Brody - Ellie Masters Page 0,16
settle back and enjoy spending time with her. In between bites, I offer a smorgasbord of pain pills and other things the doctor prescribed. “Have you heard anything?” She speaks with her mouth full and I cock my head.
“Excuse me?”
“From the investment companies?” She does this, picks up conversations from before. I’m always chasing her, trying to keep up.
“It’s only Monday. I sent everything on Saturday and those kinds of places don’t work on the weekend.”
“I’m sure something will come through.” Her confidence is something I wish I shared.
“Me too.”
“Who did you send stuff out to?”
I rattle off the five equity investment firms, leaving Sterling Enterprises for last. I don’t know why.
“What is that last one?” Her head tilts to the side.
“Sterling Enterprises.”
“Thought that’s what you said.”
“Why?”
“Nothing, cupcake.” She points to her cellphone. “Can you hand me my phone?”
I hand her the phone and sit back.
I tell her about all the things Uncle Mark is teaching me and how interesting it is. She asks questions about our workers, people who are more like family than employees. She cares deeply about them and is as concerned about their future as I am. We talk for nearly an hour, the longest conversation I’ve had with her in weeks, but slowly the fatigue settles in. I pick up her dishes and load them on the tray. When I get up, she stirs.
“Cupcake?”
“Yes, Mom?”
“Abbie La Rouge will be stopping by this afternoon. If I’m sleeping, please wake me.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, I want to talk to her.”
“Okay?”
“Please don’t meddle.”
“Why would you say that?”
“I mention Sterling Enterprises, and all of a sudden, Abbie is stopping by?”
“Cupcake, one thing about business is you need to take advantage of the connections you have. I just want to talk with her. You never know where the right word whispered in the right ear might land.”
“I wish you wouldn’t.”
“And why not?”
“The proposals are sound. Our business plan is solid. I’m sure one of the other firms will step up.”
“A little push won’t hurt.”
“But I don’t want to be obligated to accept a charity offer. I’m going to take whichever offer is the best for Atwood Estates. Not the one you push along because you know the CFO’s mom.”
“He hurt you, cupcake, but that was a long time ago. This is business. Accepting a little help isn’t admitting defeat.”
I know this, but I don’t want that help coming from Brody La Rouge, especially if it’s only because of a plea from his mother to help out an old friend. I don’t accept charity, and I won’t accept any kind of pity money from Brody La Rouge.
Right around three, Abbie La Rouge descends on our house like a hurricane. She knocks, then walks right on in as she calls out my name. “Grace, you around?”
I pop my head out from the kitchen. I’m baking cupcakes. It’s something I do to relieve stress. “In the kitchen.” I’d tell her to come on in, but Abbie is already peeking her head inside my kitchen.
“Whatcha making?” Her nose lifts and her eyes close as she takes in a deep breath. “Smells like heaven, luv.”
“Cupcakes.” I pull a steaming pan from the oven. “Want some?”
“Oh, I never turn down cupcakes. Is that Lucy’s recipe?”
“You bet.” I pull off the heavy oven mitten and set it on the counter. “As soon as those cool down, it’ll be time for icing.”
“I’ll definitely take you up on that. Do you need any help?” Abbie’s jade-green eyes simmer with warmth. She and my mother grew up together and are closer than sisters. She’s one of the few constants in my life, despite what happened between her son and me.
“I’ve got it, but thanks.”
“What about otherwise?”
“Otherwise?”
“Yes, dear.” Her gaze softens as she closes the distance. Stretching out her hands, she grasps mine and gives a light squeeze. “How are you holding up? I worry about you.”
“I’m doing okay. Taking it day by day. Keeping busy. Learning the ropes for when…” My voice catches and I swallow the lump in my throat.
Saying the words makes it seem real. Not that I’m in denial, but I try not to think about my mother’s imminent death. I have a feeling we’re closing in on the end. No matter how much I prepare—have prepared—I’m not ready.
“I’m here if you need me. Even when you don’t think you do. You should stop by my place next weekend. I’ll make my famous pancakes.”
“I’d love to, but I can’t leave Mom.”
“It’s only breakfast, and I’ll make enough for you