Like No One Else. Maureen Smith
she’d been invited to give at the University of Houston on Wednesday. Once upon a time she would have bragged about it, trying to one-up her sister because she’d spent years feeling inferior to Frankie and living in the shadow of her brilliance. But those days were behind Tommie. Time had changed her. Life had changed her.
The sound of hangers scraping across a metal rod could be heard in the background. “Okay, I’m standing in my walk-in closet,” Frankie announced. “I’m going to send you photos of the three outfits, and you tell me which one I should wear tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Tommie idly sipped her merlot while Frankie snapped shots using her cell phone camera.
Tommie had always been the clotheshorse of the family, while Frankie had suffered from being severely fashion-challenged, her taste in clothes ranging from conservative to downright god-awful. Four years ago, her wardrobe had consisted of hideous muumuus, shapeless tops, and baggy slacks that did nothing to accentuate her killer body. But all that had changed when she met Sebastien Durand. He’d done for her what no other man ever had. He’d looked beyond Frankie’s homely appearance to uncover the beautiful woman hiding beneath. In so doing, he’d given her the confidence—and motivation—to undertake a dramatic wardrobe transformation that would make fashionista Stacy London proud.
Although Frankie still regarded shopping as a mild form of torture, she’d come a long way. So Tommie wasn’t too surprised when she saw the stylish selections her sister presented to her for consideration. After deliberating over the photos for a moment, Tommie said decisively, “Wear the red skirt suit. It’s sassy and feminine, but still very professional. You look great in red, and the cut of the suit will really flatter your figure. Plus it’s not as conservative as the pantsuits.”
“Are you sure?” The worried note in Frankie’s voice was unmistakable. “Conservative might not be such a bad thing for this audience. These are scientific researchers and scholars, remember?”
Tommie laughed. “So what? They’re men, aren’t they? Even nerds can appreciate a great pair of legs. You wear that outfit, and by the time you’re finished speaking, they’ll be lining up in droves to give you the research funds.”
“I’d like to think the content of my presentation would be the reason for that,” Frankie said wryly.
“Of course. But you know my motto—if you got it, ain’t a thing wrong with flaunting it.” She grinned, adding impishly, “Too bad you’re not breast-feeding anymore. Those milk jugs you had made me want to cut you a damned check.”
“Tommie!” Frankie gasped.
Tommie laughed. She’d always enjoyed scandalizing her older sister. It was so much fun.
“Anyway,” Frankie intoned, pointedly changing the subject, “how are your classes going?”
“Great,” Tommie replied. “I’ve got a full plate. I might need to hire another dance instructor sooner than I thought.”
“That’s wonderful, Tommie,” Frankie said warmly. “You know, at the risk of getting all sentimental—”
Tommie groaned.
“—there’s nothing nobler than sharing your knowledge and experience with others. Teaching takes an incredible amount of passion, patience, and unselfishness, and not everyone can do it. I’m so proud of you for not only proving that you can do it, but for having the courage to try. I hope your students realize just how lucky they are to be learning from such an amazingly gifted and accomplished dancer.”
Tommie’s throat constricted. “Damn it, Frankie,” she grumbled. “Do you always have to be so damned good to me?”
“Yes,” Frankie said, a distinct smile in her voice, “because I love you. And no matter what we’ve been through, I couldn’t imagine my life without you.”
“Ditto,” Tommie murmured, remembering the harrowing ordeal her sister had endured four years ago. Tommie wished it hadn’t taken a near tragedy to make her realize how much she’d been taking Frankie, and their relationship, for granted. But then, she’d always been one of those people who had to learn things the hard way.
As Tommie took a swallow of wine and reached for the stack of mail she’d brought in earlier, she asked, “How’s Mama August? Still spoiling Marcos rotten?”
Frankie chuckled. “You know it. But you won’t hear me complaining. That woman has been an absolute godsend. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without her. With my busy schedule and Sebastien’s long hours, having his grandmother here during the week to take care of Marcos has been such a blessing. Marcos adores her, and he really enjoys their trips to Rafe and Korrine’s ranch up the road. He gets to ride horses and play with Kaia and Ramon all day long. I tell you, between Mama August and Rafe’s godmother, all three of those rug rats are spoiled rotten.”
Tommie smiled, absently sorting through her mail, most of it junk. “How is Korrine, by the way? Is she pregnant with her third child yet? Or has Rafe finally changed his mind about wanting six kids?”
Frankie laughed. “If he hasn’t, I’m sure Korrine can persuade him to agree to a compromise. She’s got that man wrapped around her finger.”
“Something else you both have in common. Besotted husbands.”
“Besotted? Someone’s been watching Jane Austen movies again.”
Tommie sniffed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Right. Of course. What was I thinking, implying that a cool, tough girl like you would actually watch those sappy romantic sagas?”
When Tommie made no reply, Frankie chuckled knowingly. During a previous visit to Tommie’s loft, Frankie had been pleasantly surprised to find Pride and Prejudice among her sister’s DVD collection. She hadn’t believed Tommie when she told her that the movie belonged to a friend.
“And speaking of Rafe,” Frankie said casually, “have you and his cousin bumped into each other yet?”
“Why?” Tommie asked suspiciously. She’d nearly forgotten that the reason she’d called her sister was to pry the truth out of her concerning Paulo’s visit.
“I was just wondering,” Frankie answered. “You and Paulo have lived in the same city for seven months now. I just figured you’d eventually run into each other.”
Tommie wasn’t buying her sister’s explanation. “Houston is a big city. The odds of running into anyone you know are slim. Unless you’re neighbors or travel in the same social circles. Or unless you go out of your way to see each other.” She waited a beat. “Something you wanna tell me?”
“What?” Frankie asked blankly.
Tommie slapped the countertop. “I knew it!”
“Knew what?”
“You did tell Paulo to check up on me.”
“What? I did no such thing!”
“Frankie,” Tommie growled in warning.
Frankie laughed. “I didn’t tell him anything, I swear!” She paused as comprehension dawned. “Wait a minute. Are you telling me that Paulo came by to see you?”
“Yes. He just left not too long ago.” Tommie frowned. “I thought you’d put him up to it.”
“Nope.” Frankie hesitated. “Not because I didn’t consider it, mind you. I did, to be perfectly honest with you. But I knew you’d be mad if you ever found out, so I kept my mouth shut. Looks like I didn’t need to say a word to him anyway. He found his way there all on his own.” She sounded inordinately pleased.
“Don’t get any crazy ideas,” Tommie muttered. “There’s nothing going on between me and Paulo. Nothing whatsoever.”
“Are you sure?”
Tommie