by Francis Ray
“Dinner ready yet?”
Kara kept whipping the potatoes. “Almost.”
She heard then saw her mother lift the top of the casserole top with a pot holder. “I thought you meant a real steak when you said we were having steak.”
Kara clenched the handle of the whisk. “T-bones and rib eye are seven ninety-nine a pound.”
“You can’t afford eight dollars to feed your mother?”
Kara carefully scraped the potatoes into the Lenox dish her mother preferred her food served in. It wouldn’t have occurred to her mother that Kara might want a steak as well.
“I asked you a question.”
“We have to save every place we can.”
“You act like we’re paupers. What about those paintings? You promised your daddy to take care of me. We still haven’t gone to Dillard’s for my shopping trip. I can’t do anything fun,” her mother complained.
Kara whirled. “Did it ever occur to you that neither can I? You spend four times as much as I do. I pay the house note, the utility bills. You ran up my Dillard’s card so much that I can’t even use it. What more do you want from me?”
Her mother’s lips tightened. “I took care of you and never said a word while you went to college and moved to New Jersey. The least any self-respecting daughter could do is help out a bit and not complain.”
“Father and I paid for my tuition. I worked all through high school and college. I paid for my move. You never worked.”
Her mother’s chin lifted belligerently. “That doesn’t mean I wasn’t there helping him manage things. Without me, he would have had nothing. I pushed him every step of the way.”
Too hard, Kara wanted to say, but she turned to pour the green beans into a companion serving dish. “Dinner is ready.” Stepping around her mother, she placed the dishes on the table. She’d already set the place setting for one. Wordlessly, her mother took her seat and briefly bowed her head.
“I’m going out,” Kara said. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”
Her mother turned and pinned her with a look. “I know I told you to watch them, but if you get into trouble you’re no daughter of mine. That man is no good, I can tell. He just wants to use you.”
The only person using me is you. “I have to go,” Kara said. Arguing with her mother never solved anything. It just left her feeling miserable and trapped.
“You just be sure you don’t let him cheat you out of the money for the paintings.”
Halfway out of the kitchen, Kara stopped. “I trust Tristan. He believes in my paintings.”
Her mother sucked her teeth and went back to her food. Kara noted she had a big slice of smothered steak on her plate. “We both know the reason for that.”
“Good night, Mother.” Trembling with anger, Kara couldn’t get to her car fast enough. She had never wanted to be away from her mother as much as she did now.
She was still shaking when she pulled up in front of Tristan’s house twenty minutes later. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the seat. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take.
The door suddenly opened. Startled, she turned to see Tristan, his brow furrowed. She didn’t give herself time to think, she just reached for him. His arms closed securely around her.
“I got you, baby. I got you.”
She tried to stem the flow of tears and lost. Tristan placed her on her feet, grabbed her purse, car keys, and then swept her into his arms again. He didn’t stop until they were inside and he was sitting on the sofa with her in his arms.
His lips brushed against hers. “I’m here. I’m here.”
She felt his warmth, his solidness, enjoyed the comfort he generously offered. He didn’t question her, badger her, belittle her. “Why can’t she ever be satisfied or happy for me?”
He tensed. His arms gathered her closer. “Baby, I’m sorry.”
She looked up at him through tearstained eyes. “Nothing I do pleases her. She always wants more.”
He lifted her chin. “You might not like to hear this, but I’m going to tell you anyway.”
She pushed upright. “I probably won’t.”
He caught her face in his hands. “She does it because you let her. When was the last time you said no, gave her back some of her own?”
“She’s my mother and I promised Daddy that I’d take care of her,” she reminded him.
“Which she uses to her advantage. Stand up to her,” he told her, his face hard.
He thought she was weak and a coward. She stood. He was right. “When do you think your friend and his wife will be here?”
Tristan stared at her a long time. “If you don’t fight for yourself, you only have yourself to blame.”
She picked up her car keys. “I made us some sandwiches. They’re in the trunk.”
He pushed easily to his feet and took the keys from her. “I might have known. You know where the wine and wineglasses are and the rest of the things. I’ll get the sandwiches while you set up the kitchen.” He took a couple of steps away, then turned back and kissed her on the cheek. “You know you can tell me to go to hell and I’ll still help you, don’t you?”
“I do and I would if you weren’t right.” She glanced away. “I’m all she has.”
“You’re all she has, and that hasn’t stopped her from telling you what she thinks.”
“She’s my mother.”
“And that’s why I bite my tongue when I’m with her. You’re a strong, caring woman. One day I hope she’ll see that.”
Kara shook her head as he walked away. He was wrong. She was weak, not courageous as he’d once said. Worse, her mother would only become more critical and demanding as the years passed.
* * *
Once outside, Tristan cursed all the way to Kara’s car and all the way back with the tray. She did so much for others, and her mother treated her like crap. She seemed to enjoy belittling Kara. Tristan stopped on the porch and took one, then another, calming breath.
Tonight was important for Kara. It was another person validating her work. In the coming weeks and months she was going to be extremely popular, and he was going to make sure, at least in her paintings, that no one took advantage of her.
Going inside, he went to the kitchen. She had everything set up. He liked seeing her there, could easily imagine her there cooking one of her incredible dishes.
She glanced up, sadness in her eyes. Putting the tray down, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and hard. “Think about that or how you’re going to be very famous. Nothing else.”
Her eyes softened. “Can I think about what a great kisser you are?”
Chuckling, he let her take the easy way out. She wouldn’t let herself believe. “You inspire me.”
The doorbell rang. She tensed and her eyes widened.
Taking her hand in his, he felt the tiniest tremble. “It’s Mother or Zachary and Madison.”
“Zachary Holman? Your friend, and the one who helped Dale is the builder of the spec house?”
“One and the same. He’s a great guy and so is his wife.” Still holding her hand, he went to the front door. He was keeping her close to him. He wasn’t going to give her time to get scared or worse, think about her uncaring mother.
Opening the door, he grinned. On the porch was an attractive couple in their thirties. Madison was stylishly dressed in a multicolored sundress. Zachary wore a chambray shirt and jeans.
“Hi, Zachary and Madison, come on in.” He grinned and looked behind them. “Where’s Zach Jr. and Manda?”
Madison laughed softly. “Mother’s night out. Zachary’s parents came up for their doctor’s appointments, and decided to spend the night. The kids are loving it.”
Zachary grinned and kissed his wife on top of her head. “Yeah, I get my wife to myself for a change.”
Tristan closed the door. “Zachary and Madison Holman, meet Kara Simmons, the next sensation of the art scene.”
Still smiling, he expec
ted Kara to roll her eyes at his introduction. However, she just stared open-mouthed at Madison.
“Kara?”
Kara snapped her mouth shut and stared at the nationally known talk show hostess, Madison Reed. “You’re famous!”
Madison smiled easily. “On television maybe, but now I’m wife to a man I’m crazy about, and mother to an inquisitive five-year-old and a rambunctious twenty-two-month-old.”
“In other words,” Tristan said mildly, “she puts her panty hose on the same way you do.”
Everyone laughed, including Kara. “I’m sorry. Pleased to meet you. I just admire your work. I only record a couple of shows, and yours is one of them.”
“Thank you. I admire your work as well,” Madison said. “I can’t wait to see more. We have lots of walls to cover and I want quality work, work I can hand down to my grandchildren.”
Zachary frowned. “I’m not sure I want to think of Manda dating.”
Madison patted his arm affectionately and winked at Sabrina. “Then we won’t.”
“There’s food in the kitchen,” Kara offered.
“And wine,” Tristan added, placing his arms around her. He was pleased that she didn’t jump or pull away.
“You didn’t have to go to the trouble, but since I was late getting home and haven’t eaten, I’m glad you did,” Zach said. “Only I’d like a beer.”
“Got you covered. Come on into the kitchen.” Tristan motioned in that direction.
“I want to see the paintings first,” Madison said with a mischievous grin. “I know I should wait and give others a chance to look, but friendship has its privileges.”
“You really liked them?” Kara asked.
“Loved would be a better word,” Madison said, linking her arm carelessly through Kara’s. “The two I already have will go perfectly in the dining room, but then I decided I’d like a couple for the master bedroom. One over the bed and possibly one over the antique accent piece Zachary’s mother gave us.”
“I’ll show you where they are.” Grinning broadly, Kara led her from the room.
“I suppose you want to follow them instead of getting my beer,” Zachary asked.
“You know I do, just like you want to be with Madison,” Tristan said.
“Yeah, but I love Madison,” Zachary mused. “I’ve never seen you this concerned and careful of a woman, not even your ex.”
Tristan jerked his head around and held up both hands. “Whoa. We’re just seeing each other.”
Zachary arched a heavy brow. “Tell that to someone who hasn’t been around you and other women.”
Tristan was shaking his head before Zachary finished. “She’s had a rough time. Any decent person would care.”
Zachary grunted. “I fought falling in love with Madison too, but it was the smartest thing I ever did.”
“You’re wrong,” Tristan protested.
“Zachary, come on,” Madison called from the other room. “I found a painting I think would be perfect for the guest bedroom.”
“I don’t think so,” Zachary said to Tristan, then louder, “Coming, honey.” Zachary left Tristan standing there with a shell-shocked look on his face.
* * *
Kara still couldn’t believe it. Madison and her husband purchased two more paintings. Neither blinked nor protested when Tristan quoted two thousand dollars each—which included the friends and family discount—if she didn’t mind.
Kara wildly shook her head and felt light-headed as she watched Zachary pull a check from his shirt pocket and make it out to her. Her hand shook when she took it. She stared at the amount. She’d pressed it to her chest with trembling hands, then looked at it again. “Thank you.”
“Thank you,” Madison said.
“I’m ready for that food,” Zachary said.
“I’ll fix your plate.” Kara hurried to the kitchen, still finding it difficult to believe she’d sold four paintings. Placing the check on the counter, she began preparing their plates while Tristan poured the wine. He winked at her. She grinned.
It was real!
Tristan lifted his glass. “To Kara and a long, successful career as a professional artist.”
“To Kara,” Zachary and Madison echoed.
Kara’s grin widened. She touched her glass to theirs, sipped her wine. She turned to Tristan. “Thank you. If not for you—”
“It would have happened,” he interrupted. “You’re too talented for it not to have happened.” He slung his arm over her shoulders. “But I’m glad I was there to see it happen.”
“Me too,” she said, tempted to kiss him.
“You know I’m going to want to hang them tonight, but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow for Manda to help,” Madison said.
“Your little girl?” Kara asked.
“Yep,” Zachary said proudly, finishing off his beer. “She has her own tiny tool set. One day Holman Construction will belong to her and her brother.” He glanced at his watch and came to his feet, holding Madison’s chair as she did the same. “We better get going. We try to read the kids a story and tuck them into bed whenever possible.”
Kara couldn’t remember one time her mother had tucked her into bed or read her a story, just her father. “You’re both lucky people.”
Zachary and Madison smiled at each other. “We think so,” he said. “One day I hope you’re as lucky.”
Kara didn’t dare look at Tristan for fear he’d see the love and longing in her eyes. “I hope so too.”
“I’ll help you load the pictures in your truck.” Together, he and Zachary wrapped the paintings in a heavy mover’s blanket and put them into Zachary’s truck.
“Once all the pictures are hung, I’d like to invite you and Tristan over to see them,” Madison offered from the passenger seat a short time later.
“I’d like that.” Kara stepped away from the truck as it came to life. “Good night.”
“We’ll see you this weekend at the open house,” Madison said. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Tristan waved. His arm around her, he led her back inside. “Happiness looks good on you.”
“It feels good too.” Her arms slid around his waist. “Thank you.”
He frowned down at her. “Are you standing here because you’re grateful?”
“Does it make a difference?”
“With you, it does.”
Her smile was slow and seductive. “I’m here because I want to be. You make me feel things that scare me, excite me.”
He pulled her closer. “I feel the same way about you.”
“Good.” She reached for the hem of his knit shirt. “Now, let’s go celebrate in style.”
* * *
Cade was busy until late Thursday night. He seriously considered chartering a plane back to Houston for the night but he’d had an emergency surgery. He missed Sabrina. In the doctors’ lounge, he plopped down in a chair and called her.
“Hi. I was waiting for your call,” Sabrina answered.
He came upright. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, Stephen is getting stronger by the hour,” Sabrina said. “He wants to meet you when he’s not so out of it. Father and Grandfather told him the four of you would catch a Rangers game before the summer is over.”
“I’ve never been to one of their baseball games,” Cade said, relaxing back in the chair and admitting to himself he’d like that. “When do you plan to come back?”
“If Stephen keeps improving I’m thinking of Saturday.”
Cade blew out a breath. “I hope I can last that long.”
“I’ll make it up to both of us.”
He grinned. “I’ll pick you up. Give your family my phone numbers. We’ll have dinner at my place.” Afterward, he was taking her to bed, and he didn’t plan to let her out for a long, long time.
“Thank you. We’d all feel better if we stayed in touch.”
He’d put it off long enough. “How-how is she? There must be questions about me.”
“There are, but Mother just tells them she chooses not to discuss it. You’re her son and that’s all that matters.”
He’d had time to think and knew there would be a lot of gossip associated with her announcement. She hadn’t had to tell anyone about him. Stephen was out of danger. Perhaps there was hope for them.
“Have you done anything about locating the people who might be your half-brother and niece?” she asked.
“No.” He started to say he’d been busy, but if anyone would understand it would be Sabrina. “I didn’t want to be disappointed again, but it should be easy to find Madison Reed since she’s so well known, and through her her husband and their daughter. Getting the opportunity to speak to them privately is another matter.”
“I’ll start on the research while I’m here. When I get back, we’ll find a way to meet her and the rest of your family,” Sabrina told him.
His family. He’d never allowed himself to hope. Sabrina had changed his life in so many ways.
“You have me now,” she said.
“That’s finally sinking in.”
“Good.”
He smiled. “Good night, Sabrina. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Good night, my love.”
* * *
Kara refused to go to the open house in an old dress. She’d thought about it all day at work and warred with herself about the expense, then decided a little after three that afternoon, that for once, she wasn’t going to think about the cost. She deserved a new dress.
Opening her office door, she took a seat behind her desk and picked up the phone. Sabrina would know the perfect place.
Tristan didn’t seem to mind what she wore. Kara smothered a giggle as she dialed. Perhaps because she didn’t keep it on for long once they were alone.
“Hello.”
“Hello,” Kara said. “I’m glad you have your phone on. You sound like your old self.”
“Cade is responsible for both,” Sabrina said happily. “Stephen is going to make it, and I think Cade finally realized he can’t live without me.”
Kara’s laugh joined Sabrina’s. “He never had a chance.”
