“Wait, I’m just a spectator,” I protested.
Jose stopped in his tracks. “Did you not hear me? If you’re on the set, you work. Sit.”
I did as I was told.
Chloe flipped her hair back. “I’m in! This is the best day of my life.”
I balked at accepting the attention.
Jose ran his fingers through my messy strawberry-blond tresses. “Gorgeous.”
I raised my eyebrows at him. “Just because I’m gorgeous doesn’t mean I want to flaunt it,” I jested.
“Hey, Victoria, can you make her up. Both of them.”
A woman with long black hair tugged at my purse and jacket. “What do you have on under here?” she asked.
Chloe’s laughter tickled my subconscious and reminded me that I should loosen up.
“White blouse,” I answered afraid to move. Someone tugged at my hair from behind. My head jerked back. Victoria lifted the collar of my blouse and undid the next two buttons. I peered down into my barely-there cleavage.
“Wear this,” she said, hooking a heavy silver braided choker around my neck. “Let her hair down.”
My hair fell to my shoulders. Mysterious fingers fluffed my mane. Victoria came at me with some mascara and red lipstick like Brook’s. She swished a soft brush across my cheeks.
“There. Wait,” she ordered with a flip of her hair. She cuffed the sleeves of my blouse and stuck a matching silver braided band on my ring finger.
“Perfect.” She beamed.
Speechless, I watched Chloe. The silent man in the fedora curled her hair. Brook stood behind her with a baby blue box, tied with a white ribbon. She’d changed back into her dark skinny jeans and white blouse. Her hair was tied at the nape of her neck, her lips ruby red. Blond strands stuck out giving her a chic messy look.
“This is for you,” the quiet man whispered in Chloe’s ear. He put the Tiffany box on her lap.
Emotion bubbled behind my eyes. Seeing this side of Brook astounded me. Chloe was right, this was the best day ever. And somehow, I knew we weren’t done.
Chloe beamed. “OMG!” She untied the ribbon and flipped open the top.
Brook knelt in front of her. “I thought you needed some jewelry for the shoot, too.”
Chloe fingered the silver engraved heart then caressed the pink enamel heart next to it. “It’s perfect. I love it!”
“Let’s take your jacket off so we can see it in the photos.” Brook undid the clasp and helped Chloe put the necklace on. “I knew you’d look fabulous in Tiffany.”
Chloe wrapped her arms around her mom as she bounced out of the chair. Her eyes glanced my way. I’d seen the look before in her father’s eyes and I gave a little clap trying to control the blubbering fit struggling to escape. Fletcher snapped frames then Jose jumped in rattling off orders. Victoria undid my thin belt and whipped a heavy leather braided belt around my waist. The color matched my Frye boots perfectly. “Where can I get one of these?” I asked.
Fletcher put his camera down for a split second. “It’s yours. Keep the jewelry, too. It suits you. Brook, show them what to do, then it’s a wrap.” Fletcher hustled to the other side of The Bean.
Brook showed Chloe how to strut her stuff underneath The Bean then we huddled together staring up at our reflections. With our arms around each other’s waists, Chloe in the middle, we sashayed out into the world. Fletcher snapped away. Brook picked Chloe up and I leaned into them. Fletcher snapped a close-up. Swallowed by the moment, I was free.
“That’s a wrap,” Fletcher said.
“Wait,” I said, “I know this a lot to ask, but can we get a group photo with Jose, Victoria, fedora man, and the brutes by the gate?”
Fletcher rubbed his bristly head. “Sure.”
Jose called everyone over. Chloe nuzzled close to her mom. Jose wrapped his arm around my shoulder. The security guard that grabbed my arm earlier pressed his lips on my cheek. I laughed and Fletcher shot some more frames.
“That’s a wrap.” Jose words mimicked a songbird’s call and with a snap of his fingers everyone began to scatter.
“Thanks for making this the best day ever!” Chloe yelled at the top of her lungs. She squeezed her mom tight.
I smiled at Brook and she smiled back. Fletcher came over and handed Jose the camera. “Here, take our photo.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Smile, beautiful.”
As soon as my gaze met his stare Jose shot one frame. Click.
“I told you before, everyone works,” Jose said as he studied us through the camera viewfinder.
Fletcher squeezed my shoulder. “And just so you know, no one has ever stopped me after a wrap and ordered more.”
I grinned as he arched his eyebrow at me. “Sorry, but that’s how I roll. Didn’t mean to step on any toes.”
“No worries,” he replied with a grin.
“Great, then you won’t mind if I request a set of proofs.”
Fletcher snickered. “We’ll get you a set of proofs. Anything else?”
“Thank you for letting Chloe and me be part of your day. It was truly spectacular,” I said, giving him a peck on the cheek. The unexpected glee made me giddy.
Victoria handed me my purse and my jacket. “Here ya’ go, sweetie. And just so ya’ know, no one has gotten to this guy before,” she said with a smirk.
He scowled at her then caught my stare. “Let me know how your cow project goes. Maybe I can help.” Fletcher strolled away barking orders at Jose.
Jose handed me a card. “Here, Fletcher doesn’t just do this for anyone. Don’t lose this,” he said. “It’s been a blast. One of the best shoots ever with that serious mug.”
Slipping into my jacket, I slung my purse over my shoulder, then headed over to where Brook stood with Chloe showing her racks of clothing and accessories.
“Ready?” Brook asked.
“I can’t believe I have a real Tiffany necklace.” Chloe beamed.
“I know. It’s beautiful. I fingered my new belt. Fletcher’s gift seemed all too generous.”
Brook smiled.
I tucked Fletcher Thompson’s card in my purse just as my phone buzzed. I checked the text. It was John wanting to know how the day went.
I tapped out a quick message. So far so good. Having tons of fun.
He replied almost immediately. I knew I could count on you!
“Who’s texting you?” Chloe asked, squinting at the screen of my phone.
“Your dad. He says hi and hopes you are having a good time.”
Chloe put her hand on her hip. “Take my picture. Send it to him.”
“Please,” Brook reminded her.
“Please, Maggie. Will you take my picture?” Chloe tilted her head and shaded her eyes with her hand.
I poked at the photo button and snapped a picture. “What do you want to tell him?”
“Tell him hello. Can I type something myself?”
I handed her the phone. “Here, have at it.”
Brook helped her spell a few words as she sounded out her message.
Before tapping send, I read the message that said, maybe we should rethink the Montana thing. Chicago is really fun!
I giggled. “He’s gonna like that.”
“What?” Brook asked, looking perplexed.
“I don’t want to move to Montana,” Chloe said. “Dad says we’re moving. I’m tired of moving.”
Brook stroked Chloe’s hair. “Can’t one of you talk some sense into him?” She rubbed her chin.
“What?” Chloe and I said at the same time.
Chloe shifted her weight. “Now that you and Mom can get along, maybe you can double-team him.”
We both raised an eyebrow at her.
“What? You don’t remember last summer. Mom, Bones peed on your leg. Maggie, my mom wasn’t exactly nice to you. Is any of it coming back?” Chloe gestured with her hands and raised her eyebrows as she spoke.
Brook covered her mouth and tug
ged at Chloe’s hand as she walked. “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” she muttered with a smirk.
I hadn’t thought about Bones or my mom. I hadn’t even called her to tell her I was here. I got out my phone again. There was another message from John. Tell Chloe no.
I replied. I don’t think so, buddy. That’s all you, but she is right. This is a fabulous place. Besides, when you go to Montana, you won’t meet any neighbors like me. I clicked send then scrolled down my list of contacts until I found my mom’s number. She answered after the third ring. “Hi, Mom. I’m here.”
“Figured. How are things?”
“We’re having a fun time. How is Bones?”
“Just a second, I’m on the floor. I have to put the phone down.”
“Mom, what are you doing on the floor? Mom? Mom?” I said louder. Brook shot me a look before stepping to the curb to hail a cab. “Mom—”
“Hold your horses, young lady. I told you I was on the floor. I’m not as young as I used to be.” Mom sounded irritated.
“What are you looking for?”
“Nothing.”
“Mom, are you all right?”
“Yeah. Bones is fine. He’s a good dog. He’s keeping me company, but he misses you guys. He’s kind of mopey. Guess, I’m not as much fun.”
“You’re loads of fun, Mom. We’ll be home tomorrow, hopefully before dinner.”
“Fine.”
“You okay?” I asked, pressing the phone to my ear.
“Yes, Marjorie Jean.” Mom’s unusual snap worried me.
“Don’t get me started, Glad,” I said.
“Fine, I won’t get you started, but I will have a surprise for you when you get home,” she replied.
“Better not be another dog.” Mom’s cackle pierced my ear.
“Bye, Maggie.”
“Bye, Mom.”
“Come on, Maggie,” Chloe urged.
Brook opened the cab door. I slid across the vinyl seat. Chloe and her mom followed. I noticed the time on the dash next to Habib’s badge. My stomach growled. Brook probably didn’t have that problem.
“I bet you guys are hungry,” Brook said, scrolling through her phone. “I have an idea. How about burgers and milkshakes? There is a great place, Ed Debevic’s on Wells Street. Chloe will love it.”
“Funny, I was just thinking about that place earlier. Last time I was there, Bradley was about ten. He thought it was a hoot. Our server wore airplane goggles and sassed at us the whole time. It was great.”
“You mean the servers are rude?” Chloe asked. “Aren’t they supposed to be nice?”
“It’s part of the show,” I said.
“On purpose?” Chloe’s right eyebrow shot up.
“No kidding, they dress up and are sassy.”
“How old do you have to be to work there?” she asked.
I laughed as Brook ruffled her daughter’s hair.
Chloe straightened the lapel on her jacket and sneered. “What do you want, lady? You talking to me?”
“You just might have a shot,” I said. “Keep practicing, on second thought, maybe not.”
Brook instructed the cabby where we were headed. Chloe fingered her heart necklace then kissed the silver surface.
Chapter 16
My mom stared at me over the rim of her new pair of purple-and-red-striped reading glasses. She hadn’t stopped smirking at me since she poured herself a cup of coffee.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing, honey,” she muttered. “So tell me about Chicago.”
“We had a good time. I think Brook and I have buried the hatchet. Chloe had a great time. We met lots of fun people and got to be part of Brook’s shoot.” I winked at her. “There will be photos.” I couldn’t help but smile. “Actually, the whole experience was fabulous. Very exciting to be an insider.”
“I haven’t seen you this happy in a while. Glad it worked out. I have a surprise,” she blurted out.
“Yeah, what’s that? It better not be puppy, hamster, or even fish. I see that Bones chewed up my slippers when I was gone.” Rinsing out my cup in the sink, I wiggled my toes beneath his pudgy belly.
“That’s just his way of telling you he misses you,” the deep voice answered.
I dropped my cup in the sink at the sound of Bradley’s voice. “Shit, I think I cracked it. Who cares? Get over here,” I demanded. “Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re home.” I wrapped my arms around his middle and drew him close. He was a whole head taller than me and he’d filled out since I’d last seen him. The whiskers on his chin tickled my cheek when he kissed me. I squeezed him tight. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Nana bought me a ticket.”
Mom beamed. “Thought you might like this much more than another puppy, although I think, Bones would prefer a new friend.”
Bones barked and jumped up.
“Down,” I commanded. He sat. “Good dog.”
Bradley bent down and scratched Bones’ belly. “Cool dog. How come I never could have a dog?”
I rolled my eyes. “Let the guilt begin,” I said. “We were never here enough. You know that. It wouldn’t have been fair.”
“Yeah, whatever,” he mumbled.
I ruffled his hair like he was seven. “How long are you here?”
“The weekend. Got any plans?” Bradley asked.
“I do now. What do you want to do?”
“Hope you’re not disappointed, but I’d kind of like to lay low. I’ve been super busy. Maybe see Dad, if he’s around.” Bradley poured himself a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter. I watched him sip from the mug. When had my baby gotten so big? When had my baby started drinking coffee and grown a beard? “I’m in. It’s your world sweetheart.” I meandered over to mom, inspecting her height. She seemed shorter today. I kissed her cheek. “Thanks for the surprise. This was the best one yet.” I wrapped my arm around her and squeezed.
The front door slammed.
Chloe came bursting into the party. “Hey, there’s a tall guy here somewhere—”
“Bradley,” I interrupted, “this is Chloe. She lives next door. She’s in third grade this year. That makes her eight and she hangs out with us a lot.”
“Oh, hi. I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t a robber or something.”
Bradley chuckled.
“Sure,” I mumbled. “So Chloe, Bradley is here for the weekend. Glad flew him in. Isn’t that a great surprise?”
Chloe stepped closer to Bradley, placed her hands on her hips, and stared up at him. “Wow, you’re big. How’d you get that way? Your mom is kind of shrimpy.”
“Hey,” I said with a nudge.
Bradley laughed. “She’s kind of right. Nice to meet you.” He shook her hand. “So, you’re the one that lives next door, huh? I think my mom has mentioned you.” A sly grin crossed his mouth.
“Yeah, but my dad wants to put the house up for sale and move to Montana. He’s having some sort of crisis, I think. I don’t want to move. I’m tired of moving. Maggie, that’s your mom, took me to Chicago for two days to see my mom. We got to miss school. That was awesome. I’m glad you’re here. Bradley, your mom misses you. She talks about you all the time. She told my mom and me all about the time you went to Chicago. She told me about the time you got lost at the fair and had trouble reading in school. Your mom helped me read better last summer. I’ve been wanting to meet you,” she spewed without taking a breath. “Last time you were here I was in California. That didn’t end so well. It’s about time we met.”
Bradley grinned and shot me an unnerving stare.
Chloe scooted over to where I stood. She wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed. “I’m super glad she doesn’t have cancer anymore.”
“Me, too,” Bradley said with a wink.
“Me, three,” Glad added.
“Don’t forget me,” a voice said from the hallway.
My heart skipped a beat. “Hi, John. Come on in. This is my boy, Bradley.” I liked h
ow John smiled at Bradley and shook his hand. I liked Bradley’s smile even more and manly stature. My boy wasn’t a boy anymore.
“I saw Chloe bolt. Thought I should investigate,” John said.
Glad snickered. Her eyes sparkled as she scanned the cast of characters. Chloe tugged at the hem of my T-shirt, then beckoned me with a silent finger. I leaned down so she could whisper in my ear.
“Maggie, we should have special dinner with everyone here.”
“What a great idea,” I whispered back.
Chloe moved closer to my mom. “Special dinner, Glad. What should Maggie make us?” Her eyes darted over to Bradley. “Your mom is a good cook.”
Glad set her coffee mug on the counter.
Bradley smiled. “Yeah, we were always the hang out house when I was growing up. Guess nothing’s changed.”
“Had to keep my eye on you somehow,” I said, smiling at my mom.
John stood quietly in the doorway of the kitchen. His arms crossed. His face relaxed, something I hadn’t seen in some time.
“You coming to dinner, too?” I asked. He winked. My spine tingled at the glint in his eye. I reminded myself, he was really going to move. “Since Bradley is the guest, let’s have him chose dinner.”
Bradley chuckled as he rubbed his chin. “I say we should have diner dinner.”
Chloe squealed with excitement.
I grimaced at the shrieking.
“I love diner dinner!” she said, flitting over to her dad. “It’s all the things that you love. Hot dogs, burgers, French fries, milkshakes.”
John’s gaze wandered in my direction. “I take it you’ve had this before.”
“Yeah. Maggie made it for me before. Glad helped. Or Glad made it and Maggie helped. I don’t actually remember, but I do remember I loved it.”
John laughed, his jaw line softer. His muscles filled out the sleeves of his black T-shirt, sexier. I focused my attention back on Bradley. “So what kind of diner dinner do you want?”
“There’s more than one kind,” Chloe blurted. Her Tiffany hearts on her necklace jangled.
Her dad shushed her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders pulling her backward into his lean body.
Bradley hemmed and hawed. “I think chicken tenders, fries, and double-chocolate peanut butter milkshakes with whipped cream.”
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