married him for his money,” Athena said with a scowl. “She was young enough to be his daughter and beautiful, and she knew how to turn on the charm. He’d thought she loved him but she didn’t. She was shallow and selfish and in the end she left him for somebody with more money. It about broke his heart.”
This explained so much. “And you don’t want to see that happen again.”
“People can be deceptive and my father is so trusting. I...” She sighed. “I’ve probably come across as a real bitch.”
Yes, she had.
“But I don’t care. I’ll do anything to keep Daddy from being hurt again.”
“Your father’s lucky to have such a loyal daughter. And you don’t need to worry about me making a grab for him,” Catherine promised even though a part of her would have liked nothing better than to get grabby. “I’m sure I’ll come through all of this just fine.” Surely with all the extra measures the doctors were taking she would. “But I don’t want to drag someone else through what lies ahead of me.”
“Do you have kids nearby who can help?”
“If I need help, I’m sure they’ll find a way. They’re very busy.”
Athena’s brows rose. The girl had one of those expressive faces and the message it was telegraphing at the moment was a shocked Too busy for you?
And what was Catherine’s expression saying? I’m afraid so. But it was wrong to think that of her children. Yes, they could be self-centered, but they weren’t heartless. Surely, if she really needed them to they’d come through.
“It is a busy time of year,” Athena said, taking the polite route and helping Catherine set up excuses for her children in advance. “At least you’ll all be able to enjoy Christmas before the chemo starts.”
Catherine could feel her face heating up. The fact that her children wouldn’t be with her at Christmas was embarrassing. If only she hadn’t been such a drama queen the year before.
“It will be a quiet Christmas,” she said, and left it at that.
“I hope everything works out for you,” Athena said.
Now that she didn’t have to worry about protecting Rudy, the dragon lady was gone and Catherine could glimpse a young woman who had some manners, after all. And a heart, dedicated to keeping her father’s heart safe. Athena wasn’t jealous or possessive, she was concerned. How different her behavior looked when seen in that light.
“Thank you,” said Catherine. “And you’re right about today. I should spend more time with Denise.” She stood. “Please give my excuses to your father.”
She left the dining room before he could join them at the table. There would be more than one bus leaving the dock for Heidelberg. She’d make sure she was on a different one than Rudy and his daughter.
* * *
Another sick woman. After what her father went through he wouldn’t want anything to do with Catherine, Athena knew that. She should tell him.
Somehow, though, when he arrived at the table asking what happened to Catherine, she couldn’t bring herself to tell him about Catherine’s situation. “She left. She’s going to spend the day with her friend.”
Daddy looked disappointed and Athena felt responsible for that disappointment.
Although, really, she shouldn’t have. There would have come a point when Catherine would politely push Daddy away. Better the pushing happened sooner than later. Still, Athena felt badly over how unfriendly she’d been to the woman. She had so misjudged Catherine.
Funny how different someone’s behavior looked when you had all the facts. Catherine had been enjoying being with Daddy, but she hadn’t been angling for his attention or strategizing some subtle method to get her hooks into him. She simply was what she was—a nice widow who was trying to enjoy a getaway before facing something horrible.
And what was the deal with her kids? A quiet Christmas? If I need help, I’m sure they’ll find a way. What did that mean? The kids weren’t already planning on helping her? Athena had been to every one of her mother’s treatments. What kind of offspring did Catherine Pine have, anyway?
Shits, that was what kind.
Like what Athena had been to her. Maybe it was time she stopped jumping to conclusions and judging people.
If only Catherine wasn’t going through what she was going through. If only she had...anything but cancer.
* * *
“I’m going to stay on the boat and bag seeing Heidelberg,” Sierra told Sophie.
Sophie was feeling almost human now that she’d eaten, dressed and showered. But seeing her sister upset,