Read Online Sweet Kiss by Judy Ann Davis - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Judy Ann Davis
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first and only love. It was very considerate of him to help your sister.”
Blushing, Kate looked up abruptly, the last remark catching her by surprise. A warning voice whispered in her head. Tappe helped her sister? How had Tappe helped her sister? She forced a smile she didn’t feel. “Why yes, it was. What can I get for you today, Jim? Our coffee flavor of the day is hazelnut, but we have a few new ones like raspberry chocolate. And we have some very delicious cinnamon streusel muffins made fresh this morning.”
****
Kate had spent the morning agonizing over her options. It didn’t take the brain of a scientist to figure out Violet had somehow found a way to get Tappe to help her with her bills. Like everyone else around town, she knew if Violet was given money, it would soon vanish. Donald, like always, would be around the corner waiting to dive in and take a share. Surely Tappe knew that as well—or did he? Why was he helping her sister?
Violet was working on her computer, her back half-turned to the door when Kate, abandoning Melanie to handle the coffee shop alone, entered the real estate office. She placed a white bag of chocolate-covered donuts on her sister’s desk and plopped down in the chair in front of it.
Violet whirled, eyeing the bag suspiciously. “What did I do to earn a special visit from my dear sister bearing treats?”
“You tell me.” Kate took a deep breath and stared at her sister, who glared back at her with an equally aloof manner. “Let’s start with Tappe Vanderberg.”
Violet stiffened. “My association with Tappe is none of your business.”
“It is, if you’re trying to fleece him to get out of debt. How could you?” Kate’ eyes filled with tears of frustration and she blinked to keep them from sliding down her face and showing her vulnerability. “Tappe has been a part of our family since we were children. He’s like a brother to you.”
“Though it’s none of your business, he offered to help me get back on my feet,” Violet huffed. “If you would stop being so selfish and sell the house, we could both be more comfortable, living a less stressful life. I, for one, hate having bill collectors rapping at my door or calling at all hours of the day and night.”
“Did it ever occur to you that I really want the place, Violet? Do you understand it’s the only home we’ve ever known since Mother died? The only happy memories we have are wrapped up in the walls of that old house. It’s where we felt safe and warm. Where we ran to when we were hurt or our spirits were broken. Where we gathered with our friends, ate pizza, played flashlight tag at night, and canoed together. Do you think she only left the insurance policy to help us pay the inheritance and taxes, and to help defray costs? Have you even given any thought to the idea Aunt Fay wanted us to hold on to it and keep it in the family instead of having strangers own it?”
“Oh, let’s not have a pity party here! Fay was a sentimental, silly old fool,” Violet spat back. “There’s land out there that can be used for other purposes. The house is in need of repairs. Someone with more money could fix it up and enjoy it. Why won’t you sell? You have a comfortable little place in town.” She was angry now, seething with barely bridled rage.
Little was the key word, Kate thought. Her bungalow was like living in a refrigerator box with its tiny sitting area, kitchen with only one counter, bedroom, and windowless bath. She dreamed of returning to the outskirts of town. She loved the big house, the wide open spaces, the fifty acres of land, the thriving orange trees, blueberry bushes, and live oaks. From the windows on the second floor, brilliant sunrises and vivid sunsets could melt a person’s heart with their unrivaled beauty. Even the wooded winding path leading to the river on the backwaters had a rustic charm.
“How do you plan to pay Tappe back?” Kate tried to keep the hostility from her voice.
Blushing, Kate looked up abruptly, the last remark catching her by surprise. A warning voice whispered in her head. Tappe helped her sister? How had Tappe helped her sister? She forced a smile she didn’t feel. “Why yes, it was. What can I get for you today, Jim? Our coffee flavor of the day is hazelnut, but we have a few new ones like raspberry chocolate. And we have some very delicious cinnamon streusel muffins made fresh this morning.”
****
Kate had spent the morning agonizing over her options. It didn’t take the brain of a scientist to figure out Violet had somehow found a way to get Tappe to help her with her bills. Like everyone else around town, she knew if Violet was given money, it would soon vanish. Donald, like always, would be around the corner waiting to dive in and take a share. Surely Tappe knew that as well—or did he? Why was he helping her sister?
Violet was working on her computer, her back half-turned to the door when Kate, abandoning Melanie to handle the coffee shop alone, entered the real estate office. She placed a white bag of chocolate-covered donuts on her sister’s desk and plopped down in the chair in front of it.
Violet whirled, eyeing the bag suspiciously. “What did I do to earn a special visit from my dear sister bearing treats?”
“You tell me.” Kate took a deep breath and stared at her sister, who glared back at her with an equally aloof manner. “Let’s start with Tappe Vanderberg.”
Violet stiffened. “My association with Tappe is none of your business.”
“It is, if you’re trying to fleece him to get out of debt. How could you?” Kate’ eyes filled with tears of frustration and she blinked to keep them from sliding down her face and showing her vulnerability. “Tappe has been a part of our family since we were children. He’s like a brother to you.”
“Though it’s none of your business, he offered to help me get back on my feet,” Violet huffed. “If you would stop being so selfish and sell the house, we could both be more comfortable, living a less stressful life. I, for one, hate having bill collectors rapping at my door or calling at all hours of the day and night.”
“Did it ever occur to you that I really want the place, Violet? Do you understand it’s the only home we’ve ever known since Mother died? The only happy memories we have are wrapped up in the walls of that old house. It’s where we felt safe and warm. Where we ran to when we were hurt or our spirits were broken. Where we gathered with our friends, ate pizza, played flashlight tag at night, and canoed together. Do you think she only left the insurance policy to help us pay the inheritance and taxes, and to help defray costs? Have you even given any thought to the idea Aunt Fay wanted us to hold on to it and keep it in the family instead of having strangers own it?”
“Oh, let’s not have a pity party here! Fay was a sentimental, silly old fool,” Violet spat back. “There’s land out there that can be used for other purposes. The house is in need of repairs. Someone with more money could fix it up and enjoy it. Why won’t you sell? You have a comfortable little place in town.” She was angry now, seething with barely bridled rage.
Little was the key word, Kate thought. Her bungalow was like living in a refrigerator box with its tiny sitting area, kitchen with only one counter, bedroom, and windowless bath. She dreamed of returning to the outskirts of town. She loved the big house, the wide open spaces, the fifty acres of land, the thriving orange trees, blueberry bushes, and live oaks. From the windows on the second floor, brilliant sunrises and vivid sunsets could melt a person’s heart with their unrivaled beauty. Even the wooded winding path leading to the river on the backwaters had a rustic charm.
“How do you plan to pay Tappe back?” Kate tried to keep the hostility from her voice.
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