Book of Days_ A Novel - James L. Rubart [88]
"I don't think so. I watched him when you came onstage at Jason's reception. He looked like he'd seen a ghost, not a long-lost relative. And I think I know why."
"Tell me."
"This is the part I'm glad you're sitting down for. And the reason Taylor reacted like he did. Ready?"
Ann nodded once, her eyes riveted on his.
"Take a look at this." He held out another yellowed newspaper.
She reached out her hand but Cameron didn't hand it to her. "It would be easier to look at it if you gave it to me."
"Just making sure you're ready."
"I told you, I'm ready."
"This is a picture printed in the Post a few years later."
Ann squirmed in her chair and stared at Cameron, anticipation spread over his face. "Will this freak me out?"
"Maybe. It might be a bit of a shock, but you need to see this."
Ann looked down at the picture and her pulse spiked. It was a wedding announcement and a photo of the couple about to be married. Her head instantly felt like she'd taken a huge bite of Thai food with five-star seasoning.
She was looking at a picture of herself standing next to Taylor Stone.
"How in the world did they . . . ? It's me. Why would someone—?"
"No, it's a picture of Annie."
Ann pulled the newspaper closer and rubbed the grainy photo with her finger. "I can't believe . . . this is too strange . . ." She trailed off not knowing what to say.
"Explains a lot, doesn't it?"
Ann nodded, not sure she could trust her voice.
"When Taylor first saw you it was like seeing Annie, as if she'd come back from the dead."
"But why wouldn't he come talk to me about it? Meet me, tell me who I looked like?"
"I don't know."
"It makes no sense, Cameron. When I showed him the photo at dinner, why didn't he tell me who I was and who my mom was?"
"Excellent questions." He shook his head and shrugged.
Ann set the paper down and scooted back from the table, the legs of her chair sending out a screech like a wild falcon. "I've got to talk to Taylor."
She stood and stared at Cameron. "I've gotta talk to him right now."
CHAPTER 33
Ann wasn't sure if she should have come. Yes she was. Without question she needed to have this conversation.
She trudged over Creek Bank Park's lush green lawn, only sporadic russet strips showing where the sprinklers apparently hadn't reached with enough water. Tricia had said he'd be here; it was one of his thinking spots.
How should she open a conversation like the one she was about to have? Hi, Taylor, just thought I'd let you know I'm your long-lost niece. Would you like to catch up on the past thirty-two years?
Given Taylor's reactions to her so far, he might refuse to talk at all. She stopped and once more considered returning to her car and driving away. Finally she plodded on, scanning the park for her . . . for Taylor.
As she came around from behind a large spruce tree, she spotted him. He stood on a deck that hung over the Metolius River like the lady on the prow of a ship. A continual bath of spray misted the beams supporting the deck every few minutes from the small waterfall just beyond it, making it look like he and the deck rested on wispy clouds.
Ann watched him for a few minutes before wandering close enough for her cleared throat to be heard over the rush of the river. He turned.
As she approached, he lifted his Oregon Duck's hat off his head, placed it on his chest, and gave a slight bow. "Have you come for a time of potentially awkward conversation? If so, I think I can help."
"Is that your way of saying 'I wish you weren't here, but since you are, I'll at least be civil toward you'?"
"Blunt today, aren't we, Ms. Banister?"
"As with most days. I apologize."
"No, it's refreshing."
Ann waited till Taylor gave the invitation she suspected would come. "Why don't we stroll the perimeter of the park, and we can chat without having to look at each other every moment."
"That sounds good."
Taylor turned slightly as they strolled down the gray gravel path. "It's actually a welcome surprise to see you."
"Really?" Ann said as she crunched along next