Read Online A Time to Mend by Sally John - Free Book Online

at times, but—”
    “At times?”
    “All right, most of the time. But that’s probably a good thing. You wouldn’t want me around more than I already am.”
    “You’re doing it again. Telling me what I wouldn’t want.”
    “I’m just saying—”
    “Max, I know what you’re just saying. You’re saying you like life the way it is. You like how we attend social-slash-business functions together. How I volunteer and keep us in the society columns. You like that I run our household. You like that I can entertain clients at the drop of a hat.”
    “What is so awful about any of that? You like being sociable. And you have your own life, your music, your friends.”
    She crossed her arms and frowned at the flowers. “Playing violin now and then with other wannabe musicians and dining out with Tandy maybe twice a month is hardly what I’d call my own life.” She snorted in frustration. “That’s not the point.”
    “Then tell me what the point is so I know what I’m dealing with here!” His exasperated tone surpassed her own.
    “I can’t.”
    “Just try! Please.”
    “You never listen.”
    “Hey, you got my attention, all right? I am listening.”
    Welcome back to your real world, she berated herself. Queen for a night with the kids. Safe and secure for half a morning while hiding out in Tandy’s guest room.
    An image of a smiling Jenna flashed in her mind. “How high, Kev?”
    How high, Max?
    It was time to end it.
    She pulled out a chair and sat, averting her eyes. “All right. Yes, on the surface, we have a good life. All our needs are met and then some. We have our health. We have friends. Our kids are gainfully employed.” She paused. “But two nights ago those kids made me feel like a queen. You made me feel like a scullery maid.”
    “A scullery—That is totally ridiculous! A trip on a private jet and diamonds aren’t queen treatment? Not like—what did you call it?— first fiddle? What is wrong with you?”
    “Why does something have to be wrong with me?” She looked up at him. “I’m just describing how I feel. There’s nothing right or wrong about how I feel.”
    “It’s hormones, isn’t it?”
    “Oh, honestly, Max! We can’t always reduce my feelings to that.”
    “But why now? Why all of a sudden is the status quo so wrong?”
    “Because the status quo requires me to live a charade. To ignore what I’m really feeling, maintain an even keel, not rock anybody’s boat. To bend to your every whim in order to keep you happy.” She took a quick breath. “This morning when I woke up, I felt safe, all warm and cozy and secure. Then I saw you, and, pfft . It vanished like a puff of smoke.”
    He blinked a few times as if he’d been slapped in the face.
    “Max, there is nothing you can fix . Just leave me alone.”
    She slid from the chair and rushed down the hall, back toward her safe room.

Sixteen
    J enna greeted her dad at the door with a long, hard hug. “Hi.”
    “Hi, yourself.” He kissed her cheek. “Thanks for inviting me over.”
    “No problem. Come inside.”
    As he entered, Kevin shook his hand. “Hey, Max. How you doing?”
    “ I’ve been better.” His attempt at a smile ended in a grimace.
    Jenna studied her dad. Even if her mom hadn’t told her, she would have seen the signs. He’d had a migraine the night before. The remnants were still there in the haggard droop of his shoulders, the darker-than-dark eyes, the tousled hair that normally didn’t appear long enough to tousle.
    “Sit, Dad.” She pointed to the plate of dip and cut-up vegetables on the coffee table. “Munchies. Dinner will be ready in about half an hour. Want some iced tea?”
    “Sure.”
    Kevin wiggled his wrist, as if pouring from a bottle.
    She shook her head.
    His brows went up.
    She widened her eyes and shook her head again.
    Still looking at her, Kevin said, “Max, you want a beer instead?”
    “Sounds even better.”
    “When did you last take medication?” Jenna asked,