All Summer Long (Fool's Gold #9)

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.”

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?”