She inhaled, slow and steady.
“You’ve done this a thousand times,” she reminded herself. “And this time, you’re doing it for you.”
Blaise grabbed a pair of neutral sandals and her favorite gold earrings and set them out as well, then put the sundress on. She’d start with that, then she could put the blazer on over it for some more serious closeups. She selected a few more pieces of jewelry to change into, along with her makeup bag for touchups, and a second pair of shoes.
Finally, she turned to Beau, who was still watching her like he knew exactly how nervous she felt.
“What do you think, handsome?” She gave his ears a scratch. “Think I can show the world I’m not done yet?”
Beau whuffed.
She nodded. “I know. I need to do my hair and makeup. But thanks for the vote of confidence.”
In the bathroom, Blaise leaned closer to the mirror, gently blending concealer beneath her eyes. Maude had promised the lighting on the beach would be kind, but Blaise knew cameras had a way of catching every truth. She added a touch of bronzer, some great mascara, blush and lipstick with just enough coral to brighten her face, made sure her brows were perfect.
She’d done this routine thousands of times. Only today, her hands weren’t as steady. Today, it was so much more important than simply running to the store or going to dinner with friends.
Beau snoozed on the bed, belly up, blissfully unaware of his human’s slight internal meltdown. Blaise blew out a breath and had reached for her powder when a knock on the door startled her so much she nearly dropped the compact.
Beau launched to his feet with a suspicious bark.
Blaise stared at the front door, heart hammering because she had a pretty good idea of who was standing on the other side.
Brick.
He’d texted earlier. Just a simple,Morning. Can we talk?
She’d read the text, then reread it. And then set her phone face-down like a coward. She just wasn’t ready to talk to him. She wasn’t sure how to bring up the things his son had said to her, so putting it off was easier.
The knocking came once more, firmer and more insistent this time. Beau barked again, making it impossible for her to pretend she hadn’t heard.
“Okay,” she whispered, giving her reflection one last glance. “Smile. You know how.”
She smoothed her sundress, inhaled, and opened the door. Beau had come with her. He wagged his tail as he looked up.
Brick stood there in a plain blue T-shirt and jeans, looking just as solid and handsome and complicated as ever. His brows lifted when he saw her, a reaction to her being dressed up, she was sure.
“Wow,” he said quietly. “You going somewhere fancy?”
She forced a light laugh that contradicted her nerves. “Photoshoot. Maude’s taking pictures for a website she’s building for me.”
A smile tugged at one corner of his mouth. “Website, huh?”
She hadn’t explained her ideas to him, hadn’t mentioned the memoir. She’d wanted to, just hadn’t had the chance. “Something I’m working on.”
He nodded. “You look beautiful.”
The compliment hit hard for reasons she didn’t want to delve into. She was weirdly emotional about all of this. What that meant, she could only imagine. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Sorry I didn’t answer your text, but…” She didn’t know how to tell him it was because his son had come over and played the heavy.
Brick rubbed his neck, shoulders shifting like they were bearing a lot of weight. “Yeah. I know. That’s why I’m here.” His voice went gruff. “Holland told me he came to see you.”
Blaise swallowed in surprise. “He did?”
Brick’s jaw tightened. “Not because he wanted to, but I saw him walking away from your place. He didn’t tell me what he said, but I know that boy. Wasn’t nice, was it?”
There was no use softening it and she wasn’t about to lie to this man. “He accused me of being after your pension.”
