Page 35 of Park Avenue Princess

Chapter 10

Guy

I’ve been back in my office for a few hours, but the last thing I’m able to concentrate on is work. I had a phone conversation I can’t remember half of. I’m sure I had lunch but don’t recall what I ate. I scrub a hand down my face and sigh, knowing productivity is out the window when all I can think about is Lynne.

Lynne DuVall.

After all these years, countless days, months,yearsof thinking about her, and she’s been here all along. In New York City. My mind is still reeling from this fact, along with all kinds of scenarios on how I can make our lives intersect. I mean, it wouldn’t be a stretch to meet regarding city business. I don’t even have her number, but I’m sure I can get that through the M&B office. And it’s possible I could rope Addison and Hollis into helping me out on a more personal level.

Unless of course they’re completely on Lynne’s side and she’s told them she wants nothing to do with me.

Suddenly I’m queasy, not liking that thought at all.

My cell phone startles me as it comes to life with a jarring ringtone, letting me know my mother is calling. I pick up the phone and stare at it a moment, suspecting she’s going to ask me about this coming weekend. I’ve got to think of a plausible excuse to decline going out to the Hamptons and being around people I have no desire to be around. Except for Mom, of course.

I swipe to answer. “Hey, Mom, how are you?”

“Hiya, hun. I’m just fine, wrapping up another beautiful day at the neighborhood library.”

I chuckle, loving her easy-going spirit, along with the joy I hear in her voice. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Mary Ellen Hamilton say a negative word about a work day. She truly loves her job as the Library Director in Queens.

“And how’s my boy doing? Keeping those books balanced and projects churning?”

“Trying.”

“Hmm, you don’t sound convincing. I hear something in your voice. Or more aptly I hear somethinglacking. Where’s your usual enthusiasm? Anything wrong, Guy?”

Leave it to my mother to ferret out a problem simply from the tone of one word. But no way am I going to talk about Lynne now when I’ve never mentioned her or our time in Hawaii to either of my parents.

“Nothing’s wrong, just the usual. It’s only Monday and I’m already dealing with a load of work that’ll probably take all week to sort out.”

“Well then, come this weekend you’ll be more than ready for a break and three days in the Hamptons should do the trick.”

“Yeah, about this weekend…”

“Guy, please don’t tell me you aren’t going to come out. I’ve barely seen you these past few months and I’d really like for us to spend some time together.”

“You and about two dozen others?” I mutter. Mom makes a sound I can’t quite interpret, but before she can say a word, I speak. “I’m sorry, Mom. You know I’d love to see you, spend some time relaxing, but I’m not up to watching Dad schmooze whoever he’s trying to win over this year. Not to mention the handful of so-called available women I’ll be introduced to, hoping one of them will catch my eye.”

“Well, tell me how youreallyfeel.” By the tone of her voice, I can tell her sarcasm is playful. I chuckle as she continues. “Guy, listen. There aren’t going to be any businessmen for your father to schmooze and I promise there aren’t going to be any women I’m trying to set you up with. I realize as much as I want you happy with a wonderful woman, you’re very capable of finding someone on your own. When the right one comes along, you’ll know.”

The right onedidcome along. At least I thought she had. Then she ran. But knowing she’s here and—

“What? No witty come-back?”

“Well,” I chuckle. “If Dad isn’t turning this weekend into a business opportunity and you aren’t lining up women for my picking, whatever will you two do with yourselves?”

Mom snorts. “We do have the ability to enjoy one another’s company. I wanted this weekend to be just family. Your father, well…” There’s a change in her tone so unlike her usual perky self.

“What is it, Mom? What’s going on with Dad?”

“Well, he’s just been actingoff. I can’t get him to talk to me, he’s been spending more time away from home, says it’s nothing. He’s never held back when something is bothering him and I’d help if I knew what it was, but he says he’ll have it handled.”

“Want me to call him, talk to him?”

“No. He’d probably be upset I felt the need to mention it, especially since you two haven’t been communicating lately.” Now her tone has that underlying message as if to say,youshould call your father more often,invite him to lunch once in a while; as she’s suggested in the past few months.

“It’s not as if I don’t care, you know that Mom, it’s just, well, we…”

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