Chapter 12 Vance #2
“That one was fun to write but took forever.” Seraphina smiled. “My son makes sure I eat when I’m deep in a book, but I can be a little obsessive.”
“Tell us, Vance,” Esme asked. “What’s it been like filming?”
“It’s been fine,” I said. “They only needed me for a small part. Lila’s the one doing all the hard work.”
“She designed all our homes,” Esme said. “You’re in excellent hands.”
“And Seraphina gave me a loan to start my business,” Lila added.
Seraphina blushed. “A very small one, which you’ve more than paid back.”
“How do you all know each other?” Mom asked.
“We met on the first day of kindergarten,” Delphine explained. “At the donut-and-coffee thing for mothers. We were all crying in much the same fashion.”
“An immediate bond was formed,” Seraphina said. “We’ve been best friends ever since. Our kids have basically grown up together.”
“Like cousins,” Lila said.
“And now they’re headed to high school,” Esme added. “We can’t believe it.”
“It all goes too fast,” Mama said.
“And you have a daughter?” Esme asked gently. “Mia mentioned she just came to live with you?”
I glanced at Lila. She gave me a small, encouraging nod.
“Yes. Margot. She’s ten. She … We’ve been apart for six years. Her mother kept her from me. But she’s back now.”
The women’s faces softened immediately.
“That must be so hard,” Esme said. “For both of you.”
“It is. But we’re figuring it out.”
“She’s beautiful,” Seraphina said. “I saw her with Mia earlier. Those eyes.”
“She looks just like her mother,” I said. “But hopefully with a better heart.”
Esme laughed. “Mia told us a little about the ex-wife. She sounds like a piece of work.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” I said.
“Lila’s been telling us all about it,” Esme said. “You’re all doing so well. Sorting through that kind of hurt isn’t easy for kids. Mine are still reeling from my ex-husband’s cruelty.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said. “Nothing’s worse than someone hurting your child.”
“Especially when it’s his or her parent,” Lila said.
We were all quiet for a moment, before Seraphina changed the subject.
“And you’re Dorian’s best friend, isn’t that right?” Seraphina asked, in a tone that gave me the distinct impression she already knew all about me. “I’ve been working with him to set up a signing for the fall. He’s such a gift to our community.”
“We go way back,” I said.
“Middle school,” Irene added. “They were the only two boys in the culinary arts class.”
“Oh, I love that,” Esme said.
“We played sports too,” I said, sending an amused glance in my mother’s direction.
“Tell me,” Seraphina said a little too casually, “is Dorian seeing anyone?”
“No. I think he’d like to,” I said. “But he’s still adjusting to leaving the Navy and taking over his mother’s shop. Why do you ask?”
Seraphina shrugged, but her gaze shifted briefly toward Delphine. “He’s wonderful. I’d love to see him with someone special.”
Delphine lifted one eyebrow and took a sip of her wine.
I made a mental note to feel Dorian out about our mysterious gallery owner.
“So how’s the remodel going?” Delphine asked Lila. “When’s the big reveal?”
“Next month,” Lila said. “They’re working at breakneck speed so it’s ready by the time they want to film.”
“That sounds awful,” Delphine said. “For you, I mean.”
“Oh no, I’m enjoying it very much,” Lila said. “Although we’ve been keeping our personal relationship a secret. I’m not sure what the producers would do with that information.”
“I could see them making it part of the show,” Esme said. “It’s actually kind of romantic—sommelier homeowner sweeps talented designer off her feet in the middle of a television shoot.”
“We’re keeping it hidden from the production team,” Lila said carefully. “Especially the producers. They’re pushing really hard for me and Beau to have chemistry.”
I felt my jaw tighten.
“Ugh,” Esme said. “That contractor?”
“He’s been very persistent,” Lila said. “Making me uncomfortable.”
Delphine’s eyes sharpened. “Define ‘uncomfortable.’”
“Touching. Standing too close. Suggesting we ‘practice’ off-camera.” Lila glanced at me. “Vance interrupted something at my studio the other day.”
My hands curled into fists remembering that scene—the way Beau had been leaning over her, touching her hair.
“Did you report it?” Seraphina asked.
“To who? The producers want the flirtation. It’s good for ratings.”
“That’s harassment,” Delphine said flatly.
“I’m handling it,” Lila said, but I could hear the strain in her voice.
I wanted to say I’d handle Beau myself if he touched her again but I kept quiet. This wasn’t the time or place.
“I cannot wait to see the finished house,” Irene said, overly brightly.
“You’re going to love it,” Seraphina said.
“We all had her design our homes when she was first starting out,” Esme said. “She’s incredibly talented.”
“These ladies gave me my start,” Lila said. “I owe them everything.”
“Hardly,” Seraphina said. “You earned every bit of your success.”
Before I could respond, Beau appeared in the doorway, beer in hand.
Lila waved him over. “Come meet my girls.” Once again, she made introductions.
Beau’s gaze swept over the women with obvious appreciation. “Nice to meet you all. Lila forgot to mention you’re all drop-dead gorgeous.”
His eyes lingered on Esme. She blushed and looked at her feet.
“Lila sent us footage from the other day,” Delphine said. “You two seem really natural together.”
“They say we have chemistry,” Beau said, grinning at Lila.
I felt my jaw tighten again and quickly told myself to keep it together. No one liked a jealous man.
Just then, a blond, tanned, muscular man appeared. “Hey, sorry I’m late. Got held up at the shop.”
“Hey, Grady.” Esme’s face lit up. “You made it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Grady’s gaze went immediately to Esme, then shifted to Beau. “Hey. You new to town?”
“Beau Colby,” Beau said, extending his hand. “I’m the contractor on Lila’s show.”
“Ah, right. Grady Nash. I own the surf shop.”
The two men shook hands, exchanging friendly smiles, but Grady’s other hand curled slightly into a fist at his side. Had he seen Beau watching Esme?
“I think it’s going to be a huge hit,” Esme said quickly.
“And you’re getting a beautiful house out of it,” Seraphina said to me.
Another figure appeared in the doorway. I turned. It was Kenzie.
“Hello, everyone,” Kenzie said. “Sorry I’m late. I had some things to finish up for work.”
Lila’s smile tightened. “Nice of you to come.”
“I’ve been dying to meet your friends.” Kenzie’s gaze swept over the women, lingering on each face. “You must be Seraphina—I’ve read all your books. And Esme, the flower shop owner. And Delphine, the gallery.”
She knew too much. How did she know who these people were?
As if Kenzie heard my thoughts, she said, “Lila talks about you all constantly.”
“Does she?” Delphine’s voice was cool.
“Oh yes. You’re like family to her.” Kenzie pulled out her phone. “Do you mind if I get a quick photo? For social media? The fans love behind-the-scenes content.”
“Actually, we do mind,” Seraphina said firmly. “This is a private gathering.”
Kenzie’s smile flickered. “Of course. I understand.” She turned to Lila, then Beau. “Can we chat for just a second? About tomorrow’s shoot?”
Lila excused herself reluctantly, following Kenzie and Beau into the hallway.
After they left, Delphine turned to me. “That woman gives me the creeps.”
“You’re not the only one,” I said grimly. “There’s been some crazy stuff going on, and I can’t help but think she’s involved somehow.”
“What do you mean?” Esme asked.
I told them about the vendor cancellations, the gossip leaks, the obsessive fan page with too much personal information.
“Someone’s stalking Lila,” I said. “We think it’s Kenzie.”
The women exchanged glances.
“We need to keep an eye on her tonight,” Seraphina said quietly.
The party continued—people mingling, laughing, enjoying the food.
My mother had gone back out to the patio.
I could see her through the window talking with Gillian on one of the outdoor sofas.
I found myself in a conversation with Alex and Grady about Willet Cove.
Neither had grown up here, so they had questions for me about the town’s history.
A few minutes later, the kids returned, all ravenous from their time on the beach.
The women sprang into action, guiding them to the buffet, getting them settled at one of the patio tables.
I helped Margot fill her plate and walked her over to where the older kids were already eating and talking over one another.
Margot stilled beside me, her little hand reaching for mine.
“Do I sit there too?” Margot whispered.
Before I could answer, Bella got up from her place at the table and came over. “Wanna sit by me?”
“Yeah, okay.” Margot nodded. She let go of my hand and took Bella’s instead. Soon they were seated side by side. For a moment, I just stood and watched my daughter become part of the gang. These kids were so welcoming and big-hearted that it gave me hope for humanity.
After dinner, the kids returned to the beach.
Lila and I sat with the other adults, enjoying wine and cheese.
The ladies asked questions, but nothing obtrusive.
They genuinely seemed to want to get to know me better.
After about thirty minutes, I glanced at my watch.
“Do you think Margot’s okay down there?”
“Let’s go check on her,” Lila said.
“Give me a moment to use the restroom,” I said.
“I’ll be here.”
I headed inside and down the hall. The office door was ajar, and I noticed a shadow. Something made me stop. Kenzie stood at Seraphina’s desk, photographing something with her phone.
A framed photo of Tyler and the other kids.
“Kenzie?”
She jumped, spinning around.
“Oh, Vance. Hi. I was just—the bathroom was occupied, and I needed to take a call. Network emergency.” But her phone was angled toward the desk, not her ear.
“The bathroom’s down the hall,” I said. “Not in Seraphina’s private office.”