AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I shake my head and glance at Ethan, who’s typing away, unaffected by my outburst. With pods in his ears, I assume the music is cranked.
“Yes. Do you want to get coffee?”
“Thought you’d never ask.” Dana stands and signs out of her computer. She picks up her handbag and wraps her signature hot pink silk scarf around her neck. It’s bright like Dana, and I need people like her in my life.
We move past Ethan’s desk.
He glances up, taking out one pod from his ear. “Everything okay?”
“We’ll be back in five,” Dana says quickly before I invite him.
He’s barely talked to me since Samuel burst into the office a few weeks ago. Today, I need time to chat with Dana.
When we’re out on the footpath, the salt-infused air hits us, and I inhale a deep breath and let out a sigh.
“Is it that bad?” she asks.
“It’ll work out. The resort pool would never be smooth sailing past all the fine print.” I shrug.
“Not what I meant.” She bumps my elbow. “You don’t want to be here. I can see it. You’re only staying to please your father, and it’s… easy. Not easy work. It’s what you know, so it’s comfortable.”
Dana has always understood me.
We turn the next corner and head straight to the café.
Deanne greets us with a wide grin. “Morning, ladies. A table for two?”
“Yes, please. How are you, Dee?”
“Awesome,” she sings and leads us to my favorite table by a window. “I hear your man is back.”
“He is.” The mere mention of Samuel’s name radiates heat through my chest. I take a seat. “I want to introduce you, and perhaps you could talk to him about your time in Brazil.”
She pauses. “Be happy to, since it’s one of the best times of my life.”
We order coffee, and moments later, Dana stares out the window as though she’s deep in thought.
“I’m going to miss you,” I whisper.
Her gaze falls to the table as if she’s aligned her thoughts before she looks up. She fiddles with her short ponytail before her brown eyes meet mine. She swipes at the tears, leaving a smear of mascara beneath her lashes.
“Not going to lie, it’s gonna be tough. I’ve been part of your family for as long as I can remember.”
“I know.” My mouth dries thinking about the time when Dana leaves us.
She picks up a glass of water from the table and guzzles a few mouthfuls. Then she lets out a long audible sigh. “For years, we’ve dreamed of retiring somewhere warmer. Escape these damn winters.” She laughs once as if the idea is silly. She wipes her nose, then picks up the glass of water and drinks more. “When Kerry requested an interstate transfer, it excited us about the next phase of our lives. The grass is always greener on the other side, right?”
I sense regret, yet say nothing.
“You. Well, you were making plans to leave. You have this new incredible life.” She frowns. “Please remember those plans because it’s a whole other can of worms I want to discuss with you.”
“O-kay.”
“Ethan—” she shakes her head. “I’m not sure what he’s up to. But I won’t stick around while he walks all over me when he’s only been at Monte for seventeen months. The Montefords aremyfamily.”
I reach across and squeeze her hand. “You are family. I’ve always considered you to be more, so I was surprised when…” My throat tightens on the last word, and I also need to take a few sips of water. “You’ve always been there through the good times and the bad,” I croak.
Dana makes a strangled noise. “The bad times.” She shakes her head. “The absolute worst time wasn’t business related, and my heart ripped open for you like you were my own daughter. I remember everything he did to you. And yet you have easily forgiven him.”
