All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)(73)

“Hey, Charlie.”

She glanced toward the bar and waved to her friend. “Hi, Jo.”

“Great burgers,” Charlie told her mother when they were seated. “I hear the salads are terrific.”

Dominique glanced at her daughter. “Ah, to be young and physical again and not have to worry about my weight.”

“Mom, you look great. Seriously. You’re practically bony. Give herself a break and have a burger.”

“Is the meat organic and grass-fed?”

Charlie rolled her eyes.

“I’ll take that as a no,” Dominique murmured.

Jo walked over with a couple of menus. “Ladies,” she said. “We’re running a special on the barbecue chicken salad. I can also make it into a wrap. And in honor of the fact that it’s nearly fall, we have sweet-potato fries today.”

Charlie moaned. “I love those.”

Jo grinned.

“Jo, this is my mom. Dominique—”

“Dixon,” Dominique said, interrupting her. “Dominique Dixon.” She held out her hand.

“Jo Trellis. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

“You have a mother,” Jo said, raising her eyebrows.

“I didn’t just hatch,” Charlie told her. “I’ll have a diet.”

“A glass of Chardonnay for me,” Dominique said. “No. On second thought, I’ll have a Corona with a lime.”

Both women stared at her. She stared back.

“Beer?” Charlie asked when Jo had left. Before this moment, she would have assumed her mother didn’t even know what beer was.

“It will go better with my nonorganic burger. And sweet-potato fries.”

“Impressive.”

“I can be fun,” Dominique said with a sniff.

“Apparently.”

Annabelle and Patience walked into the bar. When they saw Charlie they waved but didn’t approach. Instead they joined a table that included Nevada Janack and Liz Hendrix.

“Friends of yours?” Dominique asked.

“Yes. Annabelle works at the library. She’s engaged to Shane.” Speaking of Clay’s brother reminded her of a conversation she needed to have with her mother, but she would get through the who’s who list first.

“Patience works at one of the local salons. Divorced. Her husband was a real jerk, but she’s got a great kid. Lillie. Nevada—” Charlie pointed “—is one of three triplets.”

Dominique glanced at her. “I’ve met her mother. Denise. She’s very nice.”

“I’m glad you think so. Liz is married to the oldest Hendrix son, Ethan. She’s a mystery writer.”

“I’ve seen her books in the bookstore. What a wonderful place. I know we’re all going to be getting books directly implanted into our brains soon enough, but I still enjoy a good old-fashioned book in my hands.”

“Paper over electronics?” Charlie asked.

“Yes.”

Jo returned with their drinks. As Charlie watched, her mother expertly squeezed lime into the chilled glass, then poured in the bottle of Corona.

“You’ve done this before,” she said, not sure if she should be admiring or shocked.

“More than once.” Dominique took a sip, then smiled at Jo. “I’ll have the burger. Medium, with the sweet-potato fries.”

“You got it.” She glanced at Charlie and raised her eyebrows. “Same for you?”

Charlie nodded.

When Jo had left, she took a drink of her diet soda, then squared her shoulders. “Mom?”

Dominique sighed. “I know that tone. You’re about to tell me something I won’t like.”

Good call, she thought. “I’m about to tell you that Clay and I are dating.”

Her mother tilted her head. “I already knew that.”

Big oops. “Um, we’re exclusive,” she said quickly, knowing that she would take the truth to her grave. No way was she discussing her long-term sexual dysfunction with Dominique.

“It was his idea,” she added, both proud and defensive.

Dominique picked up the napkin and blotted her lips. Then she nodded slowly. “I think that’s wonderful. If you’re getting serious, I should probably get to know him. Isn’t that the traditional next step?”

Charlie felt her mouth drop open. She consciously closed it. “You want to spend some time with Clay?”

“Yes. Don’t worry. I’m not going to ask any embarrassing questions. I just want to get to know him. He’s your boyfriend and an important part of your life.”

Charlie hadn’t thought in terms of the b word. She found it a little startling to think about. “Okay,” she mumbled, knowing she would do her best to put off the meeting for as long as possible.

“Good.” Dominique took another drink of her beer. “I hope it works out for the two of you. Falling in love is so wonderful.”

Had Charlie been drinking, she would have choked. “No one’s in love.”

“You don’t start out that way, of course, but who knows what could happen. Love is a miracle. I still remember when I fell in love with your father. He swept into my life without warning and changed everything.”