by SJ McCoy
His heart began to race in his chest when he saw the door open and a familiar figure come out. Dr. Johnny. Chance looked around wildly, hoping for an escape. Could he run and hide behind a parked truck before Johnny saw him? No.
“Chance!”
He forced a smile and stepped forward to shake Johnny’s outstretched hand. “This is a pleasant surprise. How are you? How’s your father getting along?”
“It is a surprise!” Chance hadn’t expected to see him back up here until the summer. “Dad’s doing great, thanks to you. The clinic was the best thing that’s happened to him.”
“The clinic just provided the tools and the environment. Your father did all the hard work. He’s a great example of what’s possible with determination and the right attitude.”
Chance nodded. “Yeah, he sure has those. I talk to him most days, and even according to him he’s doing great.” He smiled. “According to Alice and my sister, he’s overdoing it.”
“That doesn’t surprise me in the least. And how about you?”
Chance tried to ignore the concern in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine thanks. It’s back to the grind for me.”
Johnny nodded. “I hope the time you spent in Oregon was good for you?”
Chance nodded, not sure what the question meant or how to answer it. Was Johnny really asking about him and Hope, or was he just being hypersensitive?
“Is there any chance of you taking another break any time soon?”
“No. Like I said, it’s back to the grindstone now.”
Johnny met his gaze. “That’s a shame. I might as well tell you; I was keeping my fingers crossed for you and Hope.”
Chance sucked in a deep breath, surprised that he would just come straight out and say it like that.
“I know it’s none of my business, but I hoped, you know.”
Chance liked the older man; he hated to feel that he’d disappointed him somehow. “I did, too. She's an amazing lady, but it’s not realistic, is it? She lives there; I live here. She’s who she is. I’m just … I run cattle.”
“I suppose on the surface those things might be enough to stop the two of you, but I didn’t think they would.”
Chance shrugged. “It’s better for her this way.”
Johnny gave him a stern look that surprised him. It almost felt as though he knew what had happened. His words reinforced that feeling. “Does she think that?”
Chance stared at him. “I’m sure she does.”
Johnny grasped his shoulder. “It’s not my place to say anything, is it?”
Chance shook his head but didn’t want to agree out loud. “Do you mind if I ask you something, though?”
“What’s that?”
“You seem disappointed that we didn’t work it out. I thought you’d be relieved.”
Johnny looked genuinely puzzled and waited for him to explain.
“I mean. I would have thought that in your eyes she deserves better.”
Johnny let out a short laugh. “In my eyes, there is no one better than you, Chance. I don’t measure a person’s worth in dollars if that’s what you mean.”
“That and the, I don’t even know what you call it, the social standing, I guess. I’m not a millionaire, and worse than that I’m a no-name non-millionaire.”
Johnny laughed again. “I know what you mean, Chance, but I’m not that shallow, and I think you already know Hope isn’t.”
Chance nodded. “Sorry, I do, but,” he had to ask, “what about her father?”
Johnny’s smile faded. “Seymour isn’t shallow, but let’s say he does observe certain social norms. However, he’s good at understanding a person’s true worth when he meets them.” He held Chance’s gaze. “It’s a pity you never met him.”
It sure did seem that he knew what happened between him and Hope.
“Anyway. It’s good to run into you, Chance. I hope I’ll see you again. I’m going to be here for the rest of the month.”
“Be sure and give me a call if you need anything.”
“Thanks. I might just do that. Bye now.”
As he started to walk away, Chance tried to bite his tongue, but he couldn’t help it. “Dr. Johnny!”
He turned and looked back.
“How is she?”
Johnny smiled. “I wish you’d ask her that yourself. From what I’ve seen she’s not doing wonderfully.” He turned around and walked away.
Chance stood staring after him for a long time. What did that mean? Johnny thought he should ask her himself? Did that mean she’d want him to call her? She wasn’t doing wonderfully? Did that mean she was upset about the way he’d left Oregon? He crossed the road again and got back in his truck. What the hell? What was he supposed to do now? How was he supposed to forget her now?
Chapter Three
Hope checked herself over in the mirror while she waited for the car to arrive. She smiled; this should prove Toby wrong about her having devolved into a slob! Since he’d left here yesterday afternoon she’d been on a whirlwind of beautification appointments. She’d had a mani-pedi while her hair was being cut and colored. She’d had a deep tissue massage and a rejuvenating facial. And wax—she peered more closely at her eyebrows in the mirror. Yes, all the redness was gone now, though other parts of her still felt a little tender. Someday she’d make time to get laser treatment on every single undesirable follicle on her body—and never have to face the torture of waxing ever again! Her brows and lashes were tinted, her makeup was perfect, if she did say so herself, and this dress! Wow! It was a white satin number she’d picked up this morning during a little bout of retail therapy. She smiled at the way her hair curled down around her shoulders and brushed a strand away from her face. Her smile faded as she remembered Chance doing the same thing while they sat on the patio overlooking the beach. She closed her eyes, remembering the way his roughened fingertips had traced her cheek so gently. No. She opened them again. She was supposed to be dragging herself out of her funk over him. She couldn’t go indulging in all the sweet memories and sink back down into misery again. She straightened her shoulders. Like Toby had said. She had to do something about it, or forget about it. She was leaning toward doing something, but until she did, she was no longer prepared to let herself wallow.
She looked up at the sound of a car coming up the driveway and picked up her purse. Toby’s timing was great. No wallowing, not even for a few minutes. It was time to go out and have some fun. She opened the front door and laughed at the look on his face as he got out of the car.
“Wow! You have been busy. You look amazing.”
“Thanks.” She trotted down the front steps to join him. He held the rear door open for her and then came around to sit beside her.
The driver turned around to smile at her. “It’s good to see you out and about Miss Hope, and if you don’t mind me saying, you look great!”
She smiled and touched his shoulder. “Thanks, Ron. Toby here told me I was turning into a slob, so I thought I’d better make a bit of an effort.”
Ron turned a dark look on Toby. “I’d say Toby needs to watch his mouth, or he’ll have me to answer to.”
They all laughed. Ron had been driving for her for years and there was usually some kind of teasing and banter between the three of them.
Toby shrugged. “You didn’t see her yesterday.”
“He’s right, Ron. Much as I hate to admit it, I had let myself go. We can forgive him this time, because he gave me the boost I needed to remind him just how unsloblike I really am!”
“If you say so, Miss Hope, but I’ve got my eye on you, Toby, you’d best remember that.”
Toby laughed. “You never let me forget it!”
Ron pulled out of the driveway and smiled at them in the rearview mirror.
“Do you know who’s going to be there tonight?” she asked Toby.
“Just about everyone, by the sound of it. Sirena’s mom organized the party and it seems she’s invited absolutely everyone who’s anyo
ne.”
Hope raised an eyebrow. “Is Drew going to be there?”
“I wouldn’t do that to you. That was the first thing I checked on. Apparently, he was invited, but he’s out of town. He’s meeting with some producer in New York. For once I wish him the best of luck.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean I hope he gets a part in whatever movie it is. If he had to go to New York just to talk about it, then I doubt they’ll be filming here in LA.”
Hope nodded. “I guess not. I don’t really care though. It doesn’t matter to me anymore.”
Up front, Ron coughed and muttered “Asshole,” under his breath.
Hope laughed. “We haven’t talked much since then, have we, Ron? I don’t suppose you were too sorry to see him go?”
Ron chuckled. “I think I just made my feelings on the matter clear. I don’t know what you saw in him, but I’m glad you’ve seen the back of him.”
“Yeah, me too.”
The traffic wasn’t too bad this evening and before long they were pulling up in front of the club. Ron gave her a kind smile when she got out. “You call me when you’ve had enough, won’t you? I can whisk you away home if you’re tired and come back for this fella later.”
Hope reached up and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Ron. I think I’ll be okay. You’re too good to me.”
He nodded and held her gaze for a moment. “I just look out for you, that’s all.”
Toby came around to join them and took Hope’s arm with a grin. “Would you stop kissing on Ron? You’re supposed to be my date. What will people think?”
Ron laughed. “They’ll think she’s got good taste and went for the better man.”
Toby rolled his eyes. “They probably will!”
“Come on, we’d better get in there. I’ll call you ten minutes before we need you, Ron.”
He smiled. “I’ll be ready the second you call.”
Once they were inside, Hope looked around with a smile. She was glad she’d come. There were so many familiar faces milling around. It’d do her good to catch up with acquaintances. It’d do her good to show her face around town again. The way things had worked out, she hadn’t been seen out in public since the Drew fiasco. People were probably thinking she was devastated and was lying low. They’d be right, of course—over everything except the guy involved.
Alana Mills, Sirena’s mother glided toward them with a welcoming smile on her face. Hope loved her, she was a real sweetie.
“Hope, darling! I’m so glad you’re here. I wasn’t sure you’d feel up to it.”
“I’m feeling fine thanks, Mrs. Mills. Thanks for inviting me.”
“And me,” added Toby.
Mrs. Mills smiled at him, “You’re welcome, dear.”
Hope felt bad. She saw Toby as a friend and an equal, too many people in their circle saw him as nothing more than her assistant. “Do you know where Sirena is?” she asked. “We’d love to say Happy Birthday.”
“Of course, she’s out on the garden terrace. I’ll show you through.”
“That’s okay, thanks. We know the way. Thanks again for inviting us, I’m sure we’ll catch up with you later.” Hope led Toby away before the older woman had chance to answer.
Toby sighed as they made their way through the crowds, smiling and waving at the other guests, but never slowing enough to get caught in conversation. “What are you doing, Hope? You know I’m not just going to march up to her and wish her Happy Birthday.”
“I do, but I don’t know why. You’re a dumbass when it comes to Sirena.”
“Yup. I admit it. I am. But you’re not going to change it, and you certainly won’t change it by embarrassing me and making me talk to her.”
Hope laughed. “I know! Stop worrying, would you? I’m going to march straight up to her and say Happy Birthday.”
“But you don’t even know her that well.”
Hope shrugged. “That doesn’t matter. There are some perks to being a Davenport. I might not be a close friend, but I know her mom and she knows who I am. That’s all we need to start up a conversation. All you need to do is stand there and look handsome.”
Toby rolled his eyes.
“There she is. Come on.” Hope led him across the patio to where Sirena was sitting with a small group of friends. She stopped a little distance away and waited for a break in the conversation. She might have claimed that she was about to march straight up to her, but she didn’t work that way. She didn’t need to, as Sirena proved when she spotted her. She stopped talking and smiled at them. Hope seized her moment. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to intrude.” Toby squeezed her arm tighter—no doubt meaning yes you did!
Sirena looked a little surprised, but covered it quickly. “Oh, that’s okay. Join us, if you’d like.”
“Thank you. We wanted to come wish you a very happy birthday.” She dragged Toby with her and took a seat on one end of a loveseat, leaving Toby to sit on the end closest to Sirena.
“Yes, happy birthday,” he mumbled.
Hope was happy to see the tiniest hint of pink flush Sirena’s cheeks as she muttered thank you. Perhaps there was a chance for these two after all? She waited a moment, but neither of them spoke, so she decided to jump in and get the conversation going before she left them to it. “I’m so glad you invited me. I haven’t been out for a while.”
Sirena met her gaze. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come. Are you okay?”
That surprised Hope. Normally in these circles, people spoke in riddles and never actually said what they meant, they just alluded to it. Sirena’s approach was refreshing. She smiled. “I am thanks. I think it all worked out for the best.”
“That’s good to hear.” Sirena looked at her friends. “Would you mind going to get me another drink Ellie?” Ellie seemed to understand the unspoken request to leave them alone and nodded. “Come on Kara, you can help me.” They got to their feet and the others joined them, leaving Hope, Toby and Sirena alone.
Hope wanted to slap Toby when he sniffed at his armpit and asked, “Do I need a new deodorant?” Why would he blow his chance like that? She was surprised to hear Sirena laughing. Wow! Everyone’s humor was different she supposed.
“It’s okay. It’s not you,” said Sirena. “I just wanted to get you alone for a moment, Hope. I wanted to let you know that Drew won’t be here tonight. Mom invited him—against my wishes—but he couldn’t make it.”
“Thanks for letting me know. I really am okay about it, but I can relax a little more knowing that I’m not going to run into him.”
Sirena looked uncomfortable. “I don’t know how relaxed you’ll be when I tell you that Carrie might come. I’m sorry. I really didn’t think you’d show up, and Carrie’s been down in the dumps since she discovered what Drew’s really like.”
Hope raised an eyebrow. “They’re not together anymore?”
Sirena shook her head. “I know you must hate her—”
“Not at all. If anything, I feel a little sorry for her, hearing that.”
Sirena smiled. “You’re such a class act.”
“Thank you! That’s a lovely thing to say.”
“It’s a lovely way to be. I think you’re awesome!” Sirena looked embarrassed when she blurted that out.
“That’s okay, I think she’s awesome, too.” Toby was no doubt trying to make her feel better, but it seemed to have the opposite effect.
Sirena’s face fell. “Are the two of you together now?”
Hope looked at Toby who met her gaze with an incredulous look before they both burst out laughing. “Oh, my goodness, we’re not! We work together, but that’s it.”
“Oh!” From the way Sirena’s eyes lit up Hope would guess that all Toby needed to do was get his act together and ask her out. “I thought you were …”
“No,” said Toby. Hope willed him not to say anything stupid and ruin his chances. “I’m just the guy who holds everything together. You know, the behind the scenes guy who everyone ap
preciates but no one wants to be with?”
“I’d love to be with a guy a like that,” said Sirena. “It seems these days everyone’s trying to be a badass and no one wants to be a down to earth genuine person.”
Hope grinned. “Oh, I think you two should talk!”
Toby gave her the rabbit in the headlights look, but Sirena smiled gratefully. They’d be fine, she knew it.
“I have so many people to catch up with. I’ll check back on you later.”
“Thanks,” said Sirena as Hope got up.
Toby gave her another look of wild eyed panic. She smiled to herself. He needed to step up, he’d do better once she was out of the way. He always came through under pressure. “See you later,” she told him with a grin.
Hope wandered over to a quiet corner of the patio. She should catch up with people, but she really didn’t feel like it. If she was lucky, she might be able to catch a waiter’s attention and get them to bring a drink over to her hideout in the foliage. She leaned against a planter and watched people mingle. There were so many familiar faces, yet so few friends amongst them. She had acquaintances by the boatload, but she didn’t really have any real friends. She smiled to herself sadly. Toby was as close as it got—and she paid him! That wasn’t fair, he was a good friend, and she had no doubt he still would be, even if their working relationship were to end.
A waiter approached with a tray of champagne glasses. She took one gratefully, and then swiped a second—it could legitimately be for a friend. She felt a little guilty knocking back the first one while clutching the second in her other hand. She’d just have to hope that no one took a picture of her like that. They’d no doubt claim she was drowning her sorrows two drinks at a time. She chuckled to herself as she slipped the empty glass into the planter.
“I had a feeling they were both for you.”
She looked up with a polite smile trying to mask her guilt. “I’m sorry?”
The guy smiled. “That’s okay. I didn’t see a thing.”