Backstage (The Barter System Book 4) (28 page)

“Hell no, I will not.  I’ll be a friend who’ll remind you of the fall when you were almost thirty, cookin’ food that borders on supernatural, filled with hope about the bestselling cookbooks you plan to write, and thinkin’ about gettin’ a dog.  No pity, Teddy.” 

She’d take it and deal with the fallout later.

“I’m glad.  I have to get home before the nurses change for my mother.”  She stood up and grabbed her bag.  He moved to rise and she held up her hand.  “Before you worry about me getting home safely, I was born and raised in this city.  I’ll be fine.”  Giving him a wink, she added, “See you when I see you, Kiefer.”

She walked out of the coffee shop, stepped to the curb just outside and whistled sharply for a cab.  One stopped in front of her in seconds and she was careful not to look back. 

Chapter Four

Theodora waited until she was inside her little apartment set up in the basement of her mother’s house before she exhaled roughly and fought tears that didn’t have a place in the deal she’d made. 

Every word she’d said to Kiefer Johannson was true and the memories he’d leave her with would be the stuff of dreams. 

They would not come without cost. 

Whatever she had to pay to spend time in his company, she would do so willingly.  Usually, virile men didn’t even see her much less consider her for a fling.  It was exciting and she wanted it.

Shaking herself, she ascended to the main level and checked on her mother.  The day nurse was just packing up her things and smiled when Theodora stepped into the living room. 

“How was Mom today?” 

Alice was older, heavyset, and still seemed capable of carrying a person from a burning building.  “The pain spiked again.  I gave her morphine an hour ago and she’s sleeping.  I called the office and the doctor is tweaking the dose.  You know we only get three months.” 

Theodora rubbed her temples hard.  “If only I could find one thing to give her consistent relief.  Ease the pain enough to take her out, to see her laugh again.” 

“I know, honey.  I’m sorry.  She ate today and seemed in better spirits despite the burning and swelling in her legs.”

“There has to be
something
.  I’m tired of one doctor after another simply giving her pills.  I think it’s time to research alternative medicine.  God knows, it can’t be much worse.” 

“Just promise you won’t bring in those people who blame her pain on angry spirits.  I’m willing to try anything else.” 

A humorless laugh escaped before she could stop it.  Reaching out, she took Alice’s hand.  “I’m so glad she has you.” 

“Theodora, you are the
light
of her life.  Don’t sell yourself short.” 

“I don’t.”  Everything she’d said to Kiefer came back to her and her heart raced in guilt.  “Do you think she’ll wake up tonight?”

Alice shook her head.  “I gave her a strong dose after I spoke to the doctor and left instructions for the night nurse to do the same.  We need to let her rest.  She’ll be a little steadier tomorrow.” 

Nodding, Theodora murmured, “I’ll make food and leave it in the fridge.”  She rubbed her upper arms to ease the chill caused by years of the silence in their home. 

The older woman stared at her for a long time.  “I’ve worked with the sick for most of my adult life.  Eventually, they get better or they pass.  Either way, their suffering ends.  You travel this road with her and will one day grieve your mother’s loss but it is
not
your journey.  You cannot forget to live.  Be happy and guilt-free, love your mother as much as you can, but don’t deteriorate with her.  You’re young, Theodora.” 

Their eyes met and she wondered if Alice knew her secret.  Before she could respond, the nurse held her shoulders and kissed her forehead. 

“Be happy, love if you get the chance, and I’ll care for your mother as long as she needs me.”

Theodora gripped her in a tight hug and whispered, “Thank you.” 

She made her way back to her apartment and stared at her desk area for a long time.  On it were all her notes in a carefully organized binder and above it were some of her favorite photos of recipes that turned out better than expected. 

“Maybe…”

* * * * *

The next morning, a knock on the outer door that lead to the street startled her from her organization of her first cookbook.  She grinned when she saw the twins and their mother on the other side. 

The three women stepped inside when she opened.  After exuberant hugs, the sisters were happy to wander a space they’d come to know well and gravitated to her workspace to examine what she’d been doing. 

“They have no sense of decorum sometimes.  I’m sorry we descended on you, dear.” 

“I love how comfortable they are when they visit.”

Becky pointed at the monitor that displayed her video feed from the other side of the door.  “That’s impressive.” 

“I can’t use a regular peephole.  Ezra had it installed a few years ago with a heavy-duty security system that took me
forever
to master.  He and Isaiah keep the house in perfect condition for us.  Sometimes, I feel like a bother but they help my mom in so many ways that I couldn’t do.” 

“They’re superb men.  I see why my girls are so giddy.  Trust me, you’re not a bother to anyone.  You’re perfectly lovely.”  She delivered kisses to both of Theodora’s cheeks.  “We’d like to kidnap you for the day if you have nothin’ planned.” 

The very suggestion made her chuckle.  “No plans.  Make yourself at home.  I’ll make coffee.  The next time you come, I’ll show you the upstairs.  Mom had a bad day and she’s sedated.”  Clearing her throat, she held out her hand.  “I converted the basement into my apartment.  Not as many windows so the sun doesn’t bother me constantly.”

“Makes sense.  I love the stained glass.” 

“Thanks.  I also cook and write until all hours.  I’d probably bother her if I lived on the upper floors.” 

* * * * *

Becky took her time walking the long narrow open space, broken only by support beams.  One entire end was a kitchen that any chef on the Food Network would have been proud to claim.  There were huge glass-front appliances, a stove with special ventilation that had two huge ovens, a broiler, and eight burners. 

There was lighting over every workspace, with muted shades to direct the light only where it was needed.  The counters were dark granite, the cabinets an espresso brown, and she knew it was to control glare. 

Some of the cabinets had no doors, the wood inside painted the same color.  Funky beautiful glassware stood highlighted in them.  There were baskets holding fresh fruit and vegetables. 

“I have a loading door in the alley.  A service picks up and drops off my catering supplies,” Theodora said.  “I cook most of the food here, load it in insulated carts, and have it delivered to the theater daily.”

“You take cabs everywhere?” 

The young woman nodded. 

There was a seating area with plush furniture draped in dark fabric.  A faux fireplace sat in the corner.  Thick rugs dotted the floor.  She didn’t see a television but there was a high-tech stereo system. 

In the furthest corner from the exits was a king-sized platform bed constructed of dark stained mahogany.  The heavy linens that covered it were various shades of brown, from caramel to coffee. 

There was a huge tapestry hanging on the wall behind it depicting a mountain scene in full sun. 

A pocket door blended so well with the rest of the wall that Becky almost hadn’t seen it.  Beyond it was a neat closet laid out by color.  Another door held a bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate claw-footed tub with antique taps in the center. 

A small vanity contained very little makeup and a magnified mirror.  Dark green accents over tile in a muted latte lent the space an intimate feel.  Theodora’s home was classic, subtle, and beautiful, much like the woman herself. 

“I adore your style.  I love everything about this apartment,” Becky told her honestly.  “You seem very comfortable here.” 

“I am.  Familiarity is important.  I have systems in place to keep me organized on the days I get headaches that make it difficult to focus.”  She grinned.  “I’m also anal retentive so there’s that.”

“You need to bring your organizational skills to our neck of the woods.  My boys are a hot mess on the best days.”  Following a hunch, she added, “Though Kiefer is more together than he likes me to think.” 

Mention of her wild child’s name brought a light blush to Theodora’s cheeks. 

“Since we’re going to dinner tonight, we wanted to take you out for a few hours.  The girls said you don’t get as much fun as you deserve and I agree.”

“What should I bring?” 

“Yourself.  That’s the only thing you need.” 

In less than two minutes, Becky hustled everyone out the door to a black Lincoln that idled at the curb. 

Half an hour later, they were ensconced in a private room of the spa she’d found and fallen in love with when she arrived in the city.  They settled in for manicures, pedicures, and massages.  By the time they made their way back to the car, all of them were relaxed. 

The next stop was a little boutique that catered to women who looked like her, short and curvy, and she knew it would be ideal for the caterer.

The twins were in their element as they chose several outfits and insisted Theodora try them on.  When they found what they considered the perfect combination, Becky paid without batting an eye, ignoring the young woman’s insistence that she be allowed to buy it herself. 

Back in the car, she turned and said, “Theodora, I invited you out to enjoy yourself and I insist that you always leave your wallet at home when you come out with us.  You have no idea of the pleasure it gives me.” 

Kayla nodded.  “Mama likes to make up for all the years we had to wait on new shoes and getting our hair cut in the kitchen.”  She shrugged.  “Best to let her pamper you and then stuff you to maximum capacity.”

“You’re coming to the hotel to get ready for dinner,” Linn explained.  “Do you need anything from home?” 

“I…no, I don’t.”

“Excellent.  Then we have you to ourselves.”  Becky knew she was being pushy but she’d be damned if she didn’t give one of her boys a chance to snatch up a woman that would make all their female family happy. 

Men could be deliberately obtuse.  The males in her family were no better.  Kiefer’s fascination with Theodora was clear but he thought they didn’t notice. 

Maybe it would work.  If it didn’t, she had two more boys available. 

It would be lovely to settle her loneliest child – another aspect of his personality he thought he was hiding from his mother – with a woman who would brighten up his life in ways he didn’t realize he needed. 

“We’ll get dressed and then make the men wait a reasonable amount of time before we make our entrance at the restaurant.” 

Theodora blinked.  “You’re late on purpose?” 

“Of course!  My own mother told me that secret when I was seventeen.  The first time Ivan came callin’, I left him downstairs for a good half hour while I chatted on the phone with my grandmother.  Best decision of my life.”  She winked.  “Men need to know we’re worth the wait.”

Chapter Five

Kiefer glanced around the table at the laughing group of males.  It was clear that the Johannson men genuinely liked Isaiah and Ezra.  They were hard working, funny, and down to earth. 

That they came from the kind of money and family history all of them knew they possessed after the extensive background check their father had done wasn’t apparent in the Zelders’ speech or behavior. 

If they’d been stuck up, every one of them would have turned their backs no matter how the twins gushed about them.  Some things just couldn’t be tolerated. 

They’d discussed the brothers in-depth before joining them for dinner.  They were all confident that their sisters were in good hands.  It was a weight off the shoulders of men who took their responsibility to the women in their lives very seriously.

All the men were freshly groomed and dressed to kill when they arrived at the steakhouse to wait. 

After they ordered drinks, Ivan announced, “Settle in because four women together are guaranteed to be late.”  He laughed warmly.  “My Becky thinks I don’t know she does it on purpose.  I like it.  Reminds me she’s strong and knows her worth.  It’s why I take real good care of her.  Can’t let another fella snatch her outta my hands.” 

Reynold rolled his eyes.  “Mama would never leave you.  She thinks the sun rises and sets on the crack of your ass.” 

“Don’t fool yourself, son.  A woman stays where she’s wanted, needed, and valued.  No matter how much she loves me, she ever doubts I feel the same and she’d take her leave.” 

“No way,” Vince interjected.  “She’d fight like a tiger to keep you.” 

Lifting his glass, their father took a drink.  “She’d slap me in the face and set to provin’ what an idiot I was for lettin’ her get away.  Make no mistake, she loves me hard, but she don’t take my bullshit for a second.  Hasn’t in all the years of our marriage.  Keeps me on my toes.”

Ivan Johannson was a big man with blunt speech.  “Before the ladies get here, I’d like a clear understandin’ of y’all’s intentions regardin’ that pretty caterer.  I see the way all three of you look at her.  Anybody that sweet, pretty, and talented better get the best of you boys or you’ll deal with me.  I know you get my meanin’.”

The Zelder brother’s eyes went wide. 

“What do you boys have to say?  Tell me the truth.” 

Reynold cleared his throat and said carefully, “Kiefer made it plain we weren’t to even glance in her direction for anything but food.” 

“Threatened to thrash us if we so much as flirted with her,” Vince added.

Kiefer was waiting when his father’s gaze settled on him.  “That true, son?”  He nodded once.  “You got a plan?” 

“Sir, I respect your concern.  Teddy and I have it all worked out and I’ll keep the details to myself.” 

Ivan stared at him for a long moment and then a slow smile broke over his face.  “You think to keep it casual, do you?  No need to answer, I can see you do.”  He sat back and clasped his hands over a torso chiseled from years of hard labor.  “I look forward to watchin’ her flip your world inside out.  You’ll be cryin’ by the time it’s all said and done.”  Lifting his glass, he winked.  “Good luck.”