Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

Olivia stared out the window. “It was hard on you, too. You might not have gotten along, but she was still your mother and you were only fifteen.”

“You were twelve. She was your world. I know you were devastated.” She drew in a breath. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you more. You know, when she left. I should have been more understanding.”

“You were going through your own thing.”

“It was my fault she left,” Kelly said quickly.

“No, it wasn’t. She was going to leave anyway. Even I knew that. You don’t actually believe you drove her away, do you?”

“Sometimes. I wish I didn’t, but every now and then I wonder if I pushed her over the edge.”

“She was already there.”

Kelly hoped that was true, then shook her head. That wasn’t right, not sure how to explain it, even to herself. Everything with Marilee was complicated.

“You said you see her,” Kelly said. “Are you close?”

“I barely know her.”

“I wonder where she is now. What she’s doing. Did she remarry?”

Olivia shook her head. “She’s not the type.”

“I guess not. I never hear from her. After she left, I kept waiting for her to get in touch with me, but she never did.”

“I kept waiting, too.” Olivia’s tone was bitter. “I’m the one who reached out to her. It’s not as if she missed having a daughter around.”

Kelly pulled into the parking lot. When she turned off the engine, she faced her sister. “I really am sorry about all you went through.”

“We both went through a lot.” Olivia wrinkled her nose. “I keep telling myself to get over all the childhood drama. It happened a long time ago and I’m a different person now. Only I can’t seem to let go of all of it, you know?”

“I do,” Kelly said slowly, pushing down the guilt swelling inside of her. Olivia wasn’t just dealing with the fact that her mother had left. She had the additional trauma of having been sent away when she was only fifteen. A decision Kelly had been a significant part of.

“This place has potential,” Olivia said, pointing to the building. “Who manages it?”

“The craft mall doesn’t have a manager. It just sort of runs itself. You apply to rent a booth and when one opens up, it’s yours. We pay by the quarter for our booth.” She tried to think of a few other facts. “Oh, the tourist board is in charge because the craft mall is supposed to attract tourists to the area.”

Olivia looked from the building back to her. “Seriously?”

“Maybe it’s not doing a great job.”

“You think?” Olivia got out of the truck.

Kelly joined her and they walked inside. As they passed the entrance to the booth part of the building, Kelly glanced at the main display and winced. Olivia was right. It was a mess and kind of overwhelming. Maybe someone should clean it up or something.

They walked back to the community room. Rows of chairs had been set up facing the small stage. Judging by the number of seats provided, someone was expecting a large crowd. Kelly had a feeling that was more about optimism than an actual likely head count. There were about six people in the room and she would be impressed if they even doubled the number of attendees.

Olivia excused herself to use the restroom. When she’d walked away, Kelly spotted Helen.

She crossed to her friend who met her by the chairs.

“OMG!” Helen said, giving her a quick hug. “She’s really here. Wow, she looks great. I love the dress. Oh, to be that thin and gorgeous. Why didn’t you call me? I would have thought the unexpected return of your long, lost sister was call-worthy.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. I was in shock and didn’t know what to do, so I ran. I came here for the showcase because I thought you were playing with Dad. I forgot the band had their own vocalist.”

“How was she?”

“Awful.”

Helen grinned. “Oh, good. More work for me.” Her smile faded. “Are you okay? How’s it going? Is it weird?”

“More than weird.” Kelly glanced over her shoulder and saw Olivia chatting with Sally.

“What’s she like?”

“I don’t know. In some ways really nice. She’s all grown up. It’s been eleven years, but I didn’t expect her to be so mature.”

“Your dad’s excited,” Helen told her. “He was practically giddy this morning.” She pressed her lips together as if she didn’t want to say too much.

Kelly could read between the lines. No doubt her father wrestled with the same guilt that she did.

“Ladies.”

Kelly turned as Griffith joined them. Her heart gave an unexpected little bump in her chest and she suddenly didn’t know where to put her hands. In her pockets, behind her back, on Griffith’s chest? All options that left her flustered...especially that last one. Which was curious because she wasn’t the type to be...

A hazy memory of her asking if he was going to kiss her stirred. Heat burned her cheeks as she ducked her head. No. That couldn’t have... She hadn’t...

The need to run exploded but by then he’d reached them and there was no way to escape.

“How are you feeling?” he asked Kelly. “All recovered?” He looked at Helen. “Our girl here drank a fair amount of vodka.”

Helen’s brows rose. “In celebration of your sister’s return, no doubt. Did you hydrate?”

“Yes, and I took aspirin and I feel fine. It was nothing.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you for bringing my truck back.”

“You’re welcome. You owe me.”

The teasing tone did a number on her stomach, not to mention other parts of her. Ack! She had to get a grip.

Griffith looked over to where Olivia was now talking to a larger group of people. She said something and everyone laughed.

“Your sister, I presume. I see the resemblance.”

Kelly laughed. “If you mean we’re both female, then sure. Otherwise, she’s the sophisticated Disney princess and I’m the unremarkable face they draw for the background.”

Both Helen and Griffith swung their attention back to her. Kelly realized a second too late that the words might have sounded more bitter than she’d intended.

“Um, what I meant was—”

Griffith stared at her. “Kelly, I like you just fine the way you are but if you’re not happy, you should make a change.”

She flushed. “No, I didn’t mean that...exactly.”

Helen kept her mouth shut but looked plenty knowing. Kelly was sure there would be talk of this conversation later.

Sven walked into the room and waved to her.

“The competition,” Griffith murmured. “You’re trying to make me jealous.”

“Oh, please. You know it’s long over.”

“Just checking. I don’t want to be your rebound guy.”

“I’m not the rebound guy type.”

“This is just so interesting,” Helen said. “You two do remember I’m standing right here, don’t you?”

“You’re best friends.” Griffith winked at her. “You already know everything. There’s no point in pretending otherwise.”

“A wise man.” Helen laughed. “I’m intrigued and can’t wait to see how this plays out.”

Olivia joined them. She smiled her perfect, pearly white smile. “Hi. I’m Kelly’s sister, Olivia.”