Evening Stars

by Susan Mallery

  She walked inside and found Bonnie and Bertie curled up together on the sofa.

  “Hi,” she said, then turned toward her room.

  “Come join us,” her mother called. “We’re toasting Averil’s decision to return to Kevin.”

  Nina went into the living room and saw a third glass on the coffee table. She poured the wine, then settled into one of the chairs across from the sofa.

  “I’m glad she went home, too,” Nina told them. “I think she found whatever she was looking for. I hope they make it.”

  “They will,” Bonnie said confidently.

  Nina resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her mother might feel a spiritual connection to inanimate objects, but she hardly had the gift of precognition. It wasn’t as if she knew whether or not Averil and Kevin were going to make it. Although a case could be made that assuming the best was a more pleasant way to live.

  “I stopped by the store.” Nina sipped her wine. All this drinking—first of tea and now wine. At some point she needed to eat. Or not. Maybe being confused about life would allow her to get rid of those fifteen pounds that plagued her. “Cindy got new locks installed on the front and back door. She’s also going to lock up the jewelry. She’s doing excellent work. She deserves a raise.”

  “Good idea,” Bertie said.

  Bonnie nodded. “I like her so much. I want her to stay.” She straightened a little in her seat. “We have an announcement.”

  Nina involuntarily stiffened. “Okay. I’m braced.”

  Her mother laughed. “It’s hardly bad news.” She turned to her partner. “You tell her.”

  Bertie nodded. “We’re selling the Stoicasescu. I called Ambrose earlier this afternoon and spoke with him. He’s going to take care of getting it appraised. He’s already been tracing it, and it seems it’s not stolen or missing. Which means the sale should go through.”

  Nina’s gaze swung back to her mother. “You’re okay with this?”

  Bonnie nodded. “Bertie and I are driving to Seattle tomorrow to sign the rest of the paperwork. We’ll stay in town a couple of nights and enjoy the city, then come back.”

  Bertie cleared her throat. “While that’s good to know, the part that we need you to know is about the trusts. We’re setting up four trusts. We’ll each get an equal share of the proceeds. There will be fees, commission and taxes, but even after all that, there’s going to be a lot of money left. Enough for us all to follow our dreams.”

  The last words were delivered gently, but Nina got their meaning. While the income from the store would have improved things, the sale of the painting was life-changing.

  Nina put down her wine, afraid she would start shaking and spill. “Are you sure?”

  Her mother laughed. “About selling or the money? Ambrose assures us we’ll get a lot for the painting. And if that means we’re all rich at the end of the day, so be it.”

  She took Bertie’s hand. “We’re thinking of getting a new van. A larger one so we can buy more. Who knows what we’ll find if we’re really looking.”

  Nina wanted to believe, but she was afraid. “Mom, are you sure?” she asked again.

  “Yes, very. I want to sell the painting. Averil told me it’s time to grow up. I don’t want to, but I suppose she’s right.”

  Nina opened her mouth, then closed it. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “A rarity,” her mother murmured.

  Nina smiled. “Probably true.” She stood. “Okay, this is a lot to think about. I’m glad you’re selling. You don’t have to give me any of the money.”

  “We want to,” her mother told her. The smile faded. “Don’t you think it’s time I acted like the adult in the relationship? You should savor this moment. It may not happen again.”

  That was the truth, Nina thought, still dazed. “You’ll need to find a financial planner. Someone with a good reputation and who is honest. You’ll need help managing the money.”

  Bertie stood and crossed to her. The other woman took Nina’s hands in hers. “Stop,” she said quietly. “Ambrose made several suggestions, as did our banker here on the island. We’re going to do this right. I’ll make sure of it. If you have trouble accepting that, then believe me when I tell you that I want to make sure your mother will be taken care of for the rest of her life.”

  Nina squeezed her fingers. “You’re saying let go.”

  “Yes. You’re free, Nina. Don’t be one of those birds who keeps ignoring the open window and banging itself against the mirror.”

  “That’s not me.”

  At least she didn’t want it to be her. She thought about the island, again. Of how she’d realized she was the only one holding on so tight. That everyone else had let go.

  She had no idea what to do or where to go. If she wasn’t trapped, then what was the next step?

  Maybe, just maybe, it was time to find out.

  * * *

  Averil had thought she might have trouble staying awake through the night, but anticipation and excitement kept her alert through Sacramento, then Fresno. She stopped at a twenty-four-hour diner in a truck stop north of Bakersfield for a large coffee to go and a couple of scrambled eggs for Penny. It was just after three in the morning.

  Penny gulped down her meal, and then they took a walk together in the silence. The area was well lit and the air cool enough to be bracing. Penny took care of business, then trotted along at Averil’s side.

  “I hope you like the house,” Averil told the dog. “We’re close to the beach, and we’ll be able to go on long walks. There’s a great boardwalk you’ll like.”

  She patted the dog. “I hope Kevin loves you as much as I do.”

  Penny looked at her with an expression that asked “What’s not to love?” Averil hugged her, then they returned to the car.

  Two hours later, they were in Mischief Bay. The coastal town, tucked just south of LAX and next to Hermosa Beach, was an eclectic jumble of California chic, beachy casual and a high-tech mecca. There were tiny 1950s bungalows next to ten-thousand-square-foot mansions, a few high-rise condos and, on the east end of the town, a cluster of software companies.

  The pier, a smaller version of the one in Santa Monica, drew tourists. The locals knew about the great restaurants tucked away in corners and alleys. Performance artists dotted the boardwalk. At this hour, the streets were still quiet, the sun still only threatening to rise.

  Averil pulled into her familiar driveway and parked the car. She took Penny for another short walk, then grabbed the dog’s bed and dishes from the trunk. She quietly let them both into the house.

  Everything was as she remembered. Kevin was basically a neat guy, so there were only a few magazines scattered on the coffee table. His iPad sat next to the TV remote.

  Averil moved to the kitchen and got Penny water. She set the bowl in the corner, then led the way to the master bedroom in the back of the house.

  Kevin was already up. The bed was still unmade, but the door to the bathroom was partially open, and she heard the sound of the shower running. She put Penny’s bed down, and the dog curled up in it right away. Averil stood in the center of the room, not sure what to do next.

  She moved toward the bathroom, then stopped. She looked at Penny. “I’m open to ideas.”

  Penny wagged her tail briefly before putting her head down on her paws and going to sleep.

  Averil returned her attention to the bathroom door, then heard the shower shut off.

  “What the hell,” she muttered and pulled off her shirt.

  She was naked in about thirty seconds and walked to the bathroom door.

  “Hey,” she said softly, as she knocked. “Good morning.”

  Kevin turned at the sound of her voice. He had his towel in one hand and a look of surprise on his face. Then his mouth curved into a welcoming smile, and he reached for her.

  “You’re back,” he said, pulling her close.

  She went into his embrace, feeling the lanky warmth of his body pressing a
gainst hers. Emotions flooded her, battling for dominance. Gratitude mingled with desire. Longing swirled around love. Before she could settle on one, he kissed her.

  His lips claimed hers. She parted for him and felt herself melt into him. He ran his hands up and down her back, before squeezing her butt, then moving to her breasts.

  He was hard in seconds, which was good because she was ready, too. More than ready. Kisses deepened, hands reached.

  “Bed,” he said, his voice low and husky.

  “Counter,” she whispered and stepped back to shift herself onto the cold tile.

  He didn’t hesitate a second. He moved between her parted legs and pushed into her with practiced ease. At the same time, he cupped her breasts and teased her tight, aching nipples. She wrapped her legs around his hips, holding him deep inside of her.

  They made love with fierce abandon. She gave herself over to him, to how he made her feel. When her orgasm claimed her, she let her head fall back as she cried out her pleasure. Not only because it felt good, but because Kevin liked it when she made noise.

  When they had stilled, she looked into his eyes.

  “Hi,” she said.

  “Hi, yourself.”

  “I love you.”

  His mouth curved up. “I love you, too.”

  “I’m back for good.” She paused, knowing there was a lot more she needed to say, but not sure where to begin.

  He withdrew and started out of the bathroom. Panic had her sliding off the counter and following him.

  “Kevin?”

  He picked up his cell phone. “It’s okay,” he told her. “I’m calling in sick. I want to spend the day with you, Averil. We have some catching up to do.”

  Because that was who he was, she thought as tears unexpectedly filled her eyes.

  “What?” he asked, moving toward her. “Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?”

  “No,” she said, running to him and hugging him as tightly as she could. “I don’t deserve you. I’m sorry for what I put you through. What if I’d lost you?”

  He kissed her, then wiped away her tears. “You didn’t, Averil. You didn’t.”

  He led her to the bed and waited until she climbed in. Then he called his office and said he wouldn’t be in today or tomorrow. As he circled the bed to his side, he paused by Penny, bent down and scratched her ears.

  “Hey, doglet. Welcome to the family.”

  Penny wagged her tail and licked his hand.

  Kevin climbed into bed and settled on his back. Averil snuggled up against him. Her head rested on his shoulder, her leg draped across his thigh. One of his hands laced with hers and the other played with her hair.

  Everything about this felt right, she thought happily. She’d been given a second chance.

  She thought about the birth control pills she’d thrown out, but decided that was a conversation for later. As was the matter of the trust fund and how she’d realized that while it was okay to be the princess every now and then, mostly she had to be the queen in her own life. All things he would want to hear, but not now. This moment needed to be about them. About him.

  “Tell me, what’s going on at work?” she asked.

  “We’re having some trouble in programming,” he said.

  She snuggled closer and smiled. “I want to hear all about it.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  AFTER ANOTHER SLEEPLESS night, Nina was seriously thinking about calling in sick. Her head hurt; she was foggy. Luck was on her side because Kyle had been sent away on one of his assignments. He’d texted her that he would be back at the end of the week and he wanted to take her to dinner Friday night.

  She accepted the reprieve as a sign the Universe was looking out for her, then took an extra-hot shower in an effort to wake up. When she got out she realized that a cold one might have been more efficient. She was still groggy.

  Maybe she would go in for a couple of hours and get the paperwork done, then come back home. If she could just sleep, she would feel better.

  She swallowed coffee, passed on breakfast, then headed for her car. It was where she’d left it, but as she approached, she saw Dylan leaning against the driver’s door.

  She came to a stop when she saw him. Heat burned on her cheeks. The last time she’d seen him, she’d been in the throes of a pretty serious breakdown. She was still trying to find her footing.

  He walked toward her. “You okay? You look tired.” He touched her face. “Not sleeping much?”

  “Not sleeping at all. There’s something about finding out one’s life is a complete fraud to upset the rhythm of one’s day.”

  His green eyes turned knowing. “You always did hide behind humor.”

  “It’s something I’m really good at, but it only works if you don’t mention it.”

  “I won’t say a word.”

  “Thank you.”

  He nodded. “Made any decisions yet?”

  “About my life?” She gave a laugh, hoping it sounded more amused than strangled. “No. Still reeling from everything going on. Averil went home, which is good. I hope she and Kevin can work things out. Mom and Bertie are swearing they can handle the money. They’re getting a financial adviser.”

  “What about you? What are you going to do?”

  “I have no idea,” she admitted. “I’m torn between running away and becoming agoraphobic. Although I think I’d get bored being in the house all the time.” She thought about the trust fund and how that offered financial freedom if nothing else. Which would be a great thing, if only she had a few dreams she could follow.

  Dylan surprised her by leaning in and kissing her. His lips lingered before he straightened.

  “What was that for?” she asked, to cover unexpected confusion. Dylan kissing her? Wasn’t he angry about Kyle?

  “To make a point. I learned my lesson ten years ago. I gave you up. I let pride and circumstances tear us apart. There are a lot of other reasons and I could make excuses, but I won’t. Instead I’ll tell you it was a mistake. I came back to Blackberry Island in part because I’d promised my father, but also because you were here. I wanted to see you again. I wanted to see what would happen when we were together.”

  She felt her mouth drop open, then carefully closed it. “I...” She drew in a breath. “What?”

  He gave her a quick smile. “I let you go once and I’m not going to do it again. I’m going to fight for you.” The smile faded. “Let me be clear. I’m not sleeping with you while you’re sleeping with Kyle, but I’m also not going to go away.”

  Okay—she’d officially tipped over the edge and was falling into madness. Dylan was going to fight for her? What did that mean? She had a sudden vision of Kyle and him going at it, like in Fight Club. The image wasn’t very comfortable.

  “I don’t understand,” she admitted.

  “Maybe this will help.”

  He grabbed her by her upper arms and held her still while he kissed her again. His mouth was warm and passionate against hers, and she had to admit that, despite the madness swirling all around her, she felt serious tingles low in her belly. Just when she was about to wrap her arms around him, he let her go.

  “I’ll see you soon,” he promised, then walked to his car and drove away.

  Nina watched him go, then slowly got into her car and rested her head against the steering wheel. “I’m going to need a lot more coffee to get through this day,” she murmured.

  * * *

  “Thanks for this,” Nina said, as she sat across from Andi at the restaurant at the Blackberry Island Inn. When two appointments right after lunch had canceled, Nina had asked her boss if they could go out and talk.

  “Are you kidding?” Andi asked, settling into the chair and sighing with contentment. “I’ve been seriously craving the chicken salad here. But I worry that all I talk about these days is food, so I didn’t want to say anything.” She paused, then laughed. “Not that I won’t enjoy your company.”

  Nina grinned. “Go
od to know I come in second to a sandwich.”

  “Maybe not. I could order it on a salad.”

  Their server appeared and took their drink orders, then talked about the specials. When she left, Andi leaned her elbows on the table.

  “So,” she began. “What’s up?”

  Nina resisted the need to squirm. “Nothing. Everything. My life is unraveling and I don’t know what to do about it.”

  “I find that hard to believe. You’re always so calm and in control.”

  “Most of that is a façade. I just...” Nina wasn’t sure how much to share. While Andi was a friend, she was also her boss. She wasn’t willing to discuss her confusion about what Dylan had told her that morning. It simply fell into the “too personal” category. But there were other issues she would really like some advice on.

  “I don’t know if I ever mentioned this before, but I’d always planned on being a doctor.”

  Andi’s eyebrows rose. “Seriously? What happened? You’d be great. You’re the best nurse I’ve ever had. You’re good with the patients and you enjoy problem-solving.”

  Their server returned with their drinks, and they both ordered the chicken salad sandwich on focaccia bread.

  “It was a lot of things,” Nina admitted when they were alone again. “I had responsibilities, I was afraid. When Dylan and I broke up, I couldn’t face going to the University of Washington and running into him all the time. I went to community college for two years. By then Averil was old enough to be thinking about what she wanted to do. If I went to medical school...” Her voice trailed off. To get answers to her questions, she needed to tell the truth.

  “I think I got scared. It was more expedient to become a nurse. Less of a challenge. I told myself it was so there would be money for Averil’s education, and while that’s true, it’s not the main reason.”

  She paused. “Have you ever seen the island from the air?”

  Andi laughed. “No. Have you?”

  “A few days ago. It’s small. I mean seriously small. You chose this place, I accepted it without much of a fight. I never tried to leave. I never tried for something else.”