her back, staring up at the smoke–stained ceiling.
Her mother really was a piece of work. No wonder Star was so screwed up and repressed when it came to sex. The bedroom door opened. Star closed her eyes.
Destiny giggled softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“You couldn’t keep me away.”
John. The doctor. Star recognized his voice. Her mother was aiming high this time.
More rustling as Destiny walked him to the door. She opened the door quietly. Lips smacked as they kissed. The door clicked shut. Star sat up and turned on the light.
“Really, Mom.”
Her mother whirled around, one hand on her chest. “Starlene. I thought you were asleep.” Destiny’s blonde hair was good and messed up. Clad in a short, black satin robe she looked every inch the aging sex kitten she was. “Sorry, sugar.” Destiny tightened the belt around her waist. “I really like him.” She plopped down on the couch at Star’s feet. “He’s nice. He has money.”
“Slow down, Mom,” Star said. “Did you even ask if he was married?”
“Of course I did.” She smiled the same stupid dreamy smile Star had seen on Destiny’s face a million times. “He’s divorced. His kids are grown.”
“He lives in Canada, Mom.”
“So what? I didn’t tell you before, but now that Cade’s offered me a job, I guess I’ll come clean. I got fired. I’m tired of Vegas anyway. I’m ready for a change. Change is good, Star.”
She couldn’t believe she was going to have to talk her mother down. “Get real, Mom. What are you going to do? Stay here and work for Cade? Where are you going to live? He’s tearing this place down. And I’m sure you don’t want to stay with Brandi and Bud. Do you even have any money saved?”
Destiny pinned her with her “mother” stare. “You know, Star, it wouldn’t hurt you to dream big. I mean, what do you really have in your life? A job and a slick condo won’t keep you warm at night.”
“So I’ll buy an electric blanket. At least I can afford one.”
Destiny jumped to her feet. “That was low, Star. You’ve never understood me. I’m going to bed.” She whirled away.
“Keep it down this time,” Star called after her. “Some of us are trying to sleep.”
The bedroom door slammed.
A knot formed in Star’s stomach. Her heart aching, she switched off the light.
Chapter Ten
Star woke up with a headache, the result of poor sleep. Her mother, who now worked for the O’Briens, had barely spoken to her before she’d left to help with breakfast, yet Star didn’t regret the words they’d exchanged. Destiny needed to grow up. She was fifty–two. If anything, Star should be the one sneaking guys into her room. Catching your mother in the act was unnatural—something no child should have to witness, no matter how old the child was.
Star stood under the shower. Hot water soothed her pounding head. She was so done with Alaska, and she’d be glad when Update This! finished with this segment and she could put this God forsaken state out of her life, with hope, forever.
Star spent the morning working on production logistics for Update This! At noon, she grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading over to visit Brandi, who was home now. She spent the rest of the afternoon entertaining Will while Brandi took a nap. Star half expected Destiny to show up but wasn’t surprised when her mother didn’t come by. Why would she when she could use her job at Cade’s as an excuse for staying away?
Still upset with her mom, Star didn’t go home until she was sure Destiny would be at the O’Briens serving dinner. When Star arrived at Patsy’s she found the driveway empty. She let herself in to the quiet mobile home and kicked off her heels.
Hungry, she cruised through the meager contents of the fridge: milk, eggs, cheddar cheese, bottled water, a half a bottle of white wine, and a six pack of diet cola.
Star’s stomach growled as she removed the eggs and cheese. An omelet was better than nothing.
The rattle of an engine pulled her around. Thinking it was too early for Destiny to be home, Star went to the door. Cade’s truck came up the driveway. She frowned. Terrific, what did he want—a repeat of last night’s kiss? No way. She was not her mother, ready and available for any guy that just happened to come along. A giant chip on her shoulder, Star met Cade at the door.
He came up the