by Dawn Tomasko
"I’ll tell my daughter when I'm damn good and ready. Listen, I called about your stuff, and I don't want to hear any shit about Bree. Penny doesn’t know much about our marriage, and I want it to stay that way."
David and a woman named Penny would remodel the house. It all seemed so unreal. In the past, she cared so much about all the details of their life, the house, and the yard, all of it. If Penny did exist, all Sara cared about was that she could rest easy, stop the constant pulse of fear that David would come to her and make good on his promise.
"Sara."
Jarred from her thoughts, she jumped a little. "Feel free to throw it all out."
"What? Don't you want to know what it is?” Sara recognized the rising irritation in his voice and fought to ignore the answering throb of her pulse. The one thing she hated most about fighting with him was her response to his moods. It wasn’t easy to repel his fury, his criticism. She tended to absorb it, which was a lifelong habit with her. One she intended to break.
"No,” she replied. No, David, the last thing I want is to have to talk to you, see you, or deal with you in any way. Personal possessions mean nothing, but she would protect this new start on life. "I took what I wanted. Throw the rest away."
The silence meant she'd surprised him.
"Do you need anything else?"
"No,” he sounded confused.
"Are you getting the support you need? If you've started a new relationship, you need counseling more than ever. You deserve peace, David, and she deserves to be safe. She should know what you’re going through and know what she’s getting into."
"You're such a bitch, Sara. Nothing ever changes. Fuck you,” he ground out viciously and ended the call. After she let out a long, cleansing breath, she placed the phone on the counter, hands shaking. Wandering to the living room window to stare blindly at the ocean beyond, she placed her sweaty hands on the wide sill. The rollercoaster of David’s emotions and thoughts fluctuated so much she couldn't keep up. Nor did she want to.
But it wouldn't hurt to throw a prayer in his direction, so she did and tossed one in for Bree and herself. Doing the right thing mattered. She prayed for David and Penny, if she existed. The woman who now filled the gap she left behind. How could she relax when Penny's life might be in danger?
Hot cherry pie cooled on a wire rack on the counter. Her contribution to tonight's meal came in the form of dessert, one of her specialties. The hand-crimped edges pleased her, and she had taken the time to make cutouts of dough in the shapes of cherries with leaves on top. Coarse sugar glistened on the warm crust and steam wafted from the rich red filling.
Tonight she wore white denim Capri's, dark blue sandals and an indigo linen top she'd found at a shop in Town. Like most items for sale on the island, it cost her, but she loved linen in summer and found the blue irresistible. Lately, she'd discovered a particular fondness for the color. She took care with her makeup, put on jewelry, rare for her. Just a bit of color at her ears, and a thin silver bracelet at her wrist.
Why did the idea of meeting Gabriel's mother disquiet her? In social situations, she could hold her own. Why did this matter so much? Because she cared about Gabriel, more than she thought possible.
This morning, he called to offer a ride to Charlotte's house, but she declined. The excuse she didn't want to put him out of his way was valid, but she wanted her car. It was important to be able to leave when she wanted, on her terms.
Once she tucked the warm pie in a box on a dishcloth, she headed to the car. She also brought printouts of ideas for the baby's room.
The Silvas lived at the edge of Town, in a historic saltbox. Two years after they bought it Gary added a large deck on the back. French doors from the dining room led out to the wooden porch. They practically lived outdoors in better weather so tonight’s dinner would be an outside affair.
Her penchant for being early paid off, and she pulled in behind Charlotte's car. She needed time to get settled before Gabriel and his mother arrived. Charlotte came out to greet her as Sara picked up the pie, and swung her hip to close the car door.
"Hey, sweetie,” she eagerly grabbed the box from Sara and kissed her cheek. Charlotte buried her nose in the box and inhaled. "This is gorgeous and smells amazing. Thanks."
"You're welcome. Hope it tastes good."
They started toward the back of the house. Charlotte tossed a look over her shoulder. "Of course, it will. It’s a foregone conclusion, and you know it. Whatever you make comes out right. Now, my culinary skills on the other hand…"
Sara laughed and made her way up the wide steps to the deck. "You do fine."
"You mean Gary does fine."
Gary stood on the far side of the deck, where he wiped his prized grill down with a dampened rag. The thing was massive. The grilling surface was huge, and there was a large area for food on one side and a burner on the other. "Hey beautiful,” he called out, then came over to grab her for a bear hug and hearty kiss on the cheek.
She squeezed him back. "Getting your other love ready I see?"
"Yeah, she's a beauty,” Gary whispered, looked over at the mountain of metal with stars in his eyes. "I’ve got a burner for chowder or corn, and two levels for grilling. Underneath, there’s a ton of storage. Yesterday the rotisserie I ordered came in. This year's model is excellent."
Gary told her these details as if she never heard them before. "What’s wrong with last year's model?” Sara asked, and hid a smile behind her fingers.
Charlotte made a face, and Sara bit back a grin. "It's like leasing a car. When you get tired of it, get a new one."
The women erupted into laughter. Sara rubbed his arm. "Well, I'll leave you two alone and give Charlotte a hand in the kitchen."
Chapter Twelve
"Will you wrap the potatoes in foil?” Charlotte asked as she added fresh herbs and olive oil to a cruet for homemade salad dressing. Running a tapered fingernail down the list of ingredients, she nodded. "Looks like I have it right. This dressing is Gary's favorite recipe."
"I love your kitchen. All these tall windows letting the sun in. This tile floor is gorgeous.” With the privacy of the backyard, there was no real need for windows treatments, so Charlotte left the windows bare. The textured floor tiles looked like natural stone, and the sun created a dappled effect on the surface.
"I know the cottage living room's your focus right now, but once you tackle the kitchen, it'll be what you want it to be."
"I'm already painting the cabinets, which made a huge difference, and picked out several pieces of furniture.” A frown creased the skin between her eyebrows. "But the house isn't mine, Charlotte. I shouldn't get too excited about it."
Charlotte paused in her work. "Decorate the house as if you planned to live there yourself."
"Why would I do that?” Sara huffed out a laugh.
In an offhand manner, she waved her hand. "Because your taste is good and it'll sell quicker. If you put your creative touches on the cottage, it'll be more marketable. Why not enjoy the process?"
Sara mulled it over for a minute. "I'd love to. But it’ll make it harder for me when it comes time to move. I'm half in love with the place already. How are you feeling?"
Dimples appeared in Charlotte's cheeks, and her bangles rang when she shook the cruet. "I’m deliriously happy. Thanks to hormones, I get nauseous every morning, I'm tired, and horny as hell. Gary runs around with a stupid grin on his face all day long. A tiny human is growing inside me."
"That's wonderful. Miraculous!” Sara leaned over to kiss her cheek. "I love you."
"The feeling is entirely mutual, girlfriend."
"Will we have a little man or a little lady?” Sara mused. "Will the baby have your chestnut hair, Gary's grin?"
Charlotte's hand rested low over her still-flat belly. "I know, I think about it all the time. Baby names, baby clothes, baby smell."
"Decorating the nursery will be fun."
Leaning a hip against the counter, Charlotte's gaze
slid toward her. "You're sure you'll be here to help me? My due date is in January."
Sara tilted her head to the side, considered a moment. "We've talked about it before. I'm sure now. I'll visit Town Hall this week and work on the startup of my business. If the house doesn't sell, maybe we can work something out with the owner. Or you can find me another rental."
"We'll make it work.” A huge smile spread across her friend's face. "You being here will make it perfect. I’m happy you’re staying on the island. Every year we see you for a week or two, and it’s the best time of the year for me. I hate seeing you leave on that boat. Now you’re here, and I don’t have to say goodbye. You can throw my baby shower, and I won't have to stress about Gary's mom doing it. Among other things, I won't have to worry about the favors being those awful Jordan almonds wrapped in tulle."
Peals of laughter sounded in the kitchen, drifted out of the windows. Gary, still at work on the grill, chuckled.
"I promise you, no matter what, I'll throw your baby shower, and there will be no Jordan almonds. We can say no nuts in case someone has an allergy."
"Brilliant.” They worked a few minutes in the easy quiet only best friends can enjoy. "Are you looking forward to meeting Gabe's mom?” Charlotte tore lettuce, rinsed it and set it in a salad spinner in the sink.
"I'm a little nervous, but yes. From the way he talks, I sense they have a solid relationship. I love to watch for family resemblance and shared mannerisms. But it's good we're here at your house."
"Yeah, I thought you’d be more comfortable.” She rinsed and dried an English cucumber and started to slice it. “You like Gabe, don't you?"
Sara paused, fingers tightly gripping a foil wrapped potato. Then she stacked it on a tray with the others. "Yes. He's a good man."
Charlotte opened a can of black olives and drained them in the sink. "He likes you, too, honey. A whole lot."
"What do you mean?” Sara's eyes snapped to hers. "Did he say so?"
While she rinsed the sink, Charlotte shook her head, chestnut curls bouncing. "Not to me, but he told Gary, not that he needed to. Any dimwit could tell the other night at dinner. Forget the chocolate cake we ate, the man looked like he could eat you with a spoon."
"For God's sake, Charlotte,” she scolded, but her face flushed. Heat spread down through her like molten lava. Even with her closest friend, she didn’t like being transparent.
"Hey.” Charlotte planted her hands on her hips.
"What?"
Charlotte waved her hand back and forth between them. "This is you and me. Why don't you drop the bullshit and come clean? Tell me about him. Without the smoke and mirrors, without the walls up."
Sara’s cheeks stung. If anything, she'd always been honest with Charlotte.
"Come on, spill it.”
"Okay, you asked for it.” Hands on her hips, she faced Charlotte. “He's tall, ripped, smart, and funny. He annoys me, fights with me, makes me laugh, and gets under my skin. When I look into his eyes, I feel like I'm drowning. When he kisses me, I see stars. He's sweet and kind and patient. It’s hot that his hair's too long and curls at the ends, and his mouth is incredible. I admire his ass when he saunters around in his work pants. His dirty, scuffed boots show how hard he works. You should see him swing a sledgehammer. I even like his sweaty old baseball cap."
Charlotte's mouth dropped open. "Wow."
"Most of all, he sees me. Truly understands me."
"Wow.” For once, Charlotte was at a loss for words.
Picking up another potato, she wrapped it in foil and sighed, "Yeah."
Gabriel and Antoinette Donovan, or Toni, as she preferred to be called, arrived at seven sharp. With all dinner preparations complete, the group gathered on the deck for a round of drinks before Gary lit the grill.
The men drank local beer and Sara drank Pinot Grigrio. Toni made herself a martini, and of course, Charlotte passed on alcohol for a glass of cranberry juice and seltzer.
After the introductions, Sara’s heart filled with joy when Gabriel leaned down to kiss her cheek and give her shoulder a light squeeze. Conversation ran light and enjoyable, peppered with laughs and good companionship. It gave Sara the opportunity to observe Toni casually and get a feel for her.
Dressed in crisply ironed linen slacks with a matching lime green top, Toni looked like a fit, active woman. The jewelry she wore spoke of subtle quality. Gabriel's mom shared her coloring with him, and Sara imagined she spent a great deal of time outdoors. Gabriel towered over her, which made Sara wonder if the height came from his father's side of the family.
Toni proved to be genuine and easygoing. She loved her son deeply, evident by the way she told stories from Gabriel's youth. Comfortable with her, he took her good-natured ribbing in stride.
Sara could also see a sharp, intelligent woman. When Toni came to sit next to Sara to talk, she made a conscious effort to relax and be natural. When Gary lit the grill, Charlotte brought out the marinated chicken and pork tenderloin so he could cook the meat.
"Sara, I understand you and Charlotte have been friends forever.” The gold drop earrings swung from her earlobes, set off by her short, chic hairstyle.
"We have,” she smiled, sipped her wine. "Every summer for at least two weeks my family vacations here."
"I don't blame you. The island is beautiful, and there's nothing like a best friend to share life's moments. Add to that the wonderful news about Charlotte and Gary having a baby. My niece, Gabriel's cousin, is expecting soon."
Did he have a large family? Their conversations hadn't progressed so far yet. "Is this their first?"
"No, they have two already, twins. Gabriel tells me you have a daughter."
"Yes, Brianna.” She fingered the stem of her glass. "She's at college now, ready for summer break. Her major is criminal justice."
"That's impressive. Will she be coming here to stay the summer?"
Bree hadn't mentioned a word about her plans. "I hope she'll spend some time here. I know Brianna wants a job for summer break, and there are plenty here. At home she babysits. She's worked hard and saved her money. Then again, she may go back to her dad in Connecticut."
Was she rambling? A quick glance at Gabriel earned her a sexy smile.
Toni reached out to touch the back of her hand. "You’re very proud of her."
"I am. She's a good girl, independent and focused."
"I'm equally proud of our two sons.” At the mention of family talk, Gabriel's mouth tightened, and his gaze flicked down toward his beer. He tilted the glass up and drank deeply. "Michael and my husband Nathaniel work Donovan Enterprises single-handedly. Gabriel’s work there rivaled my husband’s, but we should follow our passion. My son is a talented craftsman. That's where his heart is. He took me to see some of his work around the island. Beautifully done. What matters most is his happiness, and I can see he’s found it.” Toni graced her son with a knowing smile and glanced between the two of them. What had he told her about their relationship?
Sara genuinely liked Toni. "You should come out to the cottage. He's rebuilding the front porch, and many other parts of the house,” she laughed while Charlotte set out a tray of plates, napkins, and silverware. Sara stood to help set the table.
Toni watched her with interest and curiosity. "Thank you, Sara. I'd like that."
So the night stretched on, with her close friends, Gabriel and getting to know his mom. Certain expressions of Toni’s mirrored those she'd noticed in Gabriel. Relaxed by good company and good wine, the night sped by faster than she thought possible.
Gary made a pot of coffee and Sara sliced pie for everyone.
"Sara, this pie is so good,” Gabriel said around a mouthful of pie. Cherry juice and crystalline sugar coated his lips. What she would give to put her mouth on his and lick away the juice and granules.
"Glad you like it.” When he noticed she stared at his mouth, he ran his tongue over it. Then he gave a wink. Heat emanated from her face, and her gaze flicked to Toni, w
ho busily ate her dessert. Sara narrowed her eyes at him, and he chuckled.
Dishes now clean, Sara decided to go. Since they parked behind her, Gabriel and Toni decided to leave too.
"Goodnight, Sara, such a pleasure to have met you,” Toni gave her a friendly hug. "I hope we see each other again soon. Goodnight.” She walked to the end of the drive and climbed into the truck, leaving them alone.
Arms crossed, Gabriel leaned against her car while a smile played on his mouth. The man was apparently in no hurry to leave.
"What's the grin for, buddy?”
He nodded toward his truck. "Mom likes you. That's huge."
"The feeling's mutual. Toni's a fascinating woman. She's funny, kind, beautiful. There's a lot of her in you."
He reached out to grip her wrist and then hauled her up against him snugly, so they stood hip to hip. Sucking in a breath, she fought an insane urge to jump up and wrap her legs around him. Part of her thrilled a bit to his rough handling. Sara knew he would never hurt her.
"You think I'm beautiful?” he murmured and leaned down to nuzzle his nose on hers.
"There’s funny and kind, too. Don't let it go to your head. Right now you look like the Chesire Cat. It's a little spooky."
He threw his head back, laughed. His large hand came up to cup her face, and his lips hovered close to hers. "More like the cat who lapped up all the cream,” he purred and set his lips on hers. Not a chaste kiss by any stretch of the imagination, but hard, long and heated. With his mom sitting right there in the truck, Sara squirmed.
"Gabriel, your mom —"
"— Is probably on her e-reader and knows how much I like being with you.” Long fingers tightened on her hips as he nibbled his way down her neck. "She's good to me. She'd sit there for an hour if needed so I can get my goodnight kiss."
An answering flutter stirred her belly. "You want to kiss me for an hour?”
"For starters.” Hands buried in her hair, he kissed her, massaged her neck, shoulders. Wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her high and tight against his body.
