Genuine Lies

hoop. There wasn’t a hoop there before.”
    “She’s coming back,” Paul murmured, and kissed her. “I put it up a couple hours ago.”
    It was becoming easier and easier for her heart to melt. “You did it for Brandon.”
    “Sort of.” He shrugged it off as he toyed with her hair. “I figured I’d dazzle him with my superior skills. Then he snuck up and beat me. The kid’s tough.”
    Incredibly moved, she framed his face in her hands. “And I never thought, never imagined I could love anyone as much as I love him. Until you.”
    “Julia!” Nina rushed in through the kitchen door, bounding into the living room without a knock. It was the first time Julia had seen her truly frazzled. Her skin was pale, her eyes huge, the usually sleek crop of hair ruffled. “Oh, God, are you all right? I just heard.” As Julia turned from Paul, Nina enveloped her in a trembling hug and the subtle scent of Halston. “The pilot called. He wanted to make sure you’d made it home all right. He told me …” She trailed off, tightening her hold.
    “I’m fine. Now anyway.”
    “I don’t understand it. I don’t.” She pulled back but kept her strong, businesslike hands firm on Julia’s arms. “He’s a top-flight pilot, and Eve’s mechanic is the best in the business. I don’t see how there could have been a problem like this.”
    “I’m sure we’ll find out when they finish examining the plane.”
    “They’re going to go over every inch of it. Every inch. I’m sorry.” After letting out a shaky breath, she backed away. “I’m sure the last thing you need is me coming apart at the seams. It’s only that when I heard, I had to see for myself that you weren’t hurt.”
    “Not a scratch. You’re right about Jack being a top-notch pilot.”
    “What can I do?” Nina summoned back her brisk efficiency. She glanced around the newly refurbished living area, pleased that Eve had allowed her to handle the decorating. “Fix you a drink? Draw you a bath? I could call Miss B.’s doctor. He’d come out and give you a tranquilizer so you could sleep.”
    “I don’t think I’ll need any help with that when the time comes, but thanks.” Because she was steady again, Julia was able to laugh. “Actually, you look like the one who could use a drink.”
    “Maybe a seat,” she said as she sank to the arm of the curvy sofa. “You’re so calm.”
    “Now,” Julia told her. “A few minutes ago it was a different story.”
    Nina shuddered, then rubbed the chill out of her arms. “The last time I flew we ran into a storm. I spent the most frightening fifteen minutes of my life at thirty-five thousand feet. I can’t imagine it came close to what it was like for you.”
    “It’s not an experience I’d like to repeat.” She heard the kitchen screen door slam. “That’s Brandon. I’d rather he didn’t hear about this yet.”
    “Of course.” Nina made herself get to her feet. “I know you wouldn’t want to upset him. I’ll go on back so I can waylay Eve and tell her about this calmly. Travers would blurt it out.”
    “Thanks, Nina.”
    “I’m glad you’re all right.” She gave Julia’s hand a final squeeze. “Take care of her,” she said to Paul. “You can count on it.”
    She left by the terrace door, and was already smoothing her hair as she walked away. Julia turned to see Brandon watching from the kitchen doorway. There was a wary look in his eye, and a suspicious purple mustache over his lip.
    “Why does he have to take care of you?”
    “Just an expression,” Julia told him. She narrowed her eyes. “Grape Kool-Aid?”
    He covered most of his grin by swiping the back of his hand over his mouth. “Nehi. Travers had it opened and everything. I thought it would be rude not to drink it.”
    “I bet you did.”
    “A guy gets thirsty playing one on one,” Paul put in. “Yeah,” Brandon tossed back at him, “especially when he wins.”
    “That does it, you little creep, you’re on your own.”
    They exchanged what Julia thought were very manly looks before Brandon bounced into a chair.
    “Are you okay and all? Paul said maybe you were upset or something.”
    “I’m okay,” Julia told him. “In fact, I’m dandy. I might be persuaded to fix a few king-size Brandonburgers.”
    “Hey, cool. With fries and all?”
    “I think I … oh, I forgot.” She pressed a hand over her son’s head. “I’m supposed to have dinner with Eve tonight. I promised.” Because she felt his