A Family of Their Own(56)

“Why? Kids love to skate. At least they do in Traverse City.”

Kelsey jammed her mouth closed. “Your idea’s different. I can say that.” She lifted a mug in each hand, managed a pleasant expression and walked back to her sister. “Do you still skate?” She couldn’t imagine, but the idea was way outside the box as far as she was concerned. And Peyton was still an issue.

“No, but it’s like riding a bicycle, I would think.” Audrey grasped the mug and took a sip. “What had you planned?”

Kelsey sank into a chair, measuring her words. “Nothing. I was waiting for your idea.”

“It’s not just roller skating. I made reservations to eat at Buca di Beppo. Italian and fun. Have you been there?”

“No, but I’ve heard of it. Lucy loves Italian food.”

“I remembered. And they bring out a birthday cake with all the waiters singing. She’ll be thrilled.” Audrey gazed at her a moment. “So what do you think?”

Kelsey couldn’t disagree. “It’ll be fun.” Peyton’s face edged into her mind, no matter how hard she tried to push it out. Telling her sister about Ross might elicit an enthusiastic response, but if she learned about Peyton, that could be another story. Not inviting them wasn’t the answer. Yet now she faced the roller-skating issue.

She roused her courage. “Audrey, I think the restaurant is great. Lucy will love it, but I have qualms about roller skating.”

Audrey’s eyes widened. “Why?”

Why? Kelsey felt the truth bustle into her mind. She couldn’t lie, but maybe she could mention that Lucy doesn’t really roller skate. “I have a friend that I planned to invite to Lucy’s birthday.”

Audrey arched a brow. “Friend?” She tilted her head. “Female friend or…” A grin hinted on her lips.

“Ross. His name is Ross Salburg.”

She clapped her hands together, brushed the crumbs from her lips and bounced up, planting a kiss on Kelsey’s cheek. “Really? Someone special?”

Play it down. The words popped into her mind. She pushed them back. “Special but nothing serious yet.”

Audrey drew her from the chair for a hug. “Yet. That sounds hopeful.” She eased back and eyed her sister. “Will I meet him?”

Kelsey settled into her chair. “You will, and his daughter Peyton. She’s a year older than Lucy.”

“Hmm? A daughter.” She sank back into the seat, a thoughtful look growing on her face. “Any competition? How do they get along?”

Questions. That’s what she wanted to avoid. She sank back into the chair. “Fine. Peyton’s quieter than Lucy. She’s had some health problems, too.”

The smile faded to concern. “What kind of problems?”

“Her heart, and that’s why I think maybe roller skating might not work.” She studied her sister’s expression and sensed that she wasn’t going to relent easily. “I’d hate to leave her out.”

Audrey’s face became thoughtful. “Rolling around the floor on skates wouldn’t be that hard on her. Let’s just plan it, and hopefully she’ll be able to skate. I’m really looking forward to this.”

Kelsey resigned herself to going along with her sister. Dissing her plans never worked when they were young, and she knew Audrey had only polished her ability to stay firm over the years. She’d talk it over with Ross. Not wanting to stir up dissension, she nodded and let it drop.

Audrey leaned back and grew quiet, leaving Kelsey with an anxious feeling. When Audrey thought, it could mean anything. She watched as her sister pursed her lips together, then lifted her head. Kelsey pressed her back against the chair rungs for support.

“Do you really think it’s wise for you to get involved with a man who has a child with a heart problem?” She leaned closer, her eyes searching Kelsey’s. “Do you know what I mean? Two sick kids. What kind of life is that? Where’s the romance?”

She seemed to draw closer, although she hadn’t stood. Kelsey swallowed every comment that flittered through her mind. This wasn’t new. Her own friend, Lexie, had suggested the same thing, but then apologized. Still she’d always be facing the possibility of a child fighting to stay alive. Her muddied mind lost all concept of communication. What could she say to make her sister happy? She couldn’t deny it, because Audrey was right.

“Men and women can be friends without romance, Audrey.” True but not really the case with Ross. She cared so much, and she sensed that he did, too.