Recipe for Redemption: A Novel

By T.J. Kelly

Three sisters, one business, too many betrayals to count.

When Amanda Durand gets the dreaded phone call from her eldest sister, Izzy, Mandy packs her things, gives up her apartment, and prepares herself for the onslaught of pain she knows is coming in Iowa. Her relationship with her two sisters has always teetered on the edge of a knife with her in the middle a breath away from finding balance or breaking. And her relationship with cookies--the family business--is one of love and hate.

That business is in trouble. It's the one thing that's held the women together through the years, an inescapable tie forged early by their mother.

Now, Mom is about to die, and the sisters must find their long-forgotten love for one another before it's too late. They each have scores to settle, and unless they can figure out how to work through their past, they won't have a future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.J. Kelly
• Release date: May 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781370718047

T.J. Kelly

T. J. Kelly is the pen name of writers Tia Silverthorne Bach, Jo Michaels, and Kelly Risser. They are moms, daughters, business women, and writers, and they bring all of that to their strong but flawed female characters.

Book preview

recipe for redemption

by T.J. Kelly

that’s the way the sisters crumbled

***

recipe for redemption

by T.J. Kelly

Copyright © 2020 T.J. Kelly

All Rights Reserved

Published May 10, 2020

Smashwords Version

T.J. Kelly is the pen name of writers Tia Silverthorne Bach, Jo Michaels, and Kelly Risser.

License Notes:

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or re-distributed in any way. Authors hold all copyright.

This book is a work of fiction and does not represent any individual living or dead.

Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Cover design and photography by Jo Michaels

Typeset for print and digital formatting by Jo Michaels

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by fines and federal imprisonment.

***

Mandy concentrated on her breathing while she jogged, letting music be a distraction from the tightness in her calves and the slight cramp in her side. Although she was in the best shape of her life, she’d imbibed a little too much the night before with the girls from the health club. Once a month, they went out—the excuse was to celebrate whoever was having a birthday. No one had a birthday in March, and the ladies had still gone out. Vodka cranberries were easy to drink, but they were a bitch the next morning.

When the lyrics gave way to ringtone, she cursed. Who’s calling at this hour? Whoever it was could wait. She had another half mile to go, and she could return the call after her shower.

A few moments later, the song resumed, and she was proud of herself for not losing pace. She tried to run that particular path at least a couple of times a week. It was two miles, mostly through the wooded park near her home. She loved the smell of damp leaves and dirt in the morning, and it was never too crowded.

A bike raced past, slightly too close for comfort. When she jerked to her right to get out of its way, something pulled in her ankle. Swearing again, she leaned on a nearby tree trunk and tested for injury. The muscle didn’t burn, but it was tight. Bending to massage her ankle, she paused at the soft groan coming from the shadows. Mandy took a few steps into the woods, testing her ankle as she did. The pain was slight and manageable. Another step and then she saw it—an animal lying at the base of a tree farther into the woods. It was mostly hidden in the shade, only the color of its fur giving the creature away. If she hadn’t stopped, she wouldn’t have heard the soft cry or noticed it.

At first, she worried it was dead. It was lying fully stretched out on its side, eyes closed. As she cautiously approached, the slight rise and fall of its chest was noticeable. It was a dog, small and woefully thin. The sound of her approach woke it. It opened its eyes and stared at her listlessly.

Oh, you poor thing, she cooed. What are you doing out here? Who did this to you?

How long has it been tied to the tree? Where are its owners? She slowly knelt, and the dog thumped its tail once.

Her water bottle had an attached cover, so she ripped it free and used it as a makeshift bowl to offer the pup a drink. It tried unsuccessfully to lift its head but was clearly thirsty.

What kind of coldhearted bastards did this?

Mandy didn’t consider herself a dog person, but her heart broke for the creature even as her anger rose. She slid her hand under the pup’s head, propping it at the right angle so it could drink. The dog drank nearly all the water before closing its eyes again.

With tears blurring her vision, Mandy untied the animal and cradled it in her arms. She left the crude rope leash wrapped around the tree and headed for home.

The dog barely moved as she carried it. She kept checking to make sure it was alive, but once she reached the apartment complex, she didn’t even bother heading up to her unit. The state of the pup’s health had her really worried. She’d never had a pet before, but she knew enough from biology to recognize when medical help was needed. She grabbed the light blanket she kept in the trunk, rolled the cotton fabric into a nest on the passenger’s seat, and placed the dog in the middle. It snuggled in with a sigh.

She’d never been to an animal shelter, but she passed one every day on her commute. She hoped they’d be able to help.

Hang on, sweetie. We’ll get you taken care of soon.

She backed out of the spot and headed to the shelter, talking to the dog the whole way.

Looks like you found him just in time.

The woman examining the dog introduced herself as Eileen. She had frizzy brown hair and a bedazzled kitten sweatshirt and had grilled Mandy for at least thirty minutes. Normally, it would piss her off, but Eileen wasn’t accusatory.

He’s very malnourished, but I think he’ll recover. Although Mandy knew she was the one being addressed, Eileen cooed the words to the furry animal.

How long do you think he’d been there? Mandy wondered if she could’ve rescued him days earlier. She ran that route several times a week, though she never thought to search for abandoned animals.

Holding a handful of food, Eileen stroked the dog’s back as he tentatively chewed a few pieces. Hard to say. A few days at least. He’s dehydrated and starving. We’ll give him a little at a time so his stomach doesn’t get upset. The doctor will be in soon and can give him a full exam.

Oh, good.

The phone buzzed again, but Mandy ignored it. That was the third time; someone tried calling on her way to the shelter, too. Whether it was the same person or three different ones, it could wait. She refused to ignore proper etiquette, and people who answered their phones while holding a conversation were rude. Her mother didn’t raise her daughters to be impolite.

It’s a good sign that he’s eating and drinking. You’re welcome to wait, but it’ll be a while. I can give you an update later if you leave your phone number.

Of course. Do you have paper?

At the front desk. Let’s get this little guy settled in his temporary bed, and then we can go up front.

Mandy followed Eileen to a room at the end of the hall. It was a clean, open space with a small cot in the corner, a food dish, a water dish, and a few toys. In the opposite corner was a tidy patch of fake grass.

Piddle pad, she explained.

She laid the dog on the cot, still wrapped in Mandy’s blanket. He sighed again and didn’t open his eyes. It seemed like a nice room for the little guy. She bent and ran a hand softly along his side. Take care of yourself, Biscuit.

Biscuit? Eileen perked. Is that his name?

He didn’t have a collar. It’s just what I’ve taken to calling him in my head. He looks like a biscuit.

He certainly does. It’s an excellent name. Now, how about if we go to the front desk, and I’ll get that number.

Will he… I mean… Is there a chance someone will claim him?

Eileen frowned. Doubtful. Whoever did this wasn’t planning on him surviving.

What will happen to him?

When he’s ready, he’ll go up for adoption. Eileen’s brown eyes twinkled. Are you interested?

Me? Mandy thought of the strict no pet policy at her apartment. Her busy and chaotic life. I-uh-I’m not sure.

He sure is cute.

He is.

Seems to have taken to you, too. When Mandy remained silent, Eileen continued. Well, think about it. We’ll let you know when he’s ready for his new home.

The ride back felt lonely. In a short time, Mandy had gotten used to the little dog. He was a cute thing she assumed would be even cuter once he put on a few pounds and was feeling better. Not that she could get attached. Her renter’s association didn’t allow pets, and she worked weird hours. It wouldn’t be right to leave him alone all the time.

For the fourth time, her phone rang. For goodness sake, someone’s persistent this morning. She never got that many calls on a Saturday before noon.

Hello?

Mandy? Is everything okay?

Her sister’s panic-stricken voice filled the small car. Izzy was the oldest and always prone to dramatics.

I’m fine, Iz. I found a stray dog on my run this morning.

Oh my God! I hope you didn’t touch it; those things can have rabies.

Instead of sighing, Mandy settled for a major eye roll, thankful her sister wasn’t on facetime. He doesn’t have rabies. Well, I guess I don’t know that, but he didn’t bite me, so either way, I’m okay.

You should’ve left it alone. It might have lice or worms. You never know with stray animals. I once saw this episode…

Taking a deep breath, Mandy counted to three silently before interrupting. Was there something you needed, Izzy?

What? Oh, yes! It took a moment for her sister to move out of lecture mode and into the reason for her call. It’s Mom. Iz’s voice shook, and she was not prone to emotions.

Is she okay? Mandy was immediately on edge.

She’s in the hospital. They’re moving her tomorrow, but, Mandy… Isabella’s thought was lost in a sob. Whatever was wrong with their mom was serious. I can’t give you details; she wants to tell you herself, but you really need to come home. Mom wants you to come home.

Of course. Mentally, Mandy was already clearing her schedule.

How soon?

I’ll be there tomorrow. I’ll fly in so I can surprise her at home.

Good. Izzy cleared her throat, sounding stronger. One more thing?

Mandy guessed. You need me to call Frankie.

I tried. She’s not returning my calls.

On it. Although I can’t promise anything. She cancelled our last three dinner dates. Their youngest sister was notoriously driven. Her social life always took a backseat to work.

Thanks, Panda Bear. You’re the best.

You know I hate that nickname. Mandy grumbled. Panda Bear had been her grade school nickname due to her cute and rather fluffy stature, as well as the unfortunate rhyming with her name—Amanda Panda. Yuck.

See you soon. Izzy disconnected, not waiting for a response.

The last five miles to Mandy’s house passed quickly as she considered what might be wrong with Mom. There was something so unfair about Isabella knowing and Mandy and Frankie being left out. Then again, Iz was the oldest. She always knew everything first. Plus, she still lived in Tingley, Iowa, while Frankie and Mandy had escaped to the west coast.

So much for a shower. She put her towel and broken water bottle on the counter, poured a fresh glass, and headed out to the patio. Knowing Frankie, she’d already had her workout for the day, too, and was probably getting her nails done. The conversation was going to be tough since Mandy knew next to nothing, and Frankie always wanted answers. Well, too bad. She could call Izzy and harass her if it was that important. Mandy just wanted to get back to Tingley.

Frankie answered on the first ring. This better be important.

Love you, too.

After an exaggerated sigh, Frankie laughed. I know, I owe you. As soon as the Montgomery deal is done, I promise we’ll get together for dinner.

I think we may be getting together before that. Mandy took a deep, steadying breath. Izzy called. Mom’s in the hospital. Before you ask, I don’t know what’s wrong with her, but Iz said Mom wants us to come home. Soon.

Frankie snorted. And you’re going? You know Isabella is prone to drama. Mom probably has the flu.

There was some truth to what Frankie said, but it didn’t sit right with Mandy. Plus, if Mom is healthy, wouldn’t she have called herself? Why have Izzy call? We could call the hospital.

Good idea. I’m on it.

Do you think— Mandy stopped and shook her head. She was talking to dead air.

Her sisters were too endearing with their goodbyes. Going back inside, she threw the phone on the sofa and headed to her room to shower.

The hot water relaxed her tired muscles, but her brain was on overdrive. It wouldn’t be hard to take the week off. Two of her clients cancelled on Wednesday, and Paul owed her. He could cover the rest. It would be good to see Mom and Iz, plus her husband, John, and their kids, Brittany and John.

Mandy turned the water off and heard her phone blaring. Knowing if she waited to call back Frankie might not answer, Mandy wrapped herself in a towel and sprinted down the hall.

They wouldn’t tell me anything, so I asked for Mom, Frankie said before Mandy could say hello. Mom’s got cancer, Mandy. She didn’t want to tell me more, but she did say it’s terminal, and she wants all three of us together. Soon.

I already decided before you called that I’m flying home tomorrow.

When’s your flight?

I haven’t booked it yet.

I’ll do it and get us on the first flight out. We can share a ride to Mom’s house.

I’m sure Izzy would pick us up.

I’m not so sure of that. Anyway, I don’t want her help. I’ll rent a car.

It was the same old story. Mandy hated being stuck between two sisters who constantly bickered. She was often tempted to lock them in a room and leave them there until they sorted out their differences. Of course, knowing them, they never would. They’d rot in there.

You’re going to have to talk to her, you know.

I’ll be civil. I’ve got a great game face.

Uh huh.

What? I do. Be there for the early flight. I’ll save you a seat at the airport.

Bye.

Get dressed, eat lunch, pack, and make some phone calls; Mandy’s afternoon was full. By dinner time, she collapsed on the couch with her salad and turned on the Hallmark Channel. When she was stressed, she preferred to lose herself in a cheesy romance.

***

Watching strangers moving about, Mandy checked her phone again. Only fifteen minutes since the last time she checked. She’d arrived at three thirty for their five fifteen flight, and it was twenty minutes to five. They were about to start boarding, and still no Frankie. Mandy knew her sister wouldn’t show early, even though she’d insisted on the earliest flight, which would get them to Des Moines just before one local time. Of course, that would be two hours later for them.

Resisting the urge to text her, Mandy tried to distract herself with returning a few client emails she’d managed to miss in the few hours of sleep she’d grabbed the previous night. Her clients understood why she had to postpone some appointments, but they were eager for her to return. Most exercise enthusiasts did not appreciate missing a scheduled session.

As if cued by a movie set director, Frankie ran up just as the desk agent announced boarding for MileagePlus Premier members.

That’s us, she said, grabbing Mandy’s bag from the floor and edging her forward. You can board with me since I booked us together, and we share a last name. Frankie’s feet and mouth moved at the same speed as she hurried through the lane and onto the plane. And did I mention I had a couple of first-class upgrades? I handled it when I checked in.

She directed Mandy to their seats, placed the wheeled suitcases in the overhead bin, and took the window seat. Mandy settled into the aisle seat, inhaling deeply and gathering her thoughts. So much had happened in twenty-four hours, and even more awaited them back home.

Frankie pulled out an eye mask after downing the bottle of water the stewardess offered. I didn’t sleep much last night at all. I was up most of the night communicating with clients. And I’ll probably have to take some calls later this afternoon. Figured I might as well catch a little sleep on the way to Denver.

Sounds good. I might try to close my eyes too, Mandy said.

Twisting her hair into a high bun, she secured it and tried to settle her brain. She knew the day would be a whirlwind, and although she was glad to have Frankie there, Mandy fretted about the reunion between her sisters. They’d been oil and water from the start, but everything had escalated in high school when the event happened. She tended to run interference, but she wanted to focus on her mom rather than be a buffer between headstrong sisters. Cancer. Terminal. Mandy’s mind swirled with the devastation of two simple words. On her last visit home, her mother had lamented about two of her daughters being so far away, about how little she got to see them, and how she wished they were all closer. Mandy knew, deep down, their mother had meant more than geographical distance.

Looking over at Frankie, not a hair out of place and in her fancy jeans and blouse even for the trip home, Mandy wished they could chat, stir up some family bonding before they had to face the reality of their mom dying. Instead, Frankie slept, her eye mask shutting out the world. A lump formed in Mandy’s throat, and she swallowed, trying to ease the tension. Then, she secured her headphones in place and chose some upbeat music. Once they got in the air and the pilot announced smooth skies for their two-hour-and-sixteen-minute flight, she switched over to her saved movies and chose a Hallmark romance. She made sure to pick one that would be the perfect antithesis to worrying about cancer and her dysfunctional family dynamics.

When the pilot announced the initial descent, Frankie slipped off the eye mask, putting it away in her black leather Louis Vuitton handbag. She pulled out a small compact and a lip gloss to touch up her makeup while Mandy took off her headphones, wrapped them in their case, and put them away.

Do you feel rested? she asked.

Perfect. Just what I needed. Frankie swiped on a little fresh mascara and turned. We have just over an hour here, so we should grab a quick bite.

Sounds like a plan. Mandy had packed a few bars and healthy snacks, but thanks to getting sucked into the escapism of a wholesome romance, she hadn’t eaten anything during the flight.

I’m starving. Denver has some pretty decent options, thankfully, Frankie said.

Mandy remembered the pretzel pack the flight attendant had dropped off and wiggled the shiny red plastic bag of goodies in Frankie’s face. Would this help?

With a quick hand swipe, she grabbed the goodies and ripped open the edge, stuffing a few pretzels into her mouth as the plane bounced around like a washer with an uneven load, jerking up and down. Mandy gripped her armrests and leaned her head against the back of the seat, taking in some deep breaths.

I should’ve warned you, Frankie said. Denver is always a bumpy landing. Something about the mountains and the air pressure. Not my favorite city to fly in and out of, but I do love Aspen and Vail. Have you been?

Mandy shook her head but didn’t relax her posture, although she did appreciate the chatter about the ski towns and how they should plan a trip there sometime. It kept her distracted from the nausea building in her stomach. When they finally touched down, even with the big hop back into the air right after, she breathed a sigh of relief.

And don’t worry, I upgraded our next flight, too, Frankie said as they exited the plane and entered the terminal. She made a beeline toward the restroom.

Mandy had never flown first class and didn’t fly enough to have perks, but if she could procure a decent cup of coffee, she’d be forever grateful. Thankfully, Frankie was a good resource for that, too, leading the way to Caribou Coffee for a java jolt. She grabbed a sandwich nearby, and Mandy pulled out one of her bars once they arrived at the gate.

Everything looks to be on time, Mandy said, checking the display. I’ll text Izzy so she knows.

I’m sure she’s been tracking us all day. Frankie rolled her eyes as she took a bite of her sandwich.

Sipping the coffee, Mandy considered that. She didn’t want to escalate any tension between her sisters, but she needed everyone focused on their mother and not any other issues. Starting the ball rolling with Frankie made sense.

This trip is about Mom. She’s never called us home. Never really asked much of us. I just want her to be okay. Mandy’s voice caught on the last word as the lump formed in her throat again. Getting emotional wasn’t the plan, but she couldn’t keep pretending they were on some kind of casual trip instead of a visit home to their dying mother.

Frankie placed a hand on Mandy’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze. I’m sorry. I promise to behave myself. I’m worried about Mom, too. Then, as if the words caused too much pain, Frankie crumpled up her sandwich wrap and pointed to her sister’s trash. You done with that?

Handing over the wrapper, she watched as her sister went back into action mode. Mandy couldn’t blame anyone for pushing through and tamping down emotions. When Jacob cheated on her, she restructured her entire life, hellbent to not crumble under the defeat of what he’d done.

By the way, for your next birthday, I’m taking you on a shopping spree. You look amazing, but I swear your clothes are two sizes too big, Frankie said when she returned. After making the comment, she put her finger up, taking a call on her cell.

Mandy looked down at her sweats. Who doesn’t want to wear comfortable clothes for half a day of flying? Deep down, she knew she needed smaller sizes, but the fat girl still lived in her psyche. Not that long ago, she was eighty pounds heavier with a diet that would’ve eventually killed her. As much as she’d changed her life, she still worried about a relapse, about slipping back onto the emotional slide that could take her back there. It was one of the reasons she didn’t want to return to Tingley any more than her sister did. But family was family, and Mandy wouldn’t let her mother suffer alone. And as efficient and responsible as Izzy could be, Mandy knew their eldest sister wasn’t the emotional support their mother needed. Not that Frankie would be either.

What ever happened with that dog. Buddy, was it? Frankie asked, jolting Mandy back to the present.

It took her a few seconds to connect to what her sister was saying. Oh, you mean Biscuit. They’re supposed to call me. The last thing Mandy needed was a