Page 5 of Landry
A tiny frown of disapproval touched Merva's brow at the response, but before she could comment, their waiter glided over to take their orders.
Conversation ceased altogether as they waited for their meals to arrive, giving Kady-Ann a chance to view the room. The Tea Room was a very popular place for those who wanted to be seen. She spotted a few celebrities and politicians as well as some business associates. She had come here for meals in the past but preferred the privacy booths around the back. She also knew why her mother had chosen this particular section. Merva Goode-Klein liked to be seen as much as possible.
The meal arrived swiftly, and the only sound at the table was the subtle clink of utensils on the chinaware. Merva had chosen for them as usual, but Kady had to admit that the shellfish salad was delicate to the palate and went down well.
Bracing herself for the grilling she knew was coming, she pushed away her plate and laid her silverware to the side. Using the edge of the napkin, she dabbed at her mouth and waited.
She did not have to wait long. As soon as their plates were cleared away and the dessert declined, her mother began.
"I wasn't surprised to learn that you were working on a Saturday," Merva said.
"I usually do and so does Kyle," Kady pointed out.
"Your brother is a doctor," Merva said pointedly.
"Which does not mean his career is more important than mine." Tamping down the impatience, Kady reached for her glass of water and took a fortified sip.
"How are you ever going to find a husband if you're constantly closeted in that office of yours?" Merva asked.
"I'm not looking for a husband. Mother, I wish you would stop with this annoying habit you have of trying to fix me up. I have my career-" Kady said.
"Which is no substitute for a family." Merva firmed her lips and took a deep breath. "It's that Landry boy."
"What?" The name from her past had her jolting involuntarily.
"He ruined you. I always said he would. But did you listen? No. I told you he was too wealthy and thinks himself too good for the likes of us, but you went on ahead without listening to me, and now you're stuck in the past and cannot move on," Merva said.
"Mother-" Kyle began, but Merva lifted a hand to cut off her son's warning.
"And now he's back. If you're thinking of taking up with him again-"
"What did you say?" Kady felt the sickness at the pit of her stomach and unconsciously pressed a hand there.
Merva eyed her daughter curiously. "You didn't know the entire family is back in town. Oh yes. I saw that uppity Jessica at a luncheon to honor the veterans just two days ago and heard her talking about how they were back for good. I wished they had stayed away. That boy ruined your life."
"Mother!" Kyle's sharp tone had her lapsing into silence.
"It had to be said." She continued after a while.
"I-I need to go. I have-" Kady pushed back her chair. "If you're staying, I'll call for a ride. Thanks for lunch."
"I'll take you. Mother, we'll talk," Kyle said.
"Make sure she's all right," Merva muttered, feeling the guilt slicing through her.
"I will make certain of it," he said.
***
He gave her space and time to reflect. Not even bothering with music, he drove in silence until they were at the high-rise building where she lived.
Parking the car beneath an old oak tree, he stepped out and rounded the hood to open her door.
"You don't have to come up. I'm fine."
"I'm coming up."
Shrugging carelessly, she wrapped her coat around her and walked ahead of him. The concierge greeted them cheerfully and handed her some messages.
