The Lives Between Us (15 page)

Skye shook her head. “I want to check on Faith first and then I should...”

“Oh, right. The ball.” Peter took Skye’s hands and pulled them wide to inspect her from the crown of her shining head to her lacy open-toed high heels. “You, by the way, look amazing tonight, Miss Kendall.”

“Why thank you, kind sir.” Skye swept her cape open, so he could admire her dress. “Faith wanted to see me all dressed up.”

“And I know she won’t want to miss it.” He frowned. “Wait—” Peter pointed his cell phone at Skye. “Stop scowling, Cinderella; you’ll get wrinkles.”

Skye chuckled and posed. “Just take the dumb picture.”

Peter took a couple of pictures, then tucked the phone in his shirt pocket. “What time do you have to go?”

“I’m not. I’ll stay here.”

Peter gave her a stern look. “Faith wouldn’t want you to miss this. Go. We’ll be fine.”

“I can’t.” Leaving Faith like this just didn’t feel right.

“Yes, you can. She’d want you to. I’m going to run up and check on the twins, and then I’ll be right back.” Peter looked past her, to Faith’s room. “Why don’t you sit with her while I’m gone? There’s no reason to stay long, though. She’s pretty heavily drugged and probably won’t wake tonight.”

“Okay. Just for a little bit.”

“Not long.” His eyebrows came together over stern eyes. “If you miss that dance, Faith’ll have my hide.”

Skye reached up and gave her brother-in-law a big hug. “Congratulations, Daddy.” Daddy. Again. Wonder what it was like for Peter, being a father again. Was he hurting because he didn’t have the chance to introduce Niki to her little siblings? Because these little ones would never know their sister? Nik would’ve been a great big sister. Skye turned him toward the door. “Get going.”

Peter pressed a light kiss to her forehead. “Have fun at the ball, Squirt.”

Skye smiled and pushed him. “Go.”

Once the doors closed behind Peter, Skye reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. Phones were not allowed in the ICU, but did that include texting? She quickly sent off a message and turned her phone off. On the corner of the nurses’ station, Skye spotted a wrinkled
People
magazine. She picked it up and returned to Faith’s room.

Faith continued her deep sleep. Her relaxed, natural rest comforted Skye so that she felt compelled to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Not that she and God talked all that much, but she believed in giving credit where credit was due. Though God had disappointed her in the past with Mom, Dad, and Niki, he’d come through for Faith—and the twins. For that she was eternally grateful.

With a little sigh, Skye unclipped the cape and swirled it off her shoulders before laying it across the foot of Faith’s bed. She settled into the nearby chair with the
People
magazine on the nightstand and kicked off her high heels. Now, to catch up with Sandra Bullock.

Mark crossed the parquet floor of the Fries Crystal ballroom at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. His sister, Serena, stood deep in conversation with Noelle near the podium in the front of the room—going over last-minute details, he supposed. Serena followed in their Dad’s footsteps, loving cellular biology.

While Mark’s forte lay in financial/business arenas, his little sister was the quintessential curious scientist. He often teased that she hid out at UC Berkley to avoid getting a job and facing the real world; however, Mark was secretly proud of Serena’s accomplishments. She’d completed undergraduate school in only three years and politely turned down a full scholarship at Stanford, their father’s alma mater, in favor of earning her PhD at Berkley.

Being a science geek made Serena the perfect partner for Noelle’s Girls in Math and Science organization. Bless Noelle for being able to work with her; he couldn’t. Though she may be smart and insightful as a researcher, Serena’s brashness got on his nerves.

Edward stood at the far end of the room talking to a guy Mark didn’t recognize—probably some patron with deep pockets thrilled to pony up five hundred dollars to schmooze with the senator. The room hummed with quiet conversation as clusters of acquaintances greeted one another and people meandered in between the snowy-white draped tables, searching for their assigned seat. Diamonds and tuxedos; the rich had come out to play.

Mark accepted a flute of champagne from a circulating waitress and strolled over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The view to the north overlooked a large expanse of open lawn that hosted weddings or concerts in the summer. The northern-most side contained gardens with short ornamental trees and hedges that circled a tall flagpole. The large American flag wafted in the light breeze as if half-heartedly waving at Lake St. Clair and Canada beyond.

Mark strolled along the wall of windows to look east over past the break wall to the cold pewter lake. Something about this property with its eloquent historic buildings and lovingly maintained gardens, complete with fountains and bronze statues, perched on the shoreline, proudly remembering and honoring war vets settled a deep contentment in Mark’s soul. He’d always loved the Grosse Pointe War Memorial and wondered what Skye thought of the place.

He’d have enjoyed the evening more with her by his side. Even though he knew many people attending tonight’s soiree, Skye’s irreverent, lively personality would have brightened the boring event. And it’d be a relief to introduce Ed and Skye and get rid of the subterfuge.

Even though Mark had had a week, he still hadn’t found a way to tell Skye. He’d been looking for the perfect opening, but it never appeared. His last ditch effort was going to be when he picked her up tonight, but then he’d gotten Skye’s text canceling. With Skye at the hospital with her sister, it didn’t look like tonight would be the moment of truth. Relief warred with regret.

Mark lifted his glass and took another sip. Turning away from the window, he picked up a program from the nearest table. He opened it and scanned the guest speakers. A Peace Corps doctor, a roller coaster designer, and a biologist renowned for groundbreaking work training dolphins for military application—all gifted women who deserved the recognition.

Funny they hadn’t asked Eileen to be a guest speaker. As the head of Aviva’s R & D and an accomplished scientist, Mark would’ve thought they’d have asked her to speak, even if it was just a courtesy.

Eileen had a few tough years after her husband died, but still, she should’ve qualified. She had a PhD from Cornell, papers published in
Cell,
and a couple of
American Journal Cardiology
reviews and several other notable publications. She served on the Board of Molecular Therapy and was being considered for the ISSCR program committee. What more could they want?

He’d mention the oversight to Serena. Hopefully Eileen wasn’t offended.

“Think the food’s any good? I’m starving.” David showed up at his side, and Mark held out his hand to his brother-in-law. David was a tall, thin guy with curly hair and wire-rimmed glasses. He reminded Mark of a lankier version of Matthew McConaughey.

“Hope so,” Mark said.

David fiddled with his bow tie, then tugged at his cummerbund. He plunged the hand in his pocket to keep from picking at the stiff attire. He sympathized with David’s discomfort. Mark attended enough of these events that he’d bought his own tux, so it fit a little more comfortably. Lab coat and stethoscope were more David’s speed.

“How’d Serena drag you away from the hospital?”

“Traded call. Since your folks are out of the country, she really wanted a family presence.” He shrugged. “So here I am.”

“Smart man.”

“What do you hear from your parents? How’re they liking Singapore?”

Mark snorted. “They’re both in hog heaven. Dad’s fascinated by A*STAR and is settling in at the Singapore Stem Cell Consortium. And Mom hated to leave Raffles—you know how she likes her creature comforts—but she found them a great apartment near all the cultural hotspots and super malls.”

“Can’t get better than that.”

“Not much.” They approached their reserved table where Eileen stood behind her chair.

“Eileen, you’re looking very nice tonight,” Mark said. She always took great pains with her appearance, but tonight in a sleek black gown that hinted at her feminine curves, she looked particularly attractive.

Mark had never seen her with a blond hair out of place—even after having spent twelve hours in a lab bunny suit. Her stylish outfits and impractical high heels were Eileen’s rebellion against her profession. She refused to be the stereotypical nerdy scientist—which had served the company well.

Eileen had looked good on the cover of
Time
. She turned out to be a great spokesperson for Aviva, and if her looks drew investor interest, her brains and accomplishments sealed the deals, making Mark’s job easier.

Eileen inclined her head. “And you.” She turned to David. “Nice to see you again, David.”

“You, too.” He moved to pull out her chair for her. “May I?”

“Hi, Eileen.” Serena slid into the seat between Eileen and her husband.

Mark’s baby sister looked like a firecracker next to the elegant Eileen. She wore a cherry-red dress that clung like a second skin and had a plunging neckline that showed far too much cleavage. That was his sister’s personality, loud and impetuous.

His gaze strayed to the stage and Noelle Hastings. Noelle wore a flowing cream gown that left her shoulders bare and hugged her neck in a rhinestone choke collar. Her dark hair was swept away from her face, yet left trailing down her back. Much more demure.

Skye would have dressed somewhere in between. Sexy, yet not obvious.

Serena looked past David to Eileen. “So, Eileen, how’s Oliver liking his job? Mark tells me he’s teaching English and History at Young High School.”

“He likes it very much.” Eileen took a sip of her water.

“And how are you liking it?”

“Fine.” She slanted her head to the side. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know, I thought that since you have both an MD and a PhD in molecular biology and your husband was a doctor...” Serena stumbled. “I just thought...”

“You thought I’d be disappointed that my only child settled for a low-paying teaching position at a public school instead of following in my or his father’s footsteps?”

Serena blushed. “I didn’t mean to be insulting.”

Mark shared a look with David. No way either man was stepping into that conversation.

Eileen’s tight smile bordered on polite, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s okay, I’m sure you’re not the only one making such stereotypic assumptions, but to answer your question, no. I’m not at all disappointed in my son’s career choice. And anyone who thinks teaching high school children is less challenging than surgery or cellular research is naïve and unintelligent.”

“I’m sure Oliver’s great with kids,” Serena hurried to interject.

Mark covered a grin by finishing off his champagne. He probably shouldn’t be so entertained at Serena’s backpedaling, but he was amused to see that despite David’s steadying influence, Serena’s lack of tact still plagued her.

“He is. He’s happy helping shape young minds, and he’s a wonderful teacher.” Eileen raised her chin. “I’m very proud of him.”

“Uh... Well, I’d better get to work.” Serena picked up her three-by-five note cards and went to the podium. She tugged the microphone downward. Mark was glad for her hasty retreat. His little sister had a way of putting her foot in her mouth, and Eileen was more than capable of making sure she bit it off.

Ed held out Noelle’s chair for her and helped scoot her in, then seated himself next to Mark and gave Serena his attention.

“Welcome, everyone, to the second annual Gala for Girls,” Serena smiled warmly. As her gaze scanned the crowded room, she took her time, smiling at several of the more prominent guests. Though less than tactful at times, Serena had a genuine warmth that seemed to enchant the audience. Much to his surprise, his brash baby sister really was good with people.

“We’re pleased to see such a large turnout to support girls in science, engineering, and math. Tonight we have an inspirational line-up of speakers and, of course, the presentation of our Evelyn Hamill Chateaux Scholarship, so if you will all take your seats, the waiters can begin serving dinner. Thank you.”

“Senator, it’s wonderful that you could make time to present the Scholarship award,” Eileen said.

Ed flashed her a smile. “It’s my pleasure. Noelle tells me you were a great help in getting the guest speakers, but I’m curious as to why you’re not speaking tonight. You’re certainly more than qualified.”

Subtle, Ed
. Well, Mark was glad to see his friend wasn’t the consummate politician all the time.

“That’s sweet of you.” Eileen’s earlier frostiness melted, and she smiled at the compliment. “I thought I’d be out of town tonight, but my plans changed at the last minute, so I was able to make it.”

As Serena returned to the table, she glanced at the empty seat next to him. “I thought you were bringing a date, Mark.”

Mark moved to the side so the waiter could place his salad before him. “Her sister delivered twins and had complications, so she’s staying at the hospital with her.”

“Sick sister? Why not just admit you couldn’t get a date?” Serena teased.

“I had a date.”

Serena looked at Edward. “Have
you
ever met her?”

Ed shook his head and continued peppering his salad. “Nope. Heard about the mysterious lady but never met her.”

“So you don’t think she exists, either.”

Edward shrugged. “Some guys have a hard time—”

“She exists,” Mark broke in.

“Twins?” Eileen asked. “Is the sister a client of ours?”

“Not that I know of.” Taking the salad dressing Ed passed him, Mark looked at Eileen. “Why?”

“I did Sarah a favor last week and dropped off collection kits for twins. Faith Lynch?”

“That’s her.” Interesting. Skye didn’t mention that her sister was using his company to collect the stem cells. Actually, it wasn’t surprising at all. Skye was so freaked out about the pregnancy that she probably hadn’t known either.