Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
CATE
W as this a late in life hot flash? Cate suddenly felt very warm. But then, she’d been standing over the hot stove cooking her clam risotto for the girls. She would always call her nieces “girls,” even though they teased her about it. Lifting the wooden spoon to her lips, Cate gently blew on it and then tasted. Perfect. Her mind zapped back to the idea of a hot flash. Her nieces’ mom was gone. Was this a topic she should broach with them? Nah. Too soon. Samantha was only forty-two, and Marlowe would turn forty this year. Although Isabel was much younger, her hysterectomy might have thrown her into menopause way earlier than normal. Someday Cate would ask her about that. But not now. Now she was cooking her favorite dish for her favorite people.
Pushing her hair from her eyes with the back of one hand, she arranged the risotto in the Italian serving bowl she'd had sent from her Tribeca apartment. When her assistant Lindsay was packing things up getting the place ready to show, Cate had her set aside a list of things to send to Sunnycrest. Although the small kitchen was already crowded, it warmed her heart to have some of her favorite things here.
Monty had insisted on bringing this platter back from their trip to the Amalfi Coast. The cheerful blue scattered with bright yellow lemons brought a hitch to her heart. She still missed her husband terribly. But this was no time to cling to the past. Not when they all faced such an exciting future of new beginnings.
“How is that salad coming?” she asked Marlowe, who was grating parmesan shavings for the arugula salad. Izzy had set the table so nicely although the baby had commandeered one of the shiny spoons and was thumping it on her highchair tray. That little girl was really something. Holly wanted to be part of everything that was going on.
Cate loved this injection of the next generation into their family gathering. She knew her sister Joanne would thoroughly appreciate what was happening to the house they’d both loved so much. What would Jo think of all the changes being made? Some of them made Cate a little nervous, but excited at the same time. The future called for change. Her nieces had made that clear. Almost retired now, Cate was just going along for the ride. And of course she'd help out wherever she could.
“Time to sit down to eat,” she said after Izzy had dressed the salad with oil, vinegar and a mixture of Italian spices. Marlowe had put together a wonderful Italian garlic bread and now she pulled it from the oven. When Marlowe had returned from her visit with Gabby, she’d seemed preoccupied, but excited, as if great news was percolating. Cate only wanted to see her nieces happy. They seemed happiest when they were together. Being scattered all over the country had not worked for them.
Cate was dying to hear how Marlowe's interview had gone. Maybe later they’d have time for a good chat. These wonderful family dinners made Cate’s waistband tighter every week. But she wasn't going to worry about that now. Not with all the work that lay ahead.
Cate sat down to eat dinner with Marlowe and Izzy. They’d decided to stay in the kitchen. Sam was having dinner with Josh and his children, but she poked her head into the kitchen before leaving. “I'm sorry that I can't eat dinner with you. Maybe I should have told Josh I couldn't go out for dinner.”
Sam looked so torn and wasn’t that silly? Tonight her niece looked gorgeous that that vibrant red quilted top. Not go out with Josh? How ridiculous. Cate would have spoken up but her mouth was full of risotto.
“Don't be an idiot,” Izzy said quickly. “You're only here for a couple of days. Can't wait to hear how dinner goes with the kids.”
“Ditto.” Marlowe broke off a chuck of bread and dipped it into the olive oil and pesto sauce. “How will you know if this is really real unless you spend time together?”
“Really real? I came up here to check out the changes we're considering for the house.” Why was Samantha being so defensive about wanting to spend time with Josh? Cate almost laughed. That poor woman. As the oldest of the three girls, Samantha had ended up with the most responsibility after her parents’ accident. Was she holding tight to that role? That girl had to loosen up.
“And you can't do both?” Cate thought the whole question was ridiculous. “You've multitasked beautifully throughout your life. You can go out for dinner and still visit with us. We have tomorrow morning, right?”
“Yes, I know.” But Sam didn't look convinced.
“This risotto is delicious, Aunt Cate.” Marlowe licked her lips with appreciation. Cate loved cooking for these girls, although she rarely spent much time in the kitchen anymore. Not since losing her darling Monty. But now her nieces had become her inspiration.
“The salad is wonderful too, Izzy.” Cate liked to make sure that any compliments were equally distributed. She'd had this practice all her life when her nieces had come into the picture. Sure, she'd spoiled them and loved shopping for them. Joanne had protested sometimes when she'd send them dresses from New York shops for Christmas or Easter. The frilly dresses with hats and gloves to match filled that empty ache in her heart. Cate and Monty had always thought they too would have a family. But that never had happened. And now her life was filled with their love.
“Why are you here for only a couple of days, Sam?” Izzy asked, blotting olive oil from her lips. “Do you have something going on that you can't do here? Thought you were going to set up a home office. Can't you work from Sunnycrest now? Your room has a desk or you could use the dining room. Holly and I are gone during the day.”
“Excellent point.” Marlowe jumped right in. “Sure, I need a ride to the airport tomorrow but that doesn't mean that you have to keep driving into Chicago.”
When Samantha leaned back against the doorsill, the hint of a smile lifted her lips. She played with the lock of hair falling over one shoulder. Gosh, that girl was still so beautiful. “Guess I wasn’t thinking. Maybe I will stay a couple more days with you ladies. We have a lot of work to do getting this place ready for the demolition.”
“Demolition.” Izzy shivered. “Awful word.”
Cate reached over to pat Izzy’s hand. Of course the poor thing was nervous. Cate didn't blame her one bit. But they had to take each day as it came. “Everything will be fine. Think of how wonderful this place will look.”
“But it will still be Sunnycrest, right?” Her eyes wide, Izzy glanced around the table for reassurance.
“Listen here.” Marlowe spooned more risotto onto her plate. “We’re not going to rename our ancestral home.”
“Ancestral home,” Izzy said, smiling. “Sounds like a castle.”
Was Samantha even listening? She had this dreamy look on her face. “Josh has office hours to tend to his patients. I might not see him that much if I stay.”
So much for thinking about Sunnycrest. Samantha’s mind was on Josh McCall. You would think she was a teenager again. But after that awful divorce and what had happened since then, Samantha had every right to dream. Cate just hoped she wasn’t putting the cart before the horse. Marlowe may have a point about that. After Lizzy’s experiences, the family had seen enough of quick marriages that didn’t last.
“I'm sure he could fit in some time to see you in the evenings,” Aunt Cate said. She could see that her oldest niece was having a hard time balancing duty with her private life. That was so foolish, especially at her age.
Marlowe waved a fork in the air. “While we're still all together and before Josh gets here, what did you think of the architect’s suggestions?” Cate wanted to hug her for asking the question that she’d left for dessert. But Samantha might be gone by then.
“Excellent question.” Samantha's eyes shot up to the huge daisy clock on the wall. “What are the easiest changes? Maybe that's a good place to start.”
“Absolutely the bedrooms,” Izzy said. “Having a bathroom in each room and a larger closet are both going to be heaven. Especially if...”
“Skipper decides to spend the night?” Marlowe threw out with a mischievous smile.
A crimson blush worked its way up Izzy's neck. “That's ridiculous and you know it.”
“Kidding, just kidding.”
Skipper Malone was becoming a very sensitive topic with Izzy. Cate couldn’t figure that out. What exactly was their relationship? Skipper was always stepping up to the plate to help out. Clearly he adored Izzy and little Holly. But Izzy seemed to ignore the wonderful things he did, like fixing the dishwasher. The girl was not opening up her heart. Maybe that was it. Izzy might be too afraid to risk getting serious about Skipper again.
“If some of us are going to live here for a while, renovating the bedrooms would be a no brainer. We need those closets and the bathrooms too,” Marlowe said scooping more risotto onto her plate. Had she eaten at all since Christmas? When she'd arrived at Sunnycrest, Cate became alarmed by Marlowe's gaunt cheeks.
“Okay, enough about the bedrooms. What is the hardest, most difficult decision?” Marlowe went on.
Silence filled the room. Her nieces looked at each other as if they were waiting. Maybe no one wanted to say it. “Tearing out a wall.” Izzy's voice was almost a whisper.
Cate sat back, knowing that Izzy was right. “That would be a huge change. One that affects not only the kitchen but also what we could do in here.” Cate looked around. Some days these walls seem to be closing in on her. She wanted these old cabinets out. But that decision had to come from the girls, even though Cate owned half of this property.
“Does the architect...” Marlowe began
“His name is Seth,” Cate offered. Why wouldn’t Marlowe pay attention to the man? “Seth Barrett.”
“Right. Seth,” Marlowe said with an impatient wave of one hand. “Does he have any examples of changes to a home similar to Sunnycrest? An older home that he's renovated?”
“Excellent point, Marlowe.” Cate jumped right in. “Why don't you call him and raise that question? I'm sure he has a property he could show you the next time you come. You might have more time.”
Marlowe looked at her as if she'd just suggested jumping out the window. Her self-assured niece’s mouth opened and then closed. How interesting to see Marlowe so uncomfortable. Cate wanted to laugh but she held back. No way did she want to insult her strong-minded niece. But here was a perfectly wonderful man in their sights. Wasn’t Marlowe going to take advantage of this opportunity?
“Why would Marlowe be the only one to get to see it?” Izzy asked slowly. “The property with changes we’re considering?”
With that Samantha began to giggle. “What is so funny?” Cate asked.
Stifling her laughter, Samantha exchanged an amused glance with Marlowe. “I think you're being kind of obvious, Aunt Cate. We all know that Seth is a very attractive man.”
“Rough hewn.” Cate reached for the basket of bread. Suddenly very hungry, she wanted to dive into it. The smell of garlic must have gone to her head.
“Rough…what?” Marlowe pinned Cate with one of her laser glances. “What the heck does that mean?”
Samantha and Izzy both broke into crazy laughter. Even baby Holly took the cue and giggled.
Out in the hallway, the old-fashioned landline rang shrilly. Samantha jumped up. “I'll get it. That might be Josh.”
“Why wouldn't he call her cell?” Marlowe asked as her sister dashed out the door.
Although Izzy had given the baby a crust of bread to gnaw on while they ate, Holly had become bored. The sweet thing was tossing clumps of bread to Piper, waiting below. The dog happily snapped them up and stood on his hind legs, begging for more.
Wearing a mysterious grin, Samantha soon reappeared in the doorway. “Aunt Cate, it's for you. Should I tell him you're busy?”
They’d always had a rule about no phone calls during dinner. Joanne had always enforced it with her daughters. But this time the call was for her. Darn it. Pushing back from the table, Cate stood up. “No, I'll take it.”
Marlowe snorted. “You look as if you're being sent to the guillotine,” she said as Cate brushed past. She squeezed Marlowe’s shoulder in answer. As she walked into the hallway, she heard the conversation come alive behind her. “Izzy, what’s up?” Marlowe was saying. “Who is this guy calling Aunt Cate?”
Taking the old fashioned receiver from her niece's hand, Cate sucked in a deep breath. Be kind , she reminded herself. “Hello?”
“Hi, Cate. It's Winston. I wondered if you wanted to take in a movie tomorrow.” His words were quick and nervous.
Her shoulders dropped. She hated to disappoint him but he was becoming such a pest. Every time she ran into him at Coffee and Cupcakes, Winston followed up with a call. “I'm so sorry, Winston, but my two nieces are here from out of town and we have plans.”
“Oh, okay. Maybe another time.” The dear man was so sweet and perky every time she turned him down. “Everything's all right with you?”
“Yes, of course. Wonderful.” Cate did not want to get into a conversation. “But I really do have to run. Our dinner is getting cold.”
“Oops, sure. Sorry for the bad timing. Have a wonderful evening.”
The poor man. The call ended and she went back to the group. The kitchen had gone quiet. Three sets of eyes latched onto her when she entered. Even the dog seemed to be waiting. Not looking up, she sat down.
“So, Aunt Cate. What gentleman is calling you?” Of course Marlowe wouldn't hesitate to ask. Samantha was biting her lower lip.
“Is it Winston?” Izzy asked with a sympathetic smile. “Again?”
“Yes. Winston.” The wonderful piece of Italian bread had grown cold. Trying to think of what to say, Cate began to shred the crust. “He's a very nice man. But...”
“Winston?” Samantha looked as if she were trying to remember a man with that name.
“The Christmas party,” Izzy supplied. “Came with Kimberly, his sister.”
“The man who tried to get you under the mistletoe?” Marlowe was trying not to laugh. She probably didn’t want to hurt Cate’s feelings. But yes, she did feel insulted.
“Trust me this is no laughing matter.” She lifted her chin. Did the girls think that Cate was too old to go out on a date?
“He calls her every week,” Izzy said. “And he stops in at Coffee and Cupcakes all the time, asking me about Aunt Cate.”
“He does? I’m so sorry, dear.” Cate’s stomach sank. She did not want Winston to become a pest.
“As I recall that man was pretty dapper,” Samantha said thoughtfully.
“Dapper.” The word sounded old when applied to Winston. Had Samantha really said that?
“He was the man with the red silk kerchief in his pocket.” Samantha ran a hand over her shoulder. “Very well turned out.”
“Right. Well, what is the problem with Winston, Aunt Cate? Now I do remember him.” Oh, would Marlowe please quit pressing the subject?
“He's, well, old,” she said just as the front doorbell rang. Samantha jumped up and spun into the hall to answer the door.
Lips pressed tight, Marlowe kept her eyes on her dinner plate. Izzy looked as if she didn’t know what to say. Cate had been truthful and her nieces might not know what to do with that. An uncomfortable silence fell over the kitchen.
Cate was relieved to see Josh appear. That man always looked so wonderful. Face ruddy from being outside, he was the picture of health. And she loved the way he looked at Samantha. Such a gentleman and so distinguished with just a brush of gray at his temples. He would age well, or so she thought. Her goal, although she'd never voiced it, was to get these girls married off to appropriate men, sooner rather than later.
She smiled imagining what they would say if they knew about her game plan.
“Who’s doing the cooking tonight, Josh?” Cate asked.
“I’m going to grill steaks.”
“Have a great evening.” Getting up, Cate walked them both to the door. Sam was positively glowing, and it was wonderful to see her so happy. They both disappeared into the cold night. Happy thoughts filled her mind as she sauntered back to the kitchen.
“Aunt Cate,” Marlowe said in a businesslike tone as Cate sat down. “How old is Winston?”
My word, that girl was a dog with a bone. She had to think about that for a minute. “I would say in his seventies.”
Frowning, Marlowe sat back. “What’s wrong with that?”
Did they need a road map? “He's losing his hair.” Frustrated, she gestured with her hands. “And he's paunchy. Oh, come on, girls. Winston is probably just looking for a woman to cook for him and do his laundry.”
With that Marlowe and Izzy broke into raucous laughter. That was another cue for little Holly to throw her head back and laugh along with them. Feeling hurt, Cate sat back.
“Sorry, so sorry.” Reaching over, Marlowe squeezed her hand. “Please don’t take this the wrong way.”
“How should I take it?” Drawing her hand away, Cate played with her fork.
“Do you mean,” Izzy began after throwing Marlowe a warning look, “that he isn't ‘rough hewn’?”
They’d hit the nail on the head. At last they understood. “I hadn't thought about it but yes, he's not. Definitely not rough hewn. Not like this.” Cate straightened and expanded her shoulders to demonstrate what she meant. “In any case, I have no intention of going out with Winston.”
The very idea. Why think about dating anyone? But she wasn't about to admit that to them nor would she explain why. They'd find out soon enough.