The Man Plan

by Tracy Anne Warren

  “Parker,” he interrupted, cutting her off.

  She growled. “Don’t you Parker me. To think I believed you. All that BS about her being like family. ‘My God, Parker,’” she mimicked, “‘she’s only twenty years old. Do you really think I’d be interested in a twenty-year-old?’ Ooh, it’s so typical. The younger they are, the more men just have to screw them.”

  “Excuse me. There are children present,” Madelyn interjected.

  Parker ignored her, still raging at James. “Friends, ha! I see what sort of friends you are. The sort that lie and cheat and sneak around behind other people’s backs.”

  “It isn’t like that,” James defended.

  “Isn’t it? Then tell me you haven’t slept with her.”

  He opened his mouth, but the words wouldn’t come.

  Desperately, he looked around.

  Accusing eyes bore into him from every direction. He knew then how it must feel to be a condemned man on trial—and to hear the verdict: guilty on all counts.

  He shut his mouth.

  Unshed tears glistened in Parker’s eyes. “I thought you were different, decent, but you’re just like all the other selfish bastards out there. Enjoy your hot little Twinkie. She’ll get tired of you soon enough when she realizes just how old you really are.”

  She whirled away, then stopped and marched back. She smashed the sack she carried against his chest. “Here’s your soup!”

  James caught it. A large, wet, greasy stain soaked through the brown paper bag, as warm soup leaked onto his shirt. The aroma of chicken drifted into the air.

  Parker stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

  “Bet you feel pretty sick now,” Zack murmured to him under his breath.

  James glared at the other man and then stalked across the room. He dumped the dripping sack of soup in the wet bar sink.

  Disgusted with himself, with the whole terrible, hurtful scene, he turned on the water to wash his hands clean. If only he could clean up the rest of this mess as easily.

  He daubed ineffectively at the greasy stain on his shirt with a napkin. His efforts did little to remove it, spreading water in a massive spot across the fabric.

  Ivy appeared at his elbow. “You might as well give it up,” she murmured softly. “It’ll never come out that way. You’re only making things worse.”

  He cursed and tossed the sodden napkin aside. “I don’t see how things could be worse.”

  She met his eyes, gave him a wry smile. “My parents could be here.”

  He sighed. “Thank heavens for small miracles.”

  “Here,” she murmured. “I brought you a fresh shirt.”

  “Sorry to interrupt your little confab, but I want to know if it’s true. What she said, that Parker woman,” Madelyn demanded, her question sharp enough to slice glass.

  He and Ivy froze, then slowly turned their heads.

  “From the way you two are behaving, I suppose it must be, though I still can’t believe it.” Madelyn drew in an audible breath, as if the air would give her strength. “Did you sleep together?” When neither of them answered immediately, her tone grew shrill. “Well, did you?”

  James tucked his hands into his pockets and faced her. “Yeah, we did.”

  Madelyn sagged, her face pale with shock. Her arms tightened around her daughter, hugging her close.

  Too close for Holly apparently, who, despite remaining quiet throughout the turmoil, now began to wail. Tears spurted from her eyes like a fountain. Hearing her sister’s distress, Hannah joined in a moment later.

  Zack touched his wife’s shoulder. “Here, let me take her.”

  “What?” Madelyn mumbled, clearly unsettled.

  “Let me have her. I’ll take these two watering pots for a walk. Some fresh air should calm them down. We’ll meet you in the lobby when you’re ready.”

  She transferred the bawling youngster to Zack. “Yes. All right. Thanks.”

  “Hey, that’s what I’m here for.” He gave her a reassuring smile.

  Arms overflowing with sobbing babies, Zack glanced at Ivy.

  His green eyes twinkled.

  He winked, then shook his head at James with a “Man, what were you thinking?” look in his eyes.

  The room grew unnaturally still and quiet once Zack and the twins departed.

  An entire minute passed; no one said a word.

  Madelyn crossed her arms, shifted her feet. “How long has this been going on? The two of you involved as”—she paused, spitting out the last word with obvious distaste—“lovers.”

  “However long it’s been is between Ivy and me,” James stated in an implacable tone. “I’m not going to discuss it with you, so leave it alone.”

  Madelyn gasped. “Leave it alone? I don’t think so. She’s my sister, my baby sister, and you were supposed to be her trusted friend. A reliable older man. Someone who would watch out for her, not take advantage of her. Not seduce her.”

  “He didn’t seduce me.” Ivy jumped in. “I seduced him.”

  “Ivy!” Madelyn said, shocked.

  “I did, and I’d do it again.” Ivy laid a fist against her chest. “What James and I shared was beautiful, and I won’t have you twist it into something sordid. I won’t let you turn this against him. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “Didn’t he?”

  “No.”

  Ivy’s impassioned defense warmed him, however little he deserved her loyalty. He didn’t move as Madelyn pinned him with a baleful look.

  “You lied to me,” she said, hurt resonating in her words. “I’ve known you since we were kids, and in all that time, you’ve never tried to deceive me. I remember when we were dear friends without any secrets. Now I feel like I don’t even know who you are.”

  She cupped her hands around her elbows. “I came here today, asking for your help, worried about Ivy, wondering if she’s hurt or in danger, and you make up stories. You feed me lies, one after another, knowing all the time she’s upstairs in your bed. I’m surprised you let me in here at all.”

  “If I’d been thinking straight, I wouldn’t have,” he grumbled. “As for the lying, I apologize. It was beneath me. However, it wasn’t solely up to me to tell you Ivy’s whereabouts. I wasn’t sure she’d want you to know, under the circumstances.”

  “I’m her family. I have a right to know.”

  “Not everything,” he said. “Not that. If she wants to discuss particulars with you, that’s up to her. But I won’t let you bully her over this. Do you understand?”

  Moisture sparkled in Madelyn’s eyes. “Bully her? I’ve never bullied her in my life. What a dreadful thing to say. When have I ever bullied anyone?”

  “You haven’t, Malynn,” Ivy interceded. “You’ve always been a wonderful, caring sister. The best anyone could want.” She shot a telling glance at James, who raised a single unrepentant eyebrow in reply.

  “We’re all on edge,” Ivy said. “Why don’t we put this aside for a few minutes and find something to eat in the kitchen. I, for one, am starved.”

  “I can’t.” Madelyn crossed her arms. “Zack and the twins are waiting for me downstairs, remember?”

  “Invite them back up.”

  She shook her head, her shoulders stiff. “We need to be starting for home. This detour to find you has already taken up more of the day than I’d anticipated.”

  “Why were you trying to get in touch with me anyway?” Ivy asked. “When we talked last, you didn’t say anything about stopping by to see me on your way home from Mom and Dad’s.”

  A new seriousness swept over Madelyn, a gravity of spirit that darkened her eyes. “We weren’t. There’s news about the family. I can’t believe I nearly forgot. Obviously, the shock of finding you two . . . Well, never mind that.”

  “What news?” Ivy prompted. “From your expression, I take it it’s not good.”

  “No, it isn’t. And there’s no way to pretty it up, so I’ll just say it straight. Caroline’s ill. She has ca
ncer.”

  “No.” Ivy covered her mouth with a hand.

  James gave a low curse. “How bad is it?” he asked after a moment.

  “Bad,” Madelyn said. “Bad enough that we all noticed as soon as she and P.G. and the kids arrived for the party. She tried to put a good face on it, but you can tell. She looks tired just sitting in a chair. And thin. My God, she’s so thin—bones really. P.G. wanted her home—I overheard them arguing—but she refused to go. She wanted to see the fireworks, she said.”

  “How far along is it? What’s being done to treat her?” he demanded.

  “She and P.G. wouldn’t say for sure, but it has to be fairly advanced. They’ve been hiding it, for months I guess. She had surgery and an entire round of radiation and chemotherapy. It’s uterine cancer. Mother was furious when she found out they’d been keeping it secret.” Madelyn wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Maybe we could sit down. Do you mind?”

  “No. No, of course not.” He gestured her toward a comfortable armchair. “Would you like some water?”

  Madelyn shook her head, then sat.

  “Ivy?” he asked.

  She refused as well, took a seat on the wide leather sofa.

  Ivy waited for James to join her. Instead he crossed to a chair opposite, obviously wishing to place some distance between them.

  His gesture stung. She shook off the hurt, telling herself he was just uncomfortable displaying their new relationship in front of Madelyn. After all, the two of them hadn’t even had a private moment to talk about their night together.

  “Do you know why Caroline and P.G. tried to hide her condition?” Ivy questioned.

  “He said they didn’t want to worry everyone. But there must be more to it. You know how they sent the kids to stay with Mom and Dad after Christmas last year while they went overseas? A special trip to Europe, they said. Now that I know about Caroline’s illness, I realize she must have been undergoing some sort of procedure. Poor Caroline. Poor P.G.”

  “Perhaps they hoped they’d beat it without telling anyone,” James suggested. “Perhaps they didn’t want people, not even family, treating them differently. Once the C word gets out, it’s the only thing some people see. I remember when my grandfather was stricken with emphysema. He said he hated the pity in people’s eyes worse than he hated the disease. Maybe that’s how Caroline feels.”

  “Maybe so.” Madelyn sighed, looked at Ivy for a moment, then looked back at James. “I think you should go see her. She can use all the moral support she can get right now.”

  “Of course we’ll go see her,” he said. “I’ve always liked Caroline.”

  “Everybody likes Caroline,” Ivy said, knowing it to be the truth.

  Sweet and warm and giving, Caroline was the kind of person you couldn’t help but like.

  And love.

  Ivy’s heart ached to know she was ill. “How are P.G. and the children doing?”

  “Holding up. The kids are quieter than usual, especially Brian. Heather’s only four, too young to really understand. All she knows is that Mommy’s sick.”

  “And P.G.?”

  “Stubborn. Determined. Trying to be a rock for her when I know it must be tearing him apart inside. I’ve never known anyone with a happier marriage than theirs. She’s the love of his life. I don’t know what he’ll do if she dies.”

  A heavy pause hung in the air. “He’ll go on,” James said. “When you lose someone you love, what other choice do you have?”

  Something in his tone made Ivy pause.

  Was he speaking only of P.G.? Or was he talking about himself as well? Was he talking about Madelyn? There were more ways to lose someone you loved than through the finality of death.

  Ivy curled a hand in her lap. Oh, why did Madelyn have to show up today of all days? she thought.

  Last night had been so glorious, so wonderful, the culmination of everything she’d dreamed of for such a very long time.

  James wanted her. Finally, he desired her as a woman.

  And now that he did, might it not be possible for him to want more? To want her, to love her, for always?

  They could have spent the day together, lying in each other’s arms, talking and making love. Instead, he sat across from her, his reserve back in place. All the accusations Madelyn and Parker had thrown at him no doubt running through his head.

  She listened as he and Madelyn continued to talk about Caroline.

  How horrible of me, Ivy thought. Fretting over her own selfish concerns instead of concentrating on her sister-in-law.

  She shifted in her seat, suddenly feeling rather low and petty.

  Madelyn’s words slowed as she began to run out of new information to share. She checked her watch. “I should be leaving. I . . . well, we have the drive home, and Zack wants to grab a bite here in the city first. This time of year the restaurants are all sure to have extra-long lines.”

  “You’re welcome to eat here if you’d like. All of you,” James offered, grudging but polite.

  “No. I think it would be best if I just left.” She stood, looked toward her sister. “Ivy? Shall we ride down to your floor together?”

  She met Madelyn’s expectant look, shook her head. “I’m staying here with James.”

  Her sister’s lips tightened, her disapproval clear. “Then perhaps you could see me out, at least?”

  “All right.” Ivy rose from the couch.

  “I’ll take that shirt now, Ivy.” James stood, extended his hand.

  “Oh, of course.” She’d nearly forgotten about the garment still draped over her arm. She passed him the clean shirt, vibrantly aware as their hands brushed. “Need any help?”

  The corners of his lips edged upward. “I think I can manage on my own, but thanks.”

  His expression neutral, James turned to Madelyn. “Safe trip home.”

  She raised one sharp red eyebrow, then lowered it without saying whatever had been ready to emerge. She nodded once. “Bye.”

  She preceded Ivy into the hallway. Once they were out of earshot, Madelyn stopped and turned. “What in the world do you think you’re doing?”

  “About what?”

  “About James. What else would I be talking about? A relationship between the two of you is completely out of the question.”

  Ivy folded her arms over her chest. “Why?”

  “Well, for one thing, you’ve known him forever. My God, he used to play patty-cake with you. He used to give you piggyback rides on his shoulders.”

  “I barely remember.”

  “Of course you don’t—you were too young. You’re only twenty. You should be out enjoying yourself, having fun.”

  “I am having fun.” Her lips curved. “I hope to have a lot more fun very soon.”

  Madelyn ignored the innuendo. “I meant with people your own age. James is even older than I am.”

  Ivy snorted. “By all of eight months.”

  “And I’m older than you by fifteen years.”

  “I know how old all of us are. His age doesn’t matter to me.”

  “Well, it ought to.” Madelyn threw up her hands. “What will everyone think? Our friends, our family, our parents?”

  “I would hope Mom and Dad will be happy for me, for James. They’ve always loved him. I love him.”

  Madelyn’s tone softened. “And does he feel the same?”

  Ivy lowered her eyes. “I don’t know. But if he doesn’t now, I plan to do everything I can to convince him he does.” She looked up and took a breath. “What’s the problem, Malynn? Are you really so concerned for me, or are you just upset for yourself?”

  Madelyn’s eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “He was yours once. We all know that. Because he was yours, you don’t want me to have him.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. You make it sound as if I’m jealous, which I’m not. I’m a very happily married woman. James can have any female he likes.”

  “Just not your sister.�
��

  Trapped by Ivy’s unassailable logic, Madelyn sputtered.

  “You didn’t want him,” Ivy continued. “But I do. I’ve loved him for as long as I can remember. I loved him when I didn’t think there was a hope in this world he’d ever look my way. Even when his heart belonged completely to you. When you refused him, I cried. I mourned for him and for his pain.”

  Ivy took a breath. “But I have a chance now. Please don’t deny me that. He’s the only man I’ll ever want. The only one I’ll ever love. You love Zack; you must understand how I feel.”

  Madelyn laid a hand on Ivy’s cheek. “I think I’m beginning to. I always knew you had a crush on James. I just never realized how deep your feelings really went.” Madelyn sighed. “I only want you to be happy.”

  “I am. I will be. With him. Can’t you be happy for me back?”

  Madelyn lowered her hand. “I’ll try. Getting used to this is going to take some doing.” She glanced up at the crown of Ivy’s head. “I’m still getting used to the fact that you’re several inches taller than me. Give me some time, okay?”

  Ivy smiled. “Okay.” She reached out and hugged Madelyn. “I love you.”

  Madelyn hugged her back. “Same here, kiddo. Take care of yourself. I’ll call. And turn on the ringer on your phone for a change.”

  Ivy laughed and agreed.

  They exchanged one more hug; then Madelyn let herself out the door.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Ivy found James in the kitchen drinking coffee out of an oversized white ceramic mug.

  He looked up as she entered. “Still alive?”

  “Of course.” She went to the cupboard where he kept the mugs and took down one for herself. “We talked. There were a few sticky moments, but Malynn and I are okay again.”

  He lifted the coffeepot and filled her cup. “So did you promise never to see me again after today?”

  She turned earnest eyes upon him. “You know I would never promise that.”

  He was silent for a long moment. “Maybe you should.” He pushed away from the countertop where he’d been leaning, crossed to the refrigerator. “You want something to eat?”

  Uneasy surprise rippled through her. “Yeah, but not until you tell me what you meant by that last comment.”