Page 11 of The Secrets We Treasure

Chapter 4

“How ya holding up, hon?” Helen wrapped her hands around the mug as she lifted it to her lips and took a long sip of coffee. Then, she pulled out a kitchen chair and sat down across from Treasure.

“I’m doing okay … considering.” Treasure rubbed a hand across her forehead, pushing out a heavy sigh. Last night, when she got home from the interview, she was met by Kevin, who questioned why she hadn’t told him or Helen that she and Ethan were so close. Helen wasn’t as vocal, but it was clear from the deep lines carved around her eyes and mouth that she, too, wanted answers.

“I know the two of you dated for a short time, but I thought that was all in the past,”Kevin had grumbled.

Treasure quickly explained that the whole thing was a publicity stunt that Ethan had concocted. The relief on both Helen and Kevin’s faces spoke volumes as some sort of silent information passed between them.

Tray had punched a fist in the air and exclaimed, “Hot dog, that means Ethan won’t be going to Disneyland with us this weekend.”

“No, he won’t,”Treasure responded, not trying to hide the bite in her voice. She was infuriated at Ethan for causing such an uproar. Next week was fall break at Tray’s school. She, Helen, and Kevin were taking him to Disneyland. It was all Tray could talk about. The poor kid shouldn’t have to worry about his trip getting spoiled by Ethan.

Treasure wasn’t sure if the relief everyone felt was owed to the fact that the family dynamics would shift if Treasure got married. Or was it Ethan they were opposed to? She’d been so emotionally and mentally spent the night before that she’d not thought to ask that question. Now that her mind wasn’t as muddled, she planned to broach the topic.

“Did you talk to your mother?” Helen asked.

“Yep, sure did. I called her right after I dropped Tray off at school. Mom watched the interview.” Treasure chuckled dryly. “She nearly bit my head off. It was all I could do to get a word in edgewise to explain that the proposal was bogus.” She shook her head as she stirred her spoon through the soggy Cheerios before pushing the bowl away. She’d overslept this morning because she couldn’t get to sleep until three a.m. Upon returning home, she fixed herself a bowl of cereal. After taking a few bites, she discovered that she didn’t have much of an appetite. “I don’t know what Ethan was thinking.”

“I do.”

Her head snapped up. “What do you mean?”

Helen’s mouth hardened. “Ethan was trying to pin you in a corner.”

“Well, it didn’t work,” Treasure harrumphed. She thought back to the night before when Helen and Kevin had shared that look. “What’s your and Kevin’s take on this situation … with Ethan?”

Helen blinked a few times before her fair complexion turned red. She took another drink of her coffee. “I don’t know that I’m in any position to be giving my opinion,” she blustered.

“Of course you are,” Treasure replied gently. Helen was one of those kind, unassuming souls who didn’t like butting into other people’s business. Of medium height, she was thin and wiry. Originally from California, Helen had grown up surfing in Huntington Beach. She wore very little makeup and didn’t feel the need to color her sandy hair, which was threaded with silver. Her porcelain blue eyes were her best feature. Ben’s eyes had been the exact same color. “I want to know what you think.”

Helen shifted in her seat as her hands cradled the mug. “Ethan is a capable manager.”

“But?” Treasure prompted when Helen hesitated. Helen’s philosophy was to live and let live. Her reluctance to intrude was one of her best qualities.

“He’s controlling.” Helen shrank into herself like it was tough to say that aloud.

“He can be at times.”

Amusement flickered in Helen’s eyes. “At times?”

“Most of the time,” Treasure admitted. She tucked her leg underneath her as she formulated her thoughts. “Ethan’s aggressiveness often works in my favor. For the business,” she added when she saw Helen’s doubtful expression. “You don’t agree?”

Helen tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes and no.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you feel a sense of loyalty to Ethan for launching your career.”

“I do.” Treasure braced herself, knowing more was coming.

“That’s all well and good, but you give him too much credit.” Helen hesitated, making Treasure want to pull the rest out of her. Finally, Helen continued, “And too much control over your affairs.” Her cheeks turned cherry red. “I hope I’m not overstepping.”

“Not at all. I asked.” Helen wasn’t saying anything that Treasure didn’t already know. When she started down the path with Ethan, things had just evolved. Ethan was so take-charge and capable that it was easy to let him take the reins.

“Morning,” Kevin boomed as he lumbered into the kitchen. He went over to Helen and gave her a partial hug and peck on the lips. Dressed in jeans, a gray t-shirt, and tennis shoes, Kevin had gotten up early to mow the lawn. Treasure had offered to hire a lawn service, but Kevin wouldn’t have it, so she bought a riding lawn mower instead. That way, the task wouldn’t be as physically taxing for Kevin. He straightened to his full height and sniffed. “Do you guys smell that?”

Helen frowned as she looked at Treasure. “I don’t smell anything.”

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