Page 81 of Karma

“And you know Ethan signed the house over to his wife, so really it’s back in the family after all,” Lanie added.

“Mother!” Faith snapped, the tension back in her shoulders.

“I think it’s time to move on to another aspect of committee business,” Caroline said smoothly before things could degenerate further.

Good idea,Liza thought.

“Let’s discuss where the proceeds of this event will go,” Caroline continued. “Faith and the members of her committee have a proposal they would like to present. One I feel has merit.” Caroline waved at Faith, indicating she should speak.

But the same woman whose daughter ran the event last year rose to her feet. “Well, we clearly have no choice as the beautiful town center has been ruined!” She glared at Liza this time.

As if she’d had any control over her car? And as if she didn’t feel guilty enough for the results?

“First, accidents happen. Second, we do have a choice,” Faith said. “The committee has been given an anonymous donation that has covered the cost of restoring the center of town.”

Spontaneous applause erupted at Faith’s announcement, but Liza cringed, still feeling guilty over what had to be Ethan’s donation at Faith’s request.

“So we suggest the money raised by this year’s gala go to the youth center downtown.”

“Pardon me? You want to waste our money on a glorified babysitting center for unruly kids who can’t find a productive way to spend their free time?”

Liza didn’t know the name of the woman speaking, which was a good thing. She didn’t want to know anyone that closed-minded. “I would think the point of a fundraiser’s money is to help a cause in need.” Liza spoke up for the first time.

“I agree,” Faith said.

“Well, of course you do.”

Liza put a hand on her new friend’s wrist to calm her. There was no point in arguing with someone that ignorant.

Faith had clenched her fists, but to everyone’s surprise, it was Faith’s mother who stood up in the center of the room. “Mary, that’s my son-in-law you are talking about.”

Faith’s wide-open eyes told Liza that she was unaccustomed to being on the receiving end of her mother’s support.

“As I recall, you weren’t too pleased with the union or with the fact that he owns your old home,” Mary said.

Though Lanie Harrington’s face was bright red, she remained standing, facing Mary and the women who’d surrounded her in support. “I was wrong about him,” Lanie said in a steel-laden voice. “And so are all of you.”

“I have to agree.” Caroline, her expression grim, stepped toward the woman. “Mary, I don’t expect everyone here to agree on anything, but I do require you to object with respect. If you can’t manage that, I’ll have to ask you to leave my home.”

“Well, I never. Gone are the days when the right kind of people chaired these committees.” Mary picked up her purse and headed for the door.

The women beside her looked at one another, clearly unsure whether or not to follow. Two did. A few remained.

“Now then,” Caroline said when the room had settled once more. “I call for a vote on whether or not to spend the fund-raising proceeds on the youth center. All in favor?” she asked and followed by raising her own hand.

Faith’s mother’s hand was the next in the air. Maybe Lanie Harrington’s fall from grace and her husband’s incarceration had taught her something of value after all, Liza thought. She couldn’t help but wish her own parents would come around the same way, not that she held out any real hope. They were stubborn in their beliefs and set in their ways.

The vote came down in favor of the idea, and Faith, Liza, and Kelly agreed to celebrate at Joe’s once the meeting ended, and things wrapped up quickly afterward.

While Faith said good-bye to her mother and Caroline, Kelly excused herself to call Nash and stepped outside. Liza followed, checking her own messages. There was one from Dare saying he’d meet her at home by ten and reminding her to call if she needed him earlier. She smiled at his thoughtfulness and looked forward to seeing him later.

A few minutes later, Faith joined them, and they headed over to Joe’s. The women pulled up chairs around a small table and each ordered a glass of wine, except Faith, who favored club soda. They toasted in celebration.

“Faith, your mother is something else.” Liza shook her head. “You must be so proud of how she’s holding her head up after everything. And the way she stuck up for you…”

Faith smiled. “Yes, but don’t be deluded. My mother is still…my mother. She can be as obnoxious to Ethan as the next person, but she’s learned the value of supporting those close to her. Yeah, I’m proud in a twisted way.” She shook her head and laughed. “But ten years ago, she would have been no better than Mary.”

Liza nodded in understanding. “My parents are still just like her,” she said quietly. She was happy when talk turned to plans for meeting up at the caterers, meal tastings, and other things for the gala.

---