by Conn, Claudy
Terence closed the gap between them, took her face lovingly in his hands, and kissed her forehead. “I missed you, Pumpkin.”
Erika leaned into her father and hugged him tight. “I missed you too, Dad.”
After another quick kiss, Terence relieved her of the mug. He filled it half full of coffee, added a generous amount of milk, plopped in a couple of teaspoons of sugar, then went to the refrigerator and found the chocolate syrup. He squeezed in a substantial amount and popped the concoction into the microwave. When everything was warmed to temperature, he gave it a stir and handed it to his daughter. “Try this, baby. I bet it’s more to your liking.”
Erika took a cautious sip and grinned from ear to ear. “Can I have this every morning?”
Terence should have seen that coming. “It’s a weekend treat only.” He grabbed another mug from the cabinet and filled it. Annie liked her coffee with only a little half and half, so he did the same for her sister. “Take this out to Brittany and get her off that porch swing. It’s not meant for sleeping.”
“Why me?”
He ruffled her hair, knowing the time was fast approaching when his daughter would no longer tolerate or appreciate the gesture. “Put yourself in her shoes,” he explained. “She showed up here unannounced. Annie hasn’t seen her in years, and they never had a good relationship. I imagine Brittany is nervous about meeting us. I think it would be an easier transition if she woke up to your sweet, friendly face, instead of her inquiring brother-in-law’s.”
“Is Brittany really my aunt?”
Terence shrugged. “Just like Annie’s your mom and I’m your dad. We’re not blood related, but it doesn’t matter, family is family.”
Erika crossed her eyes. “Yeah, if we waited for someone to be related by blood around here, our family would be mighty small.” She picked up the mug Terence prepared and walked out of the kitchen. “Wish me luck.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be right here if you need me.”
His daughter looked over her shoulder and grinned. “You always are.”
Terence snickered at the barely veiled sarcasm and opened the window so he could listen.
• • •
ERIKA SAT ON the deck in front of the porch swing and waved the coffee mug under Aunt Brittany’s nose, just like they did in the commercials. The aroma failed to wake her aunt. Erika had a better idea. Plan B was to stare intently at her target until they felt the force of her gaze. The ploy worked a million times on her dad, Annie, and the multitude of girlfriends who stayed over for slumber parties.
Today was no exception. A few seconds later, Brittany began to stir. A moment later, her eyes began to flutter, and Erika knew she was about to lay waste to her latest victim.
She braced herself for Brittany’s reaction. One of her friends had startled upon waking and punched Erika in the eye. The shiner she received that day made Erika a bit more cautious when applying this waking technique, but it hadn’t stopped her from flirting with disaster. She smiled, knowing her father was inside shaking his head at her folly, but if Aunt Brittany planned on hanging around, she should know what she was getting herself into.
Erika’s concentration was interrupted by a clatter coming from across the street. She turned and watched Grady Barlow, her twenty-year-old, sandy blond, beach bum of a neighbor, come flying out his front door. He clamored down the steps and out into the yard. That could only mean one thing. Annie and Max were making their way up the street.
“ANNIE!” Grady yelled with an insulated travel mug in his hand. “Any coffee left today?”
Annie and Max weren’t anywhere in sight, but Erika heard her quite well. “Only if you help me get this little monkey off my back!”
A few moments later, the Jamoka Jack Coffee Cart came into view. Grady was pushing it. His sandaled feet clomped on the asphalt with every stride while Annie wrestled with a squirming Max in her arms. Annie’s eyes caught Erika’s and silently begged for assistance.
Max was in a mood. Her baby brother might be the most beautiful kid on the face of the earth, but he could also be a major pill. Not really wanting to, she got up to go to her sorta-mom’s rescue.
Erika avoided labeling the people in her family. While Terence still claimed the moniker of Dad, and his sister was still Aunt Lena, she referred to everyone else by their first name. Larry Wright was her biological father, but he would never be her dad. The man was old and felt more like a grandpa. Erika supposed she loved him. She certainly could wrap the old guy around her finger. Not that it did much good, Terence and Annie were usually right there to counteract her blatant manipulation of the man who still felt he needed to make up for lost time.
Terence opened the door and waved Erika off. “I’ll get Max. You wake up Brittany.” A few steps later, he called out, “It might be a little more effective if you just shook her arm.”
Her father trotted off in the direction of his main squeeze. Annie was capable of putting a smile on his face like no one else, not even her.
Brittany stirred. Erika took her father’s advice and touched the girl’s deeply tanned skin. It didn’t look like Annie’s sister was afraid of soaking up too much sun. Erika wondered how it would hold up under the piercing Hawaiian rays.
Brittany’s eyes fluttered open, and Erika introduced herself.
• • •
BRITTANY SHOT UPRIGHT and looked around. It took a few seconds to figure out where she was. As her senses returned, she remembered she was in Hawaii. The young girl sitting beside her was waiting for a response. “Hello,” Brittany began timidly. “I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I’m looking for my sister, Annie Harper. Is she here?”
A huge smile broke across the girl’s face. “You mean Annie Javier? My...” The teen struggled for a moment as if she were unsure how to proceed. “My, um, stepmother?”
Britt stared blankly. “I’m sorry, what did you say your name was?”
The girl stuck out a friendly hand. “I’m Erika Turner, daughter of Terence Javier and Larry Wright.”
Britt eyed the girl suspiciously, but grabbed her hand. “You’re kidding me, right?”
Erika burst out laughing. “You and Annie aren’t close at all!” She pulled Brittany to a standing position. “Come on and meet everyone.”
Brittany was exhausted. The emotional stress of running away and into an uncertain future was enough to confuse anyone, but had her new niece said Annie’s husband was gay?
That thought disappeared the moment she saw Terence whisk their baby boy out of Annie’s arms and plant a wet juicy one on her sister’s waiting lips. Annie slipped her arms around her husband’s trim waist and their love and lust was on display for all to see.
Their baby did not appreciate being left out and wailed at the indignity of being tucked football style in his father’s arms.
“Max cries all the time,” Erika informed her as she pulled her new best-bud down the front steps. “You should invest in a good set of ear plugs if you plan on staying with us.”
That was exactly what Britt wanted to do, but now she saw what a huge imposition she was foisting upon this family. She had to find a job quick. In the meantime, maybe Annie and Terence would appreciate a bit of free babysitting. Brittany was good with kids and animals. Winning Max over just became priority number one.
Erika and Britt drew closer to the couple.
Nervous sweat trickled down her chest and soaked her armpits. Not knowing how her sister was going to react, Brittany braced herself and anxiously cleared her throat. “Hey, sis.”
Annie and Terence broke apart. Annie’s head turned toward the sound of Britt’s voice. Recognition set in and her expression was priceless.
“Brittany? Is that you?” She raced to embrace her little sister. Annie grabbed Brittany’s chin and petted her cheeks, as she searched every nuance of her face. “I can’t believe you’re here.” A million questions tumbled out. “How’s Mom and your father? When did you get in? How long are you staying? How ar
e―” Her inquiry stopped when reality seeped in. The smile fell. “Are you okay? Did something happen?”
Relief flowed through Brittany’s body. Even though she hadn’t been around for years, her sister still cared. She was also the only person on the entire planet who understood what it was like to live with their parents. “You know Mom and Dad,” Britt began lamely. “Something always happens.” The comfort that Annie offered was desperately needed. Out of nowhere, tears burned her eyes. Brittany gasped and tried to choke back the sobs that threatened to dampen their happy reunion.
Annie pressed Brittany’s head tenderly to her shoulder, and the dam broke.
Brittany sobbed for about five minutes before Terence touched her arm. “Breakfast is almost ready. Come inside and eat.” He turned to the boy on the street. “Hey kid! Put yourself to use and get that cart in the garage. Then join us. You can’t live on Annie’s coffee alone.”
For the first time, Brittany noticed the hot, scruffy blond, dressed in a sleeveless muscle tee and brightly colored board shorts.
“Thanks, Mr. Javier,” the young man called out as he heaved the cart up the driveway.
“I wish you would call me Terence,” Brittany’s brother-in-law hollered back.
A smile beamed across the boy’s handsome face. “As soon as you start calling me Grady.”
Both men grinned at what was obviously a regular exchange. Terence herded the ladies inside. When they passed the porch swing, he scooped up the mug Erika and Brittany left swaying and slopping out all over the cushions.
An Areca Palm tree decorated with small ornaments stood in the corner of the living room. Brittany stopped and halted everyone’s progress. “Is this your Christmas tree?”
Erika smiled proudly. “It was my idea. Don’t you love it?”
In Brittany’s eyes, it was a great alternative to the standard holiday evergreen. It was beautiful, and it saved a fir tree from being harvested, only to be carelessly discarded a few weeks later. The sparkling ornaments complimented the tender fronds. They didn’t overpower or make it droop under their weight. Curious about the decorations, she stepped closer. They appeared to be made of glass, but they had to be extremely light. Brittany reached out and touched one.
“Be careful,” Erika warned, “they’re very delicate and are a bugger to make.”
She turned and found Annie’s arms wrapped around Erika’s smaller frame.
“They’re paper, painted to look like stained-glass,” Annie announced proudly. “Erika came up with the idea, and together we figured out a way to make them.” She kissed the young girl’s forehead and squeezed a little tighter. “It took this girl two weeks to complete the project. She wouldn’t let anyone help her. I’m very proud.”
“I’m going to make a bunch more and sell them,” Erika chimed in brightly. “I probably won’t make much of a profit this season, but whatever I’m not able to sell this year, I’ll save for next Christmas.”
Terence stepped forward and rubbed his daughter’s head affectionately. Max had quieted down and was calmly sucking his thumb.
The image they presented was of a quintessential family unit. Brittany took a second to commit the moment to memory. She prayed it was an honest representation of their home life. Her sister had been through a lot and deserved some happiness. Brittany also prayed she wouldn’t do anything to disrupt it.
“The bacon is ready and the pancakes will be up in ten,” Terence announced before heading toward the kitchen.
Erika snapped her fingers. “I forgot the coffee Dad made me. I’ll be right back.” She broke out of Annie’s hug and bolted for the door.
• • •
“YOUR WHAT?” ANNIE called after her, but Erika was gone.
The sisters were alone for the first time. Annie’s eyes filled with compassion. “Would you like to tell me about it?”
Brittany looked at the ceiling. She didn’t know how to express the years of tyranny, the unrealistic expectations, and over the top consequences she lived under. How could she tell Annie it wasn’t just her father, but also their mother? Annie always blamed Dad, but Mom was just as guilty, and what she suffered was worse than anything she recalled Annie having to face.
Grady opened the front door. Six oversized coffee pumps wobbled in his arms. The interruption saved her from having to respond to her sister’s question. Momentarily letting go of the hurt and sadness, Britt rushed over to the young man with the windswept hair and easy smile. “Hi, I’m Brittany. Let me help you with those.”
Business had been good. The containers were light and empty. Annie’s abrupt career change was baffling, but seeing her new family and the content look on her face, she knew her sister had found her happy ever after.
Grady’s twinkling green eyes gazed down at her. They were breathtaking. Taken off guard, Britt accidentally dropped one of the containers. It landed on Grady’s sandaled foot and his joyful expression grimaced in pain.
“I am so sorry,” she exclaimed, and rushed to retrieve the container off Grady’s aching toes. Grady went down with her and the top of her head bashed against his chin.
The boy grunted.
Brittany took a few giant steps back and wondered if she should apologize again or simply stay well away from the man.
Annie came to the rescue. “Let me take care of those while you two go in the kitchen.” She grabbed all the pumps and gave Grady a friendly nudge. “Go on and eat.”
The boy rubbed his chin and limped toward the breakfast area. When Brittany failed to follow, he held out his hand. “Come on. Mr. Javier gets mad if we don’t eat his food while it’s hot.”
Britt laced her fingers through his and allowed the bright-eyed blond to lead the way. “I’m so sorry,” she repeated. “Are you sure you want me this close?”
A sexy grin sparked across his gorgeous face. “I’m positive.”
Annie chuckled behind them. “Grady is the neighborhood flirt and Erika is totally devastated because he doesn’t flirt with her.”
Grady glanced over his shoulder. “Have you met your husband? He would kick my ass.” Then he whispered in Brittany’s ear, “Besides, you don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
Everyone was trying hard to make her feel at home. Annie seemed happy she was here, so Brittany decided it was time to relax. They joined the rest of the family, and her curiosity about the boy got the best of her. She nudged Grady’s shoulder. “Sounds like you eat here a lot.”
His green eyes sparkled. “They’ve kind of adopted me. My parents passed away last year, so I’m all by myself across the street. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” Grady pulled her up next to the counter and grabbed a strip of bacon.
Terence whacked his hand with a spatula. “Mind your manners.” He set the plate in front of Brittany. “Company first.”
Brittany reached for a piece. Before she had her hands on the crispy goodness, Annie pushed the platter back in front of Grady. “Brittany is not company, she’s family.”
Grady squared his shoulders proudly and snatched a slice.
Terence whacked his hand again and the bacon fell back onto the dish. “Tomorrow she’s family, today she’s company.”
Erika whisked it away from all of them. “Stop smacking Grady like that, Dad. You’ll hurt him.” The platter arrived at its final destination on the dinette set several feet away. Erika plopped down in a chair and shoved three pieces in her mouth. “And for the record,” she mumbled. “They’re both family.”
Brittany held her breath. A family fight already and it was all because of her. It took a moment before she realized they were only teasing each other. Back home, no one ever laughed or joked, and no one dared talk back to her father. Not even Mom.
In less than fifteen minutes, she finally understood what being a family was all about. Love, loyalty, and a lot of laughing. She knew with every ounce of her being that coming to Hawaii was the right move. Brittany faced another dilemma. She possessed a sense of humor, but s
he never used it inside the family. There was a fine line between joking and being insulting. That line was crossed all the time with her beach buddies, but she didn’t want to say anything she might regret her very first day in Hawaii. Britt decided her best course of action was to start slowly. Sliding off the stool, she joined Erika at the table. “Three pieces of bacon,” she stated. “Well, I guess that’s better than two.”
Erika cocked her head. “Yeah, it’s bacon!”
Brittany shifted her eyes down toward her backside and gave her niece a little hint. “You know, number two...”
Erika’s brows scrunched together.
“Number one and number two,” Brittany explained, hopefully.
The girl shook her head. Her face a total blank.
Grady turned his stool around. “I guess you have to be a boy to get that one. She’s talking about poop, Erika.” His little snicker turned into a full-bodied laugh. “Number one is pee and number two is poop. Bacon is better than poop.”
Erika held her stony expression and picked up another piece. “Yeah. It’s bacon.”
Her new niece had sarcasm down pat.
Annie placed an understanding hand on Brittany’s shoulder. “It’s okay, and even when we are fighting, it’s still okay.” She leaned down and placed a quick kiss on Brittany’s cheek. “You’ll get used to us.”
Brittany wasn’t so sure. She had emerged out of a dark hole and into the light. Her eyes were adjusting, but she felt disoriented and unsure of herself. “Are you sure it’s okay that I’m here? I know it’s a huge inconvenience.”
Annie shot her husband a sly smile.
Terence explained, “In this house, we welcome inconveniences. If Annie hadn’t barged into our lives a few years back, we wouldn’t be the family we are today.”
Max, strapped securely in his highchair, decided it was time to weigh in and wail.
Grady went over and released the boy from his bonds. Lifting him in the air, he cooed, “Hey, big boy. You settle down, breakfast is coming.”
Terence flipped a pancake onto a plate. “Here kid, feed him.”
