Page 53 of Second Dance
“And for you kids, I have a sparkling water or soda,” Sonya said.
“Nothing for me,” Grace said. “I already had a ton of water this afternoon, and I don’t want to have to take a million bathroom breaks.” She blushed. “Sorry. Overshare.”
“No, totally same,” Bella said. “I’m always so thirsty, but then I have to go a thousand times a day.”
“Bella’s got the smallest bladder ever,” Peter said. “Try taking a road trip with her. We have to stop every hour.”
“That’s me too,” Grace said.
The girls smiled at each other.
“Why don’t you guys show Grace the rest of the house,” I said.
“Oh my God, yes. I’d love to see it,” Grace said.
The kids wandered off together, chatting as they went.
“Lila would admire this kitchen,” Gillian said. “She loves wide-planked floors, especially in a muted gray like these.”
“We’ll have her over some time soon,” I said. “I want to get to know your friends.”
“They would like that,” Gillian said. “When I’m ready to share you.”
Meanwhile, Sonya had poured our wine and encouraged us to go out on the deck. “It’s the perfect evening to spend outside.”
“Great idea,” I said. “Let me know when you’re ready for me to put the chicken on the grill.”
“Yes, yes. But you must promise to keep a better eye on them than last time,” Sonya said.
I laughed. “Last week, I put chicken on to grill and then got absorbed in a baseball game and forgot all about them.”
“Until we smelled the smoke,” Sonya said.
“We had to order pizza,” I said. “But I promise to do better tonight.”
Gillian slipped her hand in mine as we headed out to the deck. Our infinity pool reflected the last light of evening and the ocean stretched endlessly beyond the landscaped bluffs. The evening air was sharp with salt, and cooling fast.
“I hope you brought a sweater.” I brushed my fingers along Gillian’s bare shoulder. “God, you’re gorgeous.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.” She stood on her tiptoes to give me a quick kiss.
“Thank you for earlier. I’m embarrassed, but grateful for your help.”
“I’m glad I could be there for you.”
“I’m glad too.”
We settled in near the pool, with our wine and the gorgeous view.
“Are you doing okay? For real?” Gillian reached over to cup my cheek.
“I’m much better than earlier. Bella and I haven’t really talked about it, but I think she has a better understanding of who he really is now.”
“Are you worried about Darren’s threats?”
“I am.” I hesitated for a moment. “Bella and Peter don’t know they’re not legally mine.” Pressing the tips of my fingers against my eyes, I sighed. “I’m going to have to come clean. I have no idea how they’ll react but, given Bella’s response to you and me, I’m worried. She already feels abandoned. If she knows I’m not legally bound to them, she might take that as a rejection.”
“It’s not going to be easy, but you’ll have to tell them. Sooner, rather than later. Given what we know about Darren.”
