For the Love of Summer

Chapter 27

“You okay?” Killion asked as he carried plates to the kitchen sink.

“Fine.”

He looked at her. “‘Fine’ isn’t an acceptable answer. When a woman says she’s fine, she either means I don’t want to talk about it or Now you have to guess what’s bothering me and if you guess wrong, you’ll be punished.”

Erica laughed. “Have I ever done that to you?”

“No, but the potential is always there.”

She rinsed the plates and stacked them by the dishwasher. “I refuse to be judged by your past relationships. I have my flaws but playing games isn’t one of them.”

She looked at him. “I meant it, I’m fine. Summer’s doing better. You heard her at dinner. The harassment seems to be dying off. Hopefully it was short-lived and she won’t have to deal with it much longer. It didn’t go viral, thank God, so there’s that.”

She paused, glanced around to make sure they were still alone in her kitchen, then lowered her voice.

“She’s sticking closer to home. I’m a bad mom, but I’m liking having her around more.”

“That doesn’t make you a bad mom. You wouldn’t wish the problem on her in the first place.”

“Of course not. I’d much rather they came after me.”

“Then they’d have both of us to deal with.”

She groaned. “Don’t protect me. I’m very capable.”

“Yes, you are. I’m not questioning that. But I’d still get between you and any harasser.”

She told herself not to read too much into his words. He was being a guy, nothing more.

They finished clearing the table. While Killion loaded the dishwasher, she wiped the counters. They’d just finished when Summer burst into the kitchen.

“I said I’d help! You did everything!”

Erica leaned against the counter and smiled. “You said you’d be back in five minutes. You were gone football time five minutes.”

“Sorry.” Her daughter grinned. “I really did go upstairs to read Jackson one story, but then I got a text from Donovan.”

Erica struggled to put the name in context. Who was—“Oh, the friend who’s a guy and having trouble with his girlfriend.”

“That’s the one.” Summer danced from foot to foot. “They’re fully broken up and he’s sad, but he still wants to go to prom. He’s a senior and he said he doesn’t want to spend the rest of his life explaining why he didn’t. So he asked me.”

She held up both hands. “As friends, Mom. I’m serious. Don’t make it more than it is.”

Erica tried to hide her pleasure. Her little girl going to prom. She was thrilled. But all she said was, “That sounds like fun. Are any of your friends going?”

“Portia and Tyra.”

Friends from softball, Erica thought with relief. Summer would have backup if anyone said anything about her dad.

“Sounds like fun. What do you want to do about a dress?”

She asked the question casually, not wanting to push. This was Summer, after all, the teen who didn’t believe in being girlie.

“Go shopping, of course! Mom, it’s prom. I know I’m not into all that, but I have to look killer. Donovan’s ex will be there with her new boyfriend, and the guy I dated for like five minutes is a senior, so he’ll be there. I have to look totally epic. A dress, shoes, hair and makeup.”

Erica kept her body language relaxed. “I’m pretty good at epic. It’s kind of my thing.”

Summer clapped her hands. “Exactly! So the full treatment.” She paused. “Nothing that hurts, though. And I want my hair to stay long. But otherwise, go for it. Highlights, layers, whatever.”

“Self-tanner,” Killion teased.

“All of it.” Summer danced around the kitchen. “They will bow before me and tremble in my company.”

Killion chuckled. “I like your confidence. I know a guy who has a Bentley. Want me to rent it for you and Donovan for the night?”

“No,” Erica said.

“Absolutely,” Summer said at the same time, then spun to face her. “Mom! A Bentley!! It’s not like we’ll be driving it.”

“I don’t want you throwing up in it, either.”

“It’s prom. There won’t be drinking.”

Erica rolled her eyes. “It’s prom. Of course there will be drinking.”

“Well, I won’t. I’m an athlete. At least for now. I promise, we won’t throw up in it.”

Erica thought about mentioning they shouldn’t have sex, either, but didn’t think that conversation should occur in front of Killion. But if Summer was going to start dating, it was definitely time to get her on birth control.

Killion smiled at her. “So yes on the Bentley?”

“I suppose,” Erica said, “only why haven’t you taken me out in it before?”

“I didn’t think you would be impressed by a car.”

“I might be. I don’t know. I’ve never driven in a Bentley.”

He leaned forward and lightly kissed her. “Consider it done.”

Napoleon, Killion’s assistant, and Mara pulled together Allison’s shower in a matter of days. Bouquets of balloons in every shade of pink provided a thematic background. There were stacks of presents, posters of the first ultrasound, a buffet worthy of an upscale wedding reception, a guy doing card tricks and making balloon animals, songs with the word baby in them, and a frothy pink drink made with ginger ale, lemonade and strawberries, which looked disgusting but tasted delicious.

Erica was pleased with the size of the crowd in the large basement rec room. She and Mara had put out the word and people had responded. The softball moms and daughters were there. Liz, the evil boss from the day care center, and the other women Allison had worked with. Emmy from the Bellevue salon, a couple of people Allison had known from her grocery store job. Even Hillary, the only employee to stand by Peter, had come. Killion was the lone man to brave the sea of pink and all the women. As usual, he was totally at ease, talking and laughing as if this was how he always spent a Thursday evening.

Mara had hired a sitter to watch Jackson, so while he was downstairs with everyone and enjoying plenty of attention, someone was ready to whisk him away should he get fussy or need a diaper change.

A little before five, Erica went upstairs. She’d said she would wait for Allison and bring her down as soon as she got home. Her signal to the group would be to turn the stair lights on and off a couple of times, warning them to be quiet and be prepared to shout “Surprise!” Unfortunately the second Allison walked into the kitchen, Erica realized the giant flaw in their plan. Her friend might not want a surprise baby shower.

Allison’s face was blotchy, her eyes red from an obvious bout of tears. She saw Erica and immediately started crying.

“I can’t do this,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “There’s too much change, too much uncertainty. I love Peter and I miss him but I’m so angry at him. He did this to me and Jackson. He broke the law and left his family stranded. I’m totally dependent on you. I work at a job you gave me, live in a house you own. I eat your food.”

She wiped her face. “I’m not saying thank you. I know you don’t like that and I really appreciate everything you’ve done, but I want my life back.”

She swallowed and sniffed. “But even as I say that I’m hearing a voice in my head saying my life was a lie. Because while I was happy, Peter was lying to me and being a criminal and I had no idea. I never thought he could do that to me.”

Erica wrapped her arms around her. Allison sagged against her—at least as much as she could with her massive belly.

“It’s not your fault.”

“I married him.”

“So did I.”

Allison stepped back and looked at her, wide-eyed. “It’s true. You really did. You married a criminal.”

“He wasn’t a criminal when I knew him. That’s on you.”

She figured there was a fifty-fifty chance that Allison would start crying again or slap her. Instead her mouth twitched and she smiled.

“You’re saying I’m a bad influence?”

“I’m not the one he’s crazy in love with.” She softened her tone. “I’m sorry about everything that’s happened. I know this isn’t how you saw things going. For what it’s worth, we all like having you and Jackson living here.”

Allison waved a hand. “Don’t be nice. I barely have these tears under control.”

“About that.” Erica pointed to the hall bathroom. “I need you to wash your face, then think happy thoughts.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.” Allison looked around. “Where’s Jackson? Summer said she wanted to pick him up from day care.”

“She did and he’s fine. He’s downstairs.” Erica hesitated. “You’re having a surprise baby shower. There are about twenty people in a sea of pink down there. You’re going to have to face them while faking happy and shocked.”

The tears returned. “You’re throwing me a baby shower?”

“It was a group thing. My mom and Killion’s assistant did all the work.”

Allison rushed over and hugged her again. “I can’t believe you did that. You’re the nicest person ever. Peter was a fool to let you go.”

“It’s weird you’re saying that while you’re knocked up with his kid.”

“I know.”

Allison walked past the family room as casually as she could, just to make sure she hadn’t been wrong the first time. Nope, they were still at it. Summer and her friends were sitting on the floor, playing The Game of Life. And not some digital, online version. They’d pulled out the actual board game and were rolling dice and moving pieces. On a Saturday night!

The only thing she could figure was Summer was still lying low because of the social media attacks, and her friends were hanging out to show solidarity. Which was very sweet and supportive, only it seemed like they were too quiet. Four teenage girls should not be anything close to silent—not when hanging out. Where was the music and the shrieking?

She thought about going into the family room and suggesting Summer turn on the complicated stereo system. She couldn’t figure it out but she was sure the teenagers would have no problem. Only this wasn’t her house and Summer wasn’t her daughter. But Erica seemed content to leave the girls alone. She’d greeted them, then had disappeared upstairs. Was she giving them space or did she not know her place with them?

Under any other circumstances Allison wouldn’t have dared consider that Erica might be unsure. The other woman was one of the most confident, capable people she knew. But when it came to her daughter, Erica was always careful and sometimes seemed hesitant. Some of that was probably from the natural minefield that was a mother-daughter relationship when the kid was a teenager, but some of it probably came from how Peter had undermined her with their child. Yet one more issue she had with her husband, but not the point tonight.

She walked to the stairs, only to pause. Getting involved seemed...fraught. Except Erica was her friend and she cared about her.

“I’m doing this,” she whispered and went upstairs.

She found Erica in her home office, laptop open.

“Have a second?”

Erica smiled. “Of course. Is Jackson asleep?”

“He was out in three seconds. I wish I could sleep like that.”

Erica eyed her belly. “I want to say you will after Bethany is born, but we both know that’s not true.”

Allison sat in one of the chairs. “Summer is downstairs with her friends. It’s too quiet.”

“You’re complaining they’re not making noise?”

“There should be music and laughing. Plus they’re probably hungry.”

“It’s eight. They would have eaten dinner before coming over.”

Allison groaned. “Seriously? Teenagers are always hungry.”

Erica looked uncertain. “You’re suggesting I talk to them?”

“You could offer to bring in pizza or something.”

“I don’t want to get in the way.”

“You’re not joining the game. You’re doing the mom thing.”

Erica worried her lower lip. “Summer doesn’t invite her friends over very often. She said when they were younger, it was because I was always at work. Now it’s just a habit. I don’t want to mess up the evening.”

“You won’t. Offer them food and see what happens.”

“Come with me?”

The request surprised her, but Allison nodded. “Of course.”

Together they went downstairs. The teens were talking, but it was still too quiet. The four of them looked up. Summer sat up.

“What’s up, Mom?”

“I wondered if anyone was hungry. We could order pizza.”

“That would be great,” one of the friends said eagerly. “I’m starved.”

“Me, too.”

Summer grinned. “I guess we’re interested.”

Erica pulled out her phone. “Then I’ll place an order. Who wants what?”

There was an intense discussion of toppings, vegetarian versus meat and an extra-cheese debate. In the end Erica ordered four pizzas, a dozen chocolate chip cookies and soda.

“I’ll let you know when they arrive,” Erica said, slipping her phone into her pocket.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Anytime.”

Allison turned to leave when one of the teens, Varina, said, “Ms. S, can I ask you a question about waxing?”

Summer groaned and sank onto her back. “No. Ripping out your hair by the roots is not natural.”

“Ancient Egyptians waxed,” Avery said, her tone mild.

“You’re making that up.”

“Maybe but women have been removing hair from their bodies for thousands of years.”

Varina ignored them both. “I want to wax my brows but my mom says I’m too young. Plucking takes forever and it hurts. I’d rather get all the pain over with at once.”

“Brow waxing should only be done by a professional,” Erica said. “It’s easy to mess up. You want the right shape for your face.”

Avery leaned toward her. “Is it true that if you keep waxing or plucking, eventually the hairs don’t grow back?”

Erica nodded. “You can damage the follicle, so you want to be careful. You’re not going to be sixteen forever and when you’re in your fifties, you’ll want eyebrows.” She looked at Varina. “We do consultations. Make an appointment and bring your mom. She can ask all her questions. Once she’s comfortable, she might be more likely to say yes.”

Varina sighed. “She would never agree to that.”

“Offer a compromise. If she really listens to the consultation, you’ll respect her answer. If it’s no, you won’t bring up waxing for at least six months.” Erica grinned. “Moms will do a lot to not be bugged.”

“That might work.”

“I’d love some makeup tips,” Avery said eagerly.

Erica glanced at Summer, then back at her friend. “You probably want to get back to your game.”

“No! Don’t say that.”

“This is fun.”

Summer groaned. “I knew this would happen. You can’t help it, Mom. What you do is interesting to my friends. I’m okay with it if you are.”

Allison had no idea what they were talking about. Erica had been doing great with Summer’s friends. The conversation had been fun and organic. Did Summer really hate the whole beauty thing that much?

Summer scrambled to her feet. “Everyone grab a chair from the kitchen table. We’re going upstairs.”

“Are you sure?” Erica asked.

“Yes, but give me your phone to monitor the front door. Everyone will be so mesmerized by ‘the room,’ they won’t notice the pizza guy is at the door.”

Erica handed over her phone. The teens all grabbed a chair. Allison followed along, into Erica’s huge bedroom.

Allison had never been in it before. There was a large bed with what she would guess was custom bedding that coordinated with beautiful floor-to-ceiling draperies. She wanted to pause and admire all of it, but everyone else was walking into the bathroom, so she went with them, only to come to a stop and stare in amazement.

The bathroom was at least triple the size she’d expected. There was a big walk-in shower and a stand-alone tub, along with the obligatory double vanity. But the showpiece was a wall of mirrors with a makeup station. Erica flipped a switch and lights went on around the table, providing what Allison would guess was professional lighting for any occasion.

Summer had her friends sit in a semicircle. Erica insisted Allison take the padded chair by the vanity.

“You’ll be my model.”

Allison started to protest. “Do one of the girls. They’re all so young and beautiful.”

“You’re hardly old. I’ll do you first, then each of them. We can bring the pizza up here and have a makeup party.” Erica looked at her daughter. “If that’s all right.”

“I’m always up for a party. Plus, I can figure out what look I like best for prom.”

Erica pushed one of the mirrors. It swung open, revealing shelves filled with foundations, eye shadows, mascaras, blushes, all unopened. One shelf was filled with brushes, sponges and a few things Allison didn’t recognize.

“It’s like a fancy department store,” she said.

“I get a lot of samples. I used to bring them home for Summer and me to play with, but she outgrew the game. But the sales reps still drop off products for me to try.”

By the truckload, Allison thought, even as she tried to remember the last time she’d bothered with makeup. Around her, Summer’s friends looked equally amazed and delighted.

Varina looked at Summer. “You’re so lucky. You have all this at home and your mom knows exactly what to do. She can teach you everything.”

Summer smiled at Erica. “I guess I am kind of lucky.”

“As am I,” Erica said with a laugh. “All right. Allison first. I’m thinking something sultry.”

“I’m a few weeks from giving birth and not sleeping. No one needs to see me sultry.”

“It’ll be fun. Trust me.”

Summer’s friends didn’t leave until nearly midnight. Erica dropped each of them off before driving back home. She expected to walk into a dark downstairs—Allison had gone to bed nearly two hours before—but the kitchen lights were still on and Summer was waiting at the island.

“Why aren’t you in bed?” Erica asked.

“I was waiting for you.”

“It’s late.”

“I’m not sleepy.” Summer traced a pattern on the quartz. “Tonight was fun. Thanks for doing everyone’s makeup.”

“I had a good time.”

The teens had been good company. Tomorrow she would thank Allison for suggesting pizza. That simple act had allowed Erica to spend time with her daughter and her friends. She wasn’t looking to join the group but appreciated the chance to check in with all of them.

Erica sat next to her daughter. “You have great friends.”

“I know. They’ve all been totally there for me while other kids at school have been so mean about Dad.”

“You’d said it was getting better. Has that changed?”

Summer shook her head. “No. I get a few comments, but not every day. I told Donovan what was happening, in case he wanted to take someone else to prom.”

That was news, Erica thought. “What did he say?”

“He told me he would take on anyone who messed with me.” Her daughter looked at her. “As a friend, Mom. We’re not dating.”

“So you’ve told me.”

“I want to make sure you believe me.”

Erica smiled. “I do.” She made an X over her heart. “I promise I’m not secretly hoping you fall in love with Donovan. But I’m curious if there’s anyone you like.”

Summer shrugged a couple of times. “I don’t know. Sometimes I think a guy is cute but I’m not sure that’s enough. The good-looking guys are so self-centered and the jocks can be jerks. The nerdy guys all run away when I say hi.”

Erica tried not to laugh. “Wow, that’s a lot of generalizing and making assumptions. I know stereotypes exist for a reason, but a lot of times it’s not for a good reason. Maybe you’d like to get to know a few of these guys rather than lumping them into groups.”

“Oh, but that’s so mature. You know I hate that.”

They smiled at each other.

“You don’t have to date,” Erica said. “If you’re not interested or don’t feel ready, then it’s fine. Take your time. It’s like the whole hair-and-makeup thing we did tonight. Your friends love it, but it’s not your thing. Embrace that.”

“Sometimes I feel out of step.”

“I always felt that,” Erica told her. “Sometimes I still do. The softball moms are great, but we have nothing in common. They don’t have jobs, let alone a career. They’re all married and I’m single.”

“You’re not single. You have Killion.”

Erica remembered too late that she’d never explained her somewhat transactional relationship with the man and it was probably best she never did.

“Killion and I aren’t serious,” she said instead. “We like each other, but we’re not madly in love.”

Summer looked at her as if she was an idiot. “Mom, the man’s crazy about you. Of course you’re in love.”

Erica leaned back in her chair. “I’m not. We’re friends and have similar interests.”

Summer rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you won’t admit how you feel. Plus, Killion is so in love with you. We can all see it.” She frowned. “Are you holding back because of me? I think he’s great. He supports you and he’s not intimidated by your success. You can marry him, Mom. It’s totally fine. He would be a great stepdad.”

“No one is getting married.” Erica heard the shrillness in her voice. She consciously breathed and spoke more softly.

“No one is getting married,” she repeated. “We’re not in love. We have a convenient relationship. Nothing more.”

Summer didn’t look convinced. “Uh-huh. Sure. You’re scared. That’s so strange. Nothing scares you.”

“I’m not afraid. I’m not anything. We’re not getting married.”

As if she would ever do that. She also wasn’t in love but repeating that seemed to be belaboring the point.

Summer got off the stool. “So you’ve said. You seem extra weird tonight. Maybe you need some sleep.” Her daughter hugged her. “Night.”

“Sleep well.”

Summer waved, then headed for the stairs. Erica got up, then sat back down again. Married? Married! No and no. There was no commitment, no expectation and certainly no being in love. Not by either of them. She’d been very clear with Killion from the start. She liked what they had and didn’t want it to change, but if he pushed her, she would push back. Hard.