“I made some mistakes. The mailing list was expensive. Then there was the cost of printing postcards and postage. You’re right. I’m out of money and I still need to pay my lease and get in supplies so I can start baking.”
He nodded. “That’s what I figured. What are you thinking? Ten thousand?”
“Fifteen would be better.”
“Okay. There’s the line of credit, but neither of us wants to tap into that. It’s an extra payment we don’t need to be making. But without the money, you can’t get started.” He smiled at her. “I want to help.”
Words that made her relax a little. “I appreciate that, but unless you have a secret stash of money I don’t know about, I’m not sure you can.”
She expected him to smile or joke, but instead he looked away. As if he’d been hiding something from her.
“Jaxsen?”
He drew in a breath and turned back to her. “This scares the shit out of me. I’ll admit it. You starting a business like you are.”
“Why does that scare you? Do you think I’m going to fail and take down the family with me?”
“No. Not that. I wish it were that. You having to shut things down would be easy. What I’m scared of is that you’re going to be a success. You’re going to make a lot of money and become some pillar of the community. You’re going to be going to meetings and hanging out with people like that guy with the private jet. You’re going to be different and I’m not.”
“But I love you, Jaxsen. I’m doing this for me but also for us. This isn’t about getting away.”
“I know that.” He shook his head. “Okay, I hear the words and I try to believe them, but I still lie awake at night wondering how I’m going to keep up with you. I’m not one of those liberated men who’s comfortable with his wife making more than him. I want to be the one taking care of you. If you can take care of yourself, then what?”
His amazing, wonderful words had her stepping toward him. She pressed her hands against his chest and smiled at him. “Jaxsen, don’t you get it? I’ve only ever stayed because I wanted to. I never had to be here. I love you. You’re the man of my dreams. I want us to take this journey together. There’s no leaving you behind. Who would I be without you?”
Hope flared in his eyes. “You mean that?”
“Of course.”
He pulled her close and held on so tight, she couldn’t breathe. But that was okay because this moment mattered more than anything.
After nearly a full minute, he released her. “I’ll have the money you need later today.”
“What?”
“I’m selling a few things. I talked to the guys at work and a couple of them are interested in the ATVs. I listed the Jet Skis on Craigslist and I’ve sold them. I’m meeting the people this afternoon. By six tonight, you’ll have your fifteen thousand dollars.”
“You can’t,” she said. “No. We’ll make the line of credit work.”
He put his hands on her shoulders. “You never liked the ATVs. You were always worried one of us would get hurt. We’ll still have the skis and snowboards and all the camping gear. We only go to the lake once in the summer. It makes more sense to rent Jet Skis for a day or two.”
He stared into her eyes. “I want to do this. I want to show you I meant what I said before. About loving you and being a part of this. I’m proud of you, Kristine. I want to be proud of myself, too. Let me do this for you. Let me show you I meant what I said about wanting things to work.”
There was so much more they had to say, she thought, unable to take in all he was telling her. They definitely needed the counseling and new ways to disagree and a realignment of chores, but right now this was enough. Jaxsen could have talked for days, but nothing would have shown her how much he believed in her like selling his precious ATVs.
“I love you,” she said, taking his hand in hers and tugging him toward the stairs.
He hesitated. “Are you sure? Don’t you think we should wait until we’ve seen the therapist and know it’s okay?”
She smiled at him. “Do you want to wait for the therapist?”
“Of course not, but I’m trying to be a good guy. I’ve been a dick too long.”
She stepped close and placed her hand on his crotch. Sure enough, he already had an erection.
She smiled. “Good guys get to make love with their wives, Jaxsen. It’s been a long time.”
“Thank God!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her up the stairs.
She ran alongside him, anticipation igniting need. When they reached the bedroom, he pulled her close and took her face in his hands.
“You are my world,” he whispered, right before he kissed her.
And he was hers, she thought, wrapping her arms around him. But she would tell him later. Right now there were more pressing matters to be dealt with.
Chapter Thirty-One
Sophie spent several days wrestling with the reality of the situation versus how she wanted it to be. She wanted Heather to have a chance to live her life, unencumbered by the deadweight that was Amber, but Sophie really hated the idea of rewarding bad behavior. There was also the issue of Amber’s continued stealing. The new inventory control issues weren’t sufficient. For all Sophie knew, other employees were aware of what was happening but were afraid to say anything because Amber was family.
When she complained to Dugan, he pointed out that she was never going to change Amber and that acceptance would lead to serenity. That statement had pissed her off so much, she’d stopped speaking to him for nearly two days. Only not talking to Dugan bothered her more than she would have thought, leaving her pissed about that even more than she had been at him.
“Ridiculous man,” she muttered, driving to Amber’s house. She’d texted her cousin and asked her to be ready to go at six. Amber had complained that she usually ate dinner at six, at which point Sophie once again wondered if coming home had been her dumbest idea ever.
She pulled up in front of her aunt’s house. The garden looked good. The flower beds were tidy, the lawn green. Heather had mentioned a bathroom spruce and a minor kitchen update. Sophie would guess the house would be going on the market very soon.
Amber stepped out of the house and started toward her car. “Are you taking me out to dinner?” she asked as she got in and fastened her seat belt. “You didn’t say anything about dinner, but I am hungry.”
Sophie smiled. “Not dinner. When does the house go on the market?”
Amber’s mouth twisted. “Next Friday. That real estate bitch has been over every day, telling me I have to get rid of a bunch of stuff or she’ll send in a team and do it for me. The nerve of her. She says she wants the house staged. Because we’re living like the rich people do now. My mother’s been watching too many home improvement shows, if you ask me.”
“I’m sure she wants to get as much money for the house as she can.”
Amber glared at her. “Of course she does and she wants me to do the work. That is just like her. First, she throws me out of the only home I’ve ever known and now she expects me to suffer for it. Because being homeless isn’t enough. I did so much for her, taking care of the house. She was supposed to leave it to me, but now I’ll have nothing. And what about Heather? Where is my precious baby girl going to go? I’ve worked so hard for her and it’s all for nothing.”
Sophie listened to the diatribe and wondered how much of it Amber actually believed. Did she know it was crap or did the act of speaking it make it true?
Amber ranted as Sophie drove across the island, but quieted when Sophie pulled into the parking lot of a condo complex.
The U-shaped building was four stories high, on the southeast side of the island. There was a beautiful courtyard, a small private beach and assigned parking. Sophie had swallowed hard at the price, but knew it was for the greater good. Later she would throw a couple of pillows a
gainst the wall and drink wine, but for right now, she was going to solve a problem.
Amber’s expression turned smug. “You’re renting me an apartment. I knew you would come through, Sophie. This is really great. Heather and I need a place to stay and this looks nice enough. Only I didn’t see the complex on any of my searches. Did the apartment just become available?”
“Something like that.”
They went into the spacious lobby and took the elevator to the fourth floor. At the end of the hallway, Sophie unlocked the door and motioned for Amber to go inside.
The condo was a corner unit with a view of the Sound and the mainland beyond. There were hardwood floors throughout and a gas fireplace in the corner. A wall-mounted TV sat above it, the remotes nestled together on the mantel. The modern kitchen had a big refrigerator and gas cooktop. There was a small half bath and a good-size laundry room.
When Amber started toward the bedroom, Sophie stopped her.
“We have to talk,” she said.
Amber stared at her, more wary than intrigued.
“This isn’t a rental, Amber. It’s a condo and I bought it. If you agree to my terms, I’ll sign the deed over to you and you’ll own this place for the rest of your life.”
Amber’s eyes widened but she didn’t speak.
“I will also pay the HOAs, insurance and taxes for the first year. After that, you’re on your own.”
Amber smiled. “Sophie, that’s wonderful. Thank you. I knew you’d come through.”
“I’m not done. Have you talked to Heather lately?”
Amber’s smile faded. “What does she have to do with anything?”
“I’ll take that as a no.” Sophie braced herself for what she was sure was going to be a colossal explosion. “Heather’s been accepted at USC, down in Los Angeles. She’s leaving in a few days.”
“What? She’s leaving? What do you mean she’s leaving?” Unexpected tears filled Amber’s eyes as her voice dropped. “But she never said anything. She didn’t tell me. I’m her mother.”
“You’re not exactly speaking right now. You threw her out.”
“No, I didn’t. You’re being ridiculous.” She pressed her lips together. “I can’t believe she’s going away. My baby girl.”
The tears slipped down her cheeks. Sophie thought maybe she should have revised the order of things she wanted to say because the next one just got a whole lot harder.
“You’re fired.”
Amber’s mouth dropped open. “What did you say?”
“You’re fired. We talked about your stealing before and you swore you wouldn’t do it again. You’ve been taking inventory and selling it on eBay.”
“You can’t know that.”
Sophie didn’t say anything.
“Heather!” Amber screamed the name. “She told you, didn’t she? I can’t believe how she betrayed me. I’m going to—”
“No.” Sophie’s voice was firm. “Now we come to the terms of the condo.”
Her cousin glared at her. “You mean I have to do what you say or you won’t give me this?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I mean. I gave you fair warning on the stealing, Amber. So let this remind you that I keep my word. The terms are simple. You will resign from CK Industries first thing in the morning. Being a generous employer, I will cover your health insurance for the next six months and give you one month’s pay. I also won’t press charges. This is only because you’re family.”
Amber crossed her arms over her chest. Rage oozed from her, but she didn’t speak. Sophie figured that was probably for the best.
“The next time you see your daughter, you will congratulate her on her college acceptance. You will be friendly and supportive. You will talk about how excited you are about the condo and say you were never a good fit for CK. If you make her feel bad about telling me what you were doing, I will put the condo on the market and you will be on your own. If you aren’t thrilled for her college opportunity, I will put the condo on the market. However, if you get through that one conversation without being a total bitch, then I will sign the deed over to you and hand you the keys.”
Her cousin stared at her for a long time before turning and walking down the short hallway to the bedroom. Sophie knew what she would find there—an oversize master with a balcony facing the water. There was a walk-in closet, a jetted tub and huge stall shower.
Amber returned a few minutes later. Sophie looked at her.
“It’s a little small,” Amber said. “You couldn’t have found a unit with a den?” She sighed. “I suppose I can make this work, regardless.”
Sophie waited.
“What?” Amber demanded. “You want me to say it? Fine. I’ll be nice to Heather. I’ll say it’s so great and send her on her way.”
Sophie continued to wait.
Amber swore. “I’ll resign in the morning.”
“Excellent. Heather’s leaving Saturday. I’ll tell her to stop by to see you tomorrow night. Just to be clear, I will speak to her after that. So if you don’t hold up your end of the bargain, neither will I.”
“You’ve always been a bitch, Sophie. Just so you know.”
“As have you, Amber. As have you.”
* * *
Time passed too quickly. Heather had a to-do list three pages long but she was doing her best to get through it. She had to make one more trip to the house to make sure she wasn’t forgetting anything important. She was only taking the basics with her and Sophie had said she could store the rest of her stuff in the garage.
She’d already filled out what felt like miles of paperwork to get enrolled at USC. Because of an unexpected opening in a class she wanted to take, she was going to be able to start summer school in a few short weeks. She had her job lined up and she’d spoken to the professor who would be renting out the small apartment above her garage. Everything was coming together.
Tuesday afternoon she ducked out of work early and drove to the house. Maybe it was cowardly, but she wanted to go through her room and get out before her mom got home from work. Heather knew she was going to have to see her before she left, but she wasn’t looking forward to it. There was no way the conversation would go well.
That truth made her chest ache. She was going to be leaving Blackberry Island and she wasn’t sure how long it would be until she got back. She and Amber might not be speaking right now, but they were still mother and daughter. Despite everything, Heather knew she was going to miss her mom.
She wanted to tell her about getting into USC and what Elliot had done and how great things were, only she couldn’t. Not only weren’t they speaking, she wasn’t... Heather pressed her lips together, not wanting to admit the truth, even to herself. But there was no getting around it. There was a part of her that knew Amber wouldn’t be happy for her. She would want to know why something good wasn’t happening to her, as well. She would resent her daughter’s opportunity.
Just as troubling, she wasn’t sure how Amber was going to survive. How was she going to rent an apartment on her own and pay the bills? She’d tried to talk to Sophie about it, but Sophie had told her to go see Amber first, and then they would discuss the problem. If there wasn’t a solution then Heather would have to—
“Have to what?” she asked out loud. “Not go?”
She already knew the answer to that. She would be going because she had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow her dream, to go to an amazing university and make something of herself. If she didn’t leave now, she wouldn’t ever get away.
Her thoughts were still swirling when she pulled up in front of the house. She got the empty boxes out of the backseat and was halfway to the front door when she realized her mother’s car was parked in the driveway.
Her heart sank. Why was her mom not at work?
She opened the front door and called out, “It�
��s me.”
“Heather?” Her mother walked in from the kitchen. “What are you doing here?”
Not exactly the warm welcome she’d been hoping for. “I wanted to stop by and go through my stuff one more time.” She forced a smile and quickly thought of a lie. “I’m glad you’re here, Mom. I was going to stop by later to talk to you.”
“Uh-huh. You’re here now because you thought I’d be at work. You think you’re so smart, but I can read you like a book. So when you do leave?”
Heather put down the boxes and stared at her. “You know?”
“Of course I know. I’m your mother. Very little happens in your life that I’m not aware of.”
Heather was unable to read her expression. Amber wasn’t happy but she didn’t seem angry, which was something.
“I’m leaving Saturday. I really was going to come by and talk to you, Mom.” Just not tonight. She had been planning to put it off as long as possible.
“I see. So just like that, you’re taking off. With no thought for me or what I’m supposed to do.”
Heather felt herself starting to hunch up.
“You’ve always been selfish,” her mother continued. “I’m not even surprised. Well, fine. Go off to some fancy college and try to make something of yourself. I hope you appreciate the opportunity that the rest of us didn’t have. I lost my life, but sure, go off and leave me here to carry my belongings around in a shopping cart. I hope that makes you happy.”
Heather’s throat closed. She tried to fight against the guilt but it was too big, too overwhelming.
“Wh-what are you going to do?” she asked softly.
Amber glared at her. “Like you care.”
“Mom, that’s not fair. Of course I care. But I can’t stay here just because you didn’t get to go to college. That’s not right and you know it.”
“Don’t you tell me what’s right. Don’t you tell me anything. I deserve to have opportunities, not you. I deserve a better life. But I won’t be getting one, will I? I’ll be stuck here, on this island, living in squalor. You’re just like your grandmother. Selfish to the core. Well, good riddance.”
Sisters by Choice Page 35
