California Dreaming: Four Contemporary Romances (109 page)

“You know me. Have I ever lied to you?”

“My father could have lied to you.” Mandy stood up again.

“He didn’t. I was there. I saw it.” Sally cleared her throat. “One more thing. I hesitate to tell you this, because you may run into him again, but you should know everything. One of the men in the pantry was George Stubbins.”

Mandy’s stomach clenched, and nausea rose from her belly. How could Lola have done such a thing? How could she still let Stubbins touch her? Or her daughter?

She didn’t want to believe it, but in her heart she knew it was true.

“You okay?” Sally asked. “This is a lot to take in. I’m glad you’re seeing a therapist. You are still seeing him, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.” Saying the word took as much effort as hoisting a tray of dirty dishes.

“Forgive me for telling Dana?” Sally asked.

She could forgive Sally for telling Dana, but what about her mother? How could she ever forgive Lola for twisting the truth and all three of their lives so badly? It was going to take time and a
lot
more therapy to deal with that.

Having her father, her Hollywood father, in her life was going to change things. Dana had told Mandy he wanted to get to know her. She’d have a chance to have a piece of her family back.

“Thank you. For being a good friend to me. And Dana,” Mandy said. “We’re okay, Sally.”

“I’m glad.” Sally’s voice was relieved. “Does that mean you’ll consider partnering in the business?”

Mandy laughed. The ripple of joy freed the tension from her chest. “Probably not. I’ve got my hands full here.”

“Will you at least think it over? You’re the best movie caterer I’ve worked with in a very long time.”

“You drive a hard bargain.” She hesitated. “I’ll think about it.”

After she hung up the phone, she rocked in her chair, contemplating the conversation she’d just had with Sally.

Her life was opening up.

A father and a possibility of a new career.

Her phone rang and she glanced at the readout. James.

Maybe a chance at love, too.

• • •

The day was cool, but the air was clear. Even the fog bank was so far out to sea that its smudge could barely be seen. As she drove south on Highway 1, Mandy sang to the country station she’d found, songs about new love, betrayal, and fried chicken.

Her nerves jangled. Why had she agreed to this weekend? James had booked separate rooms for them, but anything could happen.

Dr. Graham had encouraged her to take this risk, but to stay aware. “If you sense anything is wrong, get back in your car and go home,” he’d said.

“But he’s already paid for everything,” she’d wailed.

Dr. Graham had shrugged. “His problem. You don’t have to take everyone’s woes on your shoulders. I know your mother trained you that way, but it’s not how the real world lives. Own what’s your responsibility, have empathy for others, and help when you can, but don’t take other people’s responsibilities from them.”

So here she was, driving to Monterey, praying her Subaru would get her there. She almost had enough for a down payment for a new car. She glanced at the fading maroon paint on the hood, knowing she’d miss the station wagon, but at two hundred fifty thousand miles, she was pushing her luck.

She pulled into the Plaza Hotel registration area, parked, and entered. She’d always wanted to stay here, but it was beyond her budget. Besides, who stayed in a hotel within driving distance of their home? Especially if their home was an inn?

A valet service parked her car, and a bell boy helped her with her luggage to her room after she checked in. She tipped the man and closed the door before going out onto the room’s deck. Leaning against the rail, she took in the sounds and sights of the bay—foamy waves, white triangles of sail, and barking seals.

I could get used to this.

She glanced at her watch. James should be here soon. A flutter startled her heart.

After grabbing her purse, she went back to the lobby where they’d agreed to meet. She pulled out her book, the latest cooking mystery from Diana Mott Davidson, and started to read.

At least, she pretended to read. She was fascinated by the variety of people wandering through the lobby. All styles of dress, from casual beachcomber to sleek dresses that could only have come from a high-end city shop. Couples and singles, young and old.

A shadow fell over her book.

“People watching is a great sport,” James said.

A smile immediately came to her lips, and she stood.

He took a step toward her, folded her into his arms, and lightly kissed her lips. “Are you all checked in?”

The huskiness of his voice sent a thrill through her.

She nodded.

“Then let’s go see the aquarium.”

They walked hand in hand down the sidewalk toward Monterey’s famous attraction. The day was blessedly sunny, and many people had come to the coast to enjoy one of the last days without rain. Bike-pedaled surreys competed with pedestrians on the wandering paths that twisted around the contorted Monterey pines. Small children scattered before them.

None of it mattered. She was in a protected bubble with James.

He paid their fees at the aquarium and they spent the next few hours gawking at strange fish, laughing at the antics of the sea otters, and tentatively touching starfish. They stood in the rotunda and stared at the jellyfish.

“Aren’t they amazing?” Mandy asked. “So many different kinds.”

James nodded. “They can be deadly, but they are beautiful.” He glanced at the pamphlet in his hand. “Like everything else, they’re threatened by our misuse of the ocean as a dumping ground. We’ve got to get back in balance with nature, somehow.”

“Yes.” The thought overwhelmed her. There was enough going on in her own life to keep her busy. She didn’t need to take on the ocean.

He pulled her close and hugged her. “Even little things help. Don’t let it overwhelm you.” He reached into his shirt pocket and produced a small laminated trifold. “I got two of these. Sustainable fish guides. It’s one small way we can help.”

Her body tingled from the warmth of his. While she heard the words, she was more fascinated by the way his lips—his strong masculine lips—were moving.

When had talking about fish become so sexy?

“I’ve got reservations for dinner at six. Shall we walk back and get ready?”

She checked the time. Already four-thirty. Time with James had flown by. She smiled. “Sure.”

He took her hand and led her past the kelp forests and out the front door. The day was still clear, but the fog bank had moved closer. “Could get cooler later. Did you bring something warm?” he asked.

She moved closer to him. “You. Aren’t you going to keep me warm?”

He put his arm around her. “Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?”

It took a half hour to get back to the hotel. James gave her a brief kiss, and went off to his room in another wing of the hotel.

Didn’t look like he was planning on seducing her.

A little deflated, she went to her room and took a quick shower before dressing for dinner. She hadn’t worn a dress in a long time, but the sleek black fabric fit her well. The lace at the top showed a trace of her cleavage, adding a sexy demureness to her outfit. Onyx dangles and three-inch black heels completed the look.

Maybe she could change his mind.

“Damn!” James exclaimed when she walked into the lobby. “You’re hot!”

She giggled in delight at his reaction, then brushed her lips against his.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Mmm, you smell good.” He nuzzled her head with his before releasing her. “I had the valet get the car.”

Fifteen minutes later they were seated at the Passionfish, an upscale restaurant in Pacific Grove.

“Any choices on the wine?” James asked her. “Would they have your friend’s wine here?”

Mandy shook her head. “Marcos is doing his first harvest in California this year. He’s not sure he’ll release it—he’s a stickler for quality—but if he does, it won’t be for a few years.” She glanced over the wine list. “How about a Burrell School Chardonnay? It’s one of the wineries involved in Sarah’s and Linda’s tours, and our guests always rave about it.”

“That’s what we’ll have then.”

They chose crab cake appetizers and tilapia entrées. Easy conversation and wine paired perfectly with the crab cakes. Savory tastes, alcohol, and mutual enjoyment spun fine filament around their relationship, binding them closer together.

“Have you decided about the future?” James asked after their entrées had been delivered.

“I’ve been too busy to think about it.”

“But not too busy to call Sally.”

Mandy put her fork back on the table. “You know about that?”

James grinned like a small child caught in the act of sneaking a cookie. “She called me to let me know she’d apologized for butting into your business.”

“Kind of like the pot calling the kettle black, isn’t it?”

“Why?”

Mandy laughed. “You butted into my business by calling her.”

“Oh. Yeah.” James shrugged, and his grin stretched wider.

She couldn’t find it in her heart to be mad at him.

“Besides, I’ve got a vested interest in your decision. I mean, if Sally retires like she’s threatening to do, who am I going to rely on?”

Her heart took a dip. “You mean it’s just business.”

His laugh roared out. “Tell me, Miss Parker, do I kiss you like it’s just business?”

With heated cheeks she stared at her food and shook her head. She didn’t trust the words would come out right. James kissed her like he never wanted it to end.

Neither did she.

“So?” he asked.

No wonder he was successful at his job. He was like a politician with a point to make on a Sunday morning news show.

She ate a piece of the fish while she considered the question. The tilapia was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was lemony without being too tart. “If I could cook without having to convince people to hire me, it would be heaven.”

“What about working in a restaurant?”

She shook her head. “It’s tough for women chefs in restaurants. It would take me a long time to move up in the ranks.”

“You could open your own, you know.”

“Then I’m back to having to find business.”

He took a sip of his wine and leaned back. “Isn’t that what Sally’s offering you though? A chance to cook without worrying about finding business?”

“I don’t know. We haven’t discussed the details.”

“Because you haven’t asked.”

Of course. His statement was obvious. Why hadn’t she thought of it? How could she make a decision without facts? “Good point.”

James smiled. “Why don’t you come to LA for Thanksgiving? My mother would love it. You could talk to Sally. Maybe you could even stop in at your father’s.”

Regret and relief vied for her attention. “I’m sorry. I can’t. I have to work and Elizabeth’s already invited me. She might have an announcement I don’t want to miss.”

He smiled, but his effort wasn’t one hundred percent. “Ah, yes, the wedding. I understand.” He touched her hand. “I’d still like you to meet my parents.” He grinned. This time it reached his eyes. “Seems like the next step in a white-picket-fence relationship.”

She studied him. He was serious. If she moved to LA, she’d be investing in a future with a man who might give her everything she’d always dreamt about—a life that might fade the unhappy betrayal of the woman who raised her.

“Soon.” She took his hand.

His smile held tenderness. “You make me laugh, and you make me think. You make me feel good.” He leaned forward. “You make me want to make long, sweet love to you—to take you places you’ve never been before.” His eyes were intent on hers. “And you’ve made me throw my life plan right out the window.”

She swallowed. He was giving her a chance at everything she’d ever wanted.

She was scared to death.

James must have discerned Mandy’s fear, because he steered the conversation away from personal matters and back to more mundane, but interesting, topics: favorite movies, the continual mess in Washington, and places they’d been. By the time they reached their chocolate truffle tortes, she knew more about him than she’d learned in the past three months.

“An after dinner drink?” he asked after they’d turned the car over to the hotel valet.

“Sure.” Any delay before they hit the awkwardness of saying good-night, or not saying good-night, was good.

After checking in with her, he ordered them each a tawny port in the hotel lounge.

“I’m going to talk to Sally next week,” Mandy told him. “You’re right. I don’t know what I’m turning down.”

“Let me know if you want to discuss it. I’m sure she’ll offer you a good deal, but you might want someone in the industry to review her offer.”

“Okay.” She smiled. Not only was he good looking and considerate, he was going to be helpful in her career.

His phone must have buzzed because he pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the display. He glanced at her and said, “Sorry. I have to take this.” He left the lounge and went into the lobby.

As she sat alone, Mandy considered the options for her future. She’d made a big move coming across the country, but she’d been trying to get as far away from Lola as she could. She hadn’t been moving
toward
something. Now was the time to think about what she wanted in her life and go after it.

The squeak of a leather chair brought her out of her thoughts.

James’s expression was sober. “I have to leave early tomorrow morning—around five. I’m sorry to cut our time short, but there’s a meeting I can’t miss.”

Her regrets mixed with excitement. “Is it a new project?”

His face relaxed into a smile. “Yes. I have one more meeting to pass and then I’ll get my second project as full location manager.” He grinned. “Best of all, they’re shooting in Maui for three weeks in January.”

“Guess you’ll need a movie caterer there, then.” Her heart fell. He’d be there with starlets in string bikinis, and she’d be bundled up in rainy Northern California.

“I thought you didn’t want anything to do with the movie business.”