“Deck the halls with boughs of holly,” Theo chanted as they wrapped garland along the base of the stair rail. Duncan suggested decorating the rail itself but the brothers vetoed the idea. For Alexis’s safety it was best to leave the rail uncovered and clean. In addition to garlands t
Ava wanted to bring the kids but thought better of it. Though they would certainly enjoy spending time with Gretchen she didn’t want them seeing her mother and she definitely didn’t want them to see her breakdown. In many ways facing her mother would be more difficult than her sister.
Ava paused breathing the smell of lemon-scented disinfectant, oil and coffee that was ever present inside. It might not be a welcome smell to everyone but it was relaxing and familiar to her. “Lynn?” Gretchen looked up at the sound of the door. “Honey is that really you?”
Her mother blinked looking at their surroundings as if seeing them for the first time. “I took orders, served food and coffee, cleared the tables, washed dishes, even learned to cook a few things for twelve hours every day. This was the kids’ table where they would sit and do their ho
Ava breathed a sigh of relief when her mother finally departed. Tracy gave her a brief hug before following Grace out as she had driven the older woman to the diner. Before Tracy left she whispered she would call later to check up on her and that she was proud of her. Perhaps Ava should feel bad
“Call him back. Tell me to meet me at my condo…say five o’clock,” Silas finally said. “Are you sure that’s wise? You really don’t have any reason to meet with him.” “Call it curiosity. The fact he called at all is strange.” Thomas smirked. Well it wouldn’t
“Are you implying Marilynn has been trying to kill Ava since they were children?” Silas demanded his gaze suddenly going cold and dangerous. “And you claim you knew nothing about it?” Emerson hung his head, “I have no excuse for not knowing what was happening under my own roof. But I’
“Here we are,” Silas offered his hand to help her out. Ava smiled nervously as his hand slid naturally to the middle of her back escorting her inside. The interior of the restaurant was warm and inviting. They were given a table in a quiet corner providing some measure of privacy. Si