Page 57 of Just For Her

“Close. Redmond.”

Tove rolled her eyes. Oskar’s womanizing was almost more legendary than what happened to his license.He likes to bring women here and tell them that it’shishouse.That’s why Oskar didn’t clear it with anyone. Ruined the lie, didn’t it? “So, why does Shea think I’m here, huh? Am I the cleaning lady having a good time with more of the help?”

“She knows you’re my cousin. I told her you stay here too. I’m a magnanimous guy.”

“You’re a terrible liar, that’s what you are.”

“Terrible? Haven’t been doing too badly for myself.” A finger gun shot in Tove’s direction. “Neither have you. That’s the gal Thomas brought by my place back in February, huh? I had heard through the grapevine you were dating someone like that. Phew. The blood does run hot in this family, doesn’t it?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Fredriksson blood gets everyone in trouble. You, me, the women we seduce into this tangled web of lies we indulge in.” He dangled his beer can above his head, checking the condensation like a scientist surveying his tubes. “It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? Once someone with our name gets a taste for women, we’re throwing away all common sense for chicks who want only one thing.” He stopped himself. “Maybe two things. Nothing like a screamer, huh?”

“Get on with it.”

“Money,Tove. Thomas and I have talked about it. The Unholy Trinity of Kiersten, Gretchen, and June won’t shut up about it when they don’t think we’re listening. At least have the decency to know that about yourself. What, you think I can’t hold on to a woman since my divorce because I don’t want to? I know the deal, Tove. They want me for my money, so that’s the experience I give them. Because, you know…”

Tove had about enough of this but knew that she had to listen to her cousin if she wanted the meandering to end. “What?”

“At least I have money.”

Tove turned away from her cousin.

“Does she know?” Oskar called after her. “Or is she wasting her time with you? Well! At least the sex is good, right!”

His voice grew louder the farther Tove got from him.Don’t listen.Tove refused. She knew what she now felt for Kayla had to be real. There was no other explanation for the things they did together… the things theyexperiencedtogether.

Kayla waited for her up in Grandma Maja’s bedroom. They exchanged a few small words about what had happened downstairs, but for the most part, Kayla was ready to hit the hay and pretend Oskar wasn’t there.

Yeah, I know. I’m pretending, too.Tove made sure to lock the door before going to sleep. Not because she didn’t trust Oskar to stay out of her business once the lights were off, because she never knew what kind of woman he brought inthistime.

I only have to know about mine.Tove wrapped her arms around Kayla and brought her closer. That’s how they fell asleep, and it was the most peaceful Tove had felt in a long time.

PART 3

JUST FOR US

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Chapter 16

Fallingintoaroutinewith Tove was easier than Kayla ever assumed. Once work calmed down for one and ramped up for the other, this was especially true – Tove was more relaxed with only a few clients a week, and the spring rush brought locals out of their caves and tourists into town… and everyone wanted to eat at Kayla’s place of work.

One of the biggest perks of waitressing at a brewery like Brickhouse was bringing home free food, and notallof it was deep-fried or drenched in high-calorie sauces. Nevertheless, Kayla often craved something besides a protein salad or basic hamburger.Tove still doesn’t know what I eat, anyway.At some point, Kayla would have to decide between going vegetarian and telling Tove the truth. The longer the days grew, the harder that became.

Yet long and warm days also brought with them trips to the country club, which had some of the best vegetarian and vegan food Kayla had since Portland.

She didn’t realize that the Sunday brunch at the club in Frederik was a precursor to the family reunion, but Kayla knew how to go with the flow. When she was introduced to several Fredrikssons that she may or may not remember the next time she saw them, she greeted them with a smile and a firm handshake, and complimented their clothes (if they were women,) or their watches (if they were men.) She had dated enough middle-aged men to know what kind of watches they wore – and what made them proudest to show off to the masses.

Most were not easily charmed. Few saw her as anything more than a fly-by-night nuisance to the family. Except Kayla didn’t care. She was now close enough to the final part of her plan that soon these people wouldhaveto remember her.

Of course, not everyone at the country club that day was family. Some were close friends or from other families that dabbled in the same circles. Tove said this was especially common in the summer tourist season when Aunt Kiersten and her toadies hobnobbed with the who’s-who of the PNW. That often included free admission to the club and discounts on food and amenities. Anything to show the other powerful families of the region that the Fredrikssons still knew how to take care of their own.

“Let me guess.” Kayla approached a tall blond woman with broad shoulders and wide hips, a hand extended and a pleasant smile shining a million watts in the stranger’s direction. “You must be Tove’s second cousin. Straight from Sweden, perhaps?”

She had long learned how proud these people were of their Scandinavian heritage and often led with that.This lady looks like a Filipa or Ulla.Kayla now knew more Swedish girl names than she ever thought possible – she hadjustmet Great-Aunt Frideborg, after all.

Kayla didn’t know what she expected when the blond woman shook her hand and spoke. Definitely not an Eastern European accent. “No, but close.” The woman perked up from where she leaned against the railing overlooking the golf cart track. “Russia.”

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