The Summer of Sunshine and Margot(56)

He sucked in a breath, then shrugged. “Sure. I’ll meet her.”

Sunshine flashed him a smile that about drove him to his knees. “Yay! I’m so excited. I’ll get something set up right away.”

She ran back to the house. Her genuine enthusiasm made it clear that she wasn’t the least bit jealous or even concerned. So much for her secretly wanting him. Yup, life was ironic and just a bit of a bitch.



Chapter Fourteen


Margot stepped off the bike and nearly collapsed to the floor. Spin class was always a challenge, but this afternoon it seemed as if the instructor was out for blood.

As she made her way to her locker, she passed a guy throwing up in a trash can and felt her own stomach lurch. Water, she promised herself. She would drink the bottle she’d brought with her and another as soon as she got back to her place. Then she would make sure everything was all right at her apartment, shower, change, have lunch with her sister, then pick up more clothes and head back to the monastery. She knew Bianca was going out with Wesley so maybe Alec would like to hang out this afternoon.

She put on street shoes and collected her tote. Still smiling at the thought of spending time with Alec, she made her way to her car. Her phone rang as she unlocked the door.

She glanced at the screen. “Kiska, hi. I haven’t heard from you in a while. How are things?”

“Good. Busy. Dax is traveling all the time and I’m drowning in homework that needs to be graded. We’re talking about getting a puppy, but I don’t know. We both work.”

Kiska was an elementary school teacher up in the Bay area and her husband was in sales. Margot had known both of them since college.

“A puppy would be a challenge. I hear they pee and poop a lot.”

“That’s what I hear, too. Maybe a kitten would be easier.”

“Maybe.” Margot started her car and waited for the Bluetooth to engage. Once the call switched to hands free, she tucked her phone into her purse. “Are you two heading down to LA anytime soon? I’d love to see you.”

“I’d love to see you, too. Nothing’s planned. Why don’t you come hang out with me some weekend? We could plan it when Dax is gone and have a girls’ weekend.”

“I’d like that. Let’s get something on the calendar when my current job is done. I’m living in so it would be hard to get away now.”

“Sounds like a plan. So, um, I heard from Dietrich.”

Margot had just picked up her water bottle. Now she tucked it back into the cup holder and gripped the steering wheel. She was still in her parking space, so didn’t have to worry about focusing on her driving.

“Kiska, no. Just no.”

“He misses you. He told me.”

“He always says he misses me, then he shows up and destroys my life. I’m done with him. It’s over. Please, please don’t give him any information about me. I don’t want to talk to him.”

“He’s different now.”

“No, he’s not.”

“He’s matured. He has his own business and he’s really successful. You two were so cute together.”

“We weren’t. He’s bad for me or I’m bad for myself when we’re together. It doesn’t really matter which. I mean it, Kiska, don’t give him my number. I’m done with him. I’ve moved on.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am. Very. Very, very.”

“Okay. I won’t say anything. But I think he deserves another chance.”

“He’s had about sixteen. No more chances for him.”

“Be that way. I gotta run. Let me know when you have a free weekend and we’ll plan something, okay?”

“Perfect. Talk to you soon.”

They hung up. Margot took a couple of deep breaths.

Dietrich—what a nightmare. He was exactly the last thing she needed in her life. And come to think of it, she hadn’t even been thinking of him much at all. She laughed out loud. Had it finally happened? Was she actually over him once and for all? It was a miracle!

  “You know I just sweated out five hundred calories at spin class,” Margot grumbled as she reached for a tortilla chip.

“All the more reason to load up on Mexican food.” Sunshine grinned. “Besides, it was my turn to pick the restaurant, so just suck it up, missy.”

Margot eyed the guacamole, as if she were trying to decide if it was worth it. Sunshine waited, knowing exactly what was going to happen. Her sister would hesitate, groan, then dig in.

“I respect that you make the effort,” Sunshine told her.

Margot sighed before scooping up guacamole. “I always give in. One day I’ll have the power.”

“Not over avocados, honey. Besides, they’re supposed to be a good fat.”

Margot laughed. “You’re in a happy mood.”

“I’m not. I’m seriously upset, but I’m pretending. I’m doing good, huh?”

Margot stared at her. “You’re not kidding. Why didn’t I notice right away? I’m sorry. Tell me what happened.”

“Nothing.” Sunshine was pleased to know her pitiful acting skills were improving. As her life was currently leaping from low point to low point—her work situation excluded—it was good to know she might be able to pretend things were all right even if they weren’t.