“It’s beautiful. Rugged and impressive.”
She rose and walked to the food table, then carried several serving plates to the large coffee table in front of the sofa. If Bianca was going to keep downing martinis, she was going to need some food in her stomach.
She offered Bianca the crab puffs. The older woman took two and ate them, but wouldn’t meet her gaze. Margot knew there was important information to be had, if only she could figure out what it was. Later, she promised herself. Later she would make some notes and brainstorm what on earth was happening. It was just the four of them—Bianca shouldn’t be this nervous.
Conversation shifted to where everyone else had traveled. There was a second round of drinks for the three of them and a fourth round for Bianca. After an hour, Wesley rose and thanked them for the invitation.
“My love and I have dinner reservations.”
Margot told him it had been lovely to meet him, then let Alec walk him to the door. She carried the food back into the kitchen, thinking there was enough for twenty and not only would this be her dinner, but her lunch tomorrow and there would still be a ton leftover. Alec joined her a couple of minutes later and set down the platters he’d brought in.
“Your thoughts?” he asked, setting them on the counter.
She hesitated. While she wouldn’t discuss her client with him, she could certainly speak in generalities without violating any privacy. After all, he’d been right there.
“She was so much more nervous than I expected,” she admitted. “I know having me observing can be nerve-racking but I didn’t expect her to be so out of sorts.”
“Or drink so much? That happens sometimes. Not often, but it’s never a good sign. It means trouble is coming, although tonight that’s going to be Wesley’s problem.”
He sounded more resigned than judgmental. Margot would guess he was long used to Bianca’s idiosyncrasies.
“This gave me some material to work with,” she said.
“You’re very diplomatic.”
“Part of the job.”
He flashed her another of those sexy-to-her smiles, then opened a cupboard and pulled out a couple of plates. “Want to join me for an appetizer dinner? There’s plenty to go round.”
“I can see that and thank you for the invitation.” She probably should take her food upstairs, as per her policy, but this was just one meal. “As long as you don’t mind if I take off my shoes. They’re really uncomfortable.”
“Then why did you buy them?”
“They’re gorgeous.”
“That is a thing I will never understand.”
“It’s because your gender isn’t judged on its shoes. You get to be all powerful and successful simply by slapping on a suit.” She stepped out of her shoes and then picked up a couple of platters and carried them to the table by the window.
“How exactly does one slap on a suit?” he asked, his voice teasing.
“You know what I mean.”
He chuckled.
While she collected flatware and napkins, he pulled a bottle of wine from an under-counter cellar and opened it. She set out glasses and they sat across from each other, the food between them.
Margot put both kinds of bruschetta on her plate, along with a couple of crab puffs, then added a few carrot sticks and slices of red pepper for balance.
“Tell me about the travel,” Alec said. “How did you spend a month in Thailand? Just as a tourist?”
“Not exactly.” She sipped her wine as she debated what to say before settling on the truth. “I went with the bad boyfriend.”
Alec drew his eyebrows together. “Ah, what did you call him? A piece of...”
She laughed. “Yes, that would be him. His name is Dietrich. He’s from Germany and was an exchange student in high school. He fell in love with the States and LA in particular and ended up studying film at USC. He’d just graduated when I met him. He was doing documentaries and short films and I got sucked into it all.”
Alec leaned back in his chair. “So what’s the bad for you part?”
“I was weak and feckless when I was around him. He would say ‘come to Thailand with me’ and off I would go. For a month. In the middle of my semester. I nearly flunked all my classes—it was a disaster. I lost my scholarship, which about killed me financially. You’d think I’d learn, but nope. Not even a little. He would show up and off I would go.”
“Still?”
His tone was neutral and his expression was friendly enough, so she had no idea what he was thinking. Some version of “but she looks so smart” seemed fair, but she doubted he would say that out loud.
“I’m in recovery,” she said lightly. “The last straw was when I missed my dream-job interview because I didn’t get back from Patagonia in time. Ultimately that screwup led me to the job I have now, which I love, but still. Missing the interview was a real wake-up call. I stopped seeing him. He shows up every couple of years and tries to tempt me to do something wild with him. Thus far I’ve resisted.”
“At least you didn’t marry him.”
“Marriage was never on the table. Dietrich isn’t the marrying kind.” He was more the “let’s have hot sex in the backseat of my car” type, but why say that?
She shrugged. “Regardless, I learned my lesson. I refuse to make bad decisions based on a man.”
“I agree that uncontrolled emotions can be dangerous,” he said. “Or rather, emotions that tempt us to do things not in our best interest. You have quite the romantic past. By comparison, my love life is ordinary and rather boring.”
“I envy you.”
“I doubt that. So tell me about Patagonia. Did you enjoy your time there?”
Three hours passed in what felt like minutes and it was nearly ten when they finally left the table. After putting everything away, they said good-night and Margot headed up the stairs, her shoes in hand.
Alec was a good guy, she thought. He would never ask a woman to give up her life to follow him on whatever adventure he had in mind. He would never get so angry, she was afraid he would hit her. He would be more thoughtful and caring. Not that it mattered. She doubted he was all that impressed by her. Her relationship with Dietrich put her firmly in the dumb blonde category and he wasn’t the kind of man to find that the least bit attractive.
* * *
Sunshine signed in at the main office of the elementary school and then was directed to the auditorium.
“Are you going to the meeting, too?” a woman asked as she fell into step with her. “Why do they do this? Hold them at two in the afternoon? It’s the middle of the workday and not all of us are stay-at-home moms.” She grimaced. “Sorry. It’s been one of those days and sometimes I rant. I’m Phoebe Salvia.”
“Sunshine. Hi. What grade are your kids in?”
“I just have the one. Elijah. He’s in third grade.”
Sunshine smiled. “I’m with Connor. He and Elijah are friends.”
“Right. They are.” Phoebe, a pretty redhead in a power suit, studied her for a second. “You’re the nanny?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I figured. I remember when Iris died. It was so fast and we were all shocked. Poor Connor. He was so sad. I mean any kid would be. How’s Declan doing?”
“He keeps busy with work and being a dad. It’s tough on both of them.”
They walked into the auditorium and took seats together. Someone came by and handed them a sheet of paper with the agenda for their meeting. Sunshine scanned it.
They were going to talk about the end of year field trip for third graders and the all-school bake sale in a few weeks.
“A bake sale,” Phoebe grumbled. “There are days I don’t have time to shower, let alone bake. Maybe on the weekend when Elijah is with his dad. It’s not like I’m busy dating.”
She slapped her hand over
her mouth. “Oh my God! Listen to me. I’m so sorry. I’m actually a very nice person who is kind to animals and doesn’t spend her whole life bitching. I’m sorry. Maybe I’m getting my period.”
Sunshine laughed. “It’s okay. We all have days.”
“Thank you for saying that, even if you don’t mean it.” She sighed. “Let me guess. You’ll be baking something from scratch, won’t you?”
Sunshine thought about the items in the freezer, left over from her stress baking. “Probably. I’m happy to share, if you’d like. Brownies, or some cookies.”
“I might have to take you up on that.” She leaned back in her seat. “I used to be a great mom, back when I was married. There was more time. My ex isn’t a bad guy, but he’s busy with his new social life and sometimes Elijah isn’t as interesting to him as his hottie of the week.” She looked at Sunshine. “Are you married?”
“No. It would be difficult, given what I do.”
“You live in?”
Sunshine nodded.
Phoebe sighed. “A live-in nanny. That sounds like heaven. If I ever win the lotto, I’m so hiring a live-in nanny. And a masseuse. And a chef.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
The principal walked onto the stage and spoke into the microphone at the lectern. “Thank you so much for coming this afternoon. I’ll keep the meeting brief so you can all return to your busy lives.”
“Or lotto fantasies,” Phoebe whispered.
Sunshine held in a laugh. The other woman was really engaging. Pretty and funny with a kid Connor’s age. Maybe she and Declan could...
Sunshine hesitated, not sure exactly how to describe what they could be to each other. Declan had said he missed sex and Phoebe seemed nice. Not that it was her job to help him get laid, it was just...
Awkward, she told herself. She would keep her mouth shut and stay out of her boss’s personal life. Besides, for all his claim of it being too soon, she doubted Declan would be happy with a sex-only relationship. He’d admitted he was a more get-involved type. No doubt he would have the choice of anyone he wanted. He was a great guy—sexy and kind and sweet. Not that she was going there herself. She knew better. Sex with the boss would be a disaster. Great for the night, but really bad in the morning. Besides, she wanted something different. Something real and permanent and emotionally healthy.
Sunshine forced her attention back to the meeting and took a few notes for dates and times. She and Phoebe walked out together and promised to stay in touch. Sunshine had just made it to her car when she got a text. She glanced at the screen.
Thanks again for your help last week. The party was a big hit, as was the cake. I’ve asked twice and you’ve put me off, so this is my last attempt. Would you please join me for coffee?
She got into her car, but instead of starting the engine, she considered the invitation. On the surface Norris met her qualifications. He seemed stable, he had a job, he cared about his family and he was divorced, so not married. Why not go out with him? If nothing else, he would be practice. Her instinct was to always be that girl and it would take time to break the pattern.
She texted back a quick Coffee sounds great before pulling out of the parking lot and heading home. She had a date with a normal guy. It was a step in the right direction and therefore progress. So yay her.
Chapter Ten
Margot didn’t see Bianca all day Monday. Around nine-thirty in the morning she got a text from her client saying she was going to spend the day with Wesley. Margot had gotten up early to take a long run to help her think through what she wanted to talk about. Bianca bailing on her was a little disconcerting. She used the time to go check on her apartment, then spent the rest of the day revamping her action plan and, while Alec was helping a visiting scholar, had spent a glorious thirty minutes studying the incredible maps in his office.
Bianca had been on edge while waiting for Wesley and once he’d arrived, things had only gotten worse. The four drinks in less than an hour was a problem, as was the biting tone. For nearly two weeks Bianca had been engaged, funny and easy to work with. Sunday night it had all gone to hell. So why? Margot understood being nervous, but that should have faded fairly quickly. No one was there to judge her or try to make her uncomfortable. But something had happened and until Margot figured out what, she wasn’t going to make any progress.
Close to six o’clock, she got up and stretched. She was stiff from too much sitting, she thought. She wasn’t hungry enough to want dinner and reading a book was too much like what she’d been doing all day. Perhaps inspired by the maps she’d seen earlier, she grabbed the flashlight she’d brought from home and headed for the small staircase that led to the attic.
She’d only found the stairs by accident while she’d been looking for extra towels. She’d opened what she thought was a cupboard door in the hallway and had discovered the steep, narrow staircase that could almost pass for a ladder. She’d been too busy then to go snooping but now she had an entire evening free to poke around.
She turned on the light at the bottom of the stairs, then made sure she could get out if someone closed the door behind her. Edna and her crew were gone, Bianca was still with Wesley and Alec rarely ventured upstairs, so the odds of her getting locked in were unlikely but she wanted to be sure.
Once she confirmed the door opened from the inside, she scrambled up the stairs only to find herself in front of a locked door. She rattled the handle a couple of times in frustration.
“Not fair,” she murmured aloud, thinking she could go ask Alec for a key. Assuming he even knew where it was. She was about to turn around when she impulsively stretched up to run her fingers along the top of the door frame. There was plenty of dust and something that felt a lot like a key.
“Gotcha!”
She blew off the key and put it in the lock. The door opened easily.
The attic was dark and musty, the ambient temperature still warm from the sunny day. She clicked on her flashlight and used it to check for a light switch. She found one on the wall, about three feet from the door. She turned it on, then spun slowly to take in the room.
The attic space was large—probably covering the entire second floor, right up to Bianca’s room. There weren’t any windows but she saw small grates that would provide some kind of air circulation. Part of the open area was still framed, as if defining incredibly small rooms. For the monks. She would guess the attic would have been used as sleeping quarters for the monks.
There were stacks of old-fashioned school desks piled up against a wall. In one corner were boxes of old robes. She found a metal container filled with medical supplies, most of which were so old she had no idea what they were, and another tin box had a ledger containing neat columns of what the monastery had purchased from local farms from 1912 until 1921.
She spent about a half hour more exploring, then retraced her steps and went back to her room. She brought the ledger with her, thinking she would show it to Alec. While it didn’t qualify as an unknown ancient language, it was still a part of his home’s history.
Thinking of Alec made her remember the previous night. At first she’d been confused as to why he thought his mother couldn’t change. The more she learned about his childhood, the more she understood his reasoning. Her actions at the cocktail party had illustrated that he must have had some challenges with her when he’d been growing up.
She would imagine that his life of solitude and study was in direct reaction to his mother’s impulsiveness. Here Alec controlled all he surveyed. And yet he’d let Bianca move in for a couple of months and had helped find someone to work with her. Like most people, he was a mass of contradictions, but on him, those contradictions looked good.
She set the ledger on her dresser, then headed downstairs to make something for dinner. She briefly considered popping into Alec’s office and asking if he would like to join her. She’d enjoyed tal
king to him the previous night. She’d liked getting to know him better and the man was certainly easy to look at.
She paused on the bottom stair, not sure what to do. Her head pointed out that she was an employee of his mother’s and it was best if their lives were kept as separate as possible. Her heart was fairly silent on the matter, and her girl bits thought Alec had real potential.
Margot was a believer in the philosophy of When in doubt, don’t, so she headed purposefully for the kitchen, ignoring the wave of regret that washed over her. Her brain went into sanctimonious mode, pointing out that it wasn’t as if Alec had come looking for her, either. There hadn’t been a single sign from him that he saw her as anything other than another staff member. At which point Margot thought that maybe it was time to start working on integrating the various parts of her body into a single—
“Hello.”
Margot jumped and spun toward the voice. Bianca was sitting on a bar stool by the big island, a bowl of ice cream in front of her.
“You startled me,” Margot said, pressing a hand to her chest. “How was your day with Wesley?”
“Wonderful. I’ve been thinking about the formal dinner party you want to have. Well, let’s get it scheduled. The sooner the better.”
Margot took a seat at the island. Bianca looked as beautiful as ever. Her eyes were clear, her hair perfectly curled. She had on a silk blouse tucked into tight jeans. There was no hint of the slightly frantic almost-bitch she’d been the night before.
“There are some things we have to work on before the party,” she said carefully. “Last night didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped.”
Bianca dismissed her with a wave of her spoon. “Nonsense. It went perfectly. You said you were going to invite your sister and her little boy?”
“Connor is the child she takes care of. Sunshine is a nanny. I thought they could both come, along with the gentleman she works for. Declan. He designed the gardens here at the monastery.”
“That sounds perfect.” Bianca beamed a million-dollar smile. “We’ll have Edna come up with an exciting menu and you can teach me which fork to use. It will be such fun.”
The Summer of Sunshine and Margot Page 12