She had sent him one of those cool and haughty looks that always stirred him up. "He's a struggling artist and dedicated to his craft. That's enough for me."
She was a crusader for the underdogs. They would be on their way to a function, and she would ask him to stop and give something to a homeless person.
"You do know he's going to be snorting that up his nose as soon as we're out of sight."
"That's his choice and we can only hope he makes the right one. Putting food in his belly."
She was involved in all sorts of charities and not just writing checks but being actively involved. He loved her for her ceaseless efforts to right the wrongs of the world.
Quietly changing into sweats and an old t-shirt, he stepped into his office, leaving the door half open in case she woke up. He had been putting off doing some paperwork for the past couple of days.
The grand opening of Clover Leaf O'Sullivan was slated for the first week of July. It was a combination of sports and a place where people could get a slice of Ireland.
His sister was in charge of the decoration and had taken several trips back to see to the progress. It would be a completely Irish pub right in the middle of a busy uptown area.
The plan had been in motion for more than a year now and was finally coming together. He had the staff already selected. Work permits had been acquired because he wanted an all Irish crew.
Full Irish meals would be served. Irish stew, Boxty, Colcannon, Coddle, Shepherd's pie were just some of the few meals that would be introduced. A live band playing Irish tunes. Irish artists were commissioned to sing and dance.
He wanted the best and had gone to a lot of expense to see it happen. Tapping the keyboard, he brought up the latest financial forecast and studied it, looking for any missteps.
Not that he did not trust his team, but he was a man who had his hand in his business. Lifting his head, he stared at the woman in his bed.
Funny how life takes turns. At one time the company had consumed him. Now she consumed him. Sighing softly, he pushed from the desk to go get a drink.
They had decided on Sunday because it was the time when both of them were free. And he knew she wanted to get the visit over and done with.
Halstead retirement community was an upscale housing development for the wealthy senior, designed with all the modern amenities such as nature trails, dog parks, two gyms, a golf course and swimming pools. There was a bank, a church, a scattering of small tasteful department stores as well as a few restaurants and cafes.
It was a very good community if one could afford it. Not only were there the amenities, but the chance to mingle and socialize with people of like ages and common interests.
Kiara had chipped in some of the money to purchase the condo when her mother had decided to sell the house and move into the community.
Glancing over at her, Oscar could not help but wish they were on a leisurely drive to anywhere else. She had been restless and edgy since she woke up this morning and barely eaten more than several spoonfuls of the oatmeal the housekeeper had prepared, and that was because he had bullied her into eating that much.
She was leaning back on the seat, her eyes closed. He knew she wasn't sleeping, neither was she relaxed either. He could see the way her hands were clenched and cursed silently that she had to go through this. He would have shielded her if he could.
The woman was her mother, but one cross word, one sign of stress and they were leaving, he decided grimly. Touching the turn signal, he drove through the main entrance towards the street where Dr. Victoria Landan resided.
It was a beautiful summer day, and he could see people milling on the golf course or taking walks. An elderly couple charmed him by strolling and holding hands. Flowers bloomed and scented the air.
Touching the button, he wound down the window for her to feel the scented breeze on her skin, smiling when she opened her eyes.
"It's such a lovely place."
"Indeed." Taking her hand in his, he linked their fingers and drove one handed, pulling up at the condo. A golf cart and a ruby red mini coupe were parked in front of the building, letting them know she was home. She would have attended the early morning service.
Parking behind the car, he alighted and came around to open her door.
"Ready?" he asked quietly.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded, taking the hand he offered.
Her mother was waiting for them at the front door, cold mahogany brown eyes measuring their progress. Oscar always wondered at the similarities in their looks.
Victoria Landan had passed on her features to her only child, but there it ended. Years of dissatisfaction and discontent had formed creases around her mouth and eyes, giving her a permanent sneer. She held her shoulders rigidly, chin lifted as if disdaining everyone else.
"I was about to go for a walk. You're late."
