A Little Rain Must Fall (Summer Lake Silver Book 3) Read online

  Audrey shrugged. “She’s his wife now. He’s hardly going to leave her at home, is he?”

  Izzy opened her mouth, but then closed it again quickly.

  She didn’t need to say the words. Audrey knew she was about to remind her that he’d left her at home often enough in all the years they’d been married—and especially the last few.

  “Anyway. Let’s not think about him before we have to. What’s happening today? Are we doing anything with the kids or just meeting up with them tonight?”

  “I told Ally to call me if there’s anything I can do, but other than that, we’ll just see them tonight.”

  Izzy nodded, and Audrey knew that she was feeling sorry for her.

  She smiled brightly. “Don’t look like that. It’s their thirtieth birthday. I’m happy that they want me here at all. I’m happy that they’re still so close that they want a joint birthday party.”

  “I know. It’s wonderful, and we should focus on that. It’s better than them expecting you to organize it all for them. This way we’re free to spend the day doing whatever we please. I’d love to explore the shopping plaza. I read that there’s a wonderful clothing store—Hayes—over there. Maybe we can find you a gorgeous dress to wear tonight—something that’ll make you feel beautiful.”

  “Maybe we should. I brought a nice black dress with me.”

  Izzy rolled her eyes. “No comment. But can we at least go and take a poke around in Hayes? There might be something that’s perfect. And you never know, we might run into your sexy old man from the gym.”

  Audrey had to laugh. “I didn’t say he was an old man.”

  “Sorry. Yes. Older, not old.”

  Audrey nodded. She didn’t need to say it. It hung in the air; the stark contrast between her being attracted to an older man and Richard now being married to a much younger woman.

  Chapter Two

  “Do you really have to go home tomorrow, Grandad?”

  Ted pursed his lips. He found it hard to say no to Marcus.

  April gave the boy a stern look. “Don’t pester. You know Grandad has to go back to work. And you’ll be at school anyway. You can’t expect him to hang around all day waiting for you.” She smiled at Ted. “Though you know he’s not the only one who loves having you here.”

  “And you know I love being here.” He was already wondering if there was any reason he shouldn’t take a few days off. It wasn’t as though he needed to be in the office every day. He was more of a figure-head these days. “I don’t want to interrupt your routines, though.”

  April raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m not saying we wouldn’t love for you to stay.” She looked at Marcus. “I just don’t want him twisting your arm.”

  Marcus laughed. “You don’t need to worry about that, Mom. Grandad’s too smart for me. You’re about the only one whose arm I can twist anymore.”

  Ted had to chuckle. The boy was right. April was a kind soul. She’d had a tough time before she met Eddie, and she was very protective of Marcus.

  “Don’t bank on being able to twist mine anymore, young man. I’m getting wise to you.”

  He went and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m only playing.”

  They all looked up when Eddie came in through the front door. “Sorry, that took longer than I expected.” He checked his watch. “Is everyone ready?”

  “Ready and waiting,” said Marcus.

  Eddie punched his shoulder. “Watch it, lil dude.”

  Ted loved the way the boy smiled back at him and said, “Sorry, Dad.” It filled his heart up to watch the two of them together. It was bittersweet for him. He loved that Eddie and Marcus had formed such a strong bond, they had so much love for each other. At the same time, it saddened him that he hadn’t been there for most of Eddie’s childhood. He was so grateful for the relationship they had now, but it could never make up for all the years he’d lost. He’d been a fool, and he knew it.

  Eddie turned to him. “Ready?”

  He nodded. He was looking forward to getting out on the lake. He’d taught Eddie to fish when he was a kid, and it made him happy that they got to share it again now with Marcus.

  Once they were out on the lake, Eddie turned to him with a smile. “I know it’s not like your boat, but this is all right, don’t you think?”

  Ted smiled. “It’s more than all right, son. I love it.” He jerked his head to where Marcus was sitting with April fishing off the stern. “And you know they do.”

  “We’ve got a good little life going here.”

  “I wouldn’t call it a little life.”

  Eddie shrugged. “You know what I mean. It’s just a simple life. I’m not out making big money or doing anything significant in the world. But I’m happy—and so are they.”

  “That’s the biggest thing there is: being happy. Making your family happy is much more important than making money. I only wish I’d understood that sooner.”

  “I’m just glad we figured it out before it was too late.”

  Ted nodded and looked out at the lake. The years he’d lost with Eddie were the biggest regret of his life.

  Eddie punched his arm. “Of course, I’d go back and change the past if I could. But today is the only time we can make anything happen; we can’t change yesterday, and we can’t live for tomorrow.”

  “So much wiser than your father.” Ted gave him a rueful smile.

  Eddie laughed. “Not wiser—though it seems I have a better memory. You were the one who told me that when I was just a little kid.”

  “Dad, will you see if you can get Grandad to stay?” called Marcus.

  Eddie raised an eyebrow at him. “What’s that about?”

  “He asked earlier if I have to go home tomorrow.”

  Eddie turned and called back to Marcus. “Grandad’s got to work, dude. You know that.”

  “Would I be in the way?”

  “Hell, no! We’d all love it if you wanted to stick around a bit longer. I just try not to get too greedy about hogging your time.”

  “I …” Ted had to clear his throat before he could go on. “I love spending time with you. You know that. And as I said earlier, family is so much more important than work.”

  Eddie grinned. “So, stay, why don’t you? If it were up to me, I’d ask you to move here, stay full-time.”

  Ted’s breath caught in chest. “You would?”

  “Yeah. I know you won’t, but that’s not the reason I’m saying it. I need you to know. That’s how far we’ve come.”

  Ted swallowed—hard.

  Marcus came and popped his head into the cabin where they were sitting. “When can you come back?”

  Ted looked at Eddie before he answered. “It turns out, I can stay a little longer.”

  “Awesome!” He turned and called to April. “Grandad’s going to stay a while, Mom!”

  April came to join them. Ted was very pleasantly surprised by how happy she looked. “That’s great news!”

  “You don’t mind?”

  She made a face at him. “I have the best father-in-law in the world; why would I mind that we get to keep him for a little longer?”

  “He’s not really your father-in-law though, is he?” asked Marcus. “Just like he’s not really my Grandad. He won’t be until you guys get married.”

  Ted tried to hide his smile. He knew that Eddie wanted them to get married more than anything in the world. April did, too. But she’d had a rough go with her divorce and hadn’t wanted to go straight back into another marriage. She loved Eddie with all her heart; he didn’t doubt that. It was just that she’d wanted to be right with herself before she became his wife. Ted respected that about her. She was a kind soul, soft-hearted, but she’d grown so much and become so much stronger in the time Ted had known her. Eddie and Marcus were impatient for them to finally tie the knot, but Ted respected that April had taken her time.

  “We’re working on it.”

  Judging by the look on her face, Ted guessed that sh
e was just as eager as her son to finally make it happen.

  Eddie ruffled the boy’s hair. “I’ve told you. This year. It’s going to happen, okay?”

  Marcus batted Eddie’s hand away and grinned at Ted. “I know. I just like to keep reminding you both.”

  ~ ~ ~

  “Did you know that Clay McAdam lives here?” asked Izzy.

  “Of course, I did. You told me all about it when the kids first decided to hold their party here. To be honest, I thought that was the reason you were so excited to come.”

  Izzy gave her a hurt look. “That’s not fair. I know I chatter on about sexy men more than I should. But do you really think that’s more important to me than being here for Ally and Brayden’s birthday? We’ve been best friends forever, Audrey. I’m the twins’ godmother. I’m thrilled that they thought to invite me.”

  Audrey felt bad. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  Izzy picked up her card and left a twenty as a tip. “Come on. Let’s go and have a wander around the stores shall we. This plaza may be the best kept shopping secret I’ve ever discovered. Hayes is here, and did you know that Laura Hamilton has a store here, too?”

  “That I did know. Shall we go and have a look? I love her jewelry.”

  “As if I’m going to say no. Let’s stop in Hayes first, though. And if we can find you a knockout dress to wear tonight, I’m buying it for you.”

  Audrey laughed. “You hated the black one that much?”

  Izzy linked arms with her as they left the café. “I didn’t hate it. It’s perfectly fine—if you’re going to a funeral.”

  Audrey had to laugh. “Thanks.”

  “I’m only teasing. It’s a nice dress. But you deserve to wear a fantastic dress—especially tonight.”

  Audrey’s smile faded. “Thanks. I’m dreading it, you know.”

  “I do know. I hate it for you. Richard’s an asshole and Natalee—”

  Audrey held a hand up to stop her. “Don’t. She seems nice enough. I don’t want to turn into the bitter old ex who’s jealous of the pretty young wife who he replaced me with. I just feel old and frumpy and a little bit sad. I’m not sure I could get through this evening without you.”

  Izzy squeezed her arm. “You don’t have to. I’m here for you. I’ve got your back.” They’d reached Hayes now and Izzy stopped before they went in. “I know you feel sad, and I’m doing everything I can to make you feel better. You might feel old, but you’re not.” She smiled. “You’re two months and two days younger than me. So, I get offended when you say you’re old. And the frumpy thing? You might have a point there, but that’s an easy fix. That’s what we’re here for.” She pushed the door open and gestured for Audrey to go in ahead of her.

  It was a beautiful store. Audrey looked around in wonder. There were so many lovely clothes and shoes and jewelry. There was a nice feel to the place, too. She often felt uncomfortable in clothing stores—either too old or too frumpy. This place made her feel—not quite at home, but as though she’d like to fit in here.

  “Ladies. Welcome!” A guy came bustling toward them with a big smile. He clasped his hands together and let his gaze travel over first Audrey and then Izzy. Audrey felt as though it should make her uncomfortable, but it didn’t. It made her stand a little straighter and want to be worthy of his scrutiny.

  “Welcome to Hayes. I’m Roberto. What can I do for you?”

  “Oh, my goodness!” exclaimed Izzy. “Roberto? I thought you worked in the LA store. You’re a legend!”

  Roberto beamed at her and swatted the air with his hand. “Well, aren’t you a sweetheart? This is your lucky day. I’m up here visiting Holly, and I just couldn’t resist coming in and seeing what kind of clientele visits us here. I have to say, I’m impressed so far.”

  Audrey laughed. She liked him a lot. He was way over the top, but his smile was genuine, and his manner was warm and welcoming.

  Izzy reached out to shake his hand. “I’m Izzy, and this is Audrey. And you have made our weekend by being here.”

  “Not yet, I haven’t. But tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll see what I can do. My mission is to help you find something that will make you feel as fabulous as you are.”

  Izzy grinned at Audrey. “You don’t know how lucky we are. I wasn’t joking. Roberto’s a legend. He’s exactly what you need.”

  Roberto turned to her. “We’re shopping for you? And what is it that you think you need?”

  “A dress. I have a party this evening.”

  “I see. Formal? Casual? Somewhere in between? How do you want to feel?”

  Audrey stared at him. “It’s definitely not formal. It’s a birthday party for my children—they’re twins. It’s at the Boathouse; do you know it?”

  “I do. Do you need something practical?”

  She sensed a hint of distaste in his tone that she didn’t understand.

  “If you’re going to be dealing with hordes of small children?”

  She laughed out loud. “No! There won’t be any small children. It’s their thirtieth birthday.”

  “Thirtieth?” He looked incredulous. And if he was faking it, he did a very good job. “Your children are thirty? Darling, there’s no way you’re old enough!”

  “Believe me. I’m old enough.”

  “She doesn’t look it, does she?” Izzy smiled at Roberto. “The trouble is, she feels it, and that’s what we need your help with.”

  “I’m your man. So, what’s your style? I see you as the embodiment of grace and elegance. Do you want to feel regal?”

  Audrey nodded; she liked the sound of that. “I’d hardly call myself elegant—utilitarian is more my style, but I’d like to step it up a notch tonight.”

  Roberto smiled and Audrey didn’t miss the way he checked out her wedding finger. “Are you taking a date?”

  “No.”

  Izzy blew out a sigh. “Do you mind if I tell him the situation?”

  “Okay.” Audrey wasn’t sure that she wanted Izzy telling her sad tale to a stranger, but Roberto seemed like a decent person, and if the information could help him to better understand how she wanted to feel in whatever she wore tonight, then why not?

  Roberto leaned forward eagerly with a conspiratorial smile. “Spill the beans, Izzy. What’s the situation?”

  “Well, with it being the kids’ birthday party, they’ve invited their father, too—and his new wife.”

  Roberto curled his lip. “And we don’t like her?”

  “She’s all right,” said Audrey. “It’s not her fault.”

  “Pft!” Izzy made a face.

  “It’s not,” Audrey insisted. “She can’t help that she’s twenty years younger than me.” She shrugged at Roberto. “It’s not her fault that I feel old and frumpy.”

  Roberto took her arm and started leading her toward the back of the store. “Let’s talk colors. I’m going to pick you out a few things to try so I can get an idea of what will work for you. By the time I’m done with you, horrible him—the man you were once married to—will be wondering why he ever let you go. And little miss new knickers will be completely eclipsed while you dazzle everyone.”

  Audrey chuckled. “You have great faith in your ability to make silk purses out of sow’s ears, then?”

  Roberto frowned. “You are no sow’s ear. A diamond in the rough, perhaps.” He winked. “And as for my abilities, you should listen to Izzy—I’m a legend for a reason!”

  ~ ~ ~

  “Hey, Ted.” Kenzie, the bartender greeted him with a smile. “It’s good to see you. Are you just hanging with Eddie while they get set up, or are you here for the night?”

  “I’m here for as much of the night as I can stand. I understand you’re in for a busy one?”

  “We are. There’s a big birthday party coming in. We’d normally use upstairs for that, but they know a lot of people here, and they wanted to do it down here. It’s going to be nuts. But you have to get the time with Eddie while you can, righ
t?”

  Ted looked up at the stage where Eddie was setting up the equipment with Kenzie’s husband Chase. The two of them had been best friends for many years. “That’s the theory, but I might just dip out early. Crowds aren’t my thing. I love to see them play, but …”

  “I hear ya. I love to listen to them, too. But it’s not the same when I’m back here. Oh, look. Here’s Diego.”

  Diego came and took a seat next to Ted.

  “What can I get you guys?”

  “Just a Coke for me, thanks,” said Ted.

  Diego rolled his eyes. “Out to have a wild time, then?”

  Kenzie laughed. “You leave him alone. I’m guessing you want your Remy?”

  Diego smiled at her. “You know me so well.”

  Ted smirked as she went to get their drinks. Diego charmed every woman he met, no matter how old or young or married she might be. “Where’s Zack?”

  “They’re coming a little later. I said I’d meet them here. Is April coming?”

  “No. She’s staying home with Marcus tonight. He has a friend over. And I don’t think she enjoys it when it’s busy in here.”

  “Just like you.”

  Ted shrugged. “I don’t mind it. I’m not a hermit or anything. I just prefer to be able to hold a conversation and to hear myself think.”

  Diego looked around. “So, you’re not looking to get into any mischief? You don’t plan to stay late and dance with a beautiful stranger?”

  Ted laughed. “No.”

  “When was the last time you even went on a date?”

  Ted frowned. “I don’t know. It was no doubt whenever you set me up with a friend of one of your conquests. Why?”

  Diego laughed. “Because I’m getting worried about you. You don’t show any interest in having fun or a good time. You don’t show any interest in women anymore.”

  Ted was about to argue until he realized that his friend might have a point. Then he remembered. “Actually, that’s not true.”

  “It isn’t? Who are you interested in?”

  “I’m not interested, as such. But just this morning, a woman caught my eye for the first time in a long time.” He smiled as he remembered her. “She was beautiful.”