SIX DAYS

by Williams, Mary J.

  Once a man of mystery, Liam Stanton turned out to have a surprising connection to the Benedict sisters. Now, he and Destry were in love.

  The badass and the billionaire. To their families and friends, to the world, they seemed like an impossible fit. Turned out, after many twists and turns, the couple was more alike than anyone thought. They worked, fit together like missing pieces of the same puzzle.

  Now, Liam belonged on Dee’s growing, I don’t know what happened, but we’re friends, list. Naturally, the blame lay firmly with the Benedict sisters, and she would be a fool to complain. So, she didn’t. Instead, she enjoyed her newfound bounty of people she liked and admired.

  Dee hated to take advantage of her connections, but today was a special case. In need of a favor, she called Destry right after her mother hung up.

  “Your mom is coming to town? Without your dad?” Destry met her parents last year. Didn’t take her long to figure out the dynamic between the long-married couple. “Good for her.”

  “Sure.” As a woman, Dee cheered her mother’s latent need for a little independence. As someone with a complicated mother/daughter relationship, not so much. “But…”

  “Need a buffer between you and Mom?” Perceptive as always, Destry hit the nail on the head.

  “Compared to your situation, I have no reason to complain.”

  “Billie doesn’t compare to any mother in history. Maybe Lucrecia Borgia, without the penchant for poison.”

  Billie Benedict was a narcissistic train wreck without a maternal bone in her fashionably thin body. Judy Wakefield’s only crime was loving her daughter too much. Yes, she had a knack for plucking at Dee’s last nerve. However, Judy would lay down her life to save her children. While, Billie wouldn’t raise a finger for fear she might chip a nail

  Dee was right. Between Judy and Billie, there was no comparison. One was a monster, the other, human. Took Dee over forty years to see the light, but she finally realized how fortunate she was.

  “I’m a terrible person, and the worst daughter ever.”

  “Hardly the worst,” Destry chided. “Lizzy Borden probably ranks above you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Give yourself a break. I had three amazing sisters to keep me sane. All you had was a clueless brother. “In my estimation, I’m the lucky one.”

  Dee realized, though she envied Destry’s relationship with her sisters, she wouldn’t trade places with them. Her family provided a strong foundation of support and love. When she’d needed to dig down for the strength to survive, her parents were right by her side.

  “I have a favor to ask.”

  “For you?” Destry answered without hesitation. “Anything.”

  The favor had been for Dee. With a new perspective, she would use her connections to give her mother a small, long-overdue, thank you.

  “We’re meeting at The Stanton Plaza.”

  “Great. Liam could use the business.”

  Destry’s dry, tongue-in-cheek response was designed to make Dee laugh—her friend succeeded.

  “The trip from the train station won’t take long.” Dee would be at least a half hour behind.

  “Leave everything to me. The moment Judy steps through the doors, she’ll receive the royal treatment.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Please,” Destry scoffed. “All I have to do is make a phone call. No big deal.”

  Dee knew better. Destry didn’t expect the world to hand her what she wanted on a silver platter. She rarely used her name, or the name of the man she loved, to her advantage. Today was an exception, and Dee was eternally grateful.

  In a short time, The Stanton Plaza had become one of Manhattan’s must-stay hotels. First-class all the way, the restaurant was no exception. To maintain an air of intimacy, the entrance was tucked far enough away from the main lobby to do away with overlapping noise.

  The hostess, dressed in a sleek amber-colored dress, smiled as she looked up from the reservation list.

  “May I help you?”

  “My name is Dee Wakefield. I believe my mother—”

  “Judy.” The woman’s smile brightened. “She is such a delight. Please follow me.”

  Destry came through big time. Like a queen surrounded by her court, Dee’s mother occupied a round table situated near the large, floor-to-ceiling window. Sipping from a white bone china cup emblazoned with a gold S, Judy waved when she caught sight of her daughter.

  Dee brushed a kiss across her mother’s flushed cheek. For the first time, she saw her mother with non-judgmental eyes.

  More small-town housewife than Manhattan sophisticate, Judy Wakefield knew how to dress to fit in. Her suit was classic Chanel, passed down from her grandmother. Her hair, once as dark as Dee’s, was colored a warm honey blonde. She ate right, exercised, and could easily pass for a woman ten years younger than her true age.

  “You look beautiful, Mom.”

  Pleased surprise lit Judy’s pale-blue eyes. Sitting a little straighter, she looked ready to burst but waited while Dee was seated before her news poured out in an excited wave.

  “I was about to say the same to you.”

  Dee took extra time with her appearance. The long-sleeved raspberry knit dress and knee-high black boots covered most of her tattoos. In deference to her mother, she kept the accent color in her hair to a minimum—one small streak of pink at her right temple.

  “You won’t believe what happened to me when I arrived.”

  “Tell me.”

  “I was the one-millionth person to visit The Stanton Plaza.” Judy beamed. “Can you imagine? Such a classy place. No horns, or confetti. Just a nice young woman who told me I’d won.”

  “Amazing.” Dee hid her smile. When Destry Benedict did a favor, she went all out. “What was the prize?”

  “Prizes. First, I was escorted to the beauty salon. The waiting area was full, but I was whisked to a waiting chair.” Judy patted her sleek French twist. “What do you think?”

  “Elegant.”

  “Susan, my escort, wanted to buy me a new dress from one of the boutiques.” She lovingly touched a gold button on her jacket. “Grandma’s suit is good enough for me.”

  Dee nodded. She’d never seen her mother so animated. Could be she hadn’t noticed. From now on, she’d try to do better.

  “Instead of a new outfit, Susan presented me with a gift certificate I can use online. And the goody bag is filled with something from every shop in the hotel.” Eyes twinkling, Judy dabbed her mouth with a linen napkin. “Afternoon tea is part of the prize. I hope you don’t mind. Order something else if you’d prefer.”

  The table was filled with a mouth-watering array of food, artfully arranged on tiered serving plates. A little fussy, but elegant. If Dee had planned the setting with Judy in mind, she couldn’t have made better choices.

  “Cakes and sandwiches?” Dee watched as her mother poured her a cup from an ornate silver pot. “What’s not to like?”

  “You always had a sweet tooth.” Judy placed her napkin on the table. “I need to make a trip to the ladies’ room. Help yourself. I won’t be long.”

  Dee popped a truffle into her mouth, sighing with pleasure as the rich chocolate melted in her mouth. Caramel, yum.

  “Last time I saw that look on your face, we were naked.”

  Dee blinked, surprised to find Linc standing by the table. Dressed in a masterfully tailored dove-gray suit highlighted by a dark-blue silk tie, he drew glances from several diners. Some recognized his face, others simply enjoyed the view.

  When he gave her a lingering kiss, Dee could almost hear the whispered speculation begin.

  “Now I understand the ecstasy in your eyes.” He licked his lips. “Chocolate.”

  They had kept their relationship behind closed doors. One kiss was hardly a big deal. However, these days, everyone had a camera. Private by nature, Dee didn’t know how she would feel if she became fodder for gossip
.

  Mentally, she shook away the crazy thoughts. She doubted anyone noticed. And if they did, so what? Linc was an adult, unmarried and free to do what, and whomever he pleased. At the moment, she pleased him very well indeed. Let people speculate. Better yet, let them eat their hearts out.

  “I thought you were in Chicago on a photoshoot.”

  Linc took a seat to her right.

  “The woman in charge had all her ducks in a row, meaning we finished ahead of schedule for a change. Rather than spend another night in a hotel, I took an earlier flight.”

  “Why are you here?” Dee checked the doorway, willing her mother not to appear. “Now?”

  “Stopped by to see Liam.” Linc followed her gaze. Raising an eyebrow, he took in the other place setting. “Tea for two? Did I interrupt something?”

  “My mother.” Dee was too preoccupied to notice Linc’s relieved smile. “You should go before she returns.”

  “Why? I’d like to meet her.”

  “Mom asks questions.” When Linc shrugged, Dee sighed. “Personal, sometimes inappropriate questions.”

  Dee hoped he would heed her warning. She should have known better. Linc loved a challenge.

  “I’ve been grilled by the best in the business, and the worst. Your mother doesn’t worry me.”

  Too late to change his mind, Dee realized as her mother returned to the table.

  Judy noticed Linc, her smile brightening when he rose to hold her chair.

  “Do you work for the hotel?” she asked.

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Oh.” Judy seemed disappointed. “I was going to tell you how wonderful everyone is who works here. They’ve gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome.”

  “The Stanton Plaza is renowned for its service,” Linc nodded.

  “Mom, let me introduce you. Judy Wakefield, Lincoln James. He’s—”

  “The tennis player.”

  Dee’s mouth fell open. Her mother was full of surprises.

  “You know who he is?”

  “Since your father took up the game, he watches the stuff all the time.” Judy placed her hand on Linc’s. “Did you know tennis has its own network?”

  “I heard a rumor.”

  Linc seemed as charmed as he was amused. Dee could have kissed him.

  A waitress arrived with a fresh pot of tea. Another brought more sandwiches and pastries.

  “Would you like a cup?” Judy asked. “The choices were mindboggling. Since all we use at home is Lipton in a bag, I decided to try the organic herbal mix. Sounded so exotic.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Wakefield. I’d love a cup.”

  “Call me Judy.” When Linc was served, she replenished her tea, then Dee’s. “Do you know Delphinia through her job?”

  No one, not even her father, called her Delphinia. Only Judy, on rare occasions, used her birth name. Why today, Dee lamented to herself. To his credit, Linc let the moment pass. However, the glint in his eyes said he wouldn’t forget.

  “Dee did some work for me. But we met at a party.”

  Certain she’d dodged a bullet, Dee relaxed too soon. Linc wasn’t finished.

  “Now, we’re involved.”

  “Involved?” Confused, Judy frowned. “How?”

  “Well, I…” Dee stuttered.

  The last time she and her mother talked about sex was never. She learned about the birds and the bees from books and her friends’ whispered giggles. Now was not the time to start.

  Comfortable, relaxed, Linc didn’t hesitate to clarify the situation.

  “For almost two months, Dee and I have been romantically involved.”

  Confusion clouded Judy’s eyes as she looked at Dee.

  “You and Linc?”

  “Yes, Mom. Me and Linc.”

  “I don’t understand.” Judy lowered her voice to a bare whisper. “Aren’t you a lesbian?”

  Linc snorted, spewing tea onto the table. As he dabbed the moisture from his chin, he tried, and failed miserably, to cover his laughter with a cough.

  Dee shot him a dirty look before she turned to her mother.

  “Why would you think I’m a lesbian?”

  “You’re angry.”

  “No, Mom, I’m not,” Dee assured her. “But if I were gay, I would have come out to you and Dad a long time ago.”

  “I’m fine if you are. Really.”

  “Good. But I’m not.”

  As though her own daughter’s word wasn’t enough, Judy looked to Linc for confirmation. Dee rolled her eyes.

  “Trust me. Dee is not gay.”

  “Where did you get such an idea?” Dee asked.

  “When you were a teenager, you never brought a boy home.”

  “Because teenage boys are annoying jerks.”

  “True,” Linc nodded.

  “The way you dress—not today,” Judy said in a rush. “The motorcycle boots, the tattoos, the mohawk.”

  “Mohawk?”

  Linc’s smirk put Dee on the defensive.

  “Briefly,” she muttered.

  “After what happened while you were in the Navy, I—”

  “Mom!” Dee shook her head. “Not the time.”

  “I’m sorry, I thought…” Judy glanced between Dee and Linc.

  “I have to go.” Linc rose. Smiling, he took Judy’s hand. “Thank you for the tea.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” When Linc nodded, she turned to her mother. “Be back in a minute.”

  They found a quiet alcove, just off the restaurant entrance. Dee didn’t know what to say, only that she couldn’t let Linc leave without saying something.

  “Where’s your bodyguard?”

  Linc nodded to his right, just over her shoulder.

  “Never too far away.”

  “Good.” Dee opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

  “You can tell me anything, Delphinia.” Linc touched her cheek. “Anything.”

  “Linc…”

  “Not now. Not here.” Taking her hand, he kissed her fingers. “How long is your mom in town?”

  Dee was torn. Spend the night with Linc or play coward and avoid him.

  “Just for the day. Bryce asked me to stop by later.” She would leave the decision up to him. “I’m no help with wedding plans unless she needs a cake tester. She’ll understand if I cancel.”

  “Don’t.” Linc shrugged. “I might stop by. See what the guys are up to.”

  “I’m sure the guys would appreciate your company.”

  “And you?”

  Dee sank into his arms and relaxed for the first time in what seemed like forever.

  “I’m always happy to see you.”

  “Good answer.” He kept her close for a moment longer. “Now, go. Your mother’s waiting.”

  The crowd in the dining room had thinned to a few customers who lingered over one more cup of tea.

  “I’m sorry,” Judy said as Dee took her seat. “I didn’t mean to chase Linc away.”

  “He didn’t leave because of you,” Dee assured her. “Linc’s a busy man.”

  “He’s in love with you.”

  “No.” Dee was adamant. “He’s not.”

  “The way Linc looks at you, I can tell.”

  “No offense, Mom. You thought I was gay. Forgive me if I doubt your powers of observation.”

  “You’re afraid.” When Dee would have protested, Judy shook her head. “I understand. Love is scary under any circumstances. After what happened—”

  Dee took a deep, calming breath before she said something she’d regret.

  “My relationship with Linc is casual. We enjoy each other’s company, nothing more.”

  “Nothing casual about the way he looks at you.”

  “Mom…”

  “If Linc isn’t in love with you, he’s close. Very close.” Her gaze filled with sympathy, Judy touched Dee’s hand. “You have to tell him, sweetheart. Before he fa
lls all the way, he has the right to know.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  ~~~~

  “LEMON, WITH RASPBERRY filling and a vanilla buttercream frosting.”

  Stuffed from a meal of Mrs. Finch’s signature chili, cornbread, and a stack of oatmeal cookies destined to make all other cookies weep with envy, Dee lounged in the Benedict kitchen. Her elbows rested on the granite island next to Calder and Andi, as Bryce described the flavors of her wedding cake. Inexplicably, she couldn’t wait to sample a piece.

  “Sounds amazing.”

  “Or chocolate.” Thoughtfully, Bryce tapped her chin with one red-tipped finger. “Zach is a peanut butter freak, but he’s left the decision up to me and Waldo.”

  “Waldo?” Dee’s eyes fell to Bryce’s barely-there baby bump. “What happened to Ziggy?”

  “Name changes by the hour.” Destry sat cross-legged on the opposite counter, tossing an orange from hand to hand. “Girls names, boys names. A few I’m sure should be designated pets only. Enough already. For everyone’s sanity, pick John, or Mary. The kid will thank you.”

  “The name doesn’t matter,” Andi assured Bryce, rubbing her sister’s back. “Only love.”

  “The baby will get plenty,” Mrs. Finch said as she entered the room. In her arms, she carried a pile of cookbooks. “Right now, you need to choose your wedding cake so I can start the preparations. The big day is only two weeks away.”

  “So hard to decide,” Bryce sighed.

  “Well, sweet girl, if you want a dozen flavors, I’ll make the best multi-flavored cake ever created.” Mrs. Finch’s eyes filled with tears, a common occurrence lately.

  “Oh, Mrs. F.” Bryce ran into the woman’s arms, hugging her close. “I’ll pick one flavor, I promise. You will not wear yourself out cooking and fussing to the point of exhaustion.”

  “Want to make your big day perfect.” Keeping one arm around Bryce, she wiped her eyes with the handkerchief she kept in her pocket for just such moments. “Been a part of your life since you took your first breath. Makes me feel a little like a second mother of the bride.”

  “Nothing second place about you, Mrs. F.” Bryce’s arms tightened around the older woman’s waist. “In my heart, you’re my mother. Always will be.”