For the Love of Summer

Chapter 25

“I’m not hungry,” Allison said, avoiding Erica’s gaze. “I’m going to my room.”

Erica had spent the day dealing with a quirky HVAC system and a training class that had gone off the rails when a stylist had accidentally set her blow-dryer on fire. She was tired, she was cranky and she’d driven out of her way to bring home the best fried chicken on the Eastside of Seattle.

Mara was busy with a man friend, Summer was out with the girls, so it was just the two of them. Most nights that happened, Allison put Jackson to bed about the time Erica got home and they hung out together. Like friends. Sure, they were thrown together by circumstances, but Erica had started to look forward to their evenings and she wasn’t in the mood to be understanding.

“What has your panties in a bunch?” she demanded, her tone snarky.

Allison slowly turned to face her. “Excuse me?”

“Panties. In. A. Bunch. You heard me. It’s fried chicken. You have to be hungry. If nothing else, you have to eat. I got the damned kale salad even though we both hate it because it’s the healthiest thing on the menu and in case you haven’t noticed, you’re seriously pregnant.”

Allison glared at her. “You’re in a mood.”

“You’re acting like a sulking teenager.”

“My husband’s in jail!”

The words came out as a shout. Erica didn’t react.

“Hardly news,” she said, pouring Allison a glass of milk and herself a glass of wine. “The man is a total loser. Why on earth we married him is beyond me.”

The second the words were out of her mouth, she realized she’d gone too far. Allison immediately began to cry and Erica instantly felt like a monster.

“Shit. I’m sorry.” Erica hurried to Allison and pulled her close. “I’m such a bitch. That was uncalled for. I was only thinking of myself. Jeez. It’s not you, it’s me. I swear.”

Only when she stopped babbling did she realize she and Allison had never hugged before. When she’d moved in, they’d barely been beyond the saying-hello stage.

But her friend didn’t pull back or slap her, so Erica hung on a few more seconds. Allison drew away, wiping her face.

“I’ve got to stop crying,” the other woman said, her voice shaky. “I’m always a mess. It’s not attractive.”

“At least there’s no one around you want to impress.”

“Very funny.”

Allison grabbed several tissues from a box on the counter. “My life is shit.”

“Yes, it is.”

Despite everything, Allison laughed. “You don’t have to agree so quickly.”

“Except for your kids, my daughter and the fact that I’m so amazing, it’s hard to find the good.”

The tears returned. “You’re right.” She started to sob.

“No!” Erica hugged her again. “I’m so stupid. I was going for humor. I suck at this.”

“I’m glad you suck at something. Your perfection gets annoying.”

“I’m far from perfect.”

“You dress really well.”

“I’m not twenty-seven months pregnant and I have money.”

“You also have style. I don’t have that.”

Allison sniffed as she stepped back.

“Thank you for bringing home dinner.”

“You’re going to eat.”

“Asking or telling?”

“Both.”

“You’re right.” Allison moved to the table by the window and sat down. “I hate my life. I can’t sleep, I’m uncomfortable all the time. Jackson’s a sweetie and I have you and Summer and Mara, so I’m not alone, but it’s hard.”

“I know.”

Erica set their drinks on the table and brought over the takeout bag. While she got flatware, plates and spoons, Allison opened packages.

When Erica was seated, Allison looked at her. “Why did you marry him?” She held up her hand. “I know what you said before about other guys avoiding you because you were too ambitious and not willing to cater to them, but why Peter? Was he just convenient, or did you really love him?”

“I loved him.”

“Why?”

The blunt question. Erica took a chicken thigh and some potato salad. After the day she’d had, she refused to eat kale.

“He was funny and sweet,” she said, peeling off the skin. “Smart but not scary smart. He seemed interested in what I did. Some of the other people on my accounting team wanted to talk more than they listened. He wanted to understand my process. He was impressed by me.”

She thought about how lonely she’d been and how much she’d wanted to fall in love. She’d wanted a family in addition to her business and had been worried it would never happen.

“I was ready to fall in love with someone and Peter was ready to be loved,” she added. “He was a little goofy, which I liked. A couple of years younger, but that was okay, too. We could talk about things. We were comfortable together.”

Until he’d decided he was done with her.

“I’m not saying it was a great love, but it was enough.”

“Did you know he was a criminal?”

Erica was as surprised by Allison’s bitter tone as by the question itself. “He’s not a criminal,” she said automatically, then held in a wince. “I mean he wasn’t. Circumstances and—”

“Do you believe that?” Allison asked, cutting her off. “Do you really think that out of nowhere Peter came up with this plan to launder money and commit wire fraud?” She paused. “I don’t even know what that is, but it’s bad, right? A felony. He’s in jail right now and he’s not getting out.”

Erica’s heart sank. “You saw him today.”

“I went after work, so I owe you for the extra childcare.”

Erica waved that comment away. “What happened?”

Allison wiped her fingers. “He said the lawyer is negotiating to get some money released and some charges dropped. Peter said he’d be cooperating and that would reduce his sentence. I didn’t get it at first, but he’s not getting out. There’s no bail. He’ll plead guilty to a lesser sentence and serve his time.”

She swallowed. “My husband is a criminal. There’s no other way to describe it. I trusted him with my heart, my life. I wanted him to father my children and he’s a con man. I was fooled. I admit that. I never had a clue, so I’m a moron, but you’re really smart and if I’m right, how come you didn’t see it? Because there’s no way this is new behavior. He didn’t just wake up and decide, ‘Hey, let’s defraud some people.’ It had to start somewhere. So what do you know that I don’t?”

Erica didn’t know what to say. She wanted to protest Peter wasn’t a criminal, but the evidence was hard to dispute.

“He loves you.”

“So it’s my fault?”

“Of course not. His feelings for you drove him to do things he shouldn’t have. You didn’t marry a criminal. It just happened.”

“Things like that don’t just happen. Did he ever do anything to you or the business?”

Erica had a bad feeling her expression gave her away.

“What?” Allison demanded.

“After he said he wanted a divorce, I moved the business to a different accounting firm. They audited the books. They found out Peter had taken over a hundred thousand dollars from me in small amounts, over time. I told myself it was because he was angry at me.”

Allison face went white. “He stole money from you? While you were married?”

Erica wanted to excuse the actions by saying a case could be made that the money was community property. Only Peter had signed a prenup so he had nothing to do with the salon.

“He really is a criminal,” Allison whispered. “He took advantage of both of us. He probably chose us because we were vulnerable. In different ways, but still marks. We were marks.”

“Don’t say that. We weren’t. I genuinely believe he loves you. I stood in that jail and looked into his eyes. He begged for you, Allison. He hates me and he begged me to help you. He would do anything for you.”

Erica wasn’t sure why it was so important for her to convince her friend, but she knew she had to.

Allison shook her head. “I know you’re trying to help and that’s sweet, but you’re wrong. He risked everything. He took a chance, and now we’re all paying the price.”

She pushed away her plate. “The worst part is I still miss him. I touch his clothes in the closet. I close my eyes and pretend he’s there. I tell myself he’ll be home soon. But he’s never coming home and we’re never getting our life back. Worse, I don’t know him anymore. Or trust him. So what happens now?”

“Nothing,” Erica said quietly. “Because you don’t have to decide. You’re upset and you should be. He did put everything on the line and you’re the one paying. But you’re safe and what matters is focusing on staying healthy for Jackson and Bethany. The rest can take care of itself.”

Allison nodded. “Let’s talk about something else. How was work?”

Erica groaned. “That’s not a cheerful topic. Know anything about HVAC systems?”

“Not really.”

“Then let me tell you. They’re pure evil.”

“What about diapers?” Summer asked as she pushed the cart through the large baby store.

“We’ll have those shipped to the house.” Erica looked at her daughter. “She’ll need ten to twelve a day.”

“Diapers?” Summer’s voice was a yelp. “Seriously? How is that possible? I remember from when Jackson was born. I even changed him when I was there, but I didn’t realize how many diapers.” She glanced at the list on her phone. “Babies need a lot of stuff. It’s kind of poor planning, evolution-wise. They’re helpless. Newborn puppies can smell and sense heat.”

“And crawl. Babies can’t even do that. But we’re stuck with what we have. What’s next?”

“A crib.”

They walked over to the furniture department, where Erica immediately felt overwhelmed. There were dozens of faux rooms set up with cribs, dressers and changing tables, along with rocking chairs. The options ranged from dark wood to painted furniture covered in dancing unicorns.

Summer stared at the too-happy unicorns. “Not that.”

“I agree. Let’s go simple. I’m thinking a bassinet. It takes up less room and when Bethany outgrows it, she can take the crib and Jackson can move into a toddler bed.”

She walked over to a display of well-made furniture in light pine. “She’ll need a changing table. I’d totally blanked on that.” She smiled at Summer. “That’s a lot of furniture, so it’s good you gave her the bigger bedroom.”

“It’s working out. Do you like this one?”

“Uh-huh. There’s lots of storage in the changing table. She’ll want supplies right there in the room with her.”

They pulled out drawers and made sure the shelves were sturdy. Erica made a note of the model numbers and they continued to the clothing and bedding.

“We want real cotton,” Summer said. “It’s breathable and washes well. Or a cotton jersey knit. And organic is better. That means the cotton was grown without chemicals.”

Erica grinned. “Apparently I’m not the only one who went online.”

“You’re not but I never thought to look up diapers.”

They started going through the clothing. Summer pulled out simple, gender-neutral styles and colors while Erica found herself drawn to the pinks and purples with lots of detail.

“Oh, Mom. That little dress isn’t practical.”

Erica fingered the soft lace. “I know, but it’s pretty. The girl clothes are so cute.”

“Maybe Bethany’s like me and doesn’t want to be dressed like a doll.”

“When she can tell me that herself, I’ll listen.”

She expected her daughter to laugh or tease her. Instead Summer’s big eyes filled with tears and the teen rushed toward her and hugged her.

“Why am I so mean to you?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m horrible.”

The shift in tone and subject was startling. Erica stroked her daughter’s hair.

“Sweetie, why are you upset?”

Summer wiped her face as she stepped back. “You really like all the girlie stuff. You think it’s fun and helping women feel good about themselves makes you happy. I know that but sometimes I diss you anyway, and that’s not fair. I was talking to Grandma about Dad and should I go see him or not and how he always said bad stuff about you, and she pointed out that he really influenced me.”

“He’s your father and you love him.” She deliberately lightened her tone. “Sometimes I influence you, as well, although you do seem to fight it.”

“But you’re the better person. Why don’t I listen more?”

“Because you’re a teenager and I’m your mom.” Erica thought maybe she should push back against Summer saying she was the better person, but then reminded herself Peter was in jail so maybe it was a fair assessment.

“Honey, I love you and I want you to be happy. Would I do the happy dance if you were a tiny bit more interested in what I do at work? Sure. Let’s talk mascara and go clothes shopping.” She smiled. “But is there any way I could love you one drop more than I do? Not possible. You’re my daughter and no matter what you’re in my heart.”

“You say that now.” The teen shook her head. “But I’ve done stuff. Bad stuff.”

Erica ignored the cold that swept through her, telling herself not to panic. Summer was a good kid. She trusted her. Facts first, freak later.

“Can you be more specific?”

Her daughter looked at her. “I had a boyfriend last year and I didn’t tell you.”

The relief was instant but before she could say anything, Summer continued.

“It was only for a few weeks and the whole thing was silly. You said I was too young to date and you were right. But I thought he was great and I felt special and then he dumped me because I wasn’t girlie enough, which hurt. But I couldn’t doubly tell you because I’d gone behind your back and he wanted me to be more like how you wanted me to be.”

She wiped away more tears. “I’m sorry I lied.”

“Me, too. You can always talk to me. I’m your biggest fan.”

Summer rushed at her again. They hung on to each other. Her daughter looked up at her.

“Maybe I have too much freedom. You trust me so it was easy to keep the guy from you. I might need more boundaries.”

“Do you want more boundaries?”

“No.”

“Are you going to hide a new boyfriend from me?”

“I don’t have one but if I did, I would tell you.”

“Then I think we’re okay.”

“Don’t you want to punish me for lying?”

Erica held in a smile. “It was a long time ago and you feel really guilty. I think we’ll go with that.”

“Thanks. I do feel bad.” She sighed. “And the guy thing was complicated. I mean shouldn’t he have liked me for me?”

“Absolutely. If a man wants you to change, he’s not the one.”

“That makes sense. I should find someone like Killion. Not the money and stuff, but how he treats you. He respects you, Mom. Plus the way he smiles at you.”

“How does he smile at me?”

“Like he’s always happy you’re around. He gets this look when you walk in the room. I want that someday.”

There was no look, Erica told herself. Summer was being silly.

“Take your time,” she said. “But for now, let’s get the plain onesies, but this perfect pink dress as well. Compromise.”

“It has lace.”

“I know. That’s what makes it the best.”

The hundred-foot yacht came with two living rooms, or “salons” as the captain called them, a large formal dining room and enough outdoor space to play football. Although it was May and summer didn’t really start in Seattle until July 5, the night was unusually mild. A warm front had brought temperatures close to seventy and the lows would barely crack the midfifties. Heaters provided warmth as the guests circulated.

Killion had gone all out for the celebration. There was a band up by the bow, a photo booth with boas and funny hats, two bars serving top-shelf liquor and a seafood buffet that included lobster and crab.

Erica had no idea how much it cost to rent the amazing yacht, but she could estimate the price of everything else, then multiply that for a party of nearly thirty people.

She waved her glass of Dom Pérignon. “Are we drinking up your profits?” she asked, her voice teasing. “Should I switch to club soda?”

Killion, handsome as always in a custom tuxedo, smiled at her. “This party doesn’t begin to touch one percent of my profits. Drink as much as you’d like.”

The evening—a formal affair celebrating the sale of one of his companies—had started at six when the yacht had sailed. They’d spent the evening circling Lake Union and Lake Washington, with views of the Seattle skyline.

The captain walked over and spoke quietly to Killion. When he’d left, Killion smiled at her.

“We’ll be docking in fifteen minutes. An hour after that, we’ll have the boat to ourselves.”

The yacht rental was twenty-four hours. The caterers had boarded at one to set up. Once the guests disembarked, the staff would clean up, but Killion had possession of the boat until one tomorrow. He’d asked Erica to spend the night with him.

“Are we going to just sail around the lake all night?” she asked with a laugh.

“I thought we’d take one last lap, then dock and settle in the main cabin.”

She’d left her overnight bag in the large space so knew about the king-size bed, the view from the windows and the skylight.

“I’ve never spent the night on a boat,” she admitted. “It should be an experience.”

“I hope so.”

The yacht approached the marina. Killion excused himself to say good night to his guests. Erica went downstairs to the main cabin, where she took off her uncomfortable heels. She pulled yoga pants and a sweater out of her suitcase, then unzipped the simple black gown she’d worn. Once she was in comfortable clothes, she stepped into her Uggs and hung up the dress.

By the time she returned to the main deck, the guests were gone and the catering staff was cleaning up. One of the women saw her and smiled.

“We left some food in the refrigerator in case you were hungry. Sometimes it’s hard to eat at an event like this.”

“Thank you.”

She found Killion on the rear deck. He smiled when he saw her, then pulled her close.

“How is it you look more beautiful now than you did when you were all fancy?”

“All fancy?” She laughed. “I dressed as per the invitation.”

“Yes, you did. You always do the right thing.”

“It comes from years of practice.”

He kissed her. “Hungry?”

“For food or lovemaking?”

Humor brightened his green eyes. “Both.”

“Then yes. The caterers left us some food.”

“Good. We’ll eat while we circle the lake and take care of that other thing later.”

They stood together, staring out onto the lake. Lights twinkled from the shore. Tall buildings stretched to the sky. It was a beautiful night and she was enjoying herself, but her mind kept circling back to her conversation with Allison.

“You sighed.”

She leaned against him. “I’m distracted. I feel so bad for Allison. I can’t seem to let it go.”

“You don’t like problems you can’t fix. Nearly everything about her situation is unfixable. That makes you uncomfortable.”

She glanced at him. “I thought you were going to say it’s because I care about her.”

“You do, but you don’t mind that.”

How did he know her so well? She thought briefly about what her friend had said about Killion and his feelings for her, then dismissed the concern. There was no way he was in love with her. They were convenient and they liked each other’s company, nothing more.

“I think Peter’s a total shit and now it turns out he’s also a criminal, which is surprising, but oh well.” She turned to Killion. “But me thinking that is one thing. Allison loves him. She’s the kind of woman who needs to be in a relationship to be happy. He was supposed to take care of her and he didn’t. He’s in jail and he’s not getting out anytime soon. She’s totally alone with a toddler and a baby due in a few weeks. It sucks and I’m just pissed at Peter for screwing up her life.”

Killion touched her cheek. “She’s not alone. She has you.”

“It’s not the same.”

“No, but it’s a good substitute. You won’t let her down and you’re unlikely to be arrested.”

That made her smile for a second. Then she sighed again. “You’re right. I want to fix things, and I can’t. Summer wants to throw her a baby shower.”

“I can give you the name of my party planner. She can pull it all together.”

“It’s a baby shower. I think I’m capable. Besides my mom said she’ll help and that means she’ll do most of the work.”

“How about if I have Napoleon call her and they can work out the details together?”

She smiled. “I like that idea. You always know someone.”

“Yes, but more important, I’m someone you can trust to take care of you.”

What? She glared at him. “I don’t need taking care of. I’m perfectly capable of—”

He silenced her with a brief kiss. “You know what I mean. Don’t make what I said more than it is. You handle things for me and I do the same for you.”

She let her mad fade. He was right. From arranging movers to finding out where Peter was being held, Killion was someone she could count on. Funny how she’d never really seen that before.