A Piece of the Pie Read online

  Bertie laughed. “Go shower. Everything’s spotless.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice,” Evie said. She had to pass her mother to get to her room. Bertie tapped her on the shoulder.

  “It’s good to have you home. I had my doubts, but I think this Thanksgiving is going to be good for everyone.”

  “I’m glad to be home,” Evie said. When she walked away, she was shocked to discover how much she meant that.

  Thirty minutes later, Evie walked out to the living area. Her mother sat in her armchair. She stopped when she noticed the huge man sitting in the couch. Evie checked him out from head to toe.

  This must be Pumpkin’s driver. He was way past fine. His black shirt barely held onto those bulging biceps. Hmmm. Maybe her daughter was more like her than she thought. If Pumpkin wasn’t riding that, then she wasn’t Evie’s daughter.

  Evie raised a brow and smiled.

  “Oh, she’s ready,” Bertie said, and performed the introductions.

  Mitch stood. My. He filled out those jeans well. Evie kept her eyes on his lips and held onto his hand a little longer than necessary. Maybe Pumpkin didn’t mind sharing. Evie was glad she’d worn a button-down shirt because she was thinking of having a few of the buttons “accidentally” come undone. She’d tucked it into her skintight jeans and added black boots, so she knew she looked cute.

  Evie made sure she sat in the front passenger seat. Bertie sat directly behind her. She flirted for the entire ride until they pulled in front of a posh building. Mitch opened the door for both women. Evie made sure to brush against his arm when she exited.

  He winked at her. “I’ll see you later.” His deep voice caused waves on her insides.

  Evie nodded.

  “Pumpkin lives here?” she asked her mother.

  Bertie pinched her arm.

  “Ouch,” she said, rubbing the area. “Why’d you do that?”

  “You know why,” Bertie said, heading toward the building. “Leave that man alone. That’s how you ended up pregnant at fourteen.”

  “This from the woman who had me at sixteen,” Evie shot back in a furious whisper.

  “I know, which is why I’m glad Pumpkin broke that cycle.” Bertie greeted the doorman. “Now behave yourself and no more flirting.”

  Evie stuck close to her mother. She eyed the opulence of the marble floors and the majestic chandelier in the lobby. Rich people lived large. She lifted her chin. She had every intention of joining their ranks.

  They made their way up to the penthouse. The first thing Evie noticed when they entered was the view of Central Park. The glass windows made the area look even larger than it was. The second was the elegance of the furnishings. She’d bet the floor vase alone was six months of her rent.

  Pumpkin stood and tilted her head to look at her. Evie got her first glimpse of the daughter she hadn’t seen in twelve years.

  The billboard couldn’t capture Pumpkin’s raw beauty. She’d colored her orange hair black, but the orange highlights were on display.

  Look at that glorious hair. Evie took in her beautiful skin and those cheekbones. A huge sense of pride filled her being. She wiped a tear. She’d done well.

  “You’re gorgeous,” she said and opened her arms. “Look at my beautiful daughter.”

  Pumpkin stayed where she was.

  Evie walked over to her and hugged her.

  She heard Bertie say, “Fix it, Jesus,” and rolled her eyes. Bertie knew Evie was being dramatic.

  Pumpkin stiffened, but Evie didn’t let that bother her. She released Pumpkin and gazed into her face.

  “Pumpkin, I’m so proud of your success.” She turned to face Bertie. Her tears came on cue. They ran down her cheeks. “Thank you for being what I couldn’t be. It’s because of you that Pumpkin’s done so well.”

  Her words must’ve penetrated Bertie’s doubts about her intentions. Her mother broke down. “I’ve prayed for this.”

  Evie hugged Pumpkin again and then comforted her, whispering apologies in her ear. “I love you. I think every child needs to hear her mother say that.” She was over-dramatizing the moment, but the situation called for it.

  Pumpkin shuddered.

  When she felt that, Evie knew her words had worked. Her conscience prodded her. Maybe she shouldn’t betray her child. Maybe she could find another way.

  A pair of arms circled her waist. She breathed in her mother’s lilac scent. Evie knew that smell from her childhood. It felt like coming home. The three women rocked in their embrace.

  Evie experienced her first feelings of guilt and made up her mind. She would call Rodolpho and tell him she couldn’t get the money. Let him find Freddie and squeeze the money out of him.

  “I can feel the love,” a bass voice said.

  The women separated. Pumpkin wiped her face and gave an awkward smile.

  Mr. Chocolate Fineness held a box of tissues in his hand. “I figured you ladies would need these.”

  Evie took one for herself and handed another to Pumpkin.

  “Thanks, Evie.”

  Evie didn’t like Pumpkin addressing her by name, but she knew better than to ask her to call her mom.

  “You must be Evie,” the man said.

  “Oh, I’m sorry!” Pumpkin said. “Cameron this is my, uh… this is my mother, Evie Burkette.”

  He held out a hand and Evie put her hand in his. Whew. She repressed a shiver. Those dark eyes held answers to whatever her body was asking. Maybe he would give her the money with a little enticement.

  Evie forced that thought out of her mind and pulled her hand away. What kind of mother lusted after her daughter’s husband? She was right all along. Motherhood was not for her. But she resolved, she would try.

  She felt Bertie’s eyes on her and Evie glanced her way. Sure enough, Bertie was giving her the evil eye. Her mother knew her well.

  Cameron leaned in to kiss his wife. She noticed Pumpkin gave him her cheek. Pumpkin was curved away from him. Evie squinted. She knew body language. Something was wrong with them. Evie kept her expression neutral as if she was unaware of their tension.

  “I’d like to get to know you and for you to get to know me. Could I stay here with you a few days? Farmingdale is so far away,” Evie said. Her heart raced as she waited for a response.

  Pumpkin’s eyes widened. “I…” She straightened. “I…” She looked at Bertie and avoided Evie’s eyes.

  Bertie chimed in. “Uhm, I think Evie should stay with me. I don’t think—”

  “We’d love to have you. There’s more than enough room here,” Cameron said at the same time.

  Both looked at Pumpkin for her to make the final decision. Evie waited to see which side Pumpkin would choose.

  Pumpkin squared her shoulders. “I think it’s best you stay with Grandma for now.”

  Evie nodded and swallowed her disappointment. She had asked too soon. Of course, Pumpkin would listen to Bertie. Evie had to ease her way into Pumpkin’s life and build trust. That was the only way she’d ever get her hands on the money.

  “I’ve got to go,” Cameron said. He smiled her. “It was great meeting you, Evie.” Then he turned to Pumpkin. “We’ll talk later?”

  Pumpkin gave a shaky nod. After an awkward embrace, Cameron left.

  Evie knew for sure then there was trouble. It was boiling and bubbling over. The press would pay for news like that. If only Pumpkin had agreed to let her stay.

  “I didn’t mean to impose by asking to stay here. I know I was asking a lot of you. I’m glad I got to see you. Thanks for that,” Evie said.

  She gathered her purse and walked to Bertie’s side. Then she mumbled so only her mother could hear. “I was hoping to see the doctor nearby, but…” she trailed off.

  Bertie’s eyes widened with understanding.

  “Wait. I think I might have another idea,” Bertie said.

  Evie lifted a brow.

  “You could let her stay in that extra apartment you use for guests and to host
interviews,” Bertie suggested.

  Pumpkin frowned. She didn’t look keen on that idea.

  “Evie is family,” Bertie said. She went over to Pumpkin. The two of them engaged in a furious whispered conversation. Evie bristled, knowing they were talking about her.

  Evie felt the need to say. “Pumpkin, you don’t have to put me up anywhere. I’ll stay with your grandmother. We can arrange visits when you find the time.”

  Bertie nudged Pumpkin on the shoulder.

  Pumpkin trudged over to her. “No. You can stay in that apartment. It’s unused and it would be good to have someone occupy it since I’m paying for it,” Pumpkin said. “I’ll call Mitch and have him get your bags.”

  Evie knew Pumpkin had only agreed to appease Bertie. It was evident Pumpkin wouldn’t deny her grandmother anything.

  Another rare feeling of guilt filled Evie. Bertie was helping because of a fictitious illness.

  “Maybe she should come tomorrow. Why put Mitch out of his way?” Bertie suggested.

  Pumpkin waved a hand. “I’m sure Mitch won’t mind going back.”. She jutted her jaw. “Especially since this is your idea.”

  Evie hid a smile. Pumpkin had a mind of her own. Just like Evie. Bertie looked ready to explode.

  “I tell you what, see if Mitch will come get me first. I’ll go with him. I need to repack my suitcase and don’t feel right having him go through my stuff.” Evie lied with a straight face.

  Pumpkin shrugged. “That’s fine.” She wandered off to make the call.

  Bertie grabbed Evie by the shoulders. “I put in a good word for you but I need you to understand something. Pumpkin’s vulnerable. You’d better not hurt her,” she warned.

  “Why is she vulnerable?” Evie pressed.

  Bertie shrugged.

  “Then I guess that’s settled,” Evie said. Her practiced eye scoped out a striking piece of abstract art on the wall. She narrowed her eyes. That painting was worth a fortune. She snapped a mental picture. She’d have to check it out.

  Bertie folded her arms. “Don’t get too comfortable. It’s temporary.”

  Not if she had anything to say about it. She’d been given an inch and she was going to walk that mile.

  10

  As soon as Evie left, Pumpkin spoke her mind.

  “Why did you put me on the spot like that? I haven’t seen my mother in twelve years and you ask me to put her up? I don’t know her. I bet you Evie’s going to invent a million and one reasons to come up in here. I only agreed to see her because of you. You should’ve kept her in Farmingdale with you.”

  “You’d better calm down and quit being disrespectful,” Bertie said. “I had a good reason. Evie is your mother. She brought you into this world.”

  Pumpkin glared. “She’s a stranger to me. She might have brought me here but you’re the one who’s been with me. Where was she when I needed her?”

  Bertie came close. “Your mother’s going through some things right now. I can tell. She’s hungry and she looks like a hot mess. I think she needs help and I’m going to give it to her.”

  Pumpkin folded her arms. “That’s your decision. Why did you have to drag me into this? I have bigger things to think about than a mother who only shows up when it’s convenient. I’m more concerned about Cameron and me. My marriage was fine two days ago. Now it’s …” Pumpkin waved a hand. “I don’t even know what it is. I’m too shocked to sort it out. I never imagined Cameron would lie to me.”

  Bertie’s eyes softened. “I understand how you feel and I’m praying about you and Cameron. But he’s human. Now as far as your mother, I would love to see something meaningful develop between you two.”

  Pumpkin tilted her head. “You seriously think I should give her a second chance?”

  Bertie held her arm and led her to the couch. “I think everyone deserves a second chance. I know it seems odd that Evie popped up out of nowhere. I would be just as suspicious as you are, thinking she’s up to something, had she not told me she was dying. That’s why I pushed for this reun—”

  “What?” Pumpkin interrupted. Her heart sank. “Did you say Evie’s dying?”

  Bertie looked at her with sorrowful eyes. She took Pumpkin’s hand. “Evie told me she’s sick. That’s why she came home. That’s why I asked you to meet her. I want you two to use whatever time she has left to make peace. I know you have a lot of resentment toward her, but I know you love her. I know you’d want to know.”

  “Oh my goodness.” Pumpkin’s eyes filled with fresh tears. Her mother was dying? How could that be? “But …” She shook her head. “I wish I’d known. Is she sure? Did she get another opinion? She’s so young…”

  Her grandmother hugged her. “Death doesn’t discriminate. I was too busy crying to ask Evie all that. I don’t think she wants you to know.”

  “Okay, I won’t say anything. I’ll wait for her to tell me.” Pumpkin ran her fingers through her hair. “If you didn’t tell me she was sick, I would never have known.”

  “She’s too thin and I think she’s going through hard times. You should see how she tears into the food I give her. She practically swallowed the breakfast this morning in two gulps. It was like she hadn’t eaten for days. Evie mentioned she had a lot of hospital bills. She must be buried under medical expenses.”

  Bertie tapped her chin. “To be honest, I’m not even sure she has a place to stay. I just don’t know. Your mother never confided in me anything, but I think that’s part of the reason she came home.”

  Pumpkin hugged her grandmother. “I hate seeing you look so worried. I’ll do anything to ease your mind.”

  Bertie nodded. “I cried so much last night and this morning. All I can do is stayed prayed up. I’m hoping for a miracle.”

  “While you pray, I’m going to do my part to help with Evie. I’ll hire an oncologist. I can afford the best. I’ll ask Honey to get me some names.”

  Pumpkin went for her cell phone and sent Honey a text message. Then she rejoined her grandmother on the couch.

  “I think you’re amazing for offering to help but I wouldn’t expect any less of you,” Bertie said. “While you’re at, see if you can do something about that weave of hers. It’s grown out and her nails are splotchy and chipped. She’s in desperate need of a makeover.”

  Pumpkin hadn’t examined Evie that closely. She had been more concerned with satisfying her grandmother’s wishes. Then moving ahead with her life.

  “I’ll get her a new wardrobe, and hook up her hair and nails,” Pumpkin said.

  Bertie nodded. “Now Evie has her pride. I don’t know if she’d see it an insult.”

  “Then we’ll make it a shopping spree for all of us,” Pumpkin suggested. “I’ll call my stylist and get us hooked up. Let’s go see The Color Purple. I’ll have my assistant get us tickets for tonight.”

  Bertie touched Pumpkin’s cheek. “I’m proud of your generosity. One day I hope you’ll be able to open your heart.”

  It was easy to give of her resources, because to Pumpkin, Evie was a charity case. She was another person in need. Pumpkin could do that. But she would guard her heart. She would never let Evie penetrate that shield. It had been her survival.

  But Evie did have something Pumpkin wanted. Answers.

  She bit her lip. “I have so many questions, but now I’m scared to ask. I don’t want to be insensitive and upset Evie or have her get sick or something.”

  Bertie pursed her lips. “You ask Evie whatever you want. You deserve an answer to anything you want to know. Evie’s a tough girl. She can handle it. She’s a Burkette, and so are you.”

  “If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll ask…” Pumpkin said. Though a strong part of her wondered if she should just let things be.

  Bertie squeezed her hand. “You and your mother will sort things out. Just like you and Cameron will get through this.”

  “I hope so,” Pumpkin said. “Last night, I felt as if I were sleeping next to a stranger. There was enough space bet
ween us to fit the Eiffel Tower.”

  Bertie waved her hands. “Oh, no. Don’t start that. We can’t have distance in the bedroom. You’re inviting all sorts of evil into your marriage if you do that. Cameron doesn’t have any family except for Zane. You two are it. I know it’s tough, but you’ve got to stand by him. Being a wife isn’t just standing by your man when all’s good. It’s being there through the bad, especially when he messes up.” She pinned her gaze on Pumpkin. “Use what you know. Start praying. God can work anything out, but you’ve got to want it.”

  That was the problem right there.

  Pumpkin shook her head. “I don’t know what I want. Cameron tried to talk to me, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t ready.”

  Bertie lifted a brow. “You’d better stay ready. Cause when it comes out—and the truth always does—you’re going to have show a united front.”

  Pumpkin looked away. “What he did was wrong, Grandma. I can’t support that. Plus, I can see all of social media laughing me to scorn if I stand by him. I can just imagine the ridicule. They’re going to think I’m stupid or weak.”

  Bertie’s eyes widened. “I’m surprised to hear you care what people think. Chile, social media isn’t sleeping with him at night. You are. You’d best believe if you leave, some other woman would jump to his side before you put one foot in the car.”

  Pumpkin chuckled. “I don’t know where you come up with the things you say.”

  “I’m only telling you the truth. Cameron is hurting, too. I could see it all over his face. He’s needing some wifely reassurance.”

  Pumpkin’s mouth dropped open. She knew her face had to be beet red.

  “Don’t get all embarrassed on me,” Bertie said. “I wasn’t always saved. Maybe this is a wake-up call for Cameron. He needs to make you his priority. You both need to get yourselves together so I can get a grandchild.”

  She chuckled and then tapped her chin. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Don’t think. Do.”

  Pumpkin rolled her eyes. “He could’ve killed someone and he lied to me for two years. That’s some crazy nonsense. Giving him some won’t fix the real problem.”