California Girls(106)

“Children are a blessing,” he continued. “Not many people can do what you’re doing. Remember that. You’re an amazing person.”

“I mostly feel crabby.”

“That’s okay, too. Anything else?”

“Nope. I believe in one big secret at a time and I already have mine.”

“I’m proud of you, Zennie. You should be proud of yourself, as well.”

His words touched her. “Thank you. I’ll try.” And if that didn’t work, there were always the foot rubs.

*

Ali closed her eyes as Finola applied eyeliner. “I could have done this myself,” she said. “It’s my left arm that’s broken, not my right.”

But she wasn’t complaining. It was nice to have her sister fussing over her, like she had when they’d been kids.

Finola had texted both her sisters to talk about the motorbike accident. That exchange had led to a three-way conversation about Ali’s broken arm and Mom showing up in the ER. Her relationship with Daniel had tumbled out. While Ali had expected to be scolded, both her sisters had been supportive. When Finola had learned of the dinner with Daniel’s parents, she’d insisted on coming by to help Ali get ready.

“I want to be here.” Finola added more eye shadow. “I’m sorry about what I said before. About Daniel.”

Ali involuntarily opened her eyes. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not. I’ll make an excuse and tell you I was in a bad place, but that’s not good enough. I should have been more supportive.” She smiled. “Obviously I was wrong about how he felt about you.”

Ali felt herself flush. “He’s, um, pretty into this.”

“Then he’s a lucky guy.” Finola’s smile was kind. “You’re happy. Really happy. I can see it in your face. Don’t take this wrong, but you weren’t like this with Glen.”

“I know. The breakup was awful, but honestly the logistics of canceling the wedding were harder than losing him.”

“We all make mistakes. You learned from yours and you’re moving on with your life.”

Ali smiled. “I made Glen pay for half my VISA bill. I marched into his office and stared him down. When he asked about the engagement ring, I quoted California law—I get to keep it.”

“Good for you.”

“I’m not going to. I’m waiting a bit before I return it. I have no interest in what he gave me.” Plus she saw returning the ring as proof that she had moved on. Things were looking up, she thought happily. Finola had come around and even her mother had texted a semi-apology for how she’d been at the emergency room.

“Look at you,” Finola teased, as she reached for the mascara. “All grown up and happy in your new life.”

There was more, Ali thought with a bit of pride. Daniel had said he loved her. She wasn’t ready to share that with the world, not until she was sure her feelings were true love and not just a combination of hot sex and gratitude. Also, she’d killed at her interview, and starting in two weeks she was officially the new warehouse manager. She’d also decided to get her degree. Come September she would be taking two night classes at community college. She would get her degree in business management then conquer the world, with Daniel at her side.

“How are you doing?” Ali asked.

Finola finished with the mascara. She picked up an eyebrow pencil. “I’m dealing.”

“Mom said you’d moved back in.”

“Yes, well, Nigel’s at the house.”

Ali sat up straighter. “He’s done with Treasure?”

“So it seems.”

“Are you two...”

Finola wrinkled her nose. “We’re not getting back together.” She held up a hand. “We shouldn’t get into this now. You have your dinner and I don’t want you thinking about me. I’m okay. Sad and disappointed in both of us, but okay.”

“You’re getting a divorce?”

Finola nodded. “We’ve already talked to our respective lawyers. The house will be going up for sale. I’m going to stay with Mom until she lists her place, then I’ll find a rental near the studio.”

Ali hugged her. “I’m sorry. I’m so mad at him.”

“Thanks, but you don’t have to be. He was wrong to have the affair, but I screwed up, too. Just not so publicly.”

Ali was surprised. This Finola was different. Less brash, more thoughtful. Tragedy had a way of burning away the surface of a person, leaving what was underneath. In her sister’s case, that was a good thing.

“Let me know how I can help,” she said.

“Thanks. I’m okay. Like I said, I’m sad, but I’m okay. Now enough about me. We’re going to talk about how great you look and how much Daniel’s parents are going to adore you.”

Ali bit her lower lip. “Yes, well, they’ve already met me. As Glen’s fiancé.”

“You’re right. I’d forgotten that. Do you have any idea how it’s going to go?”

“Other than awkwardly? Not really.”

Ninety minutes later, as Ali and Daniel walked up the front walk to his parents’ beautiful Calabasas home, she hadn’t changed her mind.