Marion Ekholm - An Act of Love

“I look forward to meeting your young man.” He nodded and walked toward the hall, only to retrace his steps. “I know you took all the problems between your mother and me hard. We pushed a lot of responsibility on you because you were the oldest, and I’m sorry for that. I hope you can forgive me and let me make it up to you.”

Like that’s ever going to happen. She remained silent until he left. Marley tried shaking off the unwanted thoughts. More than half her life had been spent despising her father for destroying their family and hurting her mother.

She paced her room, feeling drained emotionally by having to participate in yet another wedding. Just once she’d like to see a wedding from the front pew and not have to deal with all the backstage drama. Then to top everything, her father had to show up asking for her forgiveness? She couldn’t face it. Not now. Maybe never.

She took out her cell phone. A little after nine o’clock. The three hour difference from Arizona switching to Pacific Time when everyone else went on Daylight Saving Time meant Dede might still be at home before heading for work. “¡Hola!” Marley said. “I really need to talk.”

“You sound horrible. Didn’t the engagement thing go okay?”

“Yes and no.” Marley paused, hoping to control her voice. “Everyone’s happy about that, but my father’s here!” She ended on a high note, unable to contain her frustration.

“What?”

“He’s staying with Poppy and giving Lindy away.” Dede knew all the details of Marley’s past; she’d understand her friend’s dilemma.

After a short pause, Dede chuckled. “So the soap opera goes on.”

“It’s not funny.”

“Right. But there’s nothing you can do about it, so chill out.” After another pause, she continued, her voice lilting. “I saw your betrothed.” When Marley didn’t offer any remark, Dede added, “He asked about you. Sounded very concerned. Wanted to get in touch.”

Marley collapsed onto the rocker and began to rock. “Right. The guy’s an actor, remember? Did he give you his ‘I adore you—let’s make love’ smile?”

“No.” Dede giggled. “He must save that one for you, although it comes close on that poster you see everywhere. He’s having a hard time dodging all the people who recognize him.” After another short hesitation, she said, “He hopes to connect with you, maybe go out on a date. He wasn’t specific, but he asked for your cell phone number.”

Marley stopped rocking. “You didn’t give it to him, did you?”

Dede sighed. “No. I don’t do that without people’s permission.”

“Thank you.”

“What do you plan to do? Move to avoid him?”

Marley loved her condo, but... “If I have to.”

“Forget your ditsy rules. This guy could be the one. Give him a chance.”

Remembering how much Brant’s nearness had upset her, Marley shuddered and said, “No way.” Totally flustered, she stood up, headed for her bed and flopped onto it. “Getting engaged was a mistake. The groom’s brother is in the wedding, and he’s Richard Brewster, my old flame from college. If I wasn’t in this fake engagement, I might be able to start something with him.”

“Oh, so there is some man around who intrigues you? I was beginning to worry.”

Even though she hadn’t heard from or seen Richard in years, he still brought back fond memories. “You got me into this mess with Brant. Now how do I get out of it?”

After a long pause, Dede said, “I have the solution.”

“I’m listening.”

“Tell everyone you broke off your engagement with Brant. That frees you to start something with this new guy. Then you move back to Pennsylvania so you’ll never have to deal with Brant again. Problem solved. And I’ve got to run.”

Agape, Marley just lay there. The call hadn’t helped one bit. She had to come up with a solution, but telling everyone she’d just broken her engagement? No. That would require fabricating a whole new set of lies.

CHAPTER SIX

FOUR MORE DAYS, not counting today, and she’d be back in Phoenix. How would she avoid Brant once she returned? Did she want to avoid him? What should she do once she met with Richard? Annoyed, Marley tossed her phone into her purse and glanced out the window. Her father was getting into a car, heading out. Good. She wanted to talk with her mother and see how she felt about Red’s return.

Marley found her mother standing at the kitchen counter, wearing a skirt and blouse covered by the ubiquitous flowered apron.

“Morning, Mom.” Marley considered mentioning her father’s presence and decided to wait until her mother brought up the subject.

Nora Roman turned with a warm smile. “You’re here? I thought you’d take off with your sisters and their families to Kennywood Park. The weatherman promised a few sunrays.”

“No. Michelle’s back with Chloe and they plan to go. I’m way too tired. The tyke exhausted me.” How had her mother managed to take care of five girls, for the most part all by herself once Marley left for college?

“Aunt Effie will be arriving soon. Do something with your hair, dear. You know how she always hated that kinky look.” Aunt Effie was ten years older than Nora’s fifty-five years and the matriarch of Nora’s side of the family. Aunt Effie rarely had a problem with anything, yet whenever her mother didn’t approve of something, Aunt Effie suddenly became very opinionated.

Kinky? Marley automatically touched the springy curls. It had taken a long time to get her stubborn tresses to grow, and she liked how her hairdresser had managed to control the curl.

“Your hair looks like you put your finger in a light socket.”

For the hundredth time since she arrived, Marley felt trapped in a time warp. The years of living alone as an adult in Phoenix, plus those spent in college, were whisked away the moment she returned home. “I’ll tame it into a tight French twist by the time Aunt Effie gets here.” But it wasn’t kinky, never had been. It was merely curlier than usual, thanks to the high humidity. And a real pain in the neck to control.

“You know how critical Aunt Effie can be. I want everything perfect for...for everyone.”

Marley picked up a box of cereal, took out a handful of small cubes and began eating them dry. “Where’s she staying?”

“Here, of course. Use a bowl.”

“Here where?” Marley reached into the box again and took out another handful. The three bedrooms upstairs were full. So was her grandfather’s with Red staying there.

“I thought she could use your room, and you can stay with me.”

“Why not have her stay with you?” Marley really needed her sleep after dealing with the squirming Michelle. If her mother planned to discuss her present situation with Red, Marley knew sleep would be impossible. Her mother would want to talk all night.

“She snores, and I’d never get any sleep.” Nora looked pointedly at the box of cereal and pushed a clean bowl in Marley’s direction. “Can’t you use this? I thought I raised you to have some manners.”

“The cereal’s all gone.” Marley placed the last handful in her mouth. “Empty.” She turned the box upside down over the trash to show only a few crumbs remained before depositing it.

“Can I help with anything?”

“Thanks for asking, but everything’s under control. Actually, there’s little to do since your sisters refused to let me handle the wedding.” Nora eyed her daughter accusingly, knowing full well that Marley had instigated the rebellion.

Convincing her mother to relax and enjoy the festivities this time around, instead of wearing herself out with the catering, had been a fight. But Nora not doing the work also meant her sisters, who helped Nora in her catering business, would be able to enjoy the wedding, as well. Marley had been so concerned about her sisters. Why had they backstabbed her and not told her...? Oh, stop this. Just get through it.