If Aiyana was surprised that she’d stopped by, Tia couldn’t tell. Seth’s mother was that gracious.
“I’d love to introduce you to my husband, Cal,” she said as she met Tia on the porch after hurrying over from the school. “But I’m afraid no one’s home at the moment.”
“Is he working, or out of town, or...”
Aiyana unlocked the house and ushered her inside. “He owns a cattle ranch about ten miles from here. That’s how we met. For years, he’s provided the beef for this school at rock-bottom prices. When I first moved here, it would’ve been so much harder for me to get a start without his support in that and so many other ways, including his pull with the city council.”
“Sounds like a great guy.”
“He is,” she said without hesitation. “When I tell everyone he practically gave me whatever the school needed, he says he knew it would be the best way to my heart. But I don’t believe that’s the only reason he did it. He’s just covering up the fact that he’s a sucker for a good cause.”
Although Tia chuckled at the joke, the sprawling campus looked state-of-the-art, and something like that didn’t come into existence without a lot of work, effort, money and determination. She had no doubt Aiyana had put everything she had into New Horizons—and that Cal had indeed known how important the school was to her. “How long have you two been together?”
“For years,” she said. “But we didn’t marry until last December.”
That sounded sort of unconventional for someone of Aiyana’s generation. “When did you first come to town?”
“Oh, boy. It’s been well over two decades.”
“Then, he must be a patient man.”
Aiyana laughed. “Yes. I’m very lucky he didn’t give up on me. I was so stubborn. I did everything I could to push him away—until I finally realized I was only sabotaging my own happiness.”
“You raised the boys on your own?” Tia couldn’t imagine adopting eight troubled kids as a single parent, but Aiyana must’ve managed.
“I could’ve used Cal’s help, and I probably should’ve taken it. He did what he could from a distance. But I was too afraid of the commitment, of how he might impact my life, of having someone tell me not to adopt when I wanted to or possibly interfere with my vision for the school. All I could see were my goals, I guess.” Her voice softened with affection. “I really don’t deserve Cal.”
Tia smiled. “I bet you’re perfect for each other.”
“Well, either way, I wised up.” Aiyana gestured at an overstuffed chair in a huge living room that contained three recliners, the biggest flat-screen TV Tia had ever seen and more than one gaming console. The gaming consoles had their cords wrapped neatly around them and were stored on the bookshelves that took up the whole of one wall, other than the TV, but Tia could easily imagine the chaos that must ensue when Aiyana had her big family around.
“While you relax, I’ll put on some tea,” Aiyana said. “Or would you rather have hot cocoa or coffee or something else?”
Tia had left the house planning to enjoy what she could of the season, so she chose something she probably wouldn’t have chosen otherwise. “Hot chocolate, please.”
“Wonderful. I think I’ll have a cup, too. Would you like some peppermint in it?”
“That would be nice. Thank you.”
While she waited, Tia gazed at the large Christmas tree in one corner, visible from two windows on the outside. She didn’t think she’d ever seen so many ornaments on one tree. There was a garland with lights and ornaments decorating the mantel and stuffed elves arranged on several of the bookshelves, as well.
Aiyana came back a few minutes later with a tray that held two mugs, whipped cream bobbing on the top, and a plate of cookies. “I made these last night and thought you might like some.”
The cookies were dipped in white chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes. “I’ve never seen this kind of cookie before. Is it a family recipe?”
“I guess you could say that. I’ve been making Candy Cane Cookies for so long I don’t remember where I got the recipe.”
Tia nearly groaned in delight at the taste. They were soft and thick like a sugar cookie, with the crushed candy cane on top adding a minty crunch. “Wow! These are delicious.”
“I’ll have to send some home with you. And maybe you can take a plate to Seth. I made extra because they’re his favorite—when he’s not being a Scrooge and refusing to enjoy the holidays,” she added with an impatient roll of her eyes.
Tia lowered her half-eaten cookie so that she could talk with an empty mouth. “I know that his wife died at Christmas.”
Aiyana sobered. “Yes. Three years ago. It was tragic. Shiloh was such a wonderful person.”
“He obviously loved her a great deal.”
“When Seth falls, he falls hard. And he’s as loyal as they come.”
Did that mean he’d never be able to get over his wife? Tia took it that way—and yet he’d just kissed her in the pool. She supposed that was why she’d made her way over to his mother’s. Not only was she lonely and looking for companionship from someone she could trust, she also craved greater insight on her new neighbor. “How long were they together?”
“Since high school. She was his first serious girlfriend, but they’d only been married a short time when she got sick.”
“I’m sorry that happened.”
Aiyana’s lips curved into a sad smile. “So am I. I miss her, but he’s the one who has really suffered. He lost her right when he was making great progress with putting his past behind him. I’d never seen him so happy.”
“His past—you mean when his mother gave him up?”
“Yes.” She took a sip of her cocoa. “He was six years old when he was essentially abandoned, old enough to remember it—and feel every bit of the rejection.”
“I read about that on Wikipedia,” she admitted.
“Did Wikipedia mention his two brothers?”
“It did. The article said after his father left, his mother couldn’t support the family, so she turned the children over to social services. But that’s about it.”
“That’s probably for the best. Seth is so private. I’m sure he’s glad there’s not a lot of information out there about his early years.”
“So...he was separated from his brothers, too?”
“Not in the beginning,” Aiyana said. “Seth’s first set of foster parents tried to take all three boys, but they returned Seth and his older brother, Brady, after just a few months.”
“Returned them!” Tia cried. “Why?”
“They said it was too hard to take on all three. They wanted only the youngest. But losing his mother and then his little brother hit Seth hard. He started to act out, which caused him to be rejected by his next family, too. And this second family kept Brady, his other brother.”
Tia swallowed hard. “So then he was on his own.”
“Yes.” Aiyana’s cup clinked as she put it on its saucer. “But I’m afraid that isn’t even the hardest part. Later, he learned that their mother changed her mind and rescued Derrick and Brady within two years of giving them up.”
Tia’s stomach dropped. “But she didn’t reclaim Seth? Why not?”
A pained expression deepened the lines in Aiyana’s face. “I have no idea. He was the middle child, the easiest to overlook. That’s all I can imagine, because he is such a wonderful person.”
“That must’ve crushed him.”
“It did,” Aiyana said. “It’s made him very leery of love. Now maybe you can understand why he’d hang on to Shiloh so tightly.”
Tia didn’t know what to say. She’d been so miserable she’d assumed he couldn’t possibly understand what she was going through, had assumed he’d had an easy life—until she read about his wife, anyway. And now she was learning this, which painted an even clearer picture.
“Would you like another cookie?” Aiyana held out the plate.
“One is enough. But thank you.” Tia thought of Seth trying to get her to improve her eating and start exercising and felt a wave of affection she did not want to feel—not in addition to the excitement that had overcome her when he was kissing her in the pool.
“I hope you don’t mind me confiding in you about Seth’s background,” Aiyana said. “I’ll be honest—I’m only doing it because I hope the two of you can become friends. I know you both need one.”
“He’s been good to me,” she said and took another drink of her cocoa before adding, “Can I ask you one thing?”
“Of course.”
“Does he have any contact with his mother?”
“No. Even if he could forgive her, I can’t see him associating with her.”
“She let him down too badly.”
“Exactly.”
“Wow. I’m so sorry for what he’s been through.” Tia had issues with her own parents, but nothing on the same scale. At least they’d kept her and provided for her.
“It wasn’t my intention to make you feel sorry for him,” Aiyana clarified. “I was just...hoping to help you understand why he might be a little guarded.”
The memory of him getting out of the pool and going into the house played again in Tia’s mind. Had he reacted that way because he’d actually liked the kiss, too? Liked it but didn’t want to like it? Or was it something else? “I appreciate that.”
Aiyana’s phone rang, and she took a moment to dig it out of her purse. “Speak of the devil,” she said and hit the Accept button. “Hello, son.”
Tia waved to get Aiyana’s attention and gestured not to mention that they were together. She’d agreed to take him some cookies, so he’d realize after the fact, and that was fine. He was the one who’d introduced her to his mother. Tia just didn’t want it to get awkward.
Aiyana nodded to signify she understood. “I’m good,” she said into the phone. “And you?... Tonight?... It won’t be that bad, will it?... You have the right to say no. You sound exhausted... Of course, but... Okay. Try to enjoy yourself.” She grinned at Tia. “By the way, how’s Tia doing?”
Tia wished she could hear Seth’s response, but she couldn’t. She heard Aiyana say, “She’ll get back on her feet eventually,” before telling him to have a good time, after which she disconnected.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes. He said you seem to be doing better than you were at first and that your scars aren’t as bad as you think.”
Tia liked hearing that, especially from Seth—not that she cared to examine why. “I keep trying to tell myself that others won’t notice my scars as much as I do.”
“They won’t,” Aiyana insisted. “You’re still a very beautiful woman.”
But no longer movie-star material. She could never have what she’d had, even after demonstrating her acting ability—unless she was willing to accept bit parts. Maybe she’d have a chance there, and maybe that would satisfy her one day, but that day wasn’t now. It was too far to fall. “As I said, Seth has been kind to me. I hope I can help him, too.”
“Just remember, he’s as stubborn as a mule—like me,” Aiyana added with a laugh.
Tia set her cup and saucer on the coffee table. She didn’t want Aiyana to regret accepting her visit by overstaying her welcome. “I’d better go so you can get on with your evening. But thanks for having me. I just...wanted to get out of the house and didn’t know where else to go.”
“You can always come here.”
That sounded so sincere it helped soothed the rawness inside her. “Thank you.”
“Before you go, did Seth tell you that there’s a man in town who’s looking for you?”
“He did. If I’m lucky, the guy will give up after a few days and go back to LA or wherever he’s from.”
“Fingers crossed there. But...have you ever thought about... Never mind.” She waved her words away. “I’m sure you know what’s best.”
“What were you going to say?” Tia pressed.
“It would be hard to even consider this, but...what if you provided a picture to the tabloids yourself? They’re going to get one eventually, you know. Why let them make a prisoner of you—to the point you feel you can’t even go out of the house? If you provide the picture, you might be able to get something for it, some amount of money that would help compensate for what you’ve been through—not that money ever could, but you have to admit it would be better than nothing—and then you’ll be able to dictate what picture is used.”
“I’ve considered it,” Tia admitted. Lord knew she could use the money. She had to support herself somehow after her savings dried up. She’d be smart to make the most of the fame she had. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it right now, not at Christmas. “I’m just not ready yet.”
“I understand,” Aiyana said, as if that was that, and stood up.
Tia and Aiyana were almost to the door when it burst open, and Eli walked in. He was already yelling “Mom!” and barely managed to stop before crashing into them.
“Whoops! Sorry,” he said. “Hi, Tia.”
Eli was almost as handsome as Seth—but not quite. Tia was beginning to believe there wasn’t another man out there as handsome as Seth, which was almost as concerning as how much she’d liked that kiss in the pool. “Hello.”
He looked around the living room. “Where’s Seth?”
“It’s just me.”
He didn’t act as though that was odd, didn’t even ask how she knew Aiyana. He was probably used to strangers seeking his mother out, because she offered so much love and support to everyone.
“He told you about that guy at the bar last night, right?” Eli said.
“He did,” Tia replied. “You don’t happen to have any idea of where Mr. Kouretas might be staying, do you?”
He scratched his head while he considered the question. “There are a lot of boutique hotels in the area, but someone like that, who’s hoping to grab something quick and leave, would probably go for the obvious.”
Aiyana spoke up. “The Mission Inn.”
Eli nodded. “That’s what I think, too.”
“You’re talking about that Spanish-style hotel in the heart of town,” Tia said, seeking confirmation. She’d seen it while driving around earlier.
Eli gave her a skeptical look. “Yes, but don’t tell me you’re going to go looking for him.”
“No. I don’t have the nerve. Not yet. And I’m not sure he’s the guy I’d approach even if I was ready to expose my new face to the world. I just wanted to know where he is...in case, I guess.”
“In case...”
“In case she decides to beat him at his own game,” Aiyana supplied.
“Got it.” He stepped aside so that Tia could get out but stopped her at the last moment. “Hey, are you heading back to Maxi’s?”
She didn’t want to. The guesthouse suddenly seemed lonely and depressing. But she couldn’t think of anywhere else in town that would be safe. And it was almost time to feed Kiki. “I am.”
“Great. I have something for Seth. I was going to take it to him, but he said he was going to see Shiloh’s parents.”
“They live in the area?” Tia asked.
“They do,” he said. “So...would you mind taking it to him for me?”
“Oh! And the cookies!” Aiyana exclaimed. “I almost forgot.”
Tia didn’t know if she’d be seeing much of Seth. He might be eager to avoid her in future. No more meals. No more exercise. No more advice. But if he was going to be out of the house tonight, she’d just leave whatever his family had for him on the kitchen table.
“I’d be happy to,” she said, and Aiyana hurried to put a plate together while Eli went out to his truck and brought back a small statue of a mother and baby.
“I accidentally knocked this off the table the other day and cracked it,” he said ruefully. “I’m hoping Seth can fix it so that I don’t have to tell Cora.”
Tia immediately recognized the artist but asked anyway. “Seth made this?”
“He did. It was a gift for Cora when our first baby was born.”
As modern as the rest of Seth’s work, the small statue represented a mother cradling her baby. Although both faces were featureless and the entire statue was made of a smooth white substance, the simplicity of the piece made it understated yet powerful. “It’s beautiful,” Tia said and couldn’t escape the thought that the love and protection Seth had managed to depict so well was probably something he’d always envied.
Seth’s eyes felt like sandpaper. As if he wasn’t tired enough, his in-laws had the heat cranked up so high he’d taken off his coat and his pullover sweater and still felt like he might melt.
“You love my shepherd’s pie, don’t you?” Lois said as he waited for her to serve dinner while watching TV in the living room with Graham.
Seth struggled to keep his heavy eyelids from closing of their own accord. “I do,” he said, but that was true of almost any kind of old-fashioned comfort food. He perceived those dishes as something a loving mother would make her family, and he’d always longed for the kind of mother who would gather her kids around the dinner table instead of driving them over to a fast-food joint.
Graham used the remote to lower the volume on the TV. “How’s work been going?”
Seth struggled to resist the memory that had suddenly emerged from some dark corner of his mind—his birth mother blowing the smoke from her cigarette out the open window of the driver’s side of the car while he and his brothers devoured Happy Meals and tried to trade each other for a different toy. “Good,” he said. “I’ve been busy.”
“Maxi buying many pieces?”
“Maxi always hits me up to see what I’m working on, but these days I’ve mostly been doing commissioned pieces—for parks, buildings, state and local governments and the like—so I haven’t had much to sell him.”
“Doesn’t that take all the fun out of it? To have to create something that someone else has commissioned?”
“Not really,” he said. “There are parameters—it has to fit the setting and purpose—but I can use my imagination from there.” And he could always do what he wanted on the side. It had just been a long time since he’d felt as inspired as he’d been today when he’d painted Tia. The outpouring of creative energy reminded him of how it used to be when he started a new project. But as happy as he was when he could do exactly what he wanted, he was grateful to be successful and wasn’t going to complain just because he had to please someone other than himself.
“Seems like it would be restrictive,” Graham said.
“Sometimes it is. But it’s a good thing to be able to pay rent and be able to eat, you know?” he said in a joking tone, alluding to the practical side of his career.
“Oh, don’t tell me you’re struggling with bills. We know you’ve made a fortune, don’t we, Mother?” Graham said, loudly enough that Lois could hear him in the kitchen.
“Graham, you’re not supposed to say things like that,” she admonished, but Seth could tell she was used to her husband making statements that were a little embarrassing.
Although Graham didn’t seem to pay her any mind, he changed the subject. “So you’re going to be teaching at New Horizons?”
“I am.”
“How’d that come about?”
“My mother has some students she feels could benefit from the extra attention.”
“Then, you’ll be in town for a while.”
“Just one term, through February.”
“That’s asking a lot from someone who’s as famous as you are, isn’t it? Your time is valuable.”
“I’m happy to help. As you know, she’s done a lot for me.”
“A lot more than your real mother, eh? From what Shiloh told me, she was a piece of work. Who gives their children away? Do you ever hear from her?”
Now Seth understood why he’d been avoiding Graham and Lois. They knew too much about him, couldn’t help treading on sensitive ground. “No.”
“What about your brothers, the ones she took back?”
“No.” Seth could’ve elaborated, could’ve told Graham that Derrick and Brady had both tried to reach out to him in recent years. But Seth hadn’t been responsive. He couldn’t bring himself to associate with them. They had so many shared memories he wasn’t part of. Just talking to them took him back to a time when he’d felt completely unloved and rejected.
Even if he could get beyond that, he was afraid they might also try to bring Sandy back into his life.
“That’s too bad. I bet now they regret how they treated you, eh?”
Why now? Because he had more to offer these days? Seth couldn’t help cringing at the comment, because he knew what Graham was thinking: that they’d screwed up, not because he was a person worth knowing and loving but because they could not tap into his wealth. Graham looked at him and saw dollar signs.
“I think they’re happy enough with their own lives,” he said to get his father-in-law off the subject.
That seemed to work, but then Graham looked over at Shiloh’s senior picture, which was sitting on the side table, and his eyes filled with tears. “I sure miss her,” he said.
Seth didn’t want to feel what he was feeling. He didn’t want to be where he was. And he definitely didn’t want to think about Shiloh on a day when he couldn’t seem to forget Tia and that heated kiss in the pool. No matter how hard he tried, that kept coming to mind, even here.
Unable to stop himself, he shot to his feet. “I’m so sorry, but suddenly, I’m not feeling well. If you’ll excuse me, I think I’d better head home.”
Lois stepped out of the kitchen, a large mixing spoon in one hand. “You’re leaving?” she said in apparent shock.
“I’m not feeling so great,” he reiterated. “I’ll have to call you later. And next time, I’ll take you both to dinner so that you don’t have to cook.”
“No problem,” Graham said. “Of course if you’re not feeling well, you should go lie down. But...”
“But?” Seth said when he stretched his collar and stopped.
“I know it’s a bit out of the blue now that you’re rushing off. We haven’t really had a chance to get into it. But we were going to see if you could help us out a little.”
Seth’s skin began to crawl. “Help you out?”
“The pool-supply business has been slow, so I had to borrow some money to get us through. The loan’s due this week, and I know the asshole who lent it to us will make our lives miserable if we can’t pay him off. So I was wondering if...if we could borrow it from you and pay you back as soon as we get on our feet.”
So that was what this was about. They’d been mad at him until they realized they needed him again. “How much is it?” Seth asked as he grabbed his coat and sweater.
Graham shoved his hands in his pockets while trying to affect an expression of chagrin. “Fifty thousand dollars.” He laughed awkwardly while Lois looked on, her eyes filled with hope. “Can you believe it?” he added. “It’s been a really rough year.”
That was what he’d said the last time he’d come to Seth for money. And yet he still had a boat sitting in his driveway. “You haven’t paid back what I gave you last time,” Seth pointed out.
Graham’s eyes widened as if he didn’t think Seth should require that money back. “Because we haven’t had it. You know how it is for us working-class folks.”
They could’ve at least made the attempt. Or come to him to explain the situation. But they hadn’t even mentioned it, even though the date they’d promised to get him the money had come and gone months ago. They wouldn’t make good on this new loan, either. They saw Seth as being so rich he’d never miss it.
Seth almost said yes. He would’ve given it to them if Shiloh were alive—for her sake. But this time, something wouldn’t let him do it. “I’m sorry you’ve gotten yourself into another tight spot,” he said. “But I’m afraid I can’t help you this time.”
“Why not?” Lois blurted, obviously shocked.
“Because our relationship is starting to revolve around money.”
Graham followed him to the door. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying no,” he reiterated.
“You’re not feeling well. I understand. Let’s wait and talk about it tomorrow. Should I give you a call?”
“No. Not unless you’re interested in me for something other than my money.” The words were out before Seth could stop them, but he didn’t try to take them back.
“What are you accusing us of?” Graham exploded. “Not all of us can make millions of dollars just for slapping a bunch of paint on a canvas. It’s not like you’re good at what you do. You don’t even put faces on your people!”
“Graham, he said he wasn’t feeling well. Let’s...let’s just wait until tomorrow,” Lois said, obviously not wanting to overreact in case he’d change his mind, given a little more time. But Seth knew there’d be no going back from this point. She’d only invited him over and cooked him a meal because she was hoping he’d bail them out once again.
“Too bad our daughter’s not around to see you treat us like this,” Graham spat.
“She was too good for me,” Seth admitted. “But she was too good for you, too.”