Page 4 of Dreaming Without Heartache

Maisie sits up a little straighter to look out the window. “It’s the house with the orange basketball goal.” She points.

I park in the driveway. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

It’s a small two-story home about half the size of Annie and Bill’s, but with quaint charm. As I walk up onto the covered front porch, I see two rocking chairs with a table between them. Just as I am about to ring the doorbell, the front door swings open. A woman appearing close to my age jumps back, startled. Her hand finds the area over her heart and her hazel eyes widen in shock.

“Oh my,” she says. “You scared me.”

“I’m sorry. I’m looking for my niece Kara Banks.”

“She’s with Olivia and my mom at the mall. They should be back any minute now.”

I nod my head slowly, trying not to let the frustration show. Kara lied to me. Again.

“I take it you didn’t know?” The woman steps a little closer into the doorframe.

“No.” I sigh. “She was supposed to be home by five thirty. All my calls are going to her voice mail.”

“I’m sorry. She told me she had permission.” The woman frowns. “I’m Samantha Carter. Everyone calls me Sam.” She sticks out her hand. “Olivia’s mom.” Her lips lift up into a slight smile. She’s trying to lighten the situation. I appreciate the effort.

I take her hand. “Allie Tatum. Kara’s aunt.”

“I’m so sorry about your sister and Bill. I remember seeing you at the service, but you probably don’t remember me there.”

I give a small nod, the memory of that dreadful day surfacing. “Thank you.” I glance toward the street. “I’m just trying to track Kara down.”

“Please come in and wait.” Sam looks at her watch. “It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

I glance toward the driveway where Maisie occupies the passenger seat. “I’ll wait in the car if that’s okay. Kara’s sister is with me.”

Sam follows my eyes toward the driveway. “Maisie can wait with us. I have snacks.” She smiles, exposing perfect white teeth. “Come,” she says, motioning me inside. “They’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.” It’s the best option to make sure Kara doesn’t stay out even longer. “Let me grab Maisie.”

“Sure thing. Just come on in. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

I keep my eyes on Sam as she turns to walk away. Her long brown hair falls to the middle of her back. Her black yoga pants fit perfectly, hugging her amazing curves. I pull my eyes back up from where they had wandered and send a quick email to the therapist apologizing for cancelling without notice. I know there will be a charge, but what can I do at this point?

When I reach the vehicle, Maisie’s engrossed in a video on her phone of a Barbie doll talking. I turn off the engine and take the key from the console. “Come on, honey. We’re going inside to wait for Kara.”

“Yay!” Maisie unbuckles her seat belt and hops out.

“Stay where I can see you.”

Maisie climbs the front steps. “Okay,” she says, disappearing through the open door.

I walk in and close the door behind me. The foyer has a coatrack on the left and a bench on the right with a wooden sign above it that says “welcome.” I follow the path down the hall to Maisie and Sam in the kitchen. She’s giving Maisie some sliced apples and green grapes.

Sam meets my eyes. “I have wine.” She lifts a bottle of pinot noir and begins to pour half a glass. “It looks like you could use it,” she says, offering it to me.

I chuckle. “That obvious, huh?” I take the glass and lift it to my lips.

“Maybe a little.” Sam’s perfect teeth peek beneath her full lips again. I watch as she pours herself the same amount. Her petite tan fingers, with nicely manicured nails, cork the rest of the wine.

Maisie’s playing on her phone, eating her fruit, and totally oblivious to our conversation.

“Thanks for feeding her. She seems to be starved after school, like she hasn’t eaten all day.”

“Exactly! Olivia and Kara come in and raid the fridge first thing.”