All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)(74)

She smiled fondly. “It was freezing outside. I remember how he brought the cold in with him. I was about to complain, but then he smiled and I couldn’t speak. He was wearing a ridiculous plaid coat. I hated it. He let it fall to the ground and he had a plaid shirt on underneath. I hate plaid. But it looked so good on him. As I looked at him all I could think was that I wanted those strong arms around me and that I never wanted him to let go.”

Dominique paused, then glanced down at the table. “Sorry. I got carried away.”

“No. Don’t apologize. It’s nice to hear you talk about Dad. I know you loved him.”

“I did. He was everything. In a world where I could never be sure of anyone, he was my rock.” She looked at Charlie. “I would have given it all up for him.”

“He wouldn’t have wanted that. He knew how your career made you happy.”

“He made me happy. I was so lucky to have him, even for those few short years. I will love him forever.” She reached across the table and touched Charlie’s hand. “I hope you find that kind of love. With Clay or someone else. I hope you know what it’s like to be with the one person who truly loves and respects you.”

Charlie felt the sincerity of her words. “Thanks, Mom. I’d like that, too.”

“Your father saw me for who I really was and he loved me anyway. So few people were interested in me as a person. They wanted to be with the star, the dancer. He loved the woman, flaws and all. That was very powerful.”

Dominique drew back and stared at her drink.

Her sadness was tangible. Charlie missed her father, but had a feeling her pain was on a different plane. Dominique had been shattered. It was unfortunate that the two of them hadn’t been able to connect over the loss and find solace in each other. Maybe they could change that now. Reconnect with each other. Charlie wasn’t looking for a sitcom mother who baked and giggled about boys. But she wouldn’t mind having someone she could think of as family.

* * *

ANNABELLE STRETCHED OUT on one of the lounge chairs in Charlie’s backyard. She had a sun hat pulled low and her feet up. “Don’t for a moment think I’m leaving without getting an answer. You two have been seen all over town, making out like teenagers. I consider myself a close personal friend, so I want the truth.”

Annabelle raised her hat and narrowed her eyes. “Do you doubt my determination?”

Charlie laughed. “Not for a second.”

“Good. Now start at the beginning. Last I heard, you were using Clay for sex. I totally respect that, by the way.”

“I know. It’s why we’re friends.”

“And?”

Charlie was glad Annabelle worried about her delicate complexion. That meant she was more concerned with keeping her face covered than watching Charlie’s expression. As Charlie was currently grinning like an idiot, she didn’t have to be embarrassed. She could revel in her happiness and still be considered one of the cool kids.

“Clay and I have been sleeping together,” she began. “It’s been going well.”

“I should hope so. I’m going to marry into the family. I would hate to have to be embarrassed by my brother-in-law’s bedroom skills.”

“You can rest easy. He’s spectacular.”

Annabelle groaned. “TMI.”

“Sorry. Anyway, I was thinking that I was, you know, healed, so I told him.”

Annabelle pulled off the hat. “Just like that?”

“I thought I had to.”

“You are principled, young lady. Then what happened?”

“Clay listened and agreed. We were done with our deal.” She did her best not to beam. “Then he said he wanted us to keep seeing each other. Exclusively. So we’re dating.”

Annabelle laughed. “You have a boyfriend.”

“Something like that.”

“Patience said you were holding hands when you went to the movies. It’s very sweet.”

“Don’t make me hurt you.”

“Come on, let us have fun with this. You’ve got this amazing guy. The little people should be able to find happiness where they can.”

“Fine. Mock me all you want.”

“I will.” Her eyes widened. “I know. Marry Clay and then we can be sisters.”

Charlie was surprised by the jolt of longing that shot through her. “Calm down. No one’s getting married.”

“I knew you’d say that.” She replaced her hat and sighed. “I like this. We’re all in love. Except for Patience. We need to fix her up with someone. Know any single guys?”

Charlie considered who was in town. “There’s the new guy.”

Annabelle removed her hat again. “What new guy?”

“Gideon. Gabriel. Something like that.”

“What? Why don’t I know about this? Who is he?”

“He bought the local radio station. Mayor Marsha told me a few weeks ago. It’s all very mysterious.”

“Have you seen him? Is he good-looking?”

“I haven’t seen him and I don’t care what he looks like. I only have eyes for Clay.”

“As you should.” Annabelle paused and re-covered her face. “I was going to ask more questions about the radio guy, but you’ve distracted me. About Clay... Should I worry?”