave him a quick hug. "But you're all right, aren't you?"

  His chin trembled but he said, "I'm aw-wight."

  She took his hand. "My name is Nina. Do you want to show me your toys?"

  He smiled, the tears forgotten. "Come on, Nina."

  They went down the hall, leaving the surprised adults.

  Drake spoke first. "That was an artfully diverted disaster. Nina should go into damage control."

  Adriana nodded. Yes, Nina, her little diplomat.

  Jackie walked past, holding Ericka. "Hi, guys."

  "Hi," they greeted.

  Clay, Cassie's half brother, followed her. "May I please have a go now?"

  "No, I'm holding her." She disappeared into the living room.

  Clay looked at Eric and Drake in disgust. Since he was six five with the body of a bouncer he managed the expression well. "You can't go round raising women like that. It's just not on. She's spoiled rotten," he said, his annoyance giving a hint of his Manchester accent. "You know you two have done the men of this world a great disservice."

  Drake patted him on the back. "You'll get to hold Ericka after dinner."

  "I doubt it," he mumbled and followed Jackie into the living room.

  "Hmm, the house smells good," Adriana said. "Is Cassie in the kitchen?"

  "Since morning," Drake replied, taking their coats.

  She went into the kitchen where Cassie was chopping zucchini.

  "Everything smells delicious," she said, taking a seat. "Good job."

  "What lies has Drake been telling you? Most of the credit goes to him. I was with the kids."

  "No matter who cooks it, I'm sure it will be good."

  "You'll see. Just stay away from the chicken, it's hot."

  She hesitated. "Actually, I'm not staying."

  Cassie turned. "What do you mean you're not staying?"

  "Shh! You don't have to shout."

  "Answer my question or I'm going to scream instead."

  "Cassie, don't make this a big deal."

  She put the knife down and leaned on the table. "It is a big deal. Do you know how many people you'll be hurting by leaving? Not to mention offending your best friend."

  Adriana shrugged, helpless. "I don't even know why I said yes. You know I haven't done traditional dinners since I left my parents' house. Last Thanksgiving I spent at the movies. The year before at a club in Atlantic City."

  "Point?"

  She gestured to the kitchen and the dining room. "This isn't me. Drake will carve the turkey."

  "We don't have a turkey. You're not leaving and that's final. I'll have Clay guard the door if necessary. It's just one night. You can break up with him tomorrow."

  Adriana furrowed her brows. "I never said anything about breaking up."

  "I thought since you'd like to hurt him by leaving, your relationship mustn't mean much."

  She rested her forehead against her fist. "I don't mean to hurt anyone. It just happens."

  "Then leave."

  Eric entered the kitchen. "Who's leaving?"

  "Adriana," Cassie said, returning to
her chopped vegetables.

  "Why?"

  Cassie continued chopping, leaving the explanation to Adriana.

  "Because I forgot to bring a gift," she said.

  Drake walked in and grabbed some napkins. "Don't worry, you can bring a gift tomorrow wrapped in a five-page apology."

  "Don't tease her," Eric said. "Can't you see she's upset?"

  Drake shrugged. "It's not important."

  "It's important to her."

  Adriana stood. "Perhaps I should just—"

  "You don't have to stand up for her," Drake said. "She knows us."

  Eric frowned. "Don't start giving me orders."

  "Hell, I knew you two dating would make things awkward."

  "What do you mean by awkward?"

  "It means—"

  "All right, enough!" Cassie said. "Adriana, you want to give us a gift? Fold the napkins into pretty shapes. Eric, put the glasses on the table. And, Drake, check on Nina and Marcus. They are too quiet and it's making me nervous."

  * * *

  "Drake didn't mean anything," Eric said as they set the table. "If you really feel bad we can swing by—"

  "I'm okay," Adriana said. "It's just... I'm uncomfortable."

  "Why?"

  "I'm not sure how to behave. At my house everything had a rule: how to hold utensils, how to sit, how to eat, how to approach a guest. I could never get it right."

  "You know everyone eats differently. We're very casual."

  "I've only had a sit-down dinner at Cassie's house twice, but her mother criticized her so much I stopped going."

  "You're among friends now. We pretend to be civilized." He lowered his voice. "Remember I've seen you spear a shrimp and send broccoli flying."

  She smiled.

  "We don't always use the right utensils and sometimes even eat with our fingers, so don't be too judgmental."

  His light tone made her feel more at ease. She remembered when she had hated his tone, feeling that he was looking down at her. She finished folding the napkins, then stared at him. "Eric, how did we end up here?"

  He thought a moment. "First I picked you up in my Volvo, and then I took the—"

  "You know what I mean. A year ago we hated each other."

  He caught her eyes. "I never hated you. I thought you were flighty, a little vain—"

  "I am vain," she said, ashamed. "I was going to leave."

  "Why?"

  "Because I wanted to be missed. I wanted to punish you for yesterday. I thought my absence would hurt you and Nina."