Hollywood Ever After (21 page)

I pointed toward the pond, where Arthur and the kids were throwing the remaining cookie crumbs to the ducks swimming on the water. They didn’t see the goose as it came up behind them and grabbed Will by the seat of his pants. Arthur went rigid, eyeing the goose angrily while keeping Will out of harm’s way. We watched as Will squealed and ran frantically toward Natalie.

“That damn goose is going to hurt him,” Shannon snapped.

“I’ll go. The only good goose is stuffed and on the table.” Josh ran, closing the distance between our blanket and the children rapidly. He took his hat off and charged at the animal. In a flurry of gray feathers and frantic honking, the goose ran away without a backward glance.

Will cheered, jumping up and down. He reached out and Josh scooped him up, settling him, squealing, onto Josh’s shoulders. Arthur smiled in our direction, his stance relaxing visibly.

Mom laughed. “Nicely handled.”

Warmth filled my chest as I watched Josh carry Will on his shoulders, galloping around the pond for a victory lap.

“I think I’ll join them.” My mother stood and stretched. “Keep them out of trouble while we wait for our tea appointment.”

I smiled at her. “Good luck.”

She shook her head at me. “I don’t need luck, kiddo. I’m Super Grams. According to Will, anyway.”

I watched as she joined their group. They strolled around the pond, stared at the fountain, pointed at the ducks, and carried on a conversation in loud and animated tones. They stopped at an ice cream cart en route.

I groaned. “Great, sugar, just what they need.”

Shannon laughed. “They’re on vacation too.”

“Let’s walk?” I asked. She nodded and we walked along silently, each lost in our thoughts.

Shannon spoke softly after a moment. “I heard about Daniel’s visit.” She waited, but I didn’t say anything. “He attacked you? Did you call the police?”

I shook my head. “Attack isn’t the right word. I didn’t call the police. Maybe I should have, though. I don’t want the kids to know their father’s been arrested. And then there’d be all sorts of other questions, too.” I sighed. “I did call my lawyer, Regina.”

“Did he hurt you?” she spoke quietly.

“Not really.”

“The flowers—they’re from him, right?”

I nodded. “It’s just… Well, I didn’t tell him where we would be staying. I guess he found out from Mrs. Witt.” That was the only explanation I could come up with, anyway. But it didn’t fit. I didn’t think our elderly neighbor would tell him anything. She knew the whole truth and she didn’t care much for Daniel.

“Should you check in with her? Ask her about it?”

I shook my head. “I left her a message. And I called Regina about them, too. I may not want to have Daniel arrested, but I’m not going to ignore his attempts to harass me, either.”

“Good for you, Claire. I’m proud of you for holding it together.” She cast a glance my way. “And moving, too? Any idea where you’re going?”

“Not yet.”

“Why don’t you come back to LA?” She was smiling. “Arthur wants to keep his place. It’s this beautiful craftsman home he’s been remodeling for years and he’s very proud of it. We’re putting my house on the market.”

I looked at her, shocked. “You want me to buy your house?”

She shrugged. “I’d offer it to you for free, even temporarily, but something tells me you’d turn me down flat.”

“You’re right, I would, so don’t try.”

“You’re ridiculous. Fine, you could consider leasing it. I’ll make you pay something every month so you wouldn’t feel like a mooch. And I’ll charge you double if you’re late with the rent.”

I stared at her. “More Shannon options, huh?”

“It’s a possibility, so don’t rush into anything. Okay?”

“Thanks, Shannon. I don’t think I could afford LA. I might eventually be a published author, but right now I’m still a middle-aged divorced mom saving every penny I have until I have some sense of which way is up.”

“I guess falling for your supposed boy-toy isn’t helping with that?” She nudged me, smiling.

***

It was a chilly night. We sat, happily huddled together, atop the bright red double-decker bus.

“I admit I haven’t ridden up here since Helen was little. She vomited all over my tweed coat.” Nathan Wiley stared at his youngest child with fondness.

I laughed. “I can see how that might color things a little negatively.”

Helen sighed. “You’ll never let me forget that, will you, Da?”

“How old were you?” Natalie asked.

“Four? About Will’s age, I suppose?” Helen asked, looking back and forth between her brother and father.

“Three,” Josh corrected. “Will is five—all grown up in comparison.”

“You see? I was a baby, really. You should try to forgive me, Da,” Helen said.

“It was a lovely tweed coat,” Nathan quipped back.

“I remember we had to cancel the rest of our outing.” Josh shook his head. “I was very angry about that and you cried the whole way home. It was a horrible day.”

“Thank you for your understanding, dear brother,” Helen bit out. Natalie laughed aloud.

Will, who was curled up in my lap, sat up. “What’s that? That tall thing there?”

“That’s Big Ben, Will. A grand old clock that’s been ticking since 1859.” Nathan added, “Which is quite a bit older than me.”

Will looked at Nathan with wide blue eyes. “Is that very old?”

Helen smiled. “It is. Ancient, actually.”

Josh chuckled.

The speaker crackled and the tour guide began imparting information about Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. While Natalie and Helen squeezed together under the thick blanket Nathan had brought with him, I made sure Will was covered under Josh’s jacket.

The sun setting over the Thames was an amazing sight. Fingers of red and gold seemed to be retreating toward the river’s edge, going to bed for the night.

“Quite a day,” Nathan said, smiling at us. It had been a wonderful day.

Tea had been delightful. No stuffy tea-rooms, no polished silver or china cups had been required. Our tea had been served in the park from a thermos into small Styrofoam cups. He’d been thoughtful enough to bring hot chocolate for Will, too. Will was an instant fan of the older Mr. Wiley.

“I’m afraid Helen and I live in a somewhat snug flat. Though it’s a bit roomier now that Josh has left us, it’s still a tight fit. We’d be in a miserable bind attempting tea there.”

But the park had been wonderful. We’d all played hide and seek and thoroughly enjoyed our time together.

After tea, we decided to explore the borough of Southwark. This was where Nathan lived and worked and Josh had grown up. Once we’d explored a bit, we’d headed back to the city proper and boarded a red double-decker bus. Conversation had been constant, pausing only long enough for our tour guide to reveal the factoids of each sight.

“Josh tells me you’re looking for a new place to call home?” Nathan asked.

I nodded. “There’s no rush, but yes, I’m looking.”

“We’ve a cottage sitting empty. It’s delightful, really, with a little garden and paths for long romps through that part of the country. It might be a good temporary fix for you and the children. Ever thought about an international move?”

All eyes turned on me. “Um, no. It never crossed my mind.” Josh looked at my hands, clasped in his.

“Why not?” Natalie asked.

I stared at her. “I wouldn’t know where to start, Nat. I know the schools are different and there are citizenship issues and—”

“You do have to wear uniforms to school, Nat,” Helen added mournfully. Josh and Nathan burst out laughing.

“What kind of uniform?” Will asked.

“Something plain. Mine was blue pants, white shirt, and striped ties. I had a blue jacket and a blue sweater vest when it was cold,” Josh said softly, running a hand through Will’s hair.

“Oh, I was hoping it would be more like a policeman’s uniform or a soldier’s uniform or…” Will faded off as he rested his cheek against my chest again.

As we drove closer to the hotel, Josh leaned closer to murmur, “Your mum mentioned heading to Brighton for a few days, to visit some friends?”

“Girlfriends from Dad’s military days,” I said. “She should.”

“She mentioned taking the children with her.” He paused. “And if they did go, I wondered if you’d come with me to Stratford. Visit the cottage? It’s rather sad, sitting empty when you and I might use it. Stratford is a lovely village, too.”

I stared up at him, warming from the inside. “I’m not sure. Not about going with you, but what Mom’s plans are.”

He smiled. “Let’s find out.”

By the time we reached our room, Will was sleeping soundly in Josh’s arms. We tucked him in, laughing softly when he didn’t stir.

Since Helen and Nathan had bid us goodnight at the bus stop, Natalie decided she would read for a bit and keep Grams company.

My mother smiled up at me from the settee, her knitting basket at her feet. “You two go out, Claire. We’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, Mom. You and Josh should have some couple time.” Natalie smiled at us before settling onto the settee by her grandmother and opening her book.

Then I saw them. A huge bouquet of white roses sat on the table, tied up with a bow. There was also a box of fruit pastilles, too.

A candy Will had discovered here in England. You couldn’t get them in the States.

I couldn’t breathe.

I couldn’t think.

“Those were here when we got home. I guess the front desk delivered them?” My mother glanced at me then hesitated.

How did Daniel know?

I knew Mom was watching me, trying to figure out what was wrong with me. So I tried to smooth my face, tried not to look like I was going to fall apart.

Josh glanced at the flowers then stared at me. He touched my cheek before he moved toward the table, his jaw rigid.

“Natalie, I left my other needles in the bag in the bottom of my closet,” my mother said.

Natalie dropped her book on the settee. “I’ll get them, Grams.” She slipped, blissfully unaware, from the room.

Josh pulled the note from the bouquet. “He’s been sending these to you, hasn’t he?”

“Who?” My mother looked at the flowers, confused. “I thought you said the others were a mistake.”

I fought to maintain control, biting my lip to keep it from quivering. Apparently I didn’t do a very good job.

My mother’s eyes widened as she stared at me. She stiffened, turning red as she gripped her knitting. “Oh, Claire.”

Josh looked at the card. “May I?” I nodded, unable to pull air into my lungs.

How could Daniel know about the candy? How could he
know?
I hugged myself as fear started flooding my limbs.

He opened the card and read it. “It’s from the hotel. Apparently Will made quite an impression on the manager this morning?”

Air filled my lungs. “Really?” My heart was beating again, throbbing as it tried to settle into a regular rhythm again.

Josh smiled, his forehead wrinkling in concern. He held the card out to me and nodded.

“Well, that was a little too stressful for my liking. I need a drink.” My mother sat down on the settee as Natalie appeared.

“I couldn’t find them anywhere, Grams…” She paused and looked at the knitting bag on the floor by the settee. “Aren’t those your other set?”

My mother leaned forward. “Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. They were right there all along.”

Josh’s eyes hadn’t left my face. I knew my fear was evident, I could feel it. I was completely embarrassed by my own over-the-top reaction. To flowers from the front desk for Will, no less. I was feeling more than a little ridiculous.

Josh smiled, his eyes warm and encouraging on my face. “Up for a stroll?”

I nodded.

His hand took mine and we waved goodbye before heading out into the crisp night air. We made our way to the lobby before he asked, “The flowers, the ones you received weren’t an accident. They were from him, weren’t they?”

“Yes.”

“Has he sent you anything else?” He glanced at me, his voice gentle.

I shook my head. “Only flowers each morning. I’ve had the doorman take them away immediately.”

“You should have told me. I want you to tell me, Claire, when something’s troubling you. I might not be able to fix it, but I can share your burdens so you don’t feel so alone.”

I squeezed his hand, but didn’t say anything. I was mortified that I’d let myself get so upset. I hated that I still gave Daniel that kind of power over me.

We set off on one of the winding paths of Green Park, but Josh pulled me toward a bench situated under one of the huge trees that made this park so lovely. He sat, quirked an eyebrow, and patted the bench beside him in invitation. I sat and smiled up at him. His hand captured my face, pulling me close to kiss me softly. His eyes were velvet as he wrapped his arms around me. I leaned in to him and his warmth.

He rested his cheek on my head. “You smell good,” he murmured into my hair.

“You’re trying to cheer me up.”

“Possibly. But there’s also the fact that you smell good.” He kissed my forehead.

“I thought we were going for a walk?” I looked up at him.

“It’s cold. And I was hoping you’d let me hold you for a bit.” His voice was soft.

I smiled. “I suppose I can do that.”

He was watching me curiously, almost uncertainly. “Arthur said you found my emails?” he asked.

I nodded.

His smile grew hesitant. “Oh?” He regarded me carefully. “What did you think?”

“You’re a gifted poet. They’re lyrics?”

“Yes, they could be, if I were to write music to accompany them. I’m glad you like them.” He laughed softly. “I’ve been writing non-stop. I suppose you’re not just Shannon’s muse.”

“That’s very sweet.”

“You’ve told me I was sweet before.” His eyes were heavy on me, his fingers coming to trace the side of my face.

I closed my eyes, his touch affecting me powerfully. I found myself turning into his hand, kissing his palm.

“I can’t seem to stop touching you.” His voice was rough. “I want to kiss you right now.”

“Those words sound familiar, too.” I let my eyes linger on his lips. I wanted him to kiss me.