This was cozy and quiet. Kimber couldn’t imagine a better night.
Especially since Bridge was getting so darn cute. The little guy was six months old. He was chunky and happy, and just learning how to crawl. Just being near him relieved Kimber’s stress.
She and Jennifer were sitting on opposite sides of a quilt. In the center, Bridge was lying on his back and squealing while he played with some kind of musical contraption. When Bridge lost interest in the sounds and seemed happier to play with a set of plastic containers and a spoon that was next to Jennifer, she looked over at Kimber and smiled. “Does seeing Bridge ever make you wish for a baby of your own?”
Kimber already loved Bridge. Thought he was adorable too. But having one of her own? No way. “Sorry, but no.”
“Really?”
“You have Jack and are practically engaged. I am not. I think I’ll worry about getting a boyfriend before I add a baby into the mix.”
“Oh, don’t be so literal. You don’t have to be in a relationship to think that having a baby sounds like fun.”
“This is true. But shouldn’t a gal think that having a baby would be fun. I do not. I can’t imagine all the responsibility right now.”
“Traci and Matt seem to be doing okay with him.”
“I don’t disagree.” Kimber stretched her legs. “I already love this little guy, though.”
As if Bridge had just noticed her, he directed a big, gummy smile her way and crawled toward her.
She picked him up with a laugh. “You sure know how to get around, sport. I didn’t know babies could crawl so fast!” Kissing him on the cheek, she cooed, “I’m going to need to keep my feet in sneakers to keep up with you.”
Bridge giggled then crawled back to the center of the quilt and started playing with the buttons on the toy again.
Kimber leaned back and stretched out her legs. She might not admit it out loud, but there were moments like this when she thought that maybe having a baby one day wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Bridge was so cute.
“Hey, Kimber?”
“Hmm?”
Jennifer tilted her head as she studied Kimber more closely. “Do you miss traveling?”
Sitting up, she asked, “You mean traveling for modeling?” When Jennifer nodded, Kimber shook her head. “Not really. I got to visit a lot of amazing places, but it was hard too. I was always on someone else’s dime and usually felt like a pin cushion,” she joked. “Why do you ask? Are you planning a trip?”
“Oh, no. No offense, but lately, I’ve thought you seemed restless. Not unhappy, really. But just kind of bored.”
Though she was about to deny it, Kimber thought about Jennifer’s comment. There definitely was some truth to it. “I guess I am restless. Not today, of course. I love hanging out with you and helping with Bridge. But . . .” She let her voice drift off because she wasn’t even sure how to describe how she’d been feeling.
“But?”
“But, my life here in Bridgeport is a lot different than it was before I moved. I’m used to being really busy or making plans. Back in New York, I was working a lot, or trying to get jobs, or planning for one of those trips or for shows. Now I feel like I suddenly have too much time on my hands.” Of course, she was also usually worrying about her stalker or disappointing her parents, and about coming to terms with the fact that she wasn’t making a bunch of money anymore.
When Jennifer continued to eye her quietly, Kimber shrugged, not wanting to share just how consumed she’d had to be with her looks when she was modeling. She’d worked out all the time and had gotten regular facials, manicures, waxing appointments . . . all sorts of things. Now? Now, she just had a lot of extra time. “I’ll get over it though. I’m volunteering at the library, and I like helping all of you when I can.”
“If you ever want to just talk, I hope you’ll think about talking to me. I mean, if you need someone. I’m a really good listener.”
“I’m sure you are.” Jennifer was sweet. She had been through a horrific experience and still suffered from agoraphobia. She would never judge another person. “Jen, if there was something to talk about, I’d let you know. But I’m fine, I promise.” She shrugged. “I’m just getting through a little midlife crisis. I expected it would happen when I dropped out of modeling and moved to Ohio.” When Bridge crawled back to her, she cuddled him close for a few seconds before he squirmed and headed back to Jennifer, who had become quiet.
Kimber felt like she let Jennifer down, but she wasn’t sure what to say. How could she complain about her life or her confusion about what to do next when Jennifer had already been through so much?
She’d never been happier to hear her cell phone ring. She connected before even looking at the screen.
“Kimber Klein.”
“It’s Brett Day, Kimber.”
Her agent. Forcing her voice to sound positive and not snippy, she said, “Hey, Brett. How are you?”
“I’m good, darling. Excellent.”
“Good to hear it.”
“Listen, doll, we need to talk because something’s come up. It’s exquisite news too.”
Exquisite was his top-of-the-world adjective. Using that word, along with his tone, was Brett at his finest—he was about to pressure her to do something. It was certain that he wasn’t going to back down easily either.
Realizing that this used to be her life, chills ran down her spine. She’d take slightly bored over these verbal gymnastics any day.
After exchanging hand signals with Jennifer, she walked up the stairs. “There’s nothing to say, Brett.”
“Just listen. Women’s Weekly decided to run a special issue and they want you on the cover.”
She stopped. “What?”
“Cover. Women’s Weekly. Special issue. This is big, Kimber. Really big.”
For once, Brett wasn’t exaggerating. The cover of Women’s Weekly was a big deal. At one time it had been her ultimate goal.
He continued. “The amount they’re talking about is six figures, sweetie.”
“Six figures.”
“Yep. And, it includes a four-page spread with you modeling clothes from the top four designers that they chose for the year.” He paused. “They only want you, Kimber.” He lowered his voice. “Do you hear what I’m saying? The magazine is going to be highlighting Kimber Klein as much as the clothes.”
“They’re not hiring a group of women? Just me?” Her voice might have squeaked. This was huge. Bigger than huge. Something every model in the industry worked years to achieve. Something hardly anyone ever achieved.
“At last you’re listening.” His voice noticeably lifted. “I’m so proud of you, Kimber. You’ve worked hard and deserve every bit of this success.”
“We did this together, Brett.”
He chuckled. “I’m feeling pretty jazzed myself. So, is it a yes? Can I call up the publisher and say you’re in?”
Even though she was nodding, Kimber found herself hesitating. “Let me call you tomorrow.”
He let out a long, drawn-out sigh. “Kimber, they’ve got no time for this. You can’t diva out on Women’s Weekly.”
“I’m not diva-ing. All I’m telling you is that I want to think about it for a time. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You can have twelve hours.”
It was five. “I’m not calling you back at five in the morning, Brett. I’ll call you at nine.”
She could practically hear him grinding his teeth. She felt bad for him too. This was a huge offer and she would be a fool to turn it away. And if he lost the commission on a job like this, it would be really hard.
“Fine. But I’m going to be staring at my phone at nine on the dot tomorrow morning. You better call.”
“I will. And, um, Brett?”
“What now, Kimber?”
This time s
he didn’t even try to stop herself from smiling. “Thank you for this. I mean it.”
“Sure thing, doll.” His voice warmed. “And, congratulations, Kimber. You worked hard for this. It’s awesome. Really awesome. I’m thrilled for you.”
Hanging up, Kimber knew he was correct. Being asked to do this really was awesome.
Just as she was about to go back down to rejoin Jennifer, her phone rang again. This time she checked the screen, and just about fell off her chair.
“Gunnar?”
“Yeah. I hope you don’t mind me calling.”
“Not at all.” He sounded strange. Maybe worried? “So . . . what’s up? Is Jeremy okay?”
“He’s good.” His voice sounded strained. “I called to see if you’d like to get a drink or something.”
He was asking her out. “Um, when?”
“Tonight?”
“Tonight?”
He kind of groaned under his breath. “I know. There’s probably some kind of dating rule book that says you’re supposed to think I’m being rude and disrespectful because I’m not giving you a ton of notice. But that’s not the case. I just was hoping you could give me an hour or two. I need to talk with someone.”
After looking at her watch again, she realized that the seniors’ dance class was finishing up. Gwen and Shannon would be finished and could help with Bridge duty.
“You know what? I can meet you somewhere downtown. I live downtown.”
“Really? What part?”
“I live above Dance With Me. Do you know it?” A lot of people did. It was a remodeled three-story building that was close to a hundred years old. It was now currently decorated with about a million bright-white lights.
It sounded like he was choking. “Please tell me that’s not the ballroom dance studio.”
“It is. Why? Do you dance?”
“I don’t, but someone was just telling me about it. Do you know the gal who owns it?”
“Shannon?”
“Yeah. Shannon Murphy.”
“I do, and it’s Shannon Lange now. She got married.”
“So you know her well.”
Kimber was curious why he cared. “Gunnar, I know her even better than that. Shannon is my sister.”
“No way.” He muttered something under his breath. “Kimber, how about I pick you up there and we’ll walk to one of the restaurants or bars nearby? I think we’ve got a lot to talk about.”
Now she was really curious. “Come over in about thirty minutes or so. I’ll be here.”
“Thanks. See you soon.”
When she hung up, she felt like there was something new in his tone, but she couldn’t place it. But boy, talk about a crazy thirty minutes! She could hardly wait to find out what the rest of the evening was going to be like.
Walking back into the living room, she found Jennifer and Bridge were no longer alone. Gwen and Shannon had joined them. They were all chuckling about something but stopped when they saw her face.
“Kimber? What’s up?”
“I’ve got a date in thirty minutes. I need to go get ready.”
“With who?”
“Gunnar Law.”
“You’re going out with Gunnar Law?” Shannon’s face went slack. “Wow.”
“Do you know him?”
Looking amused, she nodded. “You could say that. I grew up with him in Spartan.”
Well, at least that explained why he sounded so surprised when she mentioned Shannon was her sister. “Girl, some days, this world is just too small.”
“You have a point, but in this case, you’re in luck. Gunnar is a great guy.”
“He seemed like it, but . . . are you sure?”
“I’m positive. I wouldn’t steer you wrong about a man. I promise, he’s as down to earth as they come.”
“That’s high praise coming from you,” Jennifer said.
“You know how much I love my hometown. He and I were never in the exact same circles and he was three years ahead of me in school. But I’m friends with guys who are friends with him, and we definitely know each other. Of course, our parents know each other too. When did you say he was going to be here? I want to say hi.”
“In a half an hour. And you don’t have to say hello tonight,” she warned.
Just thinking about the high-pitched southern squeal Shannon was due to bring on and how awkward Kimber was going to feel, since she’d never done any of that southern stuff in her life, made her feel queasy. “You know, this is a first date. It might be better if we kept things low key. None of you need to go near the door at all.”
“You might as well let Shannon say hey,” Jennifer said. “We’re all going to be downstairs anyway.”
Kimber threw out a hip and tried to cop an attitude. “You ladies are going to scare him off if you do that.” And yes, she was perfectly aware that she’d done the same thing to Shannon and Traci.
“Maybe . . . or maybe you’re just worried about you getting scared off,” Gwen said.
Kimber sighed. “You’re on this train too, Gwen?”
“Uh, yeah.” Even though she was holding Bridge close, the girl still managed to look kind of full of herself. “Sorry, but I totally have to see the guy who is finally good enough for you to give him the time of day.”
That didn’t make her sound too good. “I don’t act like I’m too good for the men around here.”
“I don’t think it’s men in Bridgeport, I think it’s all men,” Gwen retorted.
“Hey.”
“We’re only saying that you have a tendency to be super guarded and standoffish. Even though I sound critical, I’m not trying to be,” Shannon added.
“Sorry, but it sure sounds like you are.”
Her sister’s expression softened. “Come on, Kimberly. You might as well let us invade your space. Otherwise we’ll just be sneaking around and Gunnar is sure to notice.”
“You really wouldn’t do that. Would you?”
“Of course I would. But I’m warning you now, seeing a bunch of women attempting to sneakily spy on you isn’t a good look. No doubt it’ll make the whole family look bad.”
Kimber had been around these women long enough to know when it was time to give in gracefully. “Fine, but everyone, all I’m doing is going out for a drink. Don’t make it into something it’s not.”
“We’d never do that,” Shannon said with an almost straight face.
“You all are going to embarrass me. I can feel it coming on now.”
“Not intentionally,” Jennifer murmured.
“Payback can be painful. Remember that,” Kimber tossed her hair over her shoulder as she walked up the stairs to her room.
Their giggles didn’t give her a lick of comfort.
Instead, all their laughter did was make her feel like they hadn’t listened to a single word she said. Or that maybe they’d heard her, but they had no intention of doing what she asked.
Not one bit.
CHAPTER 11
the sugar plum fairy: The beautiful fairy who lives and dances in the Kingdom of Sweets.
What a small world. Gunnar couldn’t believe that out of all the women he could have met by chance in Bridgeport, he was interested in one who lived in the building he was trying so hard to avoid. Though he knew it was just a coincidence, it still felt like a weird trick of fate.
And then there was the comment about Shannon Murphy being her sister. Though he remembered Kimber saying she’d been adopted, she didn’t look anything like Shannon Murphy. Shannon was at least ten inches shorter than Kimber and her skin was lighter too. It just didn’t make sense.
Already regretting his spur of the moment invite, he parked on the street and approached the Dance With Me building with caution.
It was a real sight, that was for sure. Lights were blazi
ng from every floor and the faint sound of music was filtering through. Shannon needed to hire someone to look into that. He’d bet they were paying a fortune in heating bills.
Stewing on that, he rang the doorbell.
Kimber opened the door. “Hey,” she said.
He couldn’t help but smile. Once again, she looked like a million dollars. Kimber had on dark jeans, a black turtleneck, and a ton of silver jewelry. She wore low-heeled boots, which he appreciated. She was still about an inch shorter than him. He wouldn’t have cared if she was taller, but he couldn’t deny that his ego liked there being a slight edge to his height.
But none of that mattered, since she was currently looking like he was from the IRS instead of her date for the evening.
Instead of holding his hand out to her, he stuffed his hands in his coat pockets. “Hi. Everything okay?”
“It’s great. Grand,” she added sarcastically.
“Sorry, but you’ve lost me. Did I miss something?”
Looking aggrieved, she stepped back. “Come on in and you’ll see what’s going on.”
As soon as he closed the door behind him, he understood. A whole crew of women were standing there, and each one was wearing the type of smile women wore when they had a secret.
“Gunnar Law, look at you,” Shannon exclaimed as she approached.
“Shannon Murphy, I can’t believe we’re both standing here in Bridgeport.” He carefully gave her a hug. She was the type of woman who always reminded him of a delicate flower.
She held up her left hand, showing a sparkly diamond. “It’s Shannon Lange now.”
“Congratulations. I’m real happy for you.”
“Thank you.” She beamed, then cast a sideways glance at Kimber. “I tell you what, you could have just about knocked me over with a feather, I was so surprised when Kimber told us who was picking her up. I had no idea y’all knew each other.”
“I couldn’t believe it when I learned y’all were sisters either.”
Save the Last Dance Page 7