Chapter 8
STONE
“Stone, what a great idea that was, proposing a charity event here in Pelican Point! Seems you’ve finally come to your senses about what this town needs. And you picked the perfect person to partner with. Desirae is successful, smart, and beautiful.”
I wonder if my mother notices that I’m grinding my teeth in frustration in between bites of lasagna.
Not because she’s wrong about what she’s saying right now.
It would be a hell of a lot easier to get Desirae out of my head if my mother wasn’t going on and on about her.
But the main reason I’m irritated as fuck is just when I was having a moment with Desirae at her shop, some asshole interrupted it, showing up at her store obviously uninvited.
Although I was in the back, I heard the entire exchange.
He spoke to her like a pompous prick. She threw him out before I could charge out there and claim her as mine.
The thought of her having a past with someone like him had me seeing red.
And from what I’ve seen from Desirae so far, she probably wouldn’t be too happy with me playing alpha male caveman.
Back in West Palm, I open the slider on my balcony, hoping the sound of the surf ebbing and flowing below will release the tension I’ve been holding all day.
For some reason, I’ve always been drawn to the sea.
Whenever I’m troubled about something, or need to think, looking out at the water calms me and helps me focus.
Maybe I was a boat captain in another life.
After pouring a whiskey, I pull out the latest project plans, determined to find a way to preserve more of Seabreeze Avenue, and by extension, Desirae’s business, without compromising the development’s viability.
Mentally exhausted after the long day, and knowing I won’t solve this problem tonight, I head to bed, hoping the subtle warmth of the alcohol and the sound of the waves through my open window will lull me to sleep.
I’m up early the next morning, waking with a start after dreaming of a beautiful Desirae wearing her grandmother’s wedding gown, walking toward me with a smile.
As I take my morning run along the beach, my feet pounding the firm wet surface of the sand and the salty air filling my lungs, I’m still trying to figure out a solution for this project that works to everyone’s benefit.
Once I slow to a walk for a cool down, it comes to me.
And before I can act on it, my cell rings.
“Anginelli.”
“Hi, Mr. Anginelli, this is Joselyn Vargas, I’m working with Desirae on the fashion show.”
“You’re the event planner she told me about.”
“Yes. I was wondering if you’d be willing to help out with something.”
“Absolutely. What do you need?” Especially if it involves seeing Desirae.
“We’d like to have escorts for some of our dress models. I understand your mother is in the show. Would you be willing to put on a tux and walk with her on stage? And anyone else who might need it?”
“Sure. I’d be happy to do that. I can bring my colleague Kyle Carver as well.”
“That’s wonderful. Thanks so much.”
“My pleasure. Is there anything else you need help with at this point?”
“I think I’ve got everything under control. Except…” After a brief pause, she continues. “Do you happen to have any kids?”
“Kids, as in children?” Why the hell is she asking me that?
She laughs. “Sorry. I didn’t necessarily mean you, personally. I’d love to have some child models for the show, and I’m having some difficulty finding any.”
“How about two girls? I know a thirteen-year-old and a five-year-old.”
“That would be wonderful!”
“Let me confirm a few things and then I’ll get back to you.”
“Thanks so much!”
Kyle comes in for our morning check-in, and calls me out on Desirae, as if he can read my mind.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time in Pelican Point. What gives?”
I’m not ready to confide in my best friend the real reason I want to spend more time in Pelican Point.
“After seeing the Reilly building for myself, and how well some of the downtown businesses look in the older buildings, I’ve been thinking.
I don’t think we necessarily have to choose progress over preservation. What if we can have both?”
Kyle rubs his chin, as if considering my words.
“Have the research team put together detailed reports on the Reilly building’s history and architectural significance. Ask them to look at the other buildings on Seabreeze Avenue as well.”
“Sounds like you might be wanting to keep some of that small town charm in Pelican Point.”
“There’s something to be said for small towns.” And for a certain beautiful woman in a particular small town.
“Oh, and I need you and Kristina to be in the charity fashion show.”
“Say what?”
“Yes. They need some guys to escort the ladies, and they were looking for some kids, so I volunteered Kristina.”
“I don’t know anything about fashion shows. It’s challenging enough raising a teenage daughter as a single dad.”
“Sounds to me like the perfect way for her to get some girl time, and put on a dress.”
“I suppose so. But why do I need to get involved?”
“First of all, it’s for a good cause. Second, Stone Development needs to be seen. And third, you’re my wingman, so if I have to do it, you have to do it.”
Kyle grins. “And would getting closer to the owner of Coastal Couture be the reason you want to be involved?”
“No. Maybe. Hell, I don’t know.”
“Man, I can’t even remember the last time a woman turned your head.”
I sure as hell can’t deny that. “There’s something special about her.”
“Obviously. Anything I can do to help you get a life beyond this place, I’m all for.”
“Seriously, Kyle. I could say the same for you.”
“It’s different for me. I’ve got a kid to think about. Since Monica died, all of my focus has been on Kristina.”
“I get it, man. But Monica would want you to be happy. Kristina’s growing up. Before you know it, she’ll be off to college and you’ll be sitting at home, a grumpy, lonely old man.”
“Thanks for reminding me, asshole. So what do I need to do in this show?”
“Get your tux out of the closet, and I’ll have either Joselyn or Desirae contact you regarding Kristina.”
I actually envy my friend. Although it was heart wrenching watching my best friend lose the love of his life to cancer, her legacy lives on in their daughter Kristina, and he’s a wonderful father.
What I wouldn’t give to have a family of my own, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me, much to my mother’s dismay.