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  Randi smiled, reaching out to move an ornament to anew place on the tree. “He’s rough-looking. His hair comes down to his collar. He has a beard and moustache. If you saw him once you wouldn’t forget him.”

  Emma nodded. “Brown hair? A good build?”

  “Yep, that’s him. I met him my first night here. He came out to pick me up. He’s really cute. But I’ll be a good girl and behave myself.”

  “Please do that. When all this is over, and the company’s gone, the two of you can work this out, and see . . . ” At that moment the doorbell rang.

  Emma turned toward the door. “Wonder who that could be? Maybe someone selling something. We did leave the gates open today. Finish up with the tree, then check on the girls in the den.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Randi said.

  Emma went to the door, peeked out the side window, and her heart sank. She stole a glance of Randi and then took in a deep breath and moved to the door.

  The easy next few days were turning into a nightmare. She had the man of the house sneaking around with one of the maids. The maid had no idea that the Mike she was dating was really Martin Taylor. And to top it all off, now Martin's mother was standing just outside the front door. What in the world would happen next?

  Chapter 26

  Mommy Dearest

  Randi thought the tree looked fine so she rose to do her next task when she heard Emma at the door.

  “Mrs. Taylor, welcome. We weren’t expecting you so soon. Come in, Come in.”

  One of the women must have started to pick up a bag, but Emma spoke. “Oh no, leave those bags right there and we’ll tend to them. Randi, will you come here, please?”

  “Coming, ma’am.” Randi pushed a wisp of hair back as she came to stand by Emma. The older woman before her looked modern, other than the fine-looking bun she had her graying brown hair tucked into.

  She wore a tan suit, sensible-looking loafers, and carried a bulky purse. The woman by her side, whom Randi assumed was Mr. Taylor’s sister, wore white dress pants, a white blazer and a red blouse that suited her darker brown hair.

  Emma gestured to the two ladies. “Would you like to see your rooms or have something to drink? Mr. Taylor isn’t home yet, and Celia has stepped out. I must say that no one was expecting you today.”

  “I know. We should have called.” Mrs. Taylor forced a smile and glanced to her daughter. “If it’s all right with you I’d like to see my room.”

  “Certainly. Randi, please see Mrs. Taylor to her room.” Emma stepped back, gesturing to the back of the house.

  “Please call me Lillian, and this is my daughter Addison. We won’t be offended if you call us by our given names, and I’m sure all Addison needs is a place to make a few phone calls, but I’m ready for a bit of a rest.”

  “Follow me, then,” Randi said.

  “This is mother's bag. She’ll need this one now,” Addison said, and Randi took the bag and motioned for the elder Taylor to follow. The petite woman and Randi made their way back past the den to the three back bedrooms. Randi had been told earlier who would sleep where, so she went to the correct room and held open the door.

  Randi was going to set the bag down, but Lillian spoke. “Would you mind coming in for a few minutes, and close the door? I need a little privacy.”

  “Certainly.” Randi wasn’t sure what the lady needed, but she did as Lillian asked and closed the door, taking the case over and setting it on the end of the bed.

  “Would you like me to turn down the bed, or help you put your items away?” The woman considered this for a moment and then nodded. “You can place my items in any those of the drawers.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Randi pulled out two drawers and began to work as Lillian sat down in a soft chair and began to take her shoes off. When the woman first began to speak, she kept working but with the last comment Randi stopped and forced her mouth closed.

  “Well my dear, this is a nice house, and it looks well-cared for, but I know the help always knows all of the dirt, so come on and tell me. How are my son and Celia getting along? Don’t hold back. I want the truth.”

  Randi bit her bottom lip and wondered how to answer. “I’ll be honest, I’ve not worked here but a few days. I haven’t even met your son. He seems to always be gone while I’m around.” This answer didn’t suit Lillian, and for a moment she was quiet as she also took off her watch and jacket.

  “I see. Well, a good mother always has a picture of her son.” As Randi finished working on the clothes Lillian began to dig through her purse and a few minutes later she brought over a small, wallet-sized picture. “Here is Martin at age twelve. He was so cute then.”

  Randi placed a pair of hose, a gown, and a few other undergarments into a drawer, pushed it closed and turned to take the picture. The picture was in good shape and the young man was holding up a fish with a huge smile on his face. “Handsome young man.” Randi said, reaching the picture back.

  “That he is. I’m sure you’ll meet him tonight at dinner. He’s still a handsome young man and I’m very proud of him. I didn’t mean to pry, but I’ve never met Celia, only heard about her. I just was hoping for an opinion.”

  “I understand, and I don’t mind your asking. I’ve been here at the house since Friday, and I’ve only met Celia a few times.”

  Lillian nodded and turned around. “Can you unzip this for me? I want to change clothes.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Randi unzipped the dress and, much to her surprise, Lillian slipped right out and began to parade around the room in her full slip. She didn’t seem to mind at all. “Would you like me to turn down the bed?”

  “Please, and you could bring me some cold water.” Lillian disappeared into the bathroom. Thankfully, when she came out she was wearing one of the terrycloth robes Emma had suggested they provide. She sat down on the bed and was surprised to find a bottle of water on the nightstand.

  “Are you really fast or did you have this hidden in your pocket?” Lillian took the bottle of water, opened it, and took a long drink.”

  Randi laughed and pointed to the small refrigerator. “I’m pretty fast, but there is a refrigerator for your convenience. Also, here's a cordless phone. If you need anything just push the intercom button and I’ll be at the other end.”

  “Goodness, I don’t need pampered that much, but who do I thank, Celia or Martin?”

  “Your son. Emma helped to arrange it. Please, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here for you anytime, day or night.”

  “I’ll remember that, but my concern is to know if my son is happy, and if Celia is the one for him. If you think of something, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’m not doing this to try and get you in trouble. I love my son, and I only want what’s best for him. And if Celia isn’t the one, I want to know.”

  Smiling, Randi turned, leaving Lillian alone to take her nap. One accord or affinity might not be the best way to explain this small gathering, but Randi was pretty sure it would be interesting, to say the least.

  Chapter 27

  The Good Son

  When Celia suggested that he take his mother and sister out to dinner, Martin jumped at the idea. He didn’t even come home, but instead had a cab pick them up. Celia didn’t ask why he wasn’t coming home, and for that he was thankful.

  They were going casual so what he was wearing would be fine. His mother wouldn’t feel at ease in some of the more fancy restaurants, so Martin chose a small family diner. It was one of the places in town that he could enter without really being known, and was an Italian place. The owners could barely speak English.

  He waited, sitting in the car, until he spotted the cab approaching. Martin stepped out and waited for his mother and sister to move from the cab. He’d paid with a credit card, so there was no fare to worry about. His sister was the first one out, and she quickly hugged him.

  “It’s so good to see you.”

  “I’ve missed you, sis, and you too, mom,” He said, and he hugged both o
f them twice. “Come in and let's sit down.”

  “Afraid someone will recognize you?” Addison raised a brow and crossed her arms.

  Martin laughed. “You just can’t stand it that I’m famous, can you?” He gave her a playful smile. “Jealous, are we?”

  “Yeah right, like I would enjoy having total strangers come up while I’m dining, asking for my scribblings on their dinner napkin. Get over yourself, Marty.”

  Martin ignored the remarks, held the door open, and as his sister walked passed, put his hand on her shoulder. “I knew it. You’re jealous.” Addison gave him a dirty look and ignored him as they followed their mother to a table. The place was crowded but no one seemed to even look up as they walked in.

  Though he’d not been in a lot of movies he’d been in a few popular ones and people did know his face and did want his 'scribblings', as his sister called it. At times he hated the fact that he couldn’t have a normal dinner out with the family, and then again he loved it, and loved his fans.

  Some fans were polite and would giggle or smile, and maybe steal a snapshot while he was out on the town. Others were die-hard fans, the ones that just had to get his autograph or a picture with him. They always seemed to talk as if they’d known him all their life. He attributed this trend to his acting skills.

  Tonight appeared to be one of the better nights. He noticed a young couple at a table to his left recognized him, but they didn’t seem to be going to do anything about it. He tried to forget about his fame and settled in to enjoy the company of his family.

  After all, when the three of them arrived at his home, there would be the chance of running into Randi. He would be stressed and not comfortable in his own home. He’d made this mess and would have to deal with the consequences. Still, he wasn’t looking forward to the truth of his identity coming out.

  “So, son, I would think that you would want to have us meet Celia tonight. Why didn’t she join us?”

  “Mom, can’t you wait until he’s had time to get used to seeing us again? He wanted to spend some time with us, alone. Don’t misread things.”

  “Thanks, sis. I missed you guys and wanted some family time. There will be plenty of time to meet Celia.” Martin smiled and dodged the bullet for now. He knew by the look on his mother’s face that it was just a reprieve from what would come later.

  They ordered their meals and seemed soon to fall back into their old pace of conversation. They talked about his dad’s friend who was having surgery, and how he hoped to be here by Friday or at the latest Saturday.

  They talked about his sister and a new guy she was dating, but Martin could tell that Addison couldn’t wait to be alone with him so they could talk more openly.

  He knew that she had wanted to move to the states for a long time, but that she hated to leave their mother. He felt more than a little guilty that he’d not been back home to spend time with the family, but he was working.

  It wasn’t like he was just out here taking it easy, living in the lap of luxury. Acting was hard work, and you were always trying to look for the next part, and sometimes the good ones were few and far between.

  A few times during dinner, when their mother commented about an upcoming date, or even a wedding that might be in the near future, Addison would get this stressed look and become fidgety. Martin gave her a reassuring smile when he could, and at one point when his mother excused herself they had a chance to speak.

  He didn’t waste any time. The moment his mother was up from the table he looked at his sister and spoke. “So what’s up? Did you dump this guy and not have the heart to tell mom?”

  “You don’t mince words, do you?” Addison shook her head and looked at her plate. “It’s complicated.”

  “Isn’t it always?” Martin leaned back, thinking of his own dilemma with Randi and Celia. “You have to begin somewhere, so what’s going on? Is he still in the picture?”

  “Kind of. He’s an American, a lawyer. Mother doesn’t know that part yet. The way she talks you’d think she’s met him, but she hasn’t.”

  “So, she’s not prejudiced, or at least she didn’t used to be.” Martin smiled but his sister looked up quickly.

  “No it’s nothing like that. It’s just that in a few months the firm he’s working for is going to move, and I haven’t told Mom. She has no idea. I don’t know how to break it to her that I may be moving with him, or moving to the states, with or without him.”

  “Wow. When did all of this come about?” Martin glanced over his shoulder to see if his mother was coming back. She was not, so they went on with their conversation.

  “I don’t know. A few months ago, I guess. Raffaello mentioned it was a possibility that he’d be transferred. I didn’t give it that much thought, but now, here I am. He’ll be moving to Los Angeles or New York after the first of the year, and he’s invited me to come with him.”

  “Oh, I see.” Martin leaned back as the waitress took his plate. Once she was gone he spoke. “So he’s asking you to move with him, but he’s not asking you to marry him.”

  “Man, you always did seem to have a knack of figuring things out too quickly, but, yes, that’s it.”

  “And you don’t want to tell mom, because you might be taking him up on his offer, or you’re embarrassed. You don’t want her to think about what you’ve been up to already,” Martin offered.

  “That’s none of your business, or hers. Besides, I’m supposed to be the perfect one. Men have it easy. She knows you and Celia are shacked up, but does she say anything, or refuse to come to your house? Why, if she even had a clue that I’d slept with Rafa, which by the way I’m not admitting to, she wouldn’t speak to me for months.”

  “Hey, what can I say? I’m her pick.” This won Martin a slight kick under the table. “Ouch, that hurt.”

  “You deserve worse, even if you are right. And down deep I know it’s not because you’re her pick, it’s because I’m the girl. All of these years of women’s lib, and advancements, even women still look at things differently.”

  “Well at least our mother does.” Martin began, “She gave me a lecture that I needed to be sure and not be messing around while she’s in the house.”

  Addison smiled, “She really said that?”

  “Yes, not those exact words, but I got her meaning.”

  “That had to be embarrassing.”

  “It was, but I did say I would behave myself. At any age you don’t want to disappoint your parents.”

  “Tell me about it.” Addison sighed. “I guess this isn’t going to be the best Christmas on record for us.”

  Martin glanced over his shoulder to see their mother returning, then looked to his sister. “You don’t know the half of it.”

  Chapter 28

  Siblings

  Lillian knew her children would need time alone to catch up, so she took her time in the ladies' room. She washed her hands and checked her hair. She even thought about calling her husband, but changed her mind.

  Being here without Ethan was unsettling. She seldom traveled without her husband of thirty-five years and she didn’t enjoy being away from him. They were a perfect match and she didn’t feel whole when he wasn’t by her side.

  Ethan’s dear friend, Charles Spencer, was having heart surgery, and she’d only received one update so far. If he hadn’t called by eight she would check in. It worried her that something would happen to keep her husband from joining her in California.

  Over their years of marriage they’d never been separated on Christmas Eve. Not all holidays were as special as the celebration of the Savior's birthday, but it was the one day out of the year that they always made sure nothing happened to keep them apart.

  She could think back to many close calls. The birth of her sister’s first child, the year Ethan’s mother fell, and of course, five years ago when Ethan was stranded at a friend's house during a power outage. The electricity came on just in time for him to finish Christmas Eve deliveries and get home for their midn
ight ritual.

  It was a romantic tradition they’d started years ago. No matter what hectic Christmas events were happening, at midnight the two of them would slip off to be alone. A smile came to Lillian’s lips. They’d shared a Christmas kiss for so many years; they just couldn’t break that record now.

  She pushed the negative thoughts from her mind and smiled at her own reflection. She would just keep her faith high that nothing would go wrong, and that she and Ethan would be able to continue their loving practice.

  Lillian stepped out of the restroom, going back to the table. The first thing she noticed was her children’s body language. How many times had she seen them this way?

  Martin was leaning forward, arms on the table, and Addison also was leaning in. They would be speaking in low tones, and checking over their shoulders so that no one would hear a word of their conversation.

  Lillian only wished her children trusted her with their secrets as easily as they did each other, but that was siblings for you. They had their own way of trusting.

  Lillian sat down, looking at her two children. It seemed hard for them to carry on with their conversation. Addison was looking through her purse. Martin sipped on his coffee and kept looking at his phone.

  She wondered what they had been talking about that put them in such strange moods. Breaking the ice, she spoke. “You have a lovely home, Martin. You’ll have to give me a tour tomorrow.”

  “Sure, we can do that.” Martin’s comment was short and to the point. He smiled and took another sip of coffee, then set the cup on the table. As he had done when he was younger and was agitated about something, he sat tapping the edge of the mug with his finger.

  Lillian was determined to go on talking. “The decorations are breathtaking. I love the trees and the garland. Celia surely has wonderful taste.” Lillian glanced up as Martin let out a short laugh.

  “She didn’t do any of the decorating. The house does look wonderful. It was her idea to have three trees, but Randi and the other temporary help did all of the decorating.”