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“Fine, I’ll come.” I switched my gaze to Katie again. “But no sneaking alcohol into my drink. I need a clear head, since I have the big expo coming up, not to mention the Summer Star Festival.”
“Fine,” Katie grumbled, and we all laughed.
I forgot about everything but hanging out with my friends, teasing and chatting about nothing, and time flew by. To the point when Avery took my hand again, I jumped.
The little girl said, “Sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you. But we need to leave to see the fireworks soon, and I wanted to sit next to you. Will you come with us?”
I should say no. After all, Avery was becoming more and more attached me, even if I only saw her and Wyatt at lunch sometimes or when they said goodbye in the late afternoon.
However, as she gave me big puppy dog eyes and said, “Please? I haven’t made any good friends yet since I was only at my new school for such a short time before summer vacation. But you’re my friend, right, Millie?”
And just like that, my heart melted. “Of course I am.” I looked at Katie, Amber, and Abby. “I’ll see you all at tea next week. I promise.”
After saying my goodbyes, Avery tugged me along. “Daddy said it should be an amazing show. Uncle Beck and Kyle are good friends, and he hinted at what’s to come. I can’t wait! I almost never saw the big fireworks near Grandma and Grandpa’s place, so this is special.”
“You didn’t go to see the fireworks back in Ridgefield?”
“No. Grandma said too many criminals went to the events, and they would try to hurt us or kidnap us. So we had to stay home.”
Given what I knew of where West had lived with his kids, it was a fairly safe place. There had to be more to it. “Your dad agreed?”
Avery looked at the ground and kicked a small rock. “Well, most years, he had to go looking for Mom. So he wasn’t there.”
“What?”
“Mom disappeared sometimes. She had a lot of guy friends and liked to see them. Sometimes she stayed too long, and Daddy had to bring her back.” Her voice was barely a whisper when she added, “I think she liked her friends better than me.”
My heart squeezed at her words. I stopped and knelt until I was eye level with her. “I don’t think that’s possible, Avery. You’re kind and funny and creative. Not to mention smart and caring. If I had a daughter, I’d love for her to be just like you.”
Avery threw her arms around my neck. “I’m glad you’re my friend, Millie.”
As I hugged her back, I wished I could do more for her. To think Avery’s mother had made her feel unwanted or not precious stirred anger in my belly.
But all too soon, Wyatt called our names and told us to hurry up. And so we piled into West’s truck and headed to where we could see the fireworks display. Sitting in the front with him, I stole a few glances at his profile. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask about why he’d had to go looking for his wife so often.
However, he never took his eyes from the road. And even once he parked and we headed toward the area where we could lay out our blanket, he focused on talking with his son and daughter.
I should’ve been relieved. And yet, now I was curious at what West had been up to during the years he’d been away.
ChapterTen
Weston
Me:Can’t you take them swimming?
Aunt Lori:You used to love swimming as a boy. You take them.
Me:You have weekly water aerobics. And you always say you want more time with my kids.
Aunt Lori:I’m tired this week. These old bones need some rest.
Me:You walked two miles yesterday to visit a friend, and then walked back before pruning flowers in the garden. And you still had enough energy to play a board game.
Aunt Lori:Exactly. I need a nap.
Me:…
Aunt Lori:What?
