"You two get in here," Edna commanded. Jayce complied first, Tiara following. "No offense, but you two alone tends to induce verbal explosions. I plan on having a great evening."
Jayce hung her head, more subdued than Tiara had ever seen her. "Aunt Edna, it isn't like we intend it to happen that way."
Sarah snickered. "Yeah, come on Edna, we all know Jayce is a lover, not a fighter--unless it's over a girl. Maybe this is some bizarre mating ritual with these two." Tiara felt her cheeks flame, and noted the immediate flush to Jayce's face. Sarah winked at them. "I'm thinking maybe we should feed them." She leaned forward and directed her attention to Darla. "If we keep their mouths full, they can't argue, can they?"
Darla laughed. "You may have something there."
"What can I do to help?" Edna asked.
"It's all ready. I thought we'd have dinner buffet style, if you don't mind."
Edna patted Darla's leg affectionately. "Don't mind at all." She stood, moved to stand in front of Tiara, gently tapping her on the cheek. "We tease in good fun, because we care about you."
Tiara nodded. She understood, not that it changed her discomfort.
After filing into the kitchen, piling plates with the vast array of food and taking places at the table that had all the leafs extending it, Tiara realized she and Jayce had been maneuvered once again. Shuffled to the back of the line, the others had taken seats that left two directly facing each other across the table.
"Like we don't know this was orchestrated," Jayce said.
Tiara glanced at her. She didn't know what was wrong. Jayce wasn't herself tonight. There were no smiles, no teasing. Did she regret having to spend time with her, because of how their time at the line shack had ended?
Tiara realized Jayce had moved away and she stood alone at the counter. She made her way to the last available chair. Before her return home, this would have been awkward because Tiara hated social gatherings. Now she felt uncomfortable because something was wrong with Jayce, and most likely had been her doing. If the lack of conversation from her and Jayce disturbed anyone, Tiara couldn't tell. She, herself, paid a fraction of attention.
Edna seemed to carry most of the entertainment by relaying stories of Jayce, Sarah and Tiara during their youth, even a couple stories of Slim that Tiara had never heard. The food was wonderful, as usual, and everyone had seconds, the two men managing to consume any remainders. The stories of Sarah seemed to have piqued Craig's interest.
"So you're not just a friend because of Miss Juarez?" Craig looked surprised as he watched Sarah.
"Nope, I'm a product of Silver Waters," Sarah said, a touch of melancholy in her tone.
"That's great," Craig said excitedly. Tiara cringed inside knowing he hadn't heard the emotional timbre in her words. "Now I know someone who can show me the town. When can you give me the tour?" He flashed Sarah his pearly whites.
Sarah rolled her eyes. "I'll try to fit you into my schedule."
"I look forward to it," Craig said. Then, as if an epiphany hit, he asked, "So, if you were raised here, how come you stay with them instead of your own house?"
The pain that flashed on Sarah's face was so raw that no one spoke for a moment. Since Craig was here because of her, Tiara intervened. "Because nobody passes up Aunt Edna's cooking."
Edna smiled at her, adding, "Darla wasn't a known commodity, either. I may have had some formidable competition."
Jayce placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder, which seemed to catch Craig's attention. "Crap. I put my foot in it, didn't I?"
"Looks like it," Mark said and glared at Craig.
"No, it's all right," Sarah said. She took a deep breath, and then turned directly to Craig. "Both my parents have passed away. I haven't been back to the house since."
"I'm sorry, Sarah," Craig said. "I never meant to upset you, bringing up painful memories."
"Sooner or later, I'll to have to go back and face the house."
"Well, if you need company, I'd like to help." Tiara didn't doubt the sincerity of his words, since it matched the expression on his face.
"I may just hold you to that, Craig." Sarah winked at him.
"Great," Edna said, clapping her hands together. "Now on to new business."
Jayce smirked and sank in her chair. "I thought this was a friendly get together?"
"It is," Edna said. She glanced to Tiara. "How are the renovations coming along?"
At any other time, Tiara would've taken the question at face value, but her intuition blared a warning. "Uh, fine. Do you have some concerns, Aunt Edna? Are we too noisy?"
Edna snorted. "No, dear, I quite enjoy the activity. I'm curious because I'd like to suggest a game, of sorts, that Sarah has proposed."
All eyes turned to Sarah, who responded with a barely noticeable shrug. "Don't blame her alone. She had an idea, and Darla and I agree with it."
Mark cleared his throat noisily and directed his attention to Edna. "Um, excuse me, ma'am. Even though my wife seems to have aligned herself in some scheme, Tiara is boss to Craig and me. I think it best he and I leave you ladies to whatever you are about to spill."
Craig pushed back his chair with an eerie squeak across the linoleum. "Yeah, I don't want any part of women stuff." He and Mark had made it to the entryway of the hall before Craig spun around and said, "But don't forget us when dessert is ready."
With the men gone, Tiara looked around her, finally recognizing the seating order. Sarah was across the table beside Jayce, while Tiara sat between Edna and Darla. A headache began to build. "What's going on?" Tiara asked, dismayed by the tremor in her voice.
"Nothing to be fearful of, dear," Edna said.
Sarah nodded. "We think you and Jayce need to better understand each other and what each does."
Barely above a whisper, Jayce said, "Oh, we understand each other quite well, thanks."
"That's emotion talking, Jayce," Sarah stated softly. "Remember I told you something about the grass being greener?"
With a smirk in her direction, Jayce reminded, "No, Ms. Juarez brought it up, Sarah."
"We're trying to help. Anyway, we think the guys don't know Sarah and Juanita are the same." Darla and Tiara nodded. "Try to take this seriously, Jayce," Edna admonished.
Jayce scowled at her aunt. "And I'm letting you know that Red and I have already handled this. She stays out of my way and I'll stay out of hers. I'm only here because you wouldn't let me stay home."
Tiara felt horrible at that moment. The other three couldn't have missed the hurt in Jayce's voice, because it was too raw. "Jayce--"
"What?"
Sighing heavily with hurt, Tiara said, "Let them speak. We don't have to agree to do anything."
"Fine." Jayce sat up in her chair and placed her elbows on the table. "What game is supposed to make us buddies?"
"We thought the best way would be to understand what the other does for a living. In other words, switch jobs. Tiara learns to work with horses, and Jayce learns carpentry work."
She raised an eyebrow. Tiara had wounded Jayce more than she would have believed possible. What she didn't understand was why? Jayce could have any woman she beamed that Mansfield smile upon. Had Jayce truly envisioned Tiara in her domestic fantasies? Didn't she grasp that Tiara could never stay in Silver Waters? Once again Tiara had managed to disappoint a person she truly cared about. She knew she had been harsh at the line shack, but the way it ended had hurt Tiara, too.
She got so angry when Jayce called her booty buddy, even though it was how she was about to end things herself. Tiara didn't know how she could rebuild the harm she had done. Jayce should never be negative; she was the ever-happy one.
Now was the time to take a leap and fix this mess, so Tiara accepted the challenge. Focusing her gaze on Jayce, Tiara said, "I'll only agree if Jayce adds a cooking lesson."
Chapter Eighteen
JAYCE HADN'T EXPECTED Tiara to take them up on the challenge, or to add an assignment to their imposed time together. Hadn't she alr
eady explained they'd come to an understanding? Why couldn't Tiara leave well enough alone? What had she missed?
"Wonderful," Edna exclaimed. "I have a request."
Groaning, Jayce asked, "Another one?"
With remarkable agility, Edna reached across the table and slapped Jayce on the side of the head.
"Hey, we're not at home, you know," Jayce said.
"You should be thankful a fork wasn't handy."
"Fine. What's your request?" Jayce asked, and then blew a raspberry at her.
Edna snorted as she returned to her seat. "I'd love to have a fancy table for the hall entrance." She glanced at Tiara. "You know, for keys and purses when you walk in."
"Whatever. What else?" Jayce asked, rolling her eyes. She noticed Darla stared at her with a strange expression. Shifting slightly in her chair, Jayce managed to blot her from her vision.
Sarah added, "Teach Tiara a little about horses, make her more comfortable around Majestic."
Tiara rasped. "Is that possible? Maybe we could use a really old and tame horse."
Edna patted Tiara's leg. "Majestic is a good horse, Tiara, we wouldn't steer you wrong." With a wink, Edna added, "Only Jayce is the chauvinistic beast."
Tiara blushed.
Jayce sighed and asked, "And finally?"
Darla bit her bottom lip, before she said, "Teach Tiara to cook a-- meal. It can be a small one, for Edna and Sarah."
Jayce studied Darla and Tiara. "Why not for everyone?"
Tiara snickered. "They don't want me sending Darla to the hospital, because I've poisoned Baby Chester." Jayce had to strain to hear Tiara add, "Told you I can't cook. I wasn't being modest, just saving the lives of people who would have to eat my culinary disasters."
"No one is that bad, Tiara," Jayce said.
Simultaneously, Darla replied, "Yes, she is," as Tiara said, "Yes, I am."
That had them laughing, but Jayce couldn't manage more than a wry smile. "Great, it's all settled. Can I go now?" Pushing her chair from the table, Jayce stood.
"Jayce," Edna warned.
Sarah also stood. "Jayce can go home, make sure the animals are okay. We can clean up while Darla watches us. Gotta make sure we do it accurately, right Darla?"
"Thank you," Jayce snarled. She started toward the door, but her guilt at taking out her anger on everyone kept her from leaving without showing her gratitude. "Um, Darla, the meal--and most of the evening--was wonderful. Thank you. Also, please accept my apologies for my bad attitude. You shouldn't have had to be part of that."
"You're welcome," Darla said, as she slowly stood at eye level with her. Before Jayce could respond, Darla yanked her into a hug and whispered, "Trust us. This has a chance to work, Jayce."
Unable to speak due to the emotion choking her, Jayce nodded. "Good night, Darla. Rest well." Unable to face in Tiara's direction, she rushed through the screen door and onto the back porch.
She didn't get far. "Please, Jayce, wait." Tiara stayed on the porch. She held on to the column, as if it were the only thing keeping her from falling, the porch light brightly illuminating her.
Despite her misgivings, Jayce turned around and placed a booted foot on the bottom step, and crossed her arms over her chest. "What now?" She almost apologized for her tone when a grimace flashed across Tiara's face, but managed to bite it back. "Well?"
"It's just that..." Tiara plopped down on the top step, and buried her face in her hands. Jayce moved to her side to offer comfort, but then Tiara's hands dropped. "Can we start over?"
"Pretend last night never happened?" Jayce asked, her voice incredulous. Yeah, like that's gonna work.
Tiara's face flushed quickly, as she shook her head. "Pretending won't change that it did happen." She glanced away. "I don't want to, nor will I, forget making love to you, Jayce. I want to forget the argument this morning."
Jayce hoped this to be a mutual apology and sat next to Tiara. "That's a relief." She motioned wiping her forehead with her arm. "Thought I'd lost my charm. What would I do if I couldn't suitably woo the ladies?"
"Nah," Tiara denied, knocking her shoulder into Jayce's, "you've definitely still got it, handsome." Jayce turned to her in surprise. Tiara gave a nervous laugh. "Could we add that to the list of stuff we're pretending didn't happen?"
No way would Jayce forget the compliment. Her stomach fluttered with the knowledge that she appealed to Tiara. Some of the frustrated anger from dinner left her. "Where do you wish to start over from?" She extended her hand to Tiara. "Hello, my name is Jayce Mansfield."
Tiara startled her for the second time, when she clasped Jayce's extended hand and held it tightly in both her own. "From this moment on, Jayce, I've returned and left the baggage in the trunk. We can't forget the hurt we've heaped on each other, but maybe we can forgive. Let's agree we acknowledge what happened, file it away, and we move forward, okay? When I return home, I'd like us to be friends who communicate."
A twinge of pain fluttered in Jayce's heart. It hurt her to know Tiara would leave, yet she was excited by the prospect that Tiara wanted to move forward in their friendship. "Okay, I can give you that."
"Good, because if you can teach me to cook half as good as you do, I'll be awesome."
A mischievous grin crossed Jayce's face, as she shook her head slowly. "I'm marvelous, not a miracle worker." Tiara lightly slapped her on the back of the head with one hand, yet hadn't released Jayce's hand from the other, pleasing Jayce no end. "Hey, I can't perform for the folks inside if I've a concussion. What was that for?"
Tiara chuckled. "That comment would have hurt if it wasn't so true. And, somehow I doubt anyone has complained about your performance."
Tiara bit her bottom lip and Jayce decided it best to ignore any comeback she wanted to make. "You don't think I'm a miracle worker?" Jayce placed her hand over her heart. "You've wounded me to the quick."
"You know I don't cook, barely know my way around the kitchen." Tiara appeared pained to have to make the statement. "You would have to be a miracle worker if I can manage something edible without burning down the kitchen."
"No problem," Jayce said with a nod. Then, she looked directly into Tiara's beautiful grey eyes, while waggling her eyebrows, and asked, "And your thoughts to my being marvelous?"
"YOU CAN'T DELAY the inevitable much longer, Slim." Edna moved behind where he stood and gave his arm a gentle squeeze, and then wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head against his back. "You have to tell her the truth. Let Tiara know how you feel, have always felt. Girls need to know their daddies love them. That's especially true in Tiara's case."
Slim rubbed his long fingers across his jaw line. "Edna, honey, you make it all sound so easy. It ain't simple anymore."
"Pooh. I'm fed up with excuses. When is everyone going to try to correct their actions, or inactions, rather than whine about it being hard? Anything worthwhile has to be fought for, and no one ever says it's easy, so you can't expect easy, either. That's what makes us appreciate the winning most." She dropped her arms and moved away from him. He spun around to grab at her, but she moved out of reach and leveled a glare at him.
"Can't we just postpone my dealing with Tiara until after our honeymoon?"
Edna slammed her fisted hands onto her hips. "If you think I'll marry you now, when you haven't mended fences with your own daughter, then you're crazier than I know you to be." With a snort, Slim moved closer to Edna and put his arms around her waist, facing her. She didn't relent. "I do not jest, Edward Michael Summers."
"Goodness, my full name, honey?" Slim muttered, moving a couple steps back. "You really are sticking to your guns here, aren't you?" He slowly walked to the armchair and plopped down. "When do you suggest I have this itty-bitty conversation with my little girl, darlin'?"
Snorting, Edna said, "It should've taken place already. You Summers are a stubborn bunch." Edna sat on the couch, closed her eyes, and sighed. Then she stared at him again. "We have a barbeque planned in a couple days. Maybe it w
ould be best if you talked then, with a bunch of folks around."
Slim paled and he ran a trembling hand through his thinning strawberry-blond hair. "You want me talk to Tiara with a heap of people around?"
Shaking her head, Edna said, "No, privately, but this way she'll have a lot of folks around, limiting where she can run if she gets upset."
"You think I'd hurt her?" he asked.
Edna patted his hand gently. "Not intentionally." Tears began to cloud her vision thinking about how often she or Jayce had witnessed the pain Tiara carried around with her, though she usually hid it. "When Tiara gets to feeling cornered, she tends to gallop fast and far toward safety, the perfect example of the flight part of fight or flight."
"All right, honey, I'll find a way to take her aside at the barbeque and have a daddy and daughter chat. Anything else?"
She recalled the phone call she'd made to him the day the limousine appeared at his place. He'd reluctantly admitted he expected that, and he'd talk to the man. They hadn't heard from Elmo since. "Thank you, by the way, for telling him that Juanita Juarez went back to Hollywood. I couldn't handle whatever he may have had planned after the damned flower debacle." At his nod, she said, "Tell me about Elmo Sparretti."
Slim guffawed and slapped his knee. "What a hoot of an idea, right?"
Edna gritted her teeth. "Talk."
Leaning back in his chair, Slim extended his booted feet, crossed them at the ankle, and smiled. "I bought Majestic from a man willing to work the poor horse to death. Figured it was time to let the dang critter get some rest. Only living creature to care for Majestic is an annoying goose."
"Yes, we've met." Edna tapped her fingers impatiently on her thigh. "About Elmo?"
"Heh-heh. That was a flash of genius, if I say so myself."
"Which you are," she growled, "at a morbidly slow pace, I might add."
"Okay, honey, keep your pantyhose on. Sheesh." Slim sat up in his chair and appeared to get serious. "Well, I knew I had to get my little girl back home where she belongs."
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