Beneath a Billion Stars

by Julie Carobini

  Her smile seemed forced. “Speaking of my hairstyling career, it’s time for me to go.” She glanced at his table before flickering her gaze back to him. “Are you meeting someone?

  “Jackson and Sophia will be meeting me for breakfast. We have a few ends to tie up.”

  She pressed her lips together and nodded. “Well then, perhaps I will see you later.”

  His phone, which he had laid on the table, dinged.

  She began to walk away, but he stopped her, placing a hand on her elbow. “Wait.” He searched her face. Her eyes didn’t meet his this time, not fully. They darted to his phone, to outside, to his eyes, and around again.

  “I’d like to see you later.”

  She appeared to consider this. “And I would like to see you too. But I have a client waiting for me now.” She pulled away again. “Call me later?”

  Her answer needled him. She owed him nothing, of course. Though they had shared several heart-to-hearts and some brief kisses, he had not made steps toward a deeper commitment. Nor had she.

  Yet he had hoped for the stars he had seen in her eyes so many times before today to be directed at him. He reached for her hand, but her fingers slipped away from him.

  “Sorry we are tardy,” Sophia said, approaching the table with Jackson close behind. “Hello, Priscilla,” she called out over Wade’s shoulder.

  Priscilla waved hellos to both Jackson and Sophia, then continued to head to the exit that led to the salon and spa.

  They ordered a late breakfast and began discussions about the corporate structure of Riley Holdings, which owned the inn and a couple of other smaller properties. As with many of his meetings with Jackson, the conversation strayed into memories of their father and how he would have wanted the company to run.

  “I’m so glad you knew him,” Sophia said, “and that you are able to help us understand how he would have wanted this business to continue.”

  Breakfast stretched into extra pours of coffee. When the cafe began to fill with guests at the lunch hour, they continued their meeting upstairs in Jackson’s office.

  “I should put you on retainer,” Jackson quipped after Sophia noted the time.

  She kissed her brother on the top of his head. “I have to go and make some beautiful clothing,” she said. “I’m sure you and Wade can continue this discussion without me.”

  She was right. He and Wade talked awhile longer—some about the business but even more so about baseball.

  By the time he walked out of Jackson’s office, relief poured through him. The infatuation he had once felt for Sophia had disappeared completely. She was lovely, as always, but even when she sat feet from him, he could not keep his mind off of Priscilla.

  Wade determined to sweep Priscilla off those beautiful heel-clad feet of hers, so he strolled down the long, art-filled corridor to the salon.

  “Hello, Katrina.” He entered the glass-encased area. “Is Priscilla in?”

  “Good afternoon,” she said. “I’m sorry to say that you missed her. Short shift for her today.”

  He thanked her and left the salon, intent on Plan B: Call Priscilla and make plans to see her tonight. But Jackson intercepted him, stopping him with a pointer finger in the air. “Completely forgot to bring up a report that our risk manager sent us last week.”

  He frowned. Wade wanted to stay on target but had a soft spot for the inn. “Was the report negative?”

  “Depends on who you ask.”

  Wade smiled ruefully at that. “Send it on to my office and I’ll give you my opinion.”

  “He did mention that there are some issues with the pool. I realize that’s not necessarily your area of expertise, but I’d like to point to a few things as I walk you out.” He stopped. “Can you take a walk with me?”

  “Of course.”

  The designated pool and spa area teemed with visitors today, and he questioned the decision to wear one of his dark suits outside among the revelers. The sun had heated the day to an extent that even his worsted wool suit, lightweight as it was, would soon turn uncomfortably warm. He and Jackson found a place to stand toward the back of the pool’s deep end, where palm and banana trees created a lush backdrop for those wishing to steer clear of rowdy children and the spray of errant cannonballs.

  Jackson squinted, his gaze toward the shallow end of the pool where the sun shone brightest. “Is that Priscilla over there?”

  Wade took a step forward and noticed her there too, by the edge of the pool. She was kneeling on one of the inn’s large striped pool towels, the skirt of her sundress splayed around her. A small girl with white-blonde hair sat on the pool steps, splashing and laughing as Priscilla cooed at her.

  It reminded him of the way Priscilla took to Sadie when he’d brought her to Meg and Jackson’s party.

  He turned to Jackson. “Excuse me for a moment.”

  She didn’t notice him approaching her, at least, not at first. When she did, she seemed to startle, her eyes blinking rapidly, perhaps from the brightness of the sun.

  That’s when he noticed the man in the pool who protected the child from wandering off of the steps. He seemed to close in on both the girl and Priscilla as she looked up to acknowledge Wade.

  “You’re here,” she said, raising her hand toward him. He took it, helping her to stand, which she did in her bare feet. Her smile was warm, but a question lingered in her eyes, too.

  He felt a question forming as well. “I stopped by the salon,” he said, “but Katrina said you had already gone.”

  She slid strands of hair behind her ear. “I came in for a couple of locals who requested me today. I’m already finished for the day.”

  A child’s voice came between them. “Pa-silla! Pa-silla!”

  Priscilla squatted back down and stroked the child’s head. “Yes, love?”

  The barrel-chested man in the water spoke up. “Look at that. She sure has taken to you like nobody I’ve ever seen.”

  Priscilla turned away from the girl, peering up at Wade over her shoulder. “Wade, this is my former husband, Leo. And this”—she said, gesturing to the girl on the steps—“is Mia. His daughter.”

  The guy in the water was her ... ex?

  Leo cracked a smile and flicked his chin toward Jackson. “Saw you and your friend over there lookin’ like a couple of guys from Men in Black.”

  Wade stuck a hand in his pocket. He said hello and briefly nodded at Leo before sending a questioning look at Priscilla. When she didn’t add any insight to the situation, he began to back away. “I’ll leave the three of you to enjoy your day.”

  “Wade—wait.” Priscilla followed him but he had to think. He kept walking through the gated exit and into the inn’s parking lot until she took ahold of his elbow. “Why are you acting like this?”

  He turned around, his jaw aching from the way he had been clenching it. “What way am I acting?”

  She let go of him and crossed her arms in front of her middle. “Like you’re upset with me.” She paused. “If anyone should be upset, it’s me.”

  “None of this makes sense, Priscilla. After all you’ve said about that guy”—he spiked a thumb toward the pool area—“and now you’re frolicking at the pool with him. And his child?”

  “How do you know his wife isn’t here with him?”

  He swept a gaze across her face, searching. Had she forgiven them both for their betrayal? Guilt washed over him. Priscilla would forgive; he knew that about her. But had she forgotten? Already?

  She shook her head, her expression displaying her conflicting thoughts. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t fair.” She let out a sigh. “His wife isn’t here.”

  Wade furrowed his brow. “Are you saying he came here to see you?”

  She pressed her lips into a line and nodded, that same unsure look in her eyes.

  He shifted, unable to take his eyes off of her. “What did you mean that you should be angry with me? What do I have to do with any of this?”

  She reached up and
fiddled with his tie, her face a mask. All of a sudden, she put on a smile and looked him in the eyes. “It was nothing. Really.”

  He reached down and stilled her hand, folding it in his. “Then why did you say it?”

  She gave one of her shoulders a little shrug and kept smiling, though it wasn’t the light-up-your-face kind of expression he had gotten used to seeing on her. “Forget what I said. If I’ve learned one thing, it is not to focus on the negative things that life serves up.”

  Wade cocked his head to one side. “And that’s why you invited Leo and his young daughter here? To let go of your negative thoughts of them?” He sighed and let her hand go. “I find that difficult to understand, Priscilla.”

  “I did not invite them here. Leo decided to come on his own accord, and no matter what he has done to me in the past, I cannot fault his daughter.”

  He took a step back and crossed his arms, his warm-weather suit suddenly suffocating. “Looks like you can’t ignore her either.”

  Something in her eyes flashed. “Is that required?”

  He unhooked his arms and turned his palms out. “I’ve got a meeting and I’m already late.”

  Priscilla stared at him, her tentative smile gone, replaced by a grim stare.

  Wade slid into the driver’s seat of his car and slammed the door shut. He let out a heavy breath and glanced back to see Priscilla turn and walk back toward the inn’s pool.

  He had been in a similar place before—first with Rose and later with Sophia, but this time, he had not allowed himself to fall headlong into anything that would cause him immeasurable heartbreak. Not again. As he drove out of the inn’s parking lot, Wade decided to protect his heart at all costs.

  He just hoped it was not too late.

  When Priscilla returned to the pool, Mia was out of the water and sitting on a lounge chair, licking a juice bar from the poolside food service. Her hair was a matted mess, but she was safe and wrapped in a towel.

  “Hi, Pa-silla,” Mia said.

  Priscilla scooted in next to her. “Hello, sweetie. Is that a good popsicle?”

  Mia nodded her head vigorously, causing the red juice from the popsicle to smear up and down her face.

  “That guy someone you’re into now?” Leo asked. “Didn’t seem like your type.”

  Priscilla began to smooth Mia’s wet hair with her fingers. “You know, I have some yummy-smelling lotion that I could put into your hair so it won’t tangle.” She leaned closer to Mia’s ear. “Would you like me to put some on your hair?”

  Mia nodded again, possibly oblivious to what Priscilla meant, but enthusiastic just the same. Priscilla stood up and looked at Leo. “I’m going to run over to the salon and get some detangler for her. It will make her life much easier.”

  He flashed her a smile. “And mine.”

  “Mm-hm, yes.”

  “You’re not going to tell me about the guy?”

  “He’s none of your business. Now, wait here. I’ll be right back with some product.”

  Priscilla dashed off to the salon, her mind heavy with unshed emotion. She didn’t know whether to cry or pitch a fit, but she wanted to do one of those things. At least one. Negativity stuck to her like hot sweat, her body feeling like she had just walked through New York City on a muggy summer day.

  Liddy approached her, concern lining her face. “Hi, Priscilla. You doing okay?”

  “Yes, of course.” She flashed a smile. “I was lost in thought, that’s all.”

  Liddy hugged her clipboard to her. “I’m relieved to hear that. Otherwise, I was going to ask you next whose butts I should kick for you.”

  Priscilla let out a shocked little laugh. “Excuse me?”

  “Ha—I’m kidding.” Her forehead bunched and she reached out and touched Priscilla’s upper arm. “I hope you know how much we all love you around here. Meg’s been so happy that you moved so close, and customers adore your work. You’re such a blessing, girl.”

  Priscilla began to blink, the torrent about to burst. “Thank you so much, Liddy. I-I don’t know what to say to that other than, I am grateful. For all of you.” Her voice cracked and she reached for the salon door, thankful to have a reason to turn away from Liddy’s precious presence.

  Once inside, she darted for the supply room, thankful that Katrina and the others were too busy at the washbowls and behind dryers to pay attention to her. Inside the fully stocked room, Priscilla wavered. She reached for one of the shelves and held on. I will not cry, I will not ... cry! “Lord,” she whispered, “I’m so confused. Help me stay strong.”

  The supply room door swung open. “Oh my gosh,” Katrina said. “You scared me to death! I thought you left a long time ago.”

  Priscilla forced a smile. “I only got as far as the pool. My friend’s little girl needs some detangler and I was”—she turned, pretending as if she had been searching for just the right product all along—“looking for some in here.”

  Katrina tossed thick strands of black hair over one shoulder and reached up to a top shelf. Her bangles jingled in Priscilla’s ear. “I like this stuff.” She handed a spray bottle to Priscilla. “Gets all that chlorine out too.”

  “Ah, perfect. Thank you.”

  Katrina leaned her head to the side. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes. I’m perfect.” She held up the bottle and slipped past Katrina toward the exit. “Thanks again!”

  By the time she reached the pool, Leo was resting on the lounger with Mia on his lap. The little girl’s eyelids looked heavy, as if she were about to fade into a deep sleep.

  Priscilla slowed to a stop in front of them. “I brought Mia some detangler.” She held the bottle out for Leo to see. “But I guess now is not the best time.”

  At the sound of Priscilla’s voice, Mia rousted. She rubbed her eyes. “You back, Pa-silla?”

  She reached chubby arms toward her and Priscilla scooped her up. She found an upright patio chair and lowered herself into it, propping Mia on her lap. The little girl yawned. “Wus that?” she asked.

  Priscilla showed her the white bottle with lively blue writing on it. “This is something that will make your hair not hurt when we brush it. May I spray some of it on your hair?”

  Mia nodded forcefully, her expression stern. This was serious business, apparently.

  After she sprayed on some of the product, Priscilla gently released the tangles in Mia’s hair with her fingers. The little girl hummed softly during the entire process. What could have been a light moment turned dark in Priscilla’s heart. The innocence of this child would someday be shattered by her mother’s abandonment, and as she thought about that, she struggled to keep her emotions in check.

  Mia yawned, her eyelids heavier now. She collapsed against Priscilla’s chest, no longer able to keep those sweet eyes of hers open.

  Priscilla looked up at Leo, who hovered nearby. “She’s asleep, I think. Want to take her?”

  He nodded and bent down to hoist the sleeping child into his arms. As he did, he stopped, his eyes inches from Priscilla’s. “I’ve missed you so,” he said.

  She returned his gaze, but it was as if she were looking into the eyes of a stranger. She felt nothing more for him than what she might have for an old friend.

  Priscilla turned away, separating herself from the situation, though Mia’s predicament was making it more and more painful for her to do so. She smoothed imaginary wrinkles from her skirt and slipped errant strands of her red hair behind her ear.

  “Priscilla?”

  She raised her chin and crossed her arms, looking directly at Leo. Mia slept like an angel on his shoulder. “Yes?”

  “I would like to see you again.”

  She dropped her gaze to the ground, tears welling. Then she shook her head and looked at him dead on. “You look good, Leo.”

  He smiled, a sort of relief flooding his features.

  She continued. “And you need to keep taking care of yourself, for your daughter’s sake. I don’t envy yo
u ... nor her. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will watch over Mia?”

  “Mia already adores you.” His eyes steadied himself on her, and she recognized that look. He would do that on those occasions when she shared her innermost thoughts with him and hoped he would join her—or at least dream with her. It was his defense mechanism—one that he used to manipulate her to his way of thinking.

  Her heart sank lower than it had already fallen today because, she knew, she could not allow herself to fall for his tactics. Not ever again.

  He continued, reaching out and touching her cheek with his rough hand. “How about we raise her together. You would like that, Priscilla. Wouldn’t you?”

  She forced herself not to look at the waif of a child draped over his shoulder. Instead, she met Leo’s gaze with a hard stare of her own. “That’s simply impossible, darling. Because you don’t deserve me—and I’m in love with somebody else.”

  Chapter 12

  The realization of Priscilla’s feelings for Wade struck her mightily with one blow—one of those dawnings that could either empower or disable a person. Until recently, he had shown little interest in her beyond friendship. Could she believe that his attention to her had blossomed into something more substantial? Something sustainable?

  And even if it did, how would he react to her intentions regarding Amber?

  Priscilla hurried along the path to the beach, glancing at her phone. She could call him and tell him how she felt and see how he responded. That’s what reasonable people did. It was also what people who lived their lives with no worries or fear did.

  Her joie de vivre, however, had taken a direct hit lately, causing confusion to reign. Priscilla stuffed her phone into the pocket of her hoodie and gave herself the freedom to walk the beach without making any decision at all.

  The sand felt spongy beneath her bare feet and she reveled in the lick of cool water that pooled beneath them with each landing of a wave. Her phone rang, causing a ripple to travel through her chest. It was Amber.