Unfinished Business

her, I loved her absolutely. We were lucky enough to grow into people each of us could continue to love. When she died, I thought that a part of my life was over. Your mother was Emily’s closest and dearest friend, and that was how I continued to look at Loretta, for several years. Then she became mine—my closest and dearest friend. I think Emily would have been pleased.”
    “You make me feel like a child.”
    “You’re always a child when it comes to your parents.” He glanced down at her plate. “Have you lost your sweet tooth?”
    “No.” She laughed a little. “My appetite.”
    “I didn’t want to sound like an old fogy and tell you you’re too thin. But you are, a bit. Loretta mentioned you weren’t eating well. Or sleeping well.”
    Vanessa raised a brow. She hadn’t realized her mother had noticed. “I suppose I’m keyed up. The last couple of years have been pretty hectic.”
    “When’s the last time you had a physical?”
    Now she did laugh. “You sound like Brady. I’m fine, Dr. Tucker. Concert tours makes you tough. It’s just nerves.”
    He nodded, but promised himself that he’d keep an eye on her. “I hope you’ll play for me soon.”
    “I’m already breaking in the new piano. In fact, I should get back. I’ve been skimping on my practice time lately.”
    As she rose, Brady came through the connecting door. It annoyed him to see her there. It wasn’t bad enough that she’d been in his head all day. Now she was in his kitchen. He nodded to her, then glanced down at the pie.
    “The dependable Mrs. Leary.” He grinned at his father. “Were you going to leave any for me?”
    “She’s my patient.”
    “He always hoards the goodies,” Brady said to Vanessa, dipping a finger in the meringue on her plate. “You wanted to see me before I left?”
    “You wanted me to look over the Crampton file.” Ham tapped a finger on a folder on the counter. “I made some notes.”
    “Thanks.”
    “I’ve got some things to tie up.” He took Vanessa by the shoulders and kissed her soundly. “Come back soon.”
    “I will.” She’d never been able to stay away.
    “The barbecue’s in two weeks. I expect you to be here.”
    “I wouldn’t miss it.”
    “Brady,” he said as he left, “behave yourself with that girl.”
    Brady grinned as the door closed. “He still figures I’m going to talk you into the back seat of my car.”
    “You did talk me into the back seat of your car.”
    “Yeah.” The memory made him restless. “Any coffee?”
    “Tea,” she said. “With lemon verbena.”
    With a grunt, he turned and took a carton of milk from the refrigerator. “I’m glad you stopped by to see him. He’s crazy about you.”
    “The feeling’s mutual.”
    “You going to eat that pie?”
    “No, I was just—” he sat down and dug in “—leaving.”
    “What’s your hurry?” he asked over a forkful.
    “I’m not in a hurry, I just—”
    “Sit down.” He poured an enormous glass of milk.
    “Your appetite’s as healthy as ever, I see.”
    “Clean living.”
    She should go, really. But he looked so relaxed, and relaxing, sitting at the table shoveling in pie. Friends, he’d said. Maybe they could be friends. She leaned back against the counter.
    “Where’s the dog?”

    “Left him home. Dad caught him digging in the tulips yesterday, so he’s banished.”
    “You don’t live here anymore?”
    “No.” He looked up and nearly groaned. She was leaning on the counter in front of the window, the light in her hair. There was the faintest of smiles playing on that full, serious mouth of hers. The severe tailoring of her slacks and shirt made her seem that much softer and feminine. “I, ah…” He reached for the milk. “I bought some land outside of town. The house is going up slow, but it’s got a roof.”
    “You’re building your own house?”
    “I’m not doing that much. I can’t get away from here long enough to do much more than stick up a couple of two-by-fours. I’ve got a couple of guys hammering it together.” He looked at her again, considering. “I’ll drive you out some time so you can take a look.”
    “Maybe.”
    “How about now?” He rose to put his dishes in the sink.
    “Oh, well…I really have to get back….”
    “For what?”
    “To practice.”
    He turned. Their shoulders brushed. “Practice later.”
    It was a challenge. They both knew it, both understood it. They were both determined to prove that they could be in each