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.We can t’’’“’”’“forget that, that s all I m saying.”’’I never forget.How could I? We have to live our lives, peel potatoes, get the mail, sneeze, buy“new shoes, in spite of it all, maybe because of it all.There was a hint of fierceness in her voice he”recognized as sorrow.And that living includes being able to have a nice company meal on a Sunday.”“I wish it were different.”“I know you do, but it s not.She kept layering, but her eyes lifted to his.And, Cal, my handsome“”’“boy, you can t do more than you do.If anything, there are times I wish you could do less.But Tell me,…’do you like this girl? Quinn Black?”Sure.Like to get a taste of that top-heavy mouth again, he mused.Then broke off that train of”“thought quickly since he knew his mother s skill at reading her children s minds.’’Then I intend to give her and the others a comfortable evening and an excellent meal.And, Cal, if“you didn t want her here, didn t want her to speak with me or your dad, you wouldn t let her in the door.’’’I wouldn t be able, though my powers are fierce, to shove you aside and open it myself.”’He looked at her.Sometimes when he did, it surprised him that this pretty woman with her short, streaked blond hair, her slim build and creative mind could have given birth to him, could have raised him to be a man.He could look and think she was delicate, and then remember she was almost terrifyingly strong.I m not going to let anything hurt you.”’“Back at you, doubled.Now get out of my kitchen.I need to finish up the appetizers.”“He d have offered to lend her a hand, but would have earned one of her pitying stares.Not that she’didn t allow kitchen help.His father was not only allowed to grill, but encouraged to.And any and all’could and were called in as line chefs from time to time.But when his mother was in full-out company-coming mode, she wanted the kitchen to herself.He passed through the dining room where, naturally, the table was already set.She d used festive’plates, which meant she wasn t going for elegant or drop-in casual.Tented linen napkins, tea lights in’cobalt rounds, inside a centerpiece of winter berries.file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\Rar$EX03.813\Nora.3/3/2008BloodBrothersPage 122 of 257Even during the worst time, even during the Seven, he could come here and there would be fresh flowers artfully arranged, furniture free of dust and gleaming with polish, and intriguing little soaps in the dish in the downstairs powder room.Even hell didn t cause Frannie Hawkins to break stride.’Maybe, Cal thought as he wandered into the living room, that was part of the reason even the—most important reasonhe got through it himself.Because whatever else happened, his mother would—be maintaining her own brand of order and sanity.Just as his father would be.They d given him that, Cal thought.That rock-solid foundation.’Nothing, not even a demon from hell had ever shaken it.He started to go upstairs, hunt down his father who, he suspected, would be in his home office.But saw Fox s truck pull in when he glanced out the window.’He stood where he was, watched Quinn jump out first, cradling a bouquet wrapped in green florist paper.Layla slid out next, holding what looked to be a wine gift bag.His mother, Cal thought, would approve of the offerings.She herself had shelves and bins in her ruthlessly organized workroom that held carefully selected emergency hostess gifts, gift bags, colored tissue paper, and an assortment of bows and ribbons.When Cal opened the door, Quinn strode straight in.Hi.I love the house and the yard! Shows“where you came by your eye for landscaping.What a great space.Layla, look at these walls.Like an Italian villa.”It s their latest incarnation, Cal commented.”’“It looks like home, but with a kick of style.Like you could curl up on that fabulous sofa and take“a snooze, but you d probably read Southern Homes first.”’Thank you.Frannie stepped out.That s a lovely compliment.Cal, take everyone s coats, will’’“”“you? I m Frannie Hawkins.”’It s so nice to meet you.I m Quinn.Thanks so much for having us.I hope you like mixed’’“bouquets.I have a hard time deciding on one type of mostly anything.”They re wonderful, thank you.Frannie accepted the flowers, smiled expectantly at Layla.”’“I m Layla Darnell, thank you for having us in your home.I hope the wine s appropriate.”’’“I m sure it is.Frannie took a peek inside the gift bag.Jim s favorite cabernet.Aren t you clever’’“”’“girls? Cal, go up and tell your father we have company.Hello, Fox.”I brought you something, too.He grabbed her, lowered her into a stylish dip, and kissed both her”“cheeks.What s cooking, sweetheart?”’“As she had since he d been a boy, Frannie ruffled his hair.You won t have long to wait to find’“’out.Quinn and Layla, you make yourselves comfortable.Fox, you come with me.I want to put these flowers in water.”file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\Rar$EX03.813\Nora.3/3/2008BloodBrothersPage 123 of 257Is there anything we can do to help?”“Not a thing.”“When Cal came down with his father, Fox was doing his version of snooty French waiter as he served appetizers.The women were laughing, candles were lit, and his mother carried in her grandmother s best crystal vase with Quinn s flowers a colorful filling.’’Sometimes, Cal mused, all really was right with the world [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]