Page 16 of Stolen Sun

“Can’t blame you there,” Grant nods in agreement. “Noel, we have a board meeting this week. I’ll need you to sign off on a few agenda items. I’ll have someone stop by your office with the paperwork.”

“Oh, alright. I didn’t realize I would need to do anything more,” I answer him surprised but am happy to help.

“Because the votes are your own, they must be accounted for by your signature in your absence. I don’t mean to put extra work on you. The paperwork will be complete when you receive it. You’re welcome to look over everything and change your vote should you disagree with my choices,” he explains as he kneels down to put his hand on Nate’s headstone.

“I trust you know your company much better than I do,” I tell him.

“This won’t happen often. However, we will need to meet next month in my office to discuss how much of your dividends you would like to invest,” he says, walking toward me.

We never stay long here, and he is a busy man—even on Sundays.

“Alright. I’ll be there,” I say as he leans in to give me a goodbye hug.

“Take care, sweetheart. See you in a couple of weeks.” He turns to the grave and says, “Bye, son.”

My heart clenches at his pain, and the guilt I feel doubles.

Growing up, I spent most Sundays in the pool at Joe’s house. My parents, Joe and his wife, along with a few other couples, were such close friends that all of their children were raised like cousins. Uncle Joe and Aunt Beth still host every Sunday even though most of us are grown and don’t go often.

Today I find myself needing the comfort of Aunt Beth’s eggplant parmigiana and a glass of wine. I also need to rid myself of at least some guilt, so I drive to the gated community that is almost as familiar as the one I grew up in.

When I pull into the drive, my mother walks out to greet me. She and my father have given me space these last few months but have dropped hints more recently about family expectations. They want to see me more. They also want me to keep up social appearances within their circles. Feelings should be dealt with privately. On the outside, we should all be the picture of grace and charm.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here!” She practically pulls me out of my car and into a hug. “Did you bring a bikini? We’re out by the pool today. It's too hot for much else!”

“I did, actually,” I tell her with a smile.

“Perfect! Joe tells us things are going well at work,” she says.

“I'm glad to be getting into a familiar routine,” I tell her honestly.

She smiles, and I can see the relief in her eyes. “That’s great, Noel. Before you know it, you’ll find a new love. Maybe even that mysterious Isaiah Canton. Dad tells me he is starting to get a little more serious about life these days now that his father has retired.”

I stiffen at her words. Isaiah is nothing close to my mother’s idea of husband material. She has known him his whole life. His father, Jeff Canton, is part of their inner circle of friends. She would neversuggest Isaiah as an option unless my father put her up to it.

My head spins trying to decipher why she would bring him up. Unless she knows about Declan Adams being my new client and wants to intervene. Surely she doesn't know. She wouldn’t be as cheerful about this conversation if she did. Besides, I’m pretty sure Joe doesn’t know anything about the account other than the company name and that Claire Morris is the point of contact on file.

“I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to push by any means. You know I get ahead of myself,” she says.

You absolutely meant it, Mother.

“It’s fine, Mom. Maybe you’re right about dating, but let’s hold off on wedding plans,” I say to placate her.

Of course my stupid brain chooses right now to blast the image of Declan in his suit last night looking at me like he wanted to eat me alive.Damn it!I take a steadying breath and pretend it’s because of the heat.

Mom agrees by adding her own dramatic sigh and waving her hand as though she’s fanning herself.

We walk through the main living area out to the back porch. I can already see the pool is crowded with Uncle Joe’s adult children and their families. Kids are laughing and splashing. It is truly the perfect day to be in a pool.

Aunt Beth walks around from the inside of the bar to give me a hug. She must be finished in the kitchen for the day because she is already wearing her swimsuit and holding a cocktail. Sunday dinners are serious business in an Italian household. She has probably been up since sunrise getting everything started. When I was much younger, she would cook all day with the help of the other moms while we played and our dads kept us out of their way. Now she has a small group of women come over to cook after she gets everything prepped. It took Uncle Joe years to convince her to hire help. He finallywon her over when their first grandson was born. Now she enjoys her time with their grandchildren on Sundays.

“It is so good of you to come, Noel.” She rests her palm on my cheek. “Get changed and help yourself to anything,piccola.”

“Thank you, Aunt Beth,” I respond with a smile.

I walk over to give my father a hug before walking into the pool house to change into my bikini. When I make it back outside, I find a seltzer beer in the outdoor fridge and join my parents and their friends in the shade. They are discussing vacations and retirement plans. I enjoy listening to their happy chattering while I sip on my drink.

My gaze drifts over to the pool where Joey, Uncle Joe’s oldest son, tosses his daughter into the water. She pops above the surface laughing, begging him to throw her again. I smile watching them play.

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