The Promise Read online

  “Of course, yes, I’ll make some.” Mrs. Rank nodded and left the room.

  Claire stared at the sea, which ebbed and flowed on the shore, lost in the memories of what could have been. She couldn’t remember much from her past—just snippets. She felt oppressed by the fact she felt sure her self-destructive path had begun here at Seasons and had involved a woman.

  “What the hell was her name?” She scratched her forehead, unable to recall the woman and the event she was sure began the downward spiral that had been her life until the accident. Now she had no life.

  “What do they say? Everyone eventually gets what’s coming to them. Guess I did,” she muttered and snatched a warm whole-wheat roll and bit into it. The door opened and she turned, half expecting to see Mrs. Rank.

  “Grams, what are you doing up? In fact, what are you doing here? I thought—”

  Melissa held up a hand. “I always come home. It’s the right thing to do. Besides, there is so much activity in this household so early, who can sleep?”

  Claire chuckled. “I’ll give you that, Grams. Your protégé is at the cottage already.”

  Melissa glanced at her watch. “It’s barely seven. What about breakfast?”

  Claire shrugged. “Guess she wanted to make a good impression.”

  “Claire!”

  “What?” Claire sipped her juice.

  Melissa shook her head. “Kris doesn’t need to do that. As far as I’m concerned, she has already made a marvelous impression on me. Where is Shirley?”

  “I wanted French coffee.”

  Melissa gave a heavy sigh and then smiled as Mrs. Rank appeared pushing a heated food trolley. The aroma of sumptuous bacon, eggs, and pancakes along with a steaming coffeepot announced her arrival.

  “You are a star, Mrs. Rank.” Claire allowed the scent of the breakfast to infiltrate her senses.

  “She’s always been that way, Claire. You were just too insular to notice,” Melissa said.

  “Whatever. Let’s eat.” Claire winked at Grams and gave Mrs. Rank a thumbs-up.

  †

  Kris stood with hands on hips, taking stock of the wooden cottage with a large veranda/deck area. She looked up at the second story and saw three windows. It was a substantial cottage. It could easily house a family. It certainly needed some love and care but not exactly as much as she expected. The yard was a nightmare of overgrown trees and a tangled mass of foliage.

  Rubbing her chin, she muttered, “A few of those shutters need repairing. Major paintwork and probably the hinges need oiling. I can do this without help in the time given.”

  She stroked a hand over the gnarled timber of the front door. It sent a tingle down her spine.

  “Dad always said a true carpenter felt the good stuff when they touched it. Pity I didn’t meet your expectations, Dad, but at least you taught me how to recognize quality.” Kris shrugged and turned the doorknob. It didn’t move.

  “Darn.” She stepped back and frowned. “I should have asked Mrs. Rank for the key.”

  She sighed and cast her glance to the hillock, knowing the ocean was on the other side. It was tempting, far more so than the inevitable meeting with Claire. A shudder went down her back.

  “I’m such a wimp. I should go back to the house and enjoy that great breakfast. Oh no, silly me, I chose to ignore the delicious food, with bacon to die for. And for what? An inanimate structure. I must be mad.”

  A faint groan drew Kris’s attention. Her eyes darted to every corner of the area, yet she saw nothing. Her gaze then settled on the front door of the cottage.

  “If I didn’t know better, I could have sworn you heard me,” she said to the house. “Ridiculous, of course.” She ran a gentle hand over the door’s top panel and smiled. “Sorry, just me being… me, I guess. I’ll give you a promise to bring you back to your old glory. As long as you don’t spook me like that again. Deal?”

  Kris chuckled softly at the absurdity of her words. Yet as she said them, a warmth filled her with expectation and hope.

  She turned toward the path that led to the seashore. “I might catch a shrimp or two for my breakfast.” Then she giggled. “No net. Next time, then.”

  †

  The tide was going out, and the wonderful smell of seaweed freshly thrown on the sandy beach created happy recollections of childhood. Her dad had even gotten his feet wet in the lapping waves. He never swam with her but kept his eye on her while she frolicked in the water…good times.

  Kris looked at the shingle made up of millions, maybe billions of shells over time. Darn the simple but effective way the brain brought back memories long stored away, maybe even forgotten.

  She smiled and moved along to the edge of the shore. The clarity of the water was remarkably good as she ran back and the sea moved forward. For the next minute or two, she had a cat-and-mouse session with the most dominant force on the planet and laughed as she made an error in judgment and water flooded her canvas shoe.

  “You never can second-guess Poseidon’s playground.” She chuckled as she shook her left shoe, then the right.

  “So very true. I’ve never seen you here before.”

  Turning in surprise, Kris bit her lip and said nothing.

  “Oh, we have a silent daughter of the sea. I can deal with that. Do you do this often?”

  Kris shook her head.

  “A woman of few words. Not easy, but I can work with that. I’m Fern Delancy. You are?”

  “Kris Lake,” she gasped out.

  Kris stared at the woman in gym clothes who reminded her of a middle-aged Sophia Loren; dusky skin and deep brown eyes with tied-back, chestnut hair completed the beautiful image. She had the most melodious voice Kris had ever heard.

  “Well, Kris, it’s good to meet you. Are you staying close by?”

  Fern continued to jog in place.

  Stupid, stupid, she’s gorgeous and talking to me and I’m making a fool of myself. “I’m living at the Seasons for a month. Mrs. Jackson asked for my help.”

  “Oh is Melly here? She’s lovely. Got to say you are a bit young but… hey, whatever floats your boat.”

  Kris frowned. “I’m helping to restore the cottage. I don’t know what you are insinuating. Mrs. Jackson is a lovely, kind woman.”

  Fern shrugged. “Sorry, my mistake. Melly has a reputation in certain circles.”

  Kris sucked in a deep breath. I’m not going there. “Do you live here, or are you on vacation?”

  “I live here. Have the grandest house in the Pegasus Development; ask anyone.” Fern grinned, holding out her hand.

  Kris reluctantly took it and didn’t like the moisture left behind, though the grip had been tight.

  “Why not take in Curiosity Bar when you want some relief from the hard work. I’m there most nights.” Fern winked and with a wave ran away, taking the seashore route.

  Kris watched as Fern ran. She was a competent runner. Her eyes wouldn’t leave the woman’s tight ass, and that made her blush.

  “At least she didn’t ignore me. Most women who look like that do unless they want something.” Kris looked around and saw no one in sight and chuckled. “Thank God no one else is here or they would think I’m mad talking to myself.”

  “Right, if I can’t find shrimp, then a clam will be welcome. Where are you hiding?” she announced as she waded into the surf near an outcrop of rocks.

  Chapter Six

  Claire screwed up her eyes as she stood in front of Grams.

  “Hey, I object to that expression.” Melissa winked.

  “You should, leaving me here for a whole month with Mrs. Rank and a total stranger! This is almost worse than my parents’ solution to my solitary existence. In fact, it is! You actually care about me. Yeah, business in the city, you told me. I guess I should have listened more carefully to what I promised.” Claire shook her head and turned to look out of the window and at the remarkable view in front of her.

  Melissa placed a hand on Claire’s shoulder. “I love yo
u, care about you, want the best for you, and would, given the right circumstances, die for you.”

  Claire pursed her lips. “Whoa, that’s too much info. I’m glad Mom told me of your love for theatrics, or I’d have fallen hook, line, and sinker for that one.”

  “Your mother knows nothing. Head buried in the sand like a—” Melissa threw up her hands “—ah yes, an ostrich.”

  “That’s a bit cruel, Grams. She’s your daughter.” Claire stomped off in the direction of the patio door leading to the lawn.

  Melissa laughed. Then walked over and stood next to Claire. “I’m going to give you a piece of advice you refused to listen to as a teenager.”

  Claire scowled. “You think I’ll listen now?”

  Melissa smiled.

  Claire shook her head and forced a smile. “Love you, Grams. Whatever advice you have, give it, though you know I’m not one to take it easily.”

  “I know, darling. In fact, what I’m going to say might freak you out a little.” Melissa grinned. “Perhaps not. You youngsters don’t know what freaky is. I could tell you some stories anyway.”

  “Grams, get on with it, or you will be here the full month with me.”

  Melissa grinned. “Silly girl. Life, my darling, is full of hope and lots of expectations and promises. Along the way, we stumble sometimes of our own accord; other times fate makes its intentions known. At this moment in time, Claire, you are being given a rare opportunity, one that will change your life forever.”

  Claire frowned. “Go on.”

  “There is one promise that will determine your fate. I think here and now in this place you will reach that point.”

  Claire wrung her hands together and softly whistled. “Got to hand it to you, Grams, you would win an Oscar with that statement. Ever thought of writing a book?”

  “You’ll find your future here, Claire, I promise.” Melissa smiled. “From an unexpected source. It might even be Shirley.”

  Claire rolled her eyes. “Yeah right. More likely the reticent Ms. Lake. God, she doesn’t look like a Kris, more like a Violet.”

  “That’s very rude, darling. I hope you treat Kris with as much respect as you do me. In fact, I insist.” Melissa shook her head and walked toward the door.

  Claire turned and sucked in a short breath. “Grams, I’ll be good, I promise. You really like Kris Lake, don’t you?”

  “I do, and not because she saved me from an accident but… something about her resonates inside me. A good thing, I might add. Just promise me you won’t scare her away.”

  Claire looked at her weak arm and frowned. “Can’t promise she won’t be spooked.” She moved it slightly, and the fingers barely responded. With her good hand, she traced a finger over the disfiguration on her face. “However, I will not verbally do anything to upset the woman.”

  Melissa smiled. “That’s my girl. I’ll be back in a month unless you need me in an emergency. Now let’s track down Kris and introduce you properly.”

  †

  Kris moved her toes in the surf and smiled as it tickled. She held her head up as the early morning sun shone directly on her skin. It burned slightly, and as she turned her head, she gasped.

  “Melissa… I… I wasn’t expecting to see anyone.”

  “Sorry, my dear, we didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” Melissa edged forward and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I wanted to personally introduce you to my granddaughter. I was disappointed not to see you for supper last night and at breakfast this morning. You do know it’s the most important meal of the day?”

  Kris forced her lower lip between her teeth and then wished she hadn’t as the granddaughter stared directly at her. Why does she look familiar, at least the good side of her face? “I… I was tired.” Totally lame, and what about this morning?

  “I understand that,” Melissa said.

  “What about breakfast? You couldn’t possibly be tired then, could you?” Claire interrupted.

  Kris struggled to answer. Claire had a voice that demanded attention, as did her general presence.

  “Claire!” Melissa scowled at her granddaughter.

  “I’m sorry, that was rude of me. It’s just that being here with all this lovely expanse of ocean after the city, not to mention the magnificence of Seasons, I was overwhelmed,” Kris said. It was true, but how could she say she was scared to death to meet Claire? Even more so now—she remembered this was the Claire Tremont. Kris wasn’t that out of touch with what was going on in the lesbian scene. She subscribed to one of the local club newsletters, which described Claire and her fiancée as the in people, or at least used to.

  Kris thrust out her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you, Claire.”

  Claire cocked her head and frowned, grasping the proffered hand. “Good to meet you too, Kris. I believe Grams has given us a task to complete in a month.”

  “Yes, she has.” Kris nodded.

  Claire shrugged. “Not sure how much help I’ll be.” She lifted her right arm, supported by her left hand. “However, I’m game if you are?”

  Kris heard the words, and as they sank in, she released the unconscious breath she had held since Melissa had given her this role. At this moment, everything seemed to fall into place. How odd was that? “Trust me, one arm is as good as two if you are willing.” Kris stopped dead. “I’m sorry—”

  “No.” Claire grinned. “That’s the first time someone hasn’t been condescending on meeting me initially. You and I, Kris Lake, will get on well.” Claire turned to her grandmother. “Grams, do you think Kris and I can complete the work?”

  Melissa smiled. “Never thought anything else or I wouldn’t have paired you together. Well, my dears, I have to be back in the city for dinner. I’ll leave you two to become better acquainted.”

  Claire hugged her grandmother close and kissed her cheek.

  Kris smiled and was surprised when Melissa hugged her too. Melissa whispered in her ear, “Take care of my little one. She seems all brash and confident, but deep down she’s looking for that special something to anchor her life.” She pulled away.

  “Right, ladies, when I get back you’d better have some great progress for me.” Melissa grinned at them, waved, and headed back toward Seasons.

  Kris watched her go and almost ran after her. The idea of being alone with Claire overawed her. I can do this. She isn’t an ogre. Sucking in a deep breath, she valiantly smiled and turned to Claire.

  “Do you want to see the cottage?”

  Claire, her eyes still on the retreating figure, muttered something.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that.”

  Claire abruptly faced Kris. “It wasn’t important. Yes, please show me the cottage. I haven’t been there that I recall, but then my memory isn’t that good anymore.” She directed her gaze at Kris.

  Kris sighed softly and smiled. “A bit rundown, but not insurmountable. We can do it.”

  Claire frowned. “You think we can?”

  “I know we can. Follow me.” Kris smiled and then began to walk the way she had come from earlier.

  Claire didn’t immediately follow. Instead she watched Kris Lake walk away. The woman was unremarkable; in fact, plain and slightly overweight came to mind.

  She looked at her useless limb and snarled at the impossibility of her being a help to anyone. How embarrassing could this get? Except it didn’t really matter. Kris appeared nice in a homely sort of way. Spending a month here wouldn’t be the worst few weeks of her life. Nope, probably some of the best, she suspected, after the last couple of years.

  “Are you coming?”

  The words weren’t demanding or even annoyed. They sounded more like an invitation, so why am I wasting it? “Sorry, be right there.” Claire shrugged and followed in Kris’s steps on the beach. She grinned. I loved doing that as a kid. The memory, however brief, was welcome.

  Chapter Seven

  Kris and Claire stood next to each other surveying the cottage from the overgrown garden.
<
br />   “Wow, you think we can make this shipshape in a month?” Claire asked.

  Kris shifted her position to look at Claire. “Of course. It really isn’t as bad as it seems, trust me.” Grinning, she headed to the porch.

  Claire reached out and clutched Kris’s arm.

  Kris, startled, stared at her.

  “Is it safe?”

  Kris laughed. “Perfectly. My dad is a carpenter by trade, and he taught me a lot. This is a wooden-framed house; I promise you will be safe. Doesn’t look like any dry rot to me.”

  Claire frowned. “No one has ever promised me that before.”

  Kris smiled at her. “Really? Well I’m going to say it to you now, and please believe it. I know what I’m doing.”

  “Then I will. So, what brings you here, other than Grams’s persuasion? Any friends or lovers left behind?”

  “No.” Kris bit her lower lip.

  “No one?” Claire frowned. “Really. Wow? Not even a best friend?”

  Kris walked toward the door. “I’ve never had a best friend.”

  “Everybody has a best friend, in kindergarten, high school, and beyond. Everybody knows someone they can call that,” Claire said.

  “Guess I’m different,” Kris replied. “Did your grandmother give you the key to the cottage?”

  “No. I assumed you had it.” Claire placed her hands in her slacks pocket.

  “Darn, I’ll go back and ask Mrs. Rank.” Kris turned and began to walk toward the main house. “Oh, there’s a ridge behind the cottage that has breathtaking views over the ocean and the town’s inlet. See you in ten minutes.” Kris left.

  †

  “Well, she didn’t even give me time to say I’d go.” Claire shook her head as Kris appeared to skip along the path toward Seasons, her sandaled feet crushing the grass. Stroking her chin, she smiled. I vaguely remember the ridge. Grams said we spent most summers when I was a kid here. Oh well, Kris seemed pleased to tell me. I wouldn’t have had the heart to tell her I knew the place had she given me the chance.