Saving All My Lovin' Read Free

facilities. Everyone wanted a massage. Lucky Barbara, she thought as she keyed in the information on yet another newcomer. Her fingers felt as if they would fall off and it had barely been four hours. If this many men were available during the day what would happen after the regular work day was over?
    As she worked on printing out hardcopies of client records to be filed away, Raquel walked in.
    Ann Marie stopped what she was doing and stood, stretching her stiff back in the process. She would need one of Barbara’s massages at this rate.
    “This is a surprise. I wasn’t expecting you.”
    Raquel’s heavenly brown eyes were red-rimmed.
    Ann Marie frowned. “Chile what’s wrong?”
    “Why don’t you tell me, mama?”
    “Look, I’m working. Me no have time for games.”
    “It’s not me playing games.”
    Ann Marie huffed and came from around the counter. She grabbed Raquel by the arm and spoke in a harsh whisper.
    “I don’t know what burr you got up your butt, but you best change your tone and quick. Me your mum, not some friend on the street.”
    “Really? Then why don’t you treat me like I’m your daughter?” Tears splashed over her cheeks.
    Ann Marie looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to the drama unfolding. They all were too busy.
    “Come with me.” She pulled Raquel across the room and down the corridor to the back office. She pushed the door open without knocking.
    Stephanie dribbled water down the front of her blouse. “What the…” She caught the look of fire in Ann Marie’s eyes. And who could miss the tear-streaked face of Raquel? “Uh, I was just leaving. Looks like a mother daughter moment.” She picked up the file she was working on, gave them both one last look and eased out, shutting the door softly behind her.
    Ann Marie whirled on Raquel, her hands planted firmly on her hips. “You want to explain what your problem is?”
    Raquel drew in two short, shuddering breaths trying to collect herself. “I was on my way out, to see about a consulting job and the phone rang.”
    Ann Marie suddenly felt queasy.
    “Why didn’t you tell me?”
    “What?” she croaked without the bravado of moments ago.
    “About my father! About the fact that he’s recently been in touch with you. About the factthat he’s planning on coming to the States and wants to see me. About the fact that you’re still married to him!”
    Ann Marie lowered her defiant gaze and stepped away from her accuser. She drew in a breath and straightened to her five-foot-two-inch height. She turned to Raquel.
    “I have reasons which you can’t begin to understand.”
    “Tell me.”
    “No! It is my business.” She poked at her chest. “You know nothing of the man. But I do.” A shiver ran through her. “I left him and Jamaica for good reasons. To protect me and you.”
    “From my father?” she asked in disbelief.
    Ann Marie swallowed. “From a life I could no longer endure.”
    “You’re not making sense. What happened in Jamaica between you and my father?”
    “I won’t discuss it with you Raquel. Now or ever.”
    Raquel snickered. “That’s so like you. You have to be in control. Anything to hurt me and push me away.” Her voice shattered like a glass tossed against concrete. “And I thought we were finally getting to a place where we could be mother and daughter—after all these years.” She slowly shook her head, sniffed hard and wiped the tears awaywith the back of her hand. She looked Ann Marie square in the eyes. “Nothing has changed, Mama. Least of all you.”
    She spun away, nearly tore the door from its frame and stormed out. She stopped halfway and tossed over her shoulder, “He said to let you know that business is holding up his plans. He’ll be here at the end of next month. And I plan to see him when he arrives.” She pushed her way passed several clients and disappeared from Ann Marie’s view.
    Ann Marie slowly lowered herself into the swivel chair. In control? When