The Test by Patricia Gussin Page A

never been able to speak poured out.
    He had not expected a reply, but within a week, a thank-you note arrived. That opened the door. He wrote to Gina again, and she wrote back. And now he was on his way to her house for Easter dinner.
    As Dan parked the truck outside Gina’s house, he checked the mirror on the visor, combed his floppy hair, stuck a cinnamon-flavored Eclipse into his mouth, and straightened his tie. In his anxiety, he didn’t notice the white stretch limo parked across the street. He grabbed the pot of Easter lilies off the floor of the truck and almost dropped it as he stumbled on a crack in the sidewalk.
    Dan rang the bell, hearing chimes from within. The jasmine growing among the gardenias and azalea beds on both sides of the entrance sent out a powerful fragrance. He felt profound fright and intense serenity. Both at once. Both overpowering. Then Gina appeared, held the door open for him, and he stepped into a space loaded with flowers and plants. He couldn’t help but gasp. Gina looked beautiful in a lavender dress with matching sandals, her hair pulled back and held by a clip.
    â€œDan,” she said, “it’s good to see you.”
    He pushed the oversized pot of lilies toward her and felt relieved that she took them.
    â€œHow thoughtful. Why don’t we put them in the living room? I know just the spot.”
    He followed her across polished oak floors.
    â€œTerry, Carrie, your father’s here.” Said so naturally, as if it were part of a routine.
    Both of his kids appeared. Both had a curious expression. Dan wondered if they expected him to release a dam of tears.
    â€œHello.” Dan said, sticking close to Gina as she placed the lilies on a small round table.
    â€œWelcome.” Carrie gave him a friendly grin. “How was the drive from Lantana?”
    â€œUh, fine,” Dan said, at a loss as to how to strike up a conversation.
    â€œAnd,” Gina said, “our guests are in the kitchen.”
    â€œOh,” was all Dan could think to say. He’d forgotten about his celebrity half sister, Monica Monroe.
    â€œMonica’s in the kitchen.” Gina took his arm. “Can you believe it? She had a concert last night in Miami and invited Terry and Carrie as her guests, as well as her niece who lives in Tampa. So I asked them all to Easter dinner, and they flew in from Miami on her private plane.”
    Gina stood so close that Dan could smell her hair. Her touch on his arm made his heart hammer. Could she hear it?
    â€œAnd Monica brought her fiancé. Somebody a sports nut like you will recognize. They gave me the most beautiful bouquet.”
    â€œOh?” Again, this was all Dan could think of to say. He was a jazz fan, but didn’t have a clue about Monica’s kind of music.
    â€œDan,” Monica had been arranging flowers in a crystal vase, “I’m so happy you’re here.” She wiped her hands on a towel, and stepped forward for one of those social hugs. Dan forced himself not to pull back and to be gracious when she put her arms around him and leaned in to peck his cheek. “This family is still a mystery to me. I do want to get to know everybody.”
    â€œOf course, you recognize this guy?” Gina announced.
    â€œUh, nice to meet you,” Dan said to the stranger who stepped up to shake his hand. Only he wasn’t a stranger. Dan knew him. But fromwhere? Good-looking, casual clothes, hazel eyes, brown hair in a crew cut. Tall, with an athletic build. Why was Gina saying that he’d recognize him? Dan wasn’t into movie stars or popular singers.
    Gina must have noticed Dan’s puzzled look and came to his rescue. “Or maybe you don’t? ESPN Sports?” She tossed out one more prompt. “Thursday nights?”
    â€œEvery guy’s not a sports fan,” Monica said with a wink to her guy.
    â€œPat Nelson?” Dan finally sputtered. “Geez, man, I’ll be