For the Love of Summer

Chapter 32

“Oh, Mom.”

“Don’t cry. If you cry you’re going to mess up your makeup.”

Summer blinked a couple of times. “I’m not going to cry. You are.”

Erica laughed. “I can appreciate the moment without tears.”

“Then I’ll cry for both of you,” Allison said, already sniffing.

“I came prepared.” Mara handed over a tissue, then dabbed her own cheeks. “Summer, you’re stunning.”

“I want to point out that I do really good work,” Erica said, smiling at her daughter. “But I had a lot to work with.”

Jackson, playing with his farm toys, and Bethany, asleep in her car seat carrier, didn’t seem to have an opinion.

They were all in Erica’s bathroom to watch the transformation. She’d started by giving Summer a decent trim and adding a few layers. Once that was done, she’d applied makeup, going for a more natural look with just a little sparkle. She’d finished by using her large barrel curling iron and creating a head full of beautiful beachy waves.

She touched one of the curls. “I used a lot of product so these should last most of the night. Now let’s get you into your fancy clothes.”

Summer had wanted a short dress. They’d found a pretty, deep blue tank dress that shimmered. The simple style flattered Summer’s athletic shape while allowing her to move easily. The hem was high enough to be sexy and yet not so high that she would be flashing the world.

Her daughter had shocked her by saying she wanted to pair a high heel with the dress. They’d bought cute strappy sandals with three-inch heels and Summer had spent the past four days walking around in them.

They went into the large closet and Summer stepped into the dress. Erica zipped it up, then steadied her while she slipped on the sandals.

Erica looked at her daughter and sighed. “You’re stunning. Grandma is going to want pictures.”

“Aren’t you?”

She laughed. “Yes, I want pictures, too.” She glanced at her watch. “What time do Donovan and his friends arrive?”

“I’m the last stop so not for a while. We’re going out to dinner, then to prom.”

Donovan and two others had gone in together to rent a limo to take them to and from prom.

“I want you to keep in touch if there’s a change in plan.”

Summer shook her head. “Mom, I’m not going to any party after. Donovan and I already talked about it. I know him way more than I know his friends. If there is a party, they’ll drop me off first.” She held up her hand. “But I promise, if they push back on that, I’ll call you to come get me.”

“I’ll be sitting here, my car keys in hand.”

“I really hope that isn’t how you spend your evening.”

They went back into the bathroom, where Allison and Mara wept over how beautiful Summer was, then everyone, including the kids, went downstairs for pictures.

There was an intense discussion about where to take the photos. The curve of the staircase won and Summer dutifully posed. They were nearly done when someone rang the front doorbell.

“It can’t be Donovan,” Summer said. “It’s too early.”

Erica looked at Allison, who shrugged.

“I’m not expecting anyone,” she said.

Erica opened the door and found a man in a dark suit on the doorstep. “Can I help you?”

“Yes. I’m here to take Summer Jenkins and her young man to their prom.”

Erica looked at her daughter. “I thought you said they were picking you up last.”

Summer stepped outside and gasped. “Mom, this isn’t Donovan’s car.”

Erica followed her and saw a gleaming black Bentley parked in the driveway.

“But how...”

How could this be? Yes, Killion had told Summer he would provide her with a Bentley for prom, but that was before they’d broken up. Except they hadn’t broken up—she’d dumped him, and he’d still arranged for the car.

Mara joined them. “What’s all the fuss? Oh, my. Look at that.” She glanced at Erica. “Killion sent the car?”

“He must have. I never thought he would. I mean why would he bother? We’re not together.”

“He kept his word.”

Summer clutched her arm. “It’s a sign, Mom. A really big one. Look how much he cares. He didn’t want to let me down so he did this and I’m not even the one he’s in love with.”

“It’s not a sign.”

Allison came out, the carrier in one hand and Jackson clinging to the other. “What am I missing?” Her breath caught. “Is that what I think it is?”

“A sign,” Summer said.

“Or just a man who keeps his word.” Mara patted her arm. “My daughter, the fool.” She picked up Jackson. “I’d like to play a game. Would you like that, too?”

“Yes!”

They went inside. The driver hovered nearby.

“Shall I be taking Miss Summer and her young man to prom?”

“Of course you will.” Summer laughed as she started texting. “I’m letting Donovan know I’m coming over in a ride he won’t ever forget.” She sent the text, then grinned at Erica. “Now you don’t have to worry about me getting home if there’s a party. I have my own wheels and very responsible driver.”

The man nodded. “I’ll take care of you.”

Killion had sent the car. He’d remembered and then he’d had Napoleon make arrangements. Because he’d given his word? Because that was simply who he was? Or was he sending her a message? She honestly had no idea.

Summer hurried inside for her coat and clutch. She hugged Erica and Allison, then followed the driver to the car and, when he’d opened the door for her, slid onto the back seat.

“She’s going to have the best time,” Allison said as they watched her drive away.

“I hope so.”

They went inside. Allison set Bethany down.

“You should call and thank him.”

“I’m not doing that. Summer can text him a thank-you tomorrow.”

“Why don’t you want to call?”

Erica exhaled. “It would be awkward and confusing and I wouldn’t know what to say. Besides, I don’t want to talk to him.”

“I hate it when you lie to me.”

“Fine. I don’t want to talk to him very much.”

“Still lying. Call him. Call him!”

She found herself tempted. Hearing his voice would be nice. No, better than nice. She missed him so much more than she’d thought. The longer they were apart, the more she felt like a piece of her life was missing. They’d been good together. If she called...

She pulled her phone out of her pocket.

“You’re going to do it? I can’t believe it.” Allison practically danced in place. “You never listen to me. This is exciting.”

“I’m not calling him.” She opened her calendar. “He’s not home. There’s a charity event tonight.” Her voice turned wistful. “I was supposed to go with him.”

“That’s even better.” Allison gave her a little push toward the stairs. “You should go to the event. Put on something sexy and go talk to him.”

Erica stepped out of reach. “I’m not crashing a fundraiser for children with cancer.”

“Give them some money. They won’t mind. It’s not like you’re going to steal a meal. You just go in and find him and thank him for the car. Easy peasy.”

“Are you out of your mind? Nothing about that is normal behavior. He’ll think I’m stalking him. It’s creepy.”

“He’ll think that maybe you’re regretting your actions and you’d like a second chance.” Allison’s stare turned pointed. “Because you would.”

“I...”

“You’re in love with him. We can all see it. You’re moping around like a teenager after her first breakup. Killion is great. You married the wrong man the first time. Why not get it right the second time?” She pointed to the stairs. “Go. Go now. Get dressed and go to the fundraiser.”

The idea was ridiculous, Erica thought. She wasn’t going. Crashing a charity event simply wasn’t done. She would wait and maybe call him in the morning. Or next week. Either way she would make sure Summer texted a thank-you. And maybe that was enough.

“Stop thinking!” Allison put her hands on her hips. “Stop talking yourself out of it. Erica, I swear you’re the most amazing person I know but when it comes to Killion, you’re a moron.” She paused. “No, you’re scared. Terrified maybe. But he’s worth it. I know he is. Trust him and trust yourself to be strong enough to handle it. And get your bony ass upstairs and get dressed for the party!”

Erica had a whole lot she wanted to say, but somehow instead of speaking, she found herself rushing upstairs. Allison called for Mara, grabbed Bethany and hurried after her.

Once again everyone—minus Summer—crowded into her bathroom.

“I don’t know what to wear,” she said as she tried to apply eye shadow, only her hands were shaking too much. “I can’t remember how formal it is.”

“Tell me the name,” Mara said, whipping out her phone. “I’ll look it up.”

“I’ll look it up,” Allison said, grabbing the phone. “You do her makeup. She’s making a mess of it.”

Erica collapsed into the chair. Her mother washed her hands, then picked up the shadow brush.

“I assume we’re going for the super sexy, this-could-be-all-yours-sailor look.”

Erica shifted back in the chair. “Not the sailor part, but yes to the rest of it.”

“Black tie,” Allison said, reading from the phone. “The annual event, blah, blah, blah, six million raised last year, black tie event. Women in evening gowns.” She looked up. “Do you own any evening gowns?”

“Several.”

“Really?”

Allison disappeared into the closet. Seconds later she yelled, “Holy crap, you have a lot of clothes and they’re mostly black.”

“That’s the work side of the closet. Turn around.”

“Oh, jeez. You have dresses. Oooh, I love the red one. With your coloring, it’s perfect. Plus, he’ll see you coming.”

“Not that one. It’s really tight, so I can’t eat a week before I wear it.”

“You haven’t been eating,” her mother said, carefully applying false eyelashes. “It’ll fit just fine.” She chuckled. “We should call back the guy with the Bentley. After he drops off Summer and Donovan, he can come get you.”

“I’ll drive myself. The event is at a hotel. There’ll be valet parking.”

In less time than she would have thought, her mother was done. Mara rubbed some hair product on her hands and refreshed Erica’s spiky hairstyle. When she was done, Erica dug through her lingerie drawers, looking for the right shapewear and bra.

When she stepped into the red gown, she sucked in her breath, hoping it would slide up easily. Apparently her mother was right because it slipped over her body with no problem. Allison stepped behind her to pull up the zipper.

The dress was a simple silk, off-the-shoulder style that clung from breasts to hips before falling straight to the floor. It was dramatic and elegant, and while Erica knew she looked good, she couldn’t shake the growing sense of trepidation.

“I have no idea what I’ll say to him,” she said as she took a pair of diamond and ruby earrings out of her jewelry box.

“I miss you and I was wrong,” Allison offered. “Then suggest you go to his place and have—” she glanced at her son playing on the carpet “—s-e-x.”

“It’s a fundraiser. I’m not suggesting that.”

“As long as you leave a check, they’ll be fine.”

“You’re surprisingly cynical.”

“I’m being practical. Yay charity, but for me, this is about you and Killion.”

Erica had just finished transferring her car fob, wallet and cell phone to her small evening bag when her mother walked down the stairs, a small overnight bag in her hand.

“Just in case,” Mara said.

Erica took it, both excited and nervous. “This could all end badly.”

“Or it could end very well.”

Erica was still unsure about the plan and what she was supposed to tell Killion even as she handed over her key fob to the valet. She followed the signs to the grand ballroom. It was barely seven, so the cocktail party and silent auction would be going strong. Dinner wasn’t until seven thirty, which gave her enough time to find Killion and—

She came to a stop, horror sweeping through her. What if he was here with someone else? What if he was over her and on to the next conquest? What if he hadn’t meant it when he said he was in love with her? She could be about to make a huge fool of herself in public. Witnesses to her humiliation would make things worse. Better to head home and reach out to him another time. Or not at all. While she missed him, she would eventually be fine. Wasn’t it easier to simply not take the chance?

She turned and started for her car only to stop a few steps later. Indecision gripped her. The fear was strong, but so was the need to see him. She honestly didn’t know what to do.

Trust him and trust yourself to be strong enough to handle whatever happens.

Could she do that? Be that brave? Did she have a choice?

“Dammit, I’m not going to regret letting him go for the rest of my life,” she muttered, turning and walking purposefully toward the ballroom. Maybe this would all end badly but she was going to make the effort. She’d spent her whole life going after what she wanted—that was who she was and it was time she started acting like it.

She easily found the crowd of well-dressed donors. She circled the check-in area, joined a group of women coming out of the restroom and walked in with them. In her dress, with her obviously expensive beaded clutch, she fit right in. Once she was past the check-in area, she stepped away from them and began her search.

Fifteen minutes later, she wanted to shriek in frustration. There had to be seven hundred people there, half men dressed in black tuxedos. Finding one man who may or may not be with someone else was nearly impossible. Once everyone started in for dinner, she would be stuck with nowhere to sit. It wasn’t as if she wanted to spend the evening walking around the dozens of tables, hoping to spot him.

“Hello, Erica.”

She spun and found Killion standing next to her. Relief was quickly followed by a need to throw herself at him. He looked so good—handsome, as always—but also steady and possibly a little bit happy to see her.

“I’ve been looking for you,” she told him.

“Here I am.” He offered her a slight smile. “I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”

“I know. Coming here was a last-minute decision.” She glanced around then returned her attention to him. “Are you with someone?”

The smile widened. “No.”

“Why is that funny?”

“Less than a month ago I told you I was in love with you. Why would I bring a date to something like this so soon after that?”

“People don’t want to come by themselves. Or maybe you’re over me. I can’t read your mind.”

“You’re getting defensive, which means you’re nervous.” He took her hand and drew her toward a quiet alcove. “Erica, why are you here?”

She glanced at the carpeted floor, then back at him. “You sent the Bentley. For Summer. I never thought you’d even remember that, let alone do it.”

“You know I didn’t make the arrangements.”

She waved that comment away. “Yes, yes, it was Napoleon. I know, but that’s not the point. You remembered.”

“I keep my word.”

She looked into his green eyes and saw affection. No, she thought, knowing she had to be honest. Love. She saw love there and while it still terrified her, it was also very nice to see.

“You scare me,” she admitted.

“I know.”

“I don’t like that.”

“You’ve made that very clear.”

She drew in a breath. “But it’s also possible I’m in love with you.”

“When will you know for sure?”

She tried to laugh, then nearly started to cry. Too many emotions churned inside of her.

“When Allison was having Bethany, she was missing Peter and was scared because the baby was a little early and she said she wasn’t strong enough to deal with everything. She said Peter broke her.”

“Did he?”

“No. She’s really strong and I got in her face and told her that. I said whatever happened, I would be there. I never thought he broke her, but I do think he broke me.”

Killion watched her as she spoke. “He shattered your confidence, Erica. He made you doubt who and what you are. But then you picked yourself up and took care of whatever crap there was to deal with. You raised your daughter, grew your business and thrived. Proof no one can break you. Be proud of that.”

“I avoided men. I never wanted to hurt that much again. I wasn’t willing to trust anyone.”

“I know. I knew you wouldn’t be easy, but that you’d be worth it.”

“I’m less sure about that.” She took a step toward him. Now was the time for the truth. “I love you, Killion.”

Something hot and bright and happy flared in his eyes. “I love you, too.”

She pressed a hand to her chest. “That was hard and I feel a little nauseous, but I think I’ll be okay.”

He chuckled as he pulled her close. “I’ve missed you more than I can say. Every day, with every breath. Promise you’ll never leave me again.”

She stared into his eyes and felt the last walls around her heart fall away. “I promise. I do love you.”

He kissed her then, a soft, welcoming kiss that quickly grew into something much more intense. When he finally drew back, he was breathing just a little hard.

“All right,” he said, taking her hand in his. “We’re going to stop by the registration desk, where I’ll put a sizeable donation on my credit card, then we’re going to my place.”

“Yes, we are.”

When they got there she would text Summer and tell her where she was. She would also let Allison and her mother know that everything had worked out and that she and Killion were back together.

As they walked toward the front of the hotel, Killion asked, “Is everything all right with Allison and Bethany?”

“They’re both fine. The baby is thriving. Jackson’s still a little unsure about her, but I think he’s going to like being a big brother.”

There was so much more to tell him. About how Allison was going to be staying with her for at least the next couple of years and that Summer would be working at Twisted. But that was for later. Right now the most important words had been said.

As they waited for the valet to bring their cars around, she smiled at him.

“I really do love you.”

He smiled. “Those words will never get old.”

And they didn’t...not for the rest of their lives.