Drape Expectations Read Online Free PDF

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    At that moment, Caprice’s cell phone played a Beatles tune—“Here, There and Everywhere.” What could she say? She’d been feeling a little romantic when she’d chosen it.
    â€œI won’t hold you up,” Dulcina said. “I’ll see you on Sunday.” Then she went inside, as Caprice recrossed the street with Lady.
    When she checked the phone’s screen, she saw Trista’s picture. Why was Ace’s daughter calling her?
    â€œTrista! Hi. Are you in Kismet?”
    â€œWe sure are. The teachers had an in-service day and I asked Dad about coming up today, but he obviously forgot.”
    Forgot? Ace? Not where Trista was concerned.
    â€œIsn’t he there?”
    â€œOh, he’s here, and so is Mrs. Goodwin. She’s still in her nightgown. Oh, wait, she’s not anymore. She’s leaving. And guess what? Mom and Dad are fighting. Even Brindle’s upset.”
    There were two ways to look at that. Yes, Brindle could be upset by the commotion ... or Trista was projecting onto Brindle because she was upset.
    Caprice was at a loss on how to respond to this one. Was Ace so enamored with Alanna that he’d forgotten about his daughter?
    She didn’t think that was possible. “Maybe your signals got crossed somehow,” she suggested.
    â€œHold on a minute.”
    Caprice could hear raised voices in the background.
    Trista said, “Dad’s sure Mom said we were coming this afternoon. Mom’s yelling back that we were supposed to be here this morning. Standstill. They’ll be at this all day. Can you come over and break it up?”
    Wasn’t that a new one? Caprice didn’t know if peacemaker was on her résumé. But she cared about Trista and her feelings, and Ace was fast becoming a friend. So she had to help, right? Just like she sometimes helped in her own family?
    â€œOkay, honey. I’ll be there as soon as I can pack up Lady in the van. She and Brindle can play. Why don’t you take Brindle out back, and let your mom and dad handle their differences. They could have it all worked out before I arrive.”
    â€œI doubt that,” Trista mumbled. “I’ll play fetch with Brindle until you get here.”
    â€œIs Mrs. Wannamaker there?”
    â€œShe’s in the kitchen.”
    â€œMake sure she knows where you go, so if your parents come looking for you, they can find you.”
    â€œAll right,” Trista agreed, but she obviously didn’t want to.
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    Ace’s estate was about a mile out of Kismet proper. The road was deserted most of the time, and that’s the way Ace wanted it. After all, the estate was a getaway.
    At the gate, Caprice punched in a code. Ace kept her apprised as to what it was. She had the feeling too many people might have that code. That wasn’t her problem.
    She parked in the wide driveway, let Lady out of her crate, and waited until the pup jumped to the ground. Then they went to the door, side by side.
    When Caprice rang the bell, the housekeeper answered. She was frowning. “Trista told me you were coming. Mr. and Mrs. Richland are in the den.”
    That would be Ace’s office.
    â€œIs Trista out back with Brindle?”
    â€œShe is. They’re having a fine time with a tennis ball. You could let Lady join her.”
    Five minutes later, after a hug for Trista and praise and affection for both dogs, Caprice wound her way to Ace’s den. She could hear voices as she approached the room.
    â€œYou don’t give us any consideration at all,” Marsha was saying.
    â€œOf course, I do. Trista’s my daughter and I would never forget about her. You told me you’d be here after noon.”
    â€œI told you morning. Who would expect your ... your lover to still be here the day your daughter’s supposed to arrive.”
    Caprice knocked on the door frame. Both Marsha and Ace swung toward her.
    â€œHi, Marsha,” she