Maybe it was curiosity that influenced her decision to go back to the Giddon home. Whatever the case, when she arrived, a birthday cake sat in the middle of the table. It was blue and white and red - a reminder of the last birthday cake she saw. She was staring at the cake, trying to find some fond memory to shove aside the pictures in her mind when Sarah walked into the room.
"You look more horrified than surprised," she said. "What is the problem?"
Lisa tried to compose her thoughts and expression. Hopefully, her smile wasn't as strained as it felt. "It's very nice. I was just remembering . . ." Maybe it would hurt Sarah's feelings less if she simply told the truth. "That night . . . was Dad's birthday. I decorated his cake."
Sarah put a hand to her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry."
This time Lisa's smile was genuine. "I can't go the rest of my life avoiding birthday cakes. Thank you so much for the thought. It looks delicious."
Sarah nodded, obviously still unsure about the situation. Her attention was diverted a few minutes later when Yancey arrived.
Lisa watched as he parked his car and walked over to examine hers. He walked around it and then leaned down to look in the window. Still looking back at it, he started for the house. When he came into the kitchen, his gaze settled on her. His expression was unreadable. Whatever his thoughts, they were interrupted when Tammy sped into his arms like a bullet. He laughed and held her above his head, his expression once again, pure adoration. How could anyone who loved so thoroughly be guilty of the things she suspected? Of course, it could happen, but it simply didn't fit his character. Not that she would know a drug lord from a prince.
Back in his arms, Tammy leaned forward with her nose on his, looking into his eyes. "I wove woo," she said with conviction.
"I wove woo too," Yancey mimicked with equal enthusiasm, and kissed her on the cheek. "Now let's have some of that cake."
Tammy turned around and pointed at the cake. "I want a fwower on mine."
They had cake and ice cream and talked for nearly an hour about one thing and another. If Yancey had noticed her earlier or was troubled by it, he gave no indication. But then, it was like him not to reveal his thoughts or concerns - unless the mood hit him.
With that dark thought, she excused herself and went to her room. There she changed into jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers. It was time to test her freedom and go for that walk. .