Free The Secret's in the Sauce by Linda Evans Shepherd Page B

hand, which she pulled away. Mother looked incredulous. “I am being nice. I’m curious, that’s all.”
    I looked up at Velvet and noticed that fury lit her eyes. “Don’t mind Mother, she doesn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
    David tried to defuse the situation. “Are these rolls homemade? They’re really good.”
    Mother interrupted. “There’s no need to apologize for me, Vonnie. I know exactly what I’m saying.”
    My eyes snapped back to Velvet, whose cheeks were growing pink.
    “Well, excuse me, old woman, for living and breathing,” Velvet said.
    Fred turned to David. “You’re right, son. These rolls are good.”
    Mother’s eyes sparked. “Young lady, I am trying to excuse you.”
    Dad asked, “Vonnie, does this casserole have oregano in it?”
    I nodded. “Yes, and garlic.”
    Fred said, “Ah. That’s why it’s so good.”
    I realized I was still posing with my first bite on the end of my fork. “Thanks, Fred.”
    I put the bite of casserole into my mouth and tried to chew it, but my mouth was too dry. I reached for my glass of iced tea but somehow sent it spilling across the table, straight for Velvet’s lap. Direct hit.
    She leapt into the air.
    “Oh! I’m so sorry, dear.”
    Velvet turned to David. “I think it’s time to leave.”
    David looked from Velvet to me, then put another bite of roll in his mouth and chewed. “Uh . . .”
    Velvet looked down at him in disgust. “Let’s get out of here.”
    He washed the bite down with his tea. “Okay, uh . . . sorry, folks, guess we’ve got to run.”
    “And take your date with you,” Mother said, triumphant.
    I was busy with the paper towels, trying to blot up the mess. I handed a handful to Velvet. “I’m so sorry, dear.”
    She looked me up and down. “I doubt that.”
    Before I could respond, she and David had donned their coats and were heading into the night. She slammed the door behind them.
    I turned back to Mother, who looked so pleased with herself.
    “Mother, why do you have to act like that?” I asked.
    “Do not take that tone with me,” she snapped.
    Dad lifted his glass. “Vonnie, can I get you another glass of tea?”
    I shot him a look. “Dad, let me finish. I’ve got something to say.”
    Fred reached up and gently touched my arm, “Vonnie, now’s not the time.”
    I put my hands on my hips. “Not the time? Then when? How long are we going to let my mother get away with her childish behavior?”
    Mother’s eyes began to bulge. “Childish? You’d like me to be as silent as one of your silly dolls, wouldn’t you? You’re the one with a bit of growing up to do, if you ask me.”
    I looked down at her. “What?” I felt myself tremble with rage. It was like all the frustration I’d been hiding was pushing its way toward my mouth. I knew if I released a word of it, I wouldn’t be able to stop.
    The phone rang, and Fred ran to answer it.
    It was too late; I could taste my anger. “Mother, if you think for one minute that—”
    “Vonnie,” Fred called. “It’s for you.”
    I had to take a breath before I could answer. I turned to him. “Tell whoever it is I’ll call back.”
    He turned his back and repeated my wishes to the caller. He paused then looked back at me. “It’s Lizzie. She says it’s an emergency.”
    I turned my back on the family and walked to my bedroom to take the call. I shut the door behind me and sat down on the bed as I reached for the receiver.
    “Lizzie?”
    “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
    “No, no. Is something wrong?”
    “It’s Goldie. She just called me from Georgia. Her dad died this morning.”
    I rubbed my forehead with my free hand. “Oh, poor Goldie.”
    “Yeah.”
    I paused. There was something funny about Lizzie’s voice. She’s probably grieving for Goldie.
    Lizzie continued. “Goldie says things aren’t good back there, and she’s asked us to pray.”
    “Will do. Prayer sounds like a really good idea.”
    “Um, Vonnie. Would you mind