Chapter Ten
“Why, uh… thank you, AJ.” The distaste on Leighanne’s face was plain as she shoved the gift back in the box quickly. “That’s… well, it’s really something.”
A smile played on Kara’s lips, and she put a hand over her mouth to cover her amusement. She had made one exception to the ‘no pleather’ rule, and man, it had been worth it. Watching as Leighanne pulled the lone, black dress with a sequined peacock out of the box and displayed it to the entire family had been PRICELESS. Even more priceless was the fact that the family, comprised primarily of males, LOVED the dress.
Kristin leaned over to Kara, her voice low as she asked, “Where did he FIND that thing? It’s absolutely-“
“Hideous. I know.” Kara grinned, and understanding dawned on Kristin’s face.
“Remind me not to piss you off.” Kara patted her on the shoulder.
“No worries, Kris. You’ve known me for too long.” She headed for the kitchen to help MaMaw dish up dessert. “And Kris?”
The older woman raised an eyebrow. “Yes, Kara?”
“The Pleather Palace- remember it well.” She smiled as Kevin walked over to give his wife a kiss under the mistletoe. The two really were perfect for each other, and Kristin was a great help in calming him down. He’d been much more relaxed since they’d arrived in Kentucky, and hadn’t even made a fuss when she’d gone out by herself, much to her delight. She grabbed two plated of pecan pie from the counter, and was on her way out to serve them when Brian stopped her, fidgeting uncomfortably.
“Ker-ker, I’m sorry. I told Leigh that you didn’t like pink, bus she insisted she knew better, and…”
“I ended up with a pink robe with feather trim.” She finished. Talk about hideous… Oh, well. It had just made the pleather revenge all the more satisfying. Brian glanced nervously over at his wife before continuing.
“I was thinking I could spill my eggnog on it, or- “ His eyes lit up. “It’s really close to the fire. I could-” He cut off as Leighanne sauntered over to them. “Hi, hon.”
“Hey, Bri-bear.” She nodded.” Kara.”
“Hello, Leigh. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to feed these guys dessert.”
The next morning dawned with bright, the sun reflecting off of the snow that had fallen the night before. Kara went out for a walk; careful not to wake the numerous relatives sprawled on the floors and couches on her way to the door. She trekked out back, ending up in the tree where Kevin had gotten stuck years before. She sighed- sometimes she longed for those days to return… things had been simpler then. She jumped down, walking further into the woods.
“Mind if I join you?” Leighanne’s voice snapped her out of her thoughtful reverie.
“Oh- hi there, Leigh. What’s up?”
“Just wanted to work off some of that pecan pie from last night.” She gave Kara a sheepish look. “And tell you I’m sorry about that robe. I mean, I know we’re not the best of friends, bur, and I quote your cousin, ‘NOBODY deserves that thing’” Good old Bri! But damn, if she wasn’t feeling guilty for helping AJ pick out that dress.
“Thanks. Not sure what I’m going to do with it, but…”
“I’ll return it, and we’ll do lunch instead. I think it’s about time we did that, don’t you?” Leighanne offered cheerily.
Kara gulped. Man, she was feeling guilty. Here the woman was trying to bury the hatchet, and she’d been a party to picking out the most God-awful outfit on the face of the planet for her.
“Yeah- that would be nice, Leigh. Thanks.”
“No problem. When I’m back from LA, I’ll give you a call, then.” She looked toward the house. “Well, we’d better get you back before Kevin sends out a search party, yeah?”
“Yeah. You go ahead- I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Yep. After she finished praying for forgiveness, that was. She watched Leighanne’s retreating figure, then pulled out the cell phone Kevin had insisted she carry everywhere with her.
“Hey, ‘Jay. Merry Christmas to you, too. Look, what’s the return policy at Pleather Palace?” After that was settled, she returned to the house, humming to herself. It WAS Christmas, after all.