Chapter 20

CHAPTERTWENTY

Whitney playedout on the screened porch, swinging the plastic golf club with enthusiasm as she attempted to putt the ball into a plastic cup tilted over on its side. Paige kept an eye on her from the sofa in Tanner’s study. Other than his bedroom, this room reminded her of him the most. She was surprised at how much she missed his presence in the house.

Tanner, his parents, and Sonny left for Augusta two days earlier. There was still no word from the private investigator, but Tanner was upbeat and hopeful Donella would be located soon.

“You look different.” Summer scrutinized Paige via the cellphone camera.

“Just relaxed, that’s all,” Paige replied.

A weekend of earth-shattering orgasms will do that to a girl.

Not that she was sharing that snippet of info with her best friend. Paige hated hiding things from Summer, but her friend would be disappointed if she thought Paige was burning up the sheets with a man who couldn’t remember the name of the woman he’d fathered a child with. Explaining things to Summer would mean revealing Tanner’s brother’s secret. She wouldn’t do that to him. For now, it was better to leave her friend in the dark about whatever it was that was happening between Paige and Tanner.

“It’s been nice not having to watch my step everywhere I go,” Paige continued. “There aren’t any parents of Preston students in Chances Inlet making my life miserable. It was pretty isolating not being able to leave the apartment for weeks on end.”

Summer nodded. “I wish you would have confided in me about how bad it was. You could have come to Milwaukee and stayed with Luke and me.”

“No offense, but the weather here is much nicer.”

“You do have a sun-kissed glow. How was the baby shower?”

Paige smiled in spite of herself. “It was fun. This town is home to quite a few celebrities. Did you know Will Connelly, a pro football player with the Baltimore Blaze, lives here? He and Gavin are best friends.”

“No way! His wife designs the most gorgeous wedding gowns.”

“Been thinking of wedding dresses, have we?”

A week ago, Paige would have been devastated by the thought of Summer marrying. After all, she’d been fantasizing about a double wedding for her and Summer a few short months ago. The sting wasn’t nearly as brutal today.

Not because she was planning a wedding to Tanner Gillette. Far from it. But the man did a lot to massage her badly flagging confidence. When this thing between them fizzled out—and it would because she never fell for the monogamous ones—Paige would walk away with her heart intact. Because she was determined not to give him more than a sliver of it.

The trick, she learned, was to go into a relationship with her eyes wide open. Tanner wasn’t hiding anything from her. And she wasn’t hiding anything from him. Well, except for the “I’ve been fired from my job for being an adulteress” thing. But she wasn’t sharing that with anybody in Chances Inlet. Period. It was way too humiliating. Besides, like she told Summer, she liked not being judged everywhere she went.

“The only wedding dress I’m thinking of is the one Luke’s grandmother is going to wear when she and Papa Harry take their vows in June,” Summer replied.

Luke’s grandmother and Summer’s grandfather met and fell in love while both were residents at the same senior community last fall.

“I still can’t believe they are waiting until June,” Paige said. “They’re not getting any younger.”

“Papa Harry wants to make sure he observes a proper mourning period for Grandma Bonnie.”

“Oh, jeez, Sum, I’m sorry,” Paige said, feeling like a terrible friend for not considering Summer’s grandmother, who only recently passed away from Alzheimer’s. “I totally get that. It’s sweet. Leave it to your grandfather to always do the honorable thing.”

“You’ll be home by then, right?”

“Yeah, of course. This gig is only until Whitney’s mother is located.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t take much longer. Although, it gives you more time to get to know your dad and his new family,” Summer, the eternal optimist, said. “Please tell me you’re at least giving them a chance.”

Paige thought back to the baby shower and the good time she had with the McAlisters. Their joyous reaction when she announced she’d be staying longer in Chances Inlet was unexpected. And kinder than she deserved. Even the tension between Paige and her dad had begun to thaw.

“I’m giving them more than a chance,” she admitted to Summer. “In fact, Whitney and I are headed to a ballet class shortly that’s being taught by Gavin’s wife. Kate and her daughter will be there, too. Later, we are all going out for the weekly family dinner.”

Just as Paige expected, her friend’s face melted into a goofy smile. “I’m so glad. You need to be surrounded by nice people right now. I can tell it has already done you some good. You deserve it.”

Whitney wandered into the study, her ballet shoes in her hand.

“I guess someone is ready to put her dancing shoes on.” Paige pulled Whitney in for a hug. “Whitney, can you say hi to my friend, Summer?”

The little girl gave Summer a shy wave.

“I’m so happy to meet you, Whitney,” Summer said. “Are you taking good care of Paige? Is she eating all her veggies? Is she going to bed on time?”

Another one of those precious giggles escaped Whitney’s lips. They were becoming more and more frequent lately.

“You girls have a great time at ballet.” Summer blew them both a kiss. “Talk to you tomorrow.”

* * *

“No word on Whitney’s mom?”Ginger asked later that evening.

Paige, Ginger, and Kate were seated at a picnic table near the town square. Gavin and Alden were waiting in line for ice cream with Whitney and Emily. Patricia and Paige’s dad were taking a stroll along the city pier.

“Nothing definite,” Paige replied. “He called me on the way over. The private investigator told him she has a credible lead she’s tracking down, but she wasn’t ready to share details with Tanner until she had more information. He’s pretty optimistic they’ll locate her this week.”

Ginger sighed. “Darn. I really want to give Whitney a part in the spring recital. It’s not for another six weeks and these girls have been working on it for months now. But Whitney is so talented, she’d be able to learn any dance quickly.”

“Is there a small part you can put her in?” Kate asked. “One that wouldn’t take away from the final performance if Whitney isn’t there?”

“That’s a good idea.” Ginger seemed to mull it over. “And it wouldn’t leave me open to complaints from the other moms if I suddenly gave a newcomer a primo part.”

“I guess the real question is, will Tanner give her up once mom reappears?” Kate aimed a pointed look at Paige.

She shrugged. “I don’t think he knows what his plan is.” She knew he would always have a role in Whitney’s life. What type and how much of a role depended on Whitney’s AWOL mother.

“Given his touring schedule, it would be very hard to keep things as is,” Ginger said.

“Why not?” Kate gestured toward Paige. “He’s got the perfect nanny. And they do make an adorable little threesome.”

Ginger smacked Kate on the arm. “Ignore her. She want’s everyone to find their happy ever after here in Chances Inlet.”

“Hello? It’s the town of second chances, remember?” Kate countered. “And if it means Paige sticks around here forever, then why not?”

Paige took a sip of her wine. She was well aware this little peaceful interlude in her life was temporary. Soon, she’ll need to figure out what comes next. What her career path should be. She did know her new life wasn’t waiting for her back in Chicago. Or Iowa. As much as she belittled Chances Inlet, the place—and its residents—was beginning to grow on her.

“The public schools are always looking for teachers,” Ginger suggested. “Perhaps there are openings in Chances Inlet.”

“That’s a great idea,” Kate agreed.

It was a great idea. One Paige considered only yesterday. If not for that pesky part about the school district checking her employment record, she’d pursue it.

Summer insisted Paige give up teaching altogether and look in a whole new direction. It was the best way to keep her past buried. It irked Paige that her friend was right. That she’d been the one punished while Jon got off scot-free. By giving her heart to that scumbag, she’d derailed the only career she ever envisioned for herself. For Paige, nurturing children to discover their love of books, of writing, and learning brought her a great sense of satisfaction. She couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

“Evening, ladies.”

The three women waved to Denise who was locking up the bookstore.

“Are you and Lou taking a day off tomorrow?” Kate tilted her chin to the sign in the door announcing the shop would be closed the following day.

“Yes.” Denise didn’t look too excited about it. “We’ve got an appointment in Raleigh we both need to be at.”

“Something fun, I hope.” Ginger smiled at the older woman. Denise didn’t return it.

“You don’t have anyone who can keep the store open for you?” Paige asked even though she already knew the answer. Last week, she’d been pressed into service to help with customers when Lou and Denise became overrun after the reading.

“It’s just the two of us.” Denise cleared her throat. “We are all each other has.”

Based on things Denise said the first day Paige visited the store, she knew they couldn’t afford to hire anyone else, much less shut down their business for a day.

“I worked for an indie bookstore in college. They used the same software for their register. I’d be happy to help you out tomorrow. If you’re okay with Whitney coming, too.”

What was she doing? But it was too late to take back her offer because Denise’s eyes were already brimming with tears.

“You’d do that?” the other woman asked.

Paige shrugged. “The weather looks like a washout for the pool or beach tomorrow. What better way to spend a rainy day than surrounded by books?”

Denise threw her arms around Paige’s neck. “I’ll leave the keys and instructions with Bernice. She’ll meet you back here at ten tomorrow, if that’s okay?”

“That’s perfect. Whitney and I will be here. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

“Thank you, Paige. You’re a lifesaver.” Denise wiped her eyes. “I better get home and let Lou know the good news. She’ll appreciate it.”

“I’ll walk with you,” Kate said, her tone not allowing for argument.

“That was sweet of you,” Ginger said. She rubbed her hand along her belly. “Any chance you’re qualified to teach ballet?”

Paige laughed. “Not a one. Why? Are you worried the baby will arrive before classes end for the year?”

“No. Audra’s got things covered. And if this little girl inside me has any ballet chops at all, she’ll know to stay inside until after the spring performance. But Tiny Dancers has become so popular that we are turning potential students away. We need to hire another instructor to fulfill all the requests for our summer dance camp. Not to mention before the fall session.”

“I’m sure you’ll find someone. I mean who wouldn’t want to dance with the villainous Destiny Upchurch from Saints and Sinners,” Paige teased.

“Aunt Ginger,” Emily said when she and the others arrived back at the picnic table. “Mom says sticking out your tongue at another person is undignified.”

* * *

Tanner finishedup his second round of the tournament with a seventy-two, putting him four shots under par and in third place. He was confident in his game going into the weekend.

“Excellent round today, Tanner.” His mother fell into step beside him as they headed to the clubhouse. “You didn’t let that bogey on the front nine rattle you.”

“I’ll say,” Sonny said from behind them. “He rattled off birdies on the three holes after that.”

The caddy and Blythe Gillette had been busting each other’s chops all week now, and Tanner was tired of listening to it.

Of course, his mother had to get in the last word. “I’m not sure I would have used the five-iron—"

Tanner turned to both of them and held up his hands. “Enough. Mum, I appreciate the support, I really do. I select my own clubs based on Sonny’s excellent advice and that’s not going to change. If you have notes or suggestions on the course, I’m happy to go over them with you later.” She’d been leaving detailed strategy notes under his door all week. “Right now, though, I’m going to grab a hot shower and a cold beer. I’ll see you at dinner.” He kissed his mum on the cheek.

Sonny followed him into the men’s locker room.

“She might have been right about the five-iron,” the caddy shocked him by admitting.

Tanner shook his head and opened his locker. The screen of his mobile phone was lit up with multiple messages. All of them from the P.I. in Las Vegas. Call me, ASAP, the last one read.

He sank down on the bench. “Sonny, I think I’m going to need that beer before my shower.”

The P.I. picked up before the phone even rang.

“Tell me everything,” Tanner demanded.

“Her name is Donella Barber. At the time Whitney was conceived she was a dancer in a Broadway review show at one of the casinos here in Las Vegas. She and your brother were involved for at least five months, as far as I can tell.”

Tanner pinched the bridge of his nose. There went his theory of Whitney being the result of a weekend fling.

“He rented an apartment for her shortly before the relationship ended,” the P.I. continued. “She left before the lease ran out, however.”

“Left for where?”

“It’s hard to hide a pregnancy in a skimpy showgirl costume, so she returned to L.A. She took a job at a dance studio there. By all accounts, things were going well. Donella and Whitney lived in a garage apartment in Burbank until she lost her job several months ago.”

“How did she lose her job?”

“The studio director wasn’t very forthcoming with information other than she was fired for cause. He did say it was a hard decision for him because she was well-liked among the students.”

“Where did they go from there?” Tanner was almost afraid to ask.

“Unfortunately, where most homeless people end up, living in their cars.”

Tanner’s stomach began to roll.

“She worked several jobs at various fast-food chains. The manager of the last place told me he let her go because she had a drug problem.”

“What?” Tanner leaned his head back against his locker.

“Her former landlady told me she kept Donella on as long as she could. But the landlady needed the income to support herself. She’s still storing Donella’s stuff in her garage for free. Last month, Donella came to pick up some things—mostly for Whitney. Donella told the landlady she was going to do whatever it took to get her life back on track.”

“All addicts say that,” Tanner said with disappointment. He’d hoped Donella could play a role in Whitney’s life. Now he wasn’t so sure.

“The thing is, Tanner, I think she’s trying to do just that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mail was still being delivered to her apartment. There are multiple letters from various in-patient treatment centers. It looks like she checked herself into a drug rehab program after she left Whitney with you.”

As soon as I get my life together, I’ll be back for her.

Could that be what she meant in the note she left with Whitney? She was getting her life together in rehab?

“Can you track her down?” Tanner asked.

“I’ve got inquiries at all the centers she received mail from. They all have strict patient confidentiality policies, though. It’s going to be hard to get anyone to go on the record and admit she’s there.”

Tanner huffed out a breath. “Those places aren’t free,” he said. “How does a homeless woman with no income pay for that kind of treatment?”

The P.I. hesitated before answering. “The week before she dropped Whitney off with you, she cashed in one hundred thousand dollars in stock.”

“Stock? What the hell kind of stock would she have?”

“It was Gillette Industry stock, Tanner.”

Well, fuck.