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Holding back a groan, I force cheerfulness into my voice and answer. “Have you been down to the beach yet? It’s beautiful.”
Her derisive sniff is enough to tell me that she won’t be waylaid from her mission. “Dalton, I’m going to cut straight to the point. This thing you’re doing with Pam, I won’t stand for it.”
My shoulders snap back, and I grind my teeth before I can stop the motion. “This is my life.”
“And it’s your father’s company.” Mother interrupts. The sound of her heels clipping in sharp taps tell me that she’s pacing. “Your father, may he rest in peace, would be rolling in his grave if he knew you were consorting with the help.”
“No, he wouldn’t. Dad was all about equal opportunity.” I can’t help saying the words. How many times did Dad warn me not to look down on someone because of their financial situation? “You’re the one who’s concerned. Dad would’ve hugged me and said he was proud of me.”
I can practically hear the anger building as her steps quicken. “I’m telling you this because you’re my son, and I love you. Having further romantic interactions with that woman will not be tolerated. I will not allow you to shame our family name in this manner.”
Shame the family name? What is she talking about?
She must take my silence for agreement because she lets out a quiet sigh. “I knew you’d see it my way in the end. I’d hate to pull you from the CEO position.”
“You can’t do that,” I answer automatically, but my stomach clenches tight. “Dad gave the company to me.”
“He did. And you’d do well to remember that.” Her heels speed up again. “There are ways, Dalton. Ways for me to take over. I don’t want to do that. But I will if you insist on following this path.”
I can’t let her get away with this. How could she possibly take the company away from me? It doesn’t make any sense. I run a hand over my face and around the back of my neck. The move reminds me of how Pam watched me this morning. Her mouth had opened in a little O like I’d surprised her. And the way she stared? Remembering it brings a rush of iron to my willpower. It’s time I stand up for this. For us. I refuse to let Mother railroad me.
I have every right to date–and marry–anyone I choose. I won’t let her manipulate me, or I’ll spend the rest of my life living under her thumb. Mother is strong-willed. It’s one of the things we argue over since we’re so alike in that regard.
“You don’t get to decide this for me. I don’t care how many doctor’s daughters you want to line up and try to force me to date. I don’t care how much money or social standing they have. I’m going to marry for love. And if that means marrying Pam, then so be it.” It’s the most I’ve ever shown her of how I really feel. I’ve spent months with Pam, seeing her every day. The feelings grew stronger this weekend, but they began a long time ago when she showed me how loving and genuine she is.
Mother’s stunned silence greets my tirade. Even her pacing has stopped.
I breathe through my nose, dragging in the smell of salt, sand, and ocean. I mean every word. Whatever this is between me and Pam, I want to explore it. I think I know where it will lead–if Pam and Rex agree.
I attempt to appeal to Mother’s soft side. She has one buried under the societal matron persona. “Rex needs a good role model. A man who can show him how to get back up when life knocks him down and how to push against the world. I can do that.” And so much more. These feelings I have for Pam, they’re not going away.
“It’s a mistake.” She hangs up without saying goodbye.
No. This is the opposite of a mistake. This is exactly right.
Chapter Seven
Pam
I told Dalton I needed to make a quick pit stop at the bakery for more of Ellie’s cookies since three to myself over one weekend is apparently not enough. How many can my travel bag fit? Maybe I could freeze them to uphold my new addiction for the next month.
Rex skips beside me, seeming mesmerized by all the bright colors around him. We stroll past an art and craft store with the quirky name Color Me Happy. Yesterday, Dalton bought Rex a mini lighthouse to remind him of Nantucket.
Just as we are about to make it to sweet heaven, the devil woman herself struts out of the jewelry shop across the cobbled street. I slow my steps, not sure if I should say hello or pretend that I didn’t see Claudia. I’ll have to face her next week anyhow. Best to get the confrontation over with.
Claudia waves and calls out to me, “Pam.” She quickens her pace toward us.
Her dress is a deep cherry red. Her wraparound dress hugs her body like a second skin and is tied around her neck with thin straps. How does she look that good at her age? Her face bears not one wrinkle either, but the leathered skin on her neck proves she’s spent thousands on surgery.
Dalton’s mother won’t travel on the ferry home but arranged a private boat just for her. She sure doesn’t care about wasting money. That amount could’ve been donated to the charity or at least spent more on Ellie’s cookies.
Claudia gives Rex an unusual smile. “Oh, this is your little one.” She bends at the waist. “Hello, sweetheart. Are you feeling better now? I heard you’ve been unwell, you poor thing.”
I’m lost for words. I didn’t think Claudia had a heart of flesh to want to know how my son was doing, let alone show any kindness toward him.
Claudia straightens and pulls back her shoulders. “Now it all makes sense to me.”
“What makes sense?” I ask cautiously, not sure if she is here to start an argument or actually express concern for Rex’s well-being.
