“Yes. So, I’ll see you both there?”
Chrissy takes them, smiling. “If you’re sure. Thank you, Reggie.”
“You’re welcome.”
Chrissy doesn’t bother chastising Ben when he pumps his fist. If she could, she’d do it, too.
The cruise ship is huge. It looks sleek with its white fiberglass and tinted windows, like a Hollywood star donning sunglasses. Last night Chrissy studied the ship’s layout online. Knowing what to expect helps calm Chrissy’s nerves. She’s afraid she’ll stick out like a sore thumb, that with one look everyone will know she’s never attended a social event like this one. They’ll be having dinner on the second floor before making their way to the top deck for the fireworks. She blows out a breath, practically bouncing as each step brings them closer to the ship.
At least she’ll know a few people attending, like Cathy Freedman, an estate-planning attorney she met last year, and her husband, David. Chrissy crinkles her nose. Estate-planning seems like boring work, but she can imagine why Cathy’s successful working with people while they create wills and trusts and documents needed to protect a family and its legacy. The first time she met Cathy, she felt as if she were wrapped in a warm blanket. Cathy projects a caring demeanor, and Chrissy can tell she’s sincere. Her ability to make others comfortable is one of her best qualities. As they draw near the boat, Chrissy hears her name called. Looking around, she spies Cathy and David. The couple met while attending a continuing education seminar together, and they married two years later. Chrissy waves at them, leading Ben through the crowd to a small gathering of employees at the dock. She leans in to deliver hugs before introducing them to Ben.
“It’s great to meet you, Ben. I think you’ll have fun tonight. We’ll have an unobstructed view of the fireworks from the top deck,” David says.
“That sounds cool. Mom told me the firm does this every year.”
“They do. It’s one of my favorite functions, second only to the Christmas party,” Cathy says while she gathers her long, brunette hair and ties it back with a hair clip.
“Right. The food is the best.”
“Oh, you and your stomach.” Cathy pretends to whack David in the belly, and he bends over as if winded. He straightens up a moment later sporting a wide grin, his gray eyes filled with mirth. He has a boy-next-door air about him with his straw-colored hair and trim build.
They are ridiculously cute. Not long after Chrissy started working at the firm, she ended up sharing a table with Cathy during her lunch break, and over time it became a regular occurrence. David joins them when he isn’t in court.
“We’ll have to introduce you to our nephew, Todd, when he visits next,” Cathy says. “He’s about your age. They live in Rhode Island, and we take turns visiting each other. I think you’ll like him.”
“That sounds fun. Thanks,” Ben says.
Chrissy smiles. He’s so agreeable. She wishes she was like that when she was his age. Perhaps if she’d had some self-confidence, life might have turned out much differently.
“As a matter of fact, we’re going down next week to visit. If you want, I can pass along your contact information so you can start talking,” David says.
When Ben looks at Chrissy for permission, she nods. She trusts them. Sensing movement behind her, Chrissy turns to see the line beginning to move toward the ramp. “Looks like we can go onboard.”
“Oh, good. The sooner we’re onboard, the sooner we eat,” David jokes.
“There you go about food again,” Cathy teases, her soft brown eyes sparkling, a blush on her slightly round face. Chrissy doesn’t try to hold back her chuckle. They make their way up the gangplank and have their tickets scanned before finding seats for their dinner.
“You know this ship holds over four hundred people,” Cathy says. “It sells out every year. I’m glad you were able to get tickets.”
Confused, Chrissy tilts her head, her mind racing. Reggie handed her the tickets without answering her about whether they cost anything. She saw a price printed on them, but she assumed law firm partners received some for free. Chrissy fights her natural inclination to pull out the tickets and look at the price. Later.
“I’m glad we’re here. I’ve heard how fun it is, and with David’s ringing endorsement of the food, well, this is the place to be.”
Glancing at Ben, she sees his lips turned down, eyebrows pulled together. Worried about money again. Placing her hand on top of his, she smiles when he looks up. He shakes off his thoughts and shoots a grin at her. Squeezing his hand, she lets go. He’s too young to be thinking about making ends meet. She’s making enough to afford their monthly expenses. The last thing she wants is for him to offer his summer job money to pay bills. She won’t take it. His first pay check is next week, and she wants him to enjoy the result of his hard work.
“Let me get the first round. Honey, you want a glass of wine?” David asks.
“Red, please. Chrissy, do you want a glass of wine?”
“That sounds great. Ben, why don’t you go with David to help carry the drinks?”
“Sure.” As they walk away, Chrissy hears Ben asking about Todd. Once they’re out of sight, she turns her attention back to Cathy, who’s smiling at her.
“He’s such a handsome young man. And polite. No wonder Reggie’s taken a shine to him,” Cathy says.
“Oh, thank you. He likes Reggie, too. I love how they’ve hit it off. I think she misses him being underfoot now that he started working at the park.”
“Is that full-time?”
“Well, he had training last week, but after the holiday he’ll be working four days a week in the mornings.”
“Perfect. He can come to the office afterward,” a well-known voice says. Chrissy doesn’t attempt to hold back her smile while swiveling. Her eyes widen when Reggie’s outfit registers. A sheer silk button-down blouse, one side navy blue with white stars and the other side red and white stripes, is tucked into tailored red slacks. The white camisole under the shirt makes Chrissy lightheaded. Ashford is at Reggie’s elbow, jarring her back to earth.
Chrissy tries her best to keep her smile pleasant. “I wouldn’t want him to intrude, but thank you for the offer.”
“Don’t be silly. He’s quiet and respectful. I don’t mind.”
Ashford pulls out a chair for Reggie next to Cathy, but Reggie ignores him, sitting in the chair next to Chrissy. Reggie stifles a snort, looking down. She really needs to quell these inappropriate feelings for her boss. They’re selfish and destructive. A foot nudges hers, and she shoots a quick glance at her friend, seeing the amused look on Cathy’s face.
“Here we go,” David says, placing drinks in front of Cathy and Chrissy. Ben sits down on the other side of Chrissy, drink in hand.
“What did you get?” Chrissy asks, eying the red fizzy concoction.
“It’s a Raspberry Frost Soda. Try it.” Ben offers the glass, and Chrissy takes a sip, humming her approval.
“That’s good.” She licks her lips while glancing at Reggie and stops when their eyes connect. Something about her intense dark eyes darting to Chrissy’s mouth makes her heart speed up.
“So, Ben, tell me about your summer job,” Cathy says. Cathy’s such a good person. Although unassuming, she’s the one who always bridges the silence.
Ben has no problem talking about his first job, and Chrissy sits back in her chair, allowing her thoughts to wander while sipping her red wine. Reggie’s engaging with the rest of the table, and Chrissy relaxes into the sound of her voice, its woodwind tones a sumptuous symphony of sound. If only she could block out Ashford’s discordant squawking, the outing would be perfect.
Once dinner is finished, they make their way to the top deck. Chrissy leans against the railing, watching the waves. She enjoys how the wispy clouds turn brilliant orange, red, and purple as the sun sets. Ben is to her left talking to David about a videogame he played at Leroy’s last week, and Chrissy wonders whether the Freedmans might accept a di
nner invitation to their home. Ben likes them, and she feels they could become more than work friends. A hand on her arm draws her out of her thoughts, where she’s surprised to see Reggie leaning against the railing, a concerned look on her face.
“You’ve been awfully quiet tonight. Is everything all right?”
Chrissy stares at her clasped hands. The truth is she’s not sure whether she should bring up the cruise tickets. She sneaked a look at them during dinner, and they were a hundred bucks apiece. “This is the first time Ben’s been on a harbor cruise, or any boat, really. He’s enjoying himself.” Chrissy looks up at Reggie. “Thank you for the tickets.” She holds her gaze, only realizing Reggie hasn’t released her arm when she squeezes it before letting go.
“I wanted you both to experience this. Even if that meant leading you to believe the tickets were free.” Reggie shrugs.
Chrissy looks away, gritting her teeth. She struggles to thank Reggie, but the words stick in her throat. Her pride insists she find a way to pay for the tickets, but she knows Reggie was trying to do something nice for her. Still, she doesn’t want Reggie to think she needs handouts. She stares at the horizon, pressing her thumbs together while she processes Reggie’s words.
Reggie sighs. “Please, don’t be upset with me. I had the best intentions.”
Chrissy’s surprised to see the distress in Reggie’s eyes. Seeking to reassure her, Chrissy reaches out to cover Reggie’s hand, her eyes widening when she realizes what she’s doing. She fights the urge to pull her hand back. “I know. My pride’s a little dented. I don’t want to be a charity case.”
“No, Christina. That’s the last thing I think when I look at you. Truly.” Her hand covers Chrissy’s, and it burns.
God, I can drown in her eyes.
“I admire you. You work hard and never complain. I know you’ve made sacrifices while working for the firm. Not that it’s any of my business, of course.” Reggie withdraws her hand, her eyes sliding away.
“It was thoughtful of you, and I’m thankful.” Chrissy turns to catch Reggie’s eyes. “There’s no need for subterfuge, though. I’d rather you be straight with me.”
A smirk disrupts the pensive look on Reggie’s face. “Really?”
Heat engulfs Chrissy with a suddenness that makes her eyes water. She bites her upper lip while staring at the deck. Does she know how I feel? Shit!
“Right. I’d rather you tell me the truth,” Chrissy tries again, and with a fluttering heart she looks back into warm eyes.
“Good to know.” They gaze at each other, Chrissy’s heart beating a million miles a minute, when Ben interrupts them.
“We’re going to sit down at the table David got. You coming?”
With a quick glance at Reggie and a tilt of her head, they make their way to the table. As soon as they’re seated, David says, “I’m going to get some more drinks. Chrissy, another glass of red wine?”
“Please. Let me give you some money—”
“Actually, I believe it’s my turn to pay,” Reggie cuts in, handing over several twenty dollar bills. “I’ll have a glass of red wine, too.”
“You’ve got it.” David takes the money and leaves to get drinks for everyone, Ben with him. Ashford is nowhere to be seen, much to Chrissy’s relief.
“And here I’ve been calling you Christina since day one.”
It takes Chrissy a moment to figure out what Reggie means. “Oh. Um, well, I use my full name for work-related things like signing documents. I guess I didn’t think about it. With Cathy and David, our interactions are mostly during our breaks. And I like how you say my name,” she adds in a soft voice, half-afraid of Reggie’s response. She needn’t have worried, if the pleased look Reggie sports is anything to go by. “What about you?” Chrissy hurries to ask. “Is Reggie short for anything?”
“It’s my middle name. Dad fought my mother about it for months. He wanted to give me every opportunity to get ahead, and part of that meant giving me a name that could be misconstrued as male. He planned for my law career long before I did.” Reggie has a faraway look in her eyes, fingers ripping apart a napkin into thin strips.
Chrissy wonders what it would feel like to have a father who loves her that much. “Sounds like he loves you unconditionally. I worry about Ben not having a male influence.”
“David always wanted a son. You’ll want to watch him. He might try to steal Ben now that he’s met him.”
Chuckling Chrissy agrees. “They do seem to have hit it off. Ben’s always had an easy time getting along with others.”
“You’ve raised a great young man. He’s lucky to have you.” Reggie’s firm tone of voice captivates Chrissy. “I haven’t known Ben for a long time, but we’ve interacted enough to convince me you’ve done everything in your power to provide him with a loving home. That’s more than many children receive in a two-parent home. You’re a wonderful mother.”
Overwhelmed, Chrissy swallows down her instinctive objections. In her mind, she’ll never be able to provide Ben with all he deserves. That won’t stop her from trying. “Thank you. It’s always been the two of us against the world. I haven’t spoken to my parents since I was pregnant with Ben, and I have no siblings. Sometimes I feel like I’m not offering him enough.” She casts a furtive look around the table to make sure no one’s listening to their conversation. Cathy’s talking to a few colleagues at the next table, and the other two people at the table are in a world of their own. Looking over at David weaving through the crowd, Ben behind him, Chrissy grins. “I think that’s why he’s soaking up the attention he’s receiving from David.”
“I take it since he doesn’t have a male influence, his father isn’t in the picture.”
“No. He wanted nothing to do with a child. We were so young, and he was planning to go to college out of state. I have no idea what he’s doing nowadays, and I’d rather he not come back into our lives. If Ben ever wants to meet him, though, I won’t stand in his way.” She doesn’t mention how her heart will break if Ben decides to find his dad. That selfish dirtbag doesn’t deserve to have Ben in his life.
“You really are too good to be true.”
Chrissy shakes her head. “You think that because you only spend time with me at work, where I try to present my best side.”
“I have a feeling I’d like all your sides.” Reggie smirks.
Chrissy flushes. Is she flirting with me? Come on, Chrissy. Play it cool. Flirting is harmless. She looks away while clearing her throat. She realizes she’s bouncing her leg as if she’s tapping in time to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and places her hand on her knee, reminding herself Reggie is her boss.
“I can tell you from experience having a family is a mixed blessing. I have two older sisters, and all they do is meddle. It’s their chief purpose in my life. And my mom, ugh. She keeps reminding me how she’s not getting any younger and expects me to produce a grandchild.”
Chrissy’s eyebrows rise. She doesn’t want to think about Reggie producing a child. “And your dad?”
“He died a little over a year ago, shortly before you joined the firm.” A sad look shades Reggie’s eyes. “I was a daddy’s girl, I’ll admit. I miss him.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“You’re not.” A small smile graces her lips. “When I was young, he used to complain about our house being overrun by females, but he loved it. He would bring us trinkets from his travels abroad, always excited to see our reactions.”
“What type of work did he do?”
“He was in international law, looking out for the interests of large, global companies. He was the original Esposito of Hawk, Esposito & Associates. I came to the firm through good, old-fashioned nepotism.”
This surprises Chrissy. “I’m sure that doesn’t matter to anyone, not with your record. I mean, your reputation is impeccable.” Red blooms on Reggie’s cheeks. She’s beautiful.
“You’d be surprised what matters to people, particularly those on the
partner track.”
“Then they don’t know you.”
“And you do?”
The penetrating look in Reggie’s eyes gives Chrissy pause. “I think it will take much longer than a mere year working for you to know you.” She wishes she could tell her how she wants to spend time with her outside of work. This cruise is her first opportunity, and what Chrissy’s seen has whetted her appetite.
“I’ve been working at the firm for fifteen years, and I realized long ago some people will never change their opinion.”
“Good thing you aren’t the type of person to care about what others think.”
“I wish that were true.”
Chrissy leans in. “Tell me who’s talking crap about you, and I’ll have a word with them.”
A rolling chuckle transforms her. Her eyes brighten, and face flushes. “My savior.” Reggie’s voice conveys affection, and Chrissy’s helpless to control her broad smile, delighted by Reggie’s response. “Before you know it, Ben will be graduating high school and making his way into the world. You ready for him to go to the prom?”
Watching Ben walk toward them, slow and steady while he holds two glasses of wine, Chrissy wonders if she’ll ever be ready to let Ben go. “It’s a scary thought for me. Once he’s an adult he’ll have so many options, ones I didn’t. I won’t be able to guide him.” She barks out a laugh. “God, I never even got to go to my prom. Or Senior Week. Or graduation.”
“You didn’t?” The shock in Reggie’s voice causes Chrissy’s heart to sink.
“No. My school district has a policy of forcing pregnant students to enroll in online classes. I actually finished high school before my graduating class. They mailed me my diploma.” She peers at Reggie, wondering what she thinks about these admissions.
A burst of bright-blue color rends the air, and screaming fireworks follow. Ben tugs on Chrissy’s arm with excitement, and she leans back in her chair, cheering when more pops of color paint the sky. A hand squeezing her arm redirects her focus to Reggie, who delivers a soft smile, one that settles Chrissy’s nerves. Another percussion of another round of fireworks competes for her attention, but she doesn’t look up until Reggie breaks their stare. Truth be told, if she had her choice, Chrissy would continue to stare at what she’s realized is much more captivating. Reggie’s smile.
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