All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)(78)

“I don’t mean to pry,” May said, “but isn’t it expensive to live in a hotel?”

Dominique took a sandwich for herself and placed it on the delicate plate in front of her. The hotel had lovely china for their tea service. Traditional and just fussy enough to be feminine.

“Money isn’t a problem,” Dominique said quietly. “I did well in my career and I’ve been even more fortunate with my investments. I could live in hotels for three lifetimes and never touch the principal balance. But as I’m sure you learned a long time ago, money might buy security, but it doesn’t buy relationships. Besides, I believe that me living in a hotel helps Charlie. It makes my time here seem less permanent and therefore she’s less threatened by me having bought the dance studio.”

“Impressive,” May said, then sipped her tea. “Looking at it from her point of view.”

“It seems to help.”

Dominique had come to see that she still had a long way to go when it came to understanding the mother-daughter dynamic. But progress had been made. Charlie took her calls and reacted favorably when Dominique suggested they get together. It would be some time before they were truly close, but Dominique was willing to do the work. When she was around her daughter, she felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced since Dan had died. Her only regret was the years she’d wasted being so self-centered and foolish.

“You’re doing well,” May told her.

“I hope so. Once I started to understand what I was doing wrong, I was able to make progress.” She smiled. “I do miss talking about myself, though.”

May laughed. “That’s why you have friends like me.”

Dominique smiled and reached for a sandwich, but her hands shook a little. Were they friends? she wondered. That would be nice. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a real friend. Someone who cared about her without being tied to her business.

“Rafe and Heidi are due home,” May said, obviously not aware she’d said anything significant. “Their flight arrives late Friday. I’m thinking of having a football party on Sunday.”

Dominique tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“People come over to watch football.”

“On purpose?”

“Yes, on purpose.” May said the words with a smile. “All three of my boys will be there. Heidi, of course and Annabelle. I suspect Clay will want Charlie there. Glen wouldn’t miss it. Why don’t you come? You don’t have to understand the game to have a good time. There will be plenty of food and you can hang with Charlie without there being any pressure.”

Dominique liked the sound of that. Hanging, as May called it. Just being one of the group.

“Thank you. I’d like to bring something.” She smiled impishly. “I’ve gotten to know the head chef at the restaurant. Her sister was a huge fan and danced for several years, so we have that in common. I’m sure she could come up with something delicious.”

May laughed. “Bring dessert. I’m providing everything else. It’s just easy finger food. Nachos, chicken wings and a few other appetizers.”

“Perfect,” Dominique said, thinking about everyone sitting around watching a game on TV. “Easy food means easy conversation. I see where you’re going with that. Very sensible.”

May patted her arm. “You haven’t been around many families, have you?”

“No. I was always traveling or rehearsing or attending class. The world of dance is demanding. When I was on the road, the company had instructors travel with us so we wouldn’t miss practice.” She smiled. “When I know you better, I’ll let you see my feet. Dancers’ feet are not pretty. Between the broken toes, the bruises, the years of abuse, we end up with battered and twisted feet.” She held out her leg, showing off her sensible pump. “All concealed under the finest leather.”

“You worked very hard for your success.”

“I did,” Dominique said easily. “The effort was the easy part. Being away was difficult. When I was married, I desperately missed Dan. After he was gone, I couldn’t seem to grasp he wouldn’t be home waiting for me. I’ve never been so sad.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“I’ll never stop loving him.”

“I know the feeling. I lost my husband, as well. It took me nearly twenty years to find Glen.” May’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I never thought I’d be in love again. Certainly not at my age. But there he was and I couldn’t resist him.”

Dominique had heard that people could fall for someone else. She didn’t envy them. No one could come close to Dan and missing him was better than loving anyone else.

“I take it you’re not ready to start dating,” May said with a gentle smile. “I shouldn’t introduce you to one of Glen’s friends?”

“No, thank you. I’ve taken lovers a few times, but never enjoyed the experience. There’s only been Dan. I was blessed to have him in my life. I’ve been blessed in many ways. My career and now I’ve been given a second chance with my daughter. It’s more than enough for anyone.”

* * *

CLAY HELPED RAFE pull the sofas around to face the big TV. His older brother straightened and stared at the big screen mounted on the wall.