Page 58 of Kiss Me at Midnight
“No.” It was Abe who answered. “After the wedding was called off, Jud turned down my offer to help finance his film.”
“He’s not doing his film at all.” Rachel’s words were tinged with wonder, as if even she couldn’t believe it.
Again, Lily was struck by jealousy. The Cohens knew more about Jud’s life than she did.
As it should be.
Lily drew a calming breath. She had no claim on Jud. But she wondered why he’d turned his back on his dream.
“Instead of directing a theatrical film, Jud is producing a documentary about Rachel on his own shoestring budget.” Abe rocked back on his heels. “We’ve been busy with it since Jud and Rachel returned to New York.”
Jud and Rachel.
Lily wanted to crumble.
“The Rediscovery of Rachel Cohen.” Rachel pressed a kiss to her father’s cheek. “Jud and his cameras are documenting my path back from being a villainous biotch to someone who can have meaningful relationships and a meaningful life. I’m in therapy and it’s not a nightmare. Do you know that I love puppies? I’ve got two now and their just so happy.”
Lily didn’t know what to say. She exchanged a glance with Kitty, whose mouth had dropped open.
Rachel wasn’t stopping. “I owe you an apology, Lily. I was hurting and everything just got all twisted up inside of me. Everything that happened when we ran away was all my fault. I don’t need to be the center of attention and put other people down to feel good.” She paused to take a breath.
“And then there are puppies,” Lily murmured.
“Exactly!” Rachel laughed. “You probably won’t be surprised to hear that Paulo and I are dating again. We’re in couples therapy, trying to connect with words this time. He’s preparing to go away for the summer pro league and I’m learning Portuguese. We’re taking things slowly. No more bridezilla!” Rachel grinned the way she had back in high school, back when she and Lily were friends.
“Isn’t she awesome? I have my little girl back.” Abe beamed. “You were part of that, Lily. If you ever need anything, just ask.”
Lily vowed not to.
“Let’s have lunch someday soon.” Rachel dragged Abe off toward the buffet. “No cameras. I promise.”
Lily and Kitty stood in silence. Lily was stunned. Across the room, Dotty and their father laughed.
“Do you ever wish you were closer with Dad?” Kitty’s voice had a faraway quality to it, almost as if she weren’t aware that she’d asked the question out loud.
“Sometimes,” Lily allowed. It was hard to have a close relationship with their father when most days he seemed to care more about his mistresses than his wife or children. “Maybe Jud should shoot a documentary about Dad.”
“Maybe he’d have a life-changing epiphany,” Kitty said slowly.
They looked at each other for a few seconds before shaking their heads.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Jud’s voice boomed out through the loudspeakers. “May I have your attention, please?”
“Is he…” Kitty rose up on her toes. “He’s wearing that superhero suit.”
Lily shook her head and pushed her glasses more firmly into place. “Grandma Dotty can talk a leopard into removing its spots.” Or pay them to.
“This isn’t part of our program today,” Jud was saying. “Let me be clear.No onepaid me to show up and wear my supersuit.”
“Happy birthday to me!” Grandma Dotty shouted.
“I’m here to rescue Ms. Lily Summer.” Jud pointed toward the back corner where Lily stood.
Her knees suddenly felt weak, and it had nothing to do with everyone’s head swiveling in her direction.
“Could you come up here, Lily?”
“No,” Lily whispered.
