The Summer of Me: A Novel

by Angela Benson

“She seems as nice as you said,” Bertice said to Destiny.

  “She’s special.” Destiny patted the back of her chair. “Take a seat so we can get started.” After Bertice sat in the chair at Destiny’s station, Destiny ran her fingers through Bertice’s hair. “When was the last time you washed it?”

  “A little over a week ago.”

  “Hop up then. Let’s go to the back so I can wash you.”

  Destiny led Bertice back to the shampoo bowls.

  “This place isn’t bad,” Bertice said, taking a seat in front of the first shampoo bowl. “It’s not your house, of course, but it’s still not bad. Do you like it?”

  Destiny adjusted the water temperature in the bowl. “I don’t not like it,” she said. “Today is my first day; I haven’t been here long enough to have any kind of opinion. It seems as though it’s going to work out for me.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. You know I’m proud of you, don’t you, Destiny? Things are looking up for you both professionally and personally. Where are things with you and Daniel?”

  Destiny used the sprayer to saturate Bertice’s hair with water. “They’ve been going well,” she said. “We’ve been seeing each other a couple of times a week since the reception, not counting the time that we spend working together. If you count those and when I see him at church, I’d say we see each other four or five times a week.”

  “It sounds like things are getting serious with you two. Is it? You’re certainly spending a lot of time together.”

  “I know, but it’s only because of work and church,” Destiny said as she began rubbing shampoo into Bertice’s hair. “We’re both excited about where things are going but we’re still really taking things slowly. Neither one of us is in a rush.”

  “That sounds about like me and Phil. I really like him, Destiny. You like him, too, don’t you?”

  Hearing the uncertainty in her friend’s voice, Destiny said, “Of course I like him. Why wouldn’t I? He’s a nice guy, Bertice. The work he found for me has been a godsend. And Daniel likes him, too. I think he even won Natalie over, and you know what a coup that was.”

  “I think so, too. It started the night of the reception but I think he really sealed it last Sunday when we showed up at church.”

  Destiny chuckled. “I think you’re right. How did that happen anyway?”

  “I invited him,” Bertice said. “As much time as you, Natalie, and I spend together, I figure it’s important that the men in our lives get along. Even better, that they like each other. We can plan one of those couples’ nights out when you get back from California. We had a nice time together the night of the reception. We should try it again soon.”

  “Sounds good to me. After I get back will be great.”

  “Are you excited?” Bertice asked.

  “Eager to see my kids,” she said. “Even with all I’m doing while they’re away, I still miss them like crazy. I can’t wait to get on that plane.”

  “Are you all packed and ready to go? Do you need me to take you to the airport?”

  Destiny shook her head. “It’s a short trip so I didn’t have much packing to do, and Daniel’s going to drive me and Mom to the airport.”

  “I should have known,” Bertice said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Daniel was going to California with you.”

  Destiny chuckled. “We’re not that serious.”

  “Yet,” Bertice added.

  “Yet,” Destiny agreed.

  “Well, is there anything else I can do?” Bertice asked. “Do you want me to check on your house while you’re gone?”

  “If you don’t mind. That would be great. You still have your key, don’t you?”

  “Sure do,” Bertice said. “I may go rummaging through your stuff while you’re away. That’ll keep me busy.”

  Destiny rolled her eyes. “You rummage while I’m home, so you don’t have a need to do it while I’m gone.”

  Bertice chuckled. “You’ve got a point.”

  Destiny cut off the water, grabbed a towel, and squeezed the water out of Bertice’s hair. When she was done, she wrapped the towel around her friend’s head. “You can get up now so we can go back to my station.”

  After Bertice was seated at her station, Destiny removed the towel from her head and fluffed out her hair. Then she took out her blow dryer and began to dry it. “Do you and Phil have plans for this weekend?”

  “We had planned to go to church again on Sunday,” Bertice said, “but I’m not sure what else we’re doing.”

  “Is something wrong?” Destiny asked, detecting a hint of concern in her friend’s voice.

  “To be honest, I don’t know,” Bertice said. “Things are going well with me and Phil but I’m beginning to feel some distance. I can’t put my finger on it and he says there’s nothing wrong but I can’t shake this feeling.”

  “What kind of feeling? Do you think he’s seeing somebody else?”

  “Nothing like that,” she said. “But Phil’s dealing with something that he’s keeping from me.”

  “You don’t have any idea what it could be? Maybe it’s the business. He could be having financial trouble of some kind.”

  Bertice shook her head. “I don’t think that’s it. I don’t know. Maybe I’m blowing this out of proportion. I shouldn’t look for trouble, should I?”

  “No, you shouldn’t. Sometimes you create trouble for yourself by looking for it when it doesn’t exist.”

  Bertice chuckled. “That makes no sense, but I fully understand it. I think that means we’ve been friends too long.”

  “Nah. It just means that we understand each other.”

  Chapter 30

  DANIEL EXPERIENCED A NEW LEVEL OF DISCOMFORT AS he drove to Destiny’s house. Though he’d visited her home several times since that fateful night of the reception, today’s visit was different because he was meeting Destiny’s mother for the first time. After they ate lunch, he was driving them to the airport. Destiny had hinted that lunch was her mother’s idea. And he knew enough about mothers to understand the woman wanted to check him out. He didn’t mind though. It was only natural that a mother would want to meet the new man in town who was dating her daughter and was also her boss. Well, sort of her boss.

  No, his uneasiness did not come solely from concern about meeting Destiny’s mom. Much of his uneasiness was based in the half-truths he’d told Destiny, from his relationship with Phil to what he knew about what was going on with HR Solutions. If what was growing between them was to have any chance at all, he needed to come clean with her.

  He’d decided to wait until after her return from California so that she could enjoy her trip without the cloud of what he had to tell her hanging over her head. And while she was away, he’d make a quick trip to Memphis to have a strategy session with George and William. He’d also have to get on the same page with Phil. The man was as anxious to come clean with Bertice as he was to come clean with Destiny. They both were being led by their hearts.

  As he pulled his car into Destiny’s driveway, he said a quick prayer for guidance and courage, knowing he needed both in order to do what had to be done.

  Destiny greeted him at the door after he rang the bell. “You’re right on time,” she said when she opened the door. “Thanks for offering to drive us to the airport. You really didn’t have to do it.”

  He leaned in and pressed a kiss on her cheek, effectively cutting her off. When he pulled back, he said, “I’ll take any excuse to see you.”

  She smiled, but before she could speak, her mother called out, “Is that your friend?”

  She smiled again and reached for his hand. “Come on,” she said. “I hope you’re ready for this. Patricia Madison is a special kind of force.”

  He squeezed her hand. “She’d have to be to have a daughter like you.”

  She chuckled. “You’re pretty good at this,” she said.

  “Just calling them like I see them,” he said.

  When they reached the kitchen, the
older woman who had to be Destiny’s mother was mixing a salad. When Destiny called out to her, she turned toward them. Daniel looked for Destiny in her mother’s features, but he didn’t see her. She must look like her dad, he thought.

  “Mom,” Destiny said, “I’d like you to meet Daniel Thomas.” She looked at Daniel. “Daniel, this is my mom, Patricia Madison.”

  Daniel took a few steps to close the distance between them. “I’m honored to meet you, Mrs. Madison.” Then he leaned in and pressed a kiss on her cheek.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too, Daniel,” she said, when he pulled back. “I’ve wanted to meet you for a while now. Thank you so much for being willing to drive us to the airport and pick us up when we get back. I really don’t like the hassle that comes with parking and getting to and from the terminal.”

  He glanced at Destiny. “I’m glad to help out,” he said. “Besides, it gives me one last chance to spend some time with Destiny before she leaves. I’ve gotten used to seeing her beautiful face.”

  “I’ll be back before you start missing me,” Destiny said, but he could tell by the light in her eyes that she was pleased with his words. “Monday will be here before you know it.”

  Daniel noticed Mrs. Madison was smiling as well. He was glad to have made a positive first impression. He hoped the rest of their time together continued that impression.

  “We’d better eat,” Mrs. Madison said, “if we’re going to get out of here and not have to rush to the airport.” She tipped her head toward the dining room. “Daniel, why don’t you wash up and take a seat at the end of the table.”

  He smiled down at her. “You’re not putting me on the hot seat, are you, Mrs. Madison?”

  The older woman chuckled. “Not me,” she said, feigning innocence.

  He gave her a quick grin in return, and then headed to the bathroom to wash his hands. Destiny said something to her mother. Though he couldn’t make out the words, her chiding tone told him that she was warning her mother about making him uncomfortable. He’d have to let her know that he was enjoying himself and not being made uncomfortable at all. When he made his way to the dining room, Destiny and her mother were seated on opposite sides of his chair at the end of the table. “I could get used to this,” he said, taking his seat. “Beauty and charm on either side of me. I’m going to get spoiled.”

  “You’re a charmer, aren’t you, Mr. Thomas?” Mrs. Madison said.

  Daniel picked up his napkin and put it in his lap. “No, ma’am,” he said. “I’m merely making an honest observation.”

  Mrs. Madison raised her glass to him. “I think I like you, Daniel Thomas.”

  He glanced at Destiny. “I hope you do,” he said, “because I’m really enjoying getting to know your daughter. She’s smart and charming.” He turned back to the older woman. “And now I know where she gets both.”

  “You’re a charmer yourself, Daniel,” Mrs. Madison said, a twinkle in her eyes. “Destiny’s lucky to have a boss, and friend, like you.”

  Daniel laughed. Not much got by the older woman. “Destiny’s been a great help with getting a couple of programs off the ground at the church. No way could I have done it without her.”

  Mrs. Madison turned to Destiny. “I’m not surprised. She’s always had a good head on her shoulders. I’m glad to see others recognize it.”

  “Mom,” Destiny said, and Daniel knew that while her mother’s words pleased her, she was also a bit embarrassed by them.

  Seeing her discomfort, he turned the conversation. “Has Destiny told you about our project?”

  “A little,” the older woman said. “But I’d love to hear more.”

  Daniel took that as his cue to take over the conversation, so he did. After he finished describing both programs, he said, “A lot of folks will be helped by these programs. Lives will be changed. And none of it would be happening without Destiny’s help.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Destiny said. “You would have pulled this off without me. I’m quite sure of that.”

  He shook his head. Then he spoke directly to Destiny. “I’m not so sure. We would have had the programs, but they wouldn’t be the same programs. I firmly believe that God puts people together for a reason. Our meeting each other and working together are no coincidence.”

  “You and I think alike, Daniel,” Mrs. Madison said. “There are no coincidences with God.” She looked at her watch. “I’m going to go freshen up before we have to head for the airport. I’ll leave it to you young people to clear the table.”

  “Will do,” Daniel said as she got up to leave.

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Destiny said, after her mother left the room. “She means well.”

  Daniel reached out and covered her hand, which was resting on the table, with his. “She didn’t say or do anything that requires an apology. She’s as charming as you are.”

  Destiny threaded her fingers through his. “I’m glad you see it that way.”

  “There’s no other way to see it,” he said, lifting their folded hands to his lips. “I really am going to miss you.”

  “I’ll be back before you have time to miss me,” she said.

  He eyed her. “Does that mean you won’t miss me?”

  She smiled. “How can I miss you if I’m going to be talking to you every day?”

  “So you’re going to call me every day that you’re gone? I’m not sure I believe that. You’re going to be too excited about being with your kids.”

  “You’re right about that. I miss them something fierce. Kids. They drive you crazy when they’re around and they drive you crazy when they’re away. It’s not fair.”

  He gave her fingers a light squeeze. “I don’t think fairness has anything to do with the parent-child relationship. It just is what it is,” he said, thinking both of her relationship with her kids and her relationship with her mother. He’d save further discussion of the latter until she returned from her trip. “So I’m going to let you off the hook. I’m not going to expect you to call me every day. If you find some time, please do call, but don’t let calling me get in the way of your time with your kids. You’re only going to be there a short time and we’ll have plenty of time to catch up when you get back.”

  “I appreciate your understanding,” she said, “but I’m sure I’ll find time to call you.”

  “Just know there’s no pressure.”

  “I know,” she said. “I’m going to just relax and enjoy myself and my kids. No worries at all.”

  “That’s my girl,” he said, wishing he wouldn’t have any worries. But he would. He’d have them until he was able to sit down and tell her the full truth about his involvement with HR Solutions. “Hey, we’d better get moving. I don’t want your mom getting mad at me for making her have to rush to the terminal.”

  Chapter 31

  DESTINY’S HEART RACED AS SHE WATCHED HER KIDS run down the beach back toward the leased beachfront house Mary Margaret’s company had rented for the summer. She’d been a bit irritated when they first arrived and she learned that Mary Margaret’s mother was visiting the same weekend that she was. She hadn’t come to California to socialize with Charlotte Wells. She’d come to spend time with her kids. She’d feared that she’d be stuck making nice with the adults but her fears had been misplaced. Her kids had saved the day for her when they’d invited her to join them on their nightly walk on the beach. She’d been so happy to spend time with them that she hadn’t minded Kenneth’s presence.

  When they entered the house, Mary Margaret asked, “Did you guys have a good time?”

  “Kenae tried to make Mom walk into the waves but she wouldn’t do it,” KJ said. “She was scared, wasn’t she, Dad?”

  “I wasn’t scared,” Destiny said to her son. “I didn’t want to get wet.”

  “Mary Margaret likes to go in the water,” KJ offered. “Don’t you, Mary Margaret?”

  “I sure do, KJ,” she said. “The ocean feels wonderful. You have to try it befor
e you leave, Destiny.”

  “That’s right, Mom,” Kenae said. “You can spend the whole day on the beach with us.”

  “Okay,” Destiny said, willing to do whatever her kids wanted to do. “You’ve convinced me. A full day on the beach it is.”

  “You, too, Grandma,” KJ said.

  “A day on the beach sounds great to me. I brought my Kindle so I can read while everybody else swims.”

  Kenae rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe people in this family don’t like to swim. You’re missing out.”

  “Enough, kids,” Destiny said, feeling magnanimous now that she’d had some time with her kids. “Why don’t you go to your rooms and let the adults talk for a while. I’ll be in to say good night.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Kenae said.

  “Come with us, Mom,” KJ said. “You said you wanted to see the video I shot.”

  “It’s late, KJ,” Kenneth said. “We don’t have to do everything in one day. Your mom is going to be here until Monday, so save something for tomorrow.”

  “But—” KJ began.

  Destiny tapped her son on his head. “No buts. Your dad’s right. If we do everything today, there won’t be anything left to do for the rest of the trip.”

  “But—” KJ started again.

  “Give it up,” Kenae said. “Nobody wants to watch videos tonight. Besides, I thought you were supposed to be Skyping with Walter Grimes tonight.”

  “I forgot,” KJ said. He turned to his mother. “So we’ll watch the videos tomorrow?”

  “I can’t wait,” Destiny said.

  “Neither can I,” Patricia chimed in. “Now when you become a famous moviemaker, I’ll be able to say I saw your first works.”

  “Aw, Grandma,” KJ said.

  “Him?” Kenae pointed at her brother. “You haven’t seen the videos yet, Grandma.”

  Kenneth rocked his hip into his daughter’s side. “Stop teasing your brother. He wouldn’t be the first person to get that Hollywood fever. You’d better be nice to him so that when he’s rich and famous, he’ll be nice to you.”

  “That’s right, Kenae,” Patricia said.