The next day, it’s showtime, and my mood couldn’t be better. The backstage area is humming with nervous energy as I make last-minute adjustments to ensure I’ve done everything possible so that the dresses and modelswill showcase my inclusive vision, allowing everyone to shine in their own unique way.
As she’s lining everyone up, Emma gives me a reassuring squeeze and a knowing look.
“Girl, you are absolutely glowing. And I don’t think it’s due to excitement about the show.” She leans in and whispers. “You and Stone did the deed. Don’t deny it.”
I give her a wink. “I’m not the type of girl to kiss and tell.”
The men are standing by the edge of the curtain, waiting to escort the girls. My eyes constantly look to Stone as he offers me silent reassurance, and occasional smoldering glances, reminding me of our time together last night.
At the end of the show, Joselyn invites the models and escorts to return to the stage to take their final bows, then introduces me so I can come out and thank everyone. As I make my way across to stand beside her, I see Stone holding a gorgeous display of yellow roses, my grandmother’s favorite. He hands them to me with a kiss to my cheek, waiting for the applause to die down before speaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for spending the evening with us. Every dollar raised tonight will directly benefit the citizens of Pelican Point. I’d also like to thank everyone who made this event possible, including all of our volunteer dress models and their escorts; event planner Joselyn Vargas and the Celtic Knot Winery; and the woman responsible for all of the beautiful gowns you’ve seen tonight, Desirae Russell, a nationally recognized designer located right here in Pelican Point!”
My heart swells with pride as the crowd erupts in cheers and applause, not just for me, but for everyone on stage. Following my thank you speech, my elation quickly shifts to concern once I exit the stage, as I see Mrs. Reilly sitting in a chair, with Regina and Emma tending to her. My chest tightens in panic as I realize something’s wrong. Rushing to her side, I bend down and take her hands, noting the confused look on her face. “Mrs. Reilly, are you alright?”
When she doesn’t acknowledge me, I look up at Emma, who shrugs with uncertainty.
“She appears to be disoriented. She keeps asking for Christopher. Do you know who that is?”
Christopher?Just as I’m about to yell for someone to call 911, Stone approaches, and Mrs. Reilly’s demeanor instantly changes.
“There you are, Christopher. I’m feeling a little tired. Would you mind driving me home?”
And then I remember. Christopher is the name of Mrs. Reilly’s son who died.
Stone calmly comforts her, apparently going along with the charade. I hear an audible gasp from Regina, who looks like she’s in shock. I’m not sure how well she knows Mrs. Reilly, but she’s clearly distressed by the scene. Since Stone seems to be handling Mrs. Reilly just fine, and the paramedics are on their way, I turn my attention to Regina.
“What’s wrong? You look upset.”
“Desirae, did I hear right? Did she call StoneChristopher?”
I nod my head. “That’s her son’s name. She mustthink Stone is her son. But he passed away forty years ago.”
Regina looks like she’s about to pass out, so I immediately guide her to a seat. Tears form in her eyes and I can’t resist the urge to hug her. I pull back and take her hands in mine. “What is it? Do you want me to have the paramedics check you out as well?”
Regina takes in a deep breath, then exhales. “No, that won’t be necessary. I was just caught off guard. I know who Christopher is.”
“You do?”
“Yes. Christopher Reilly is the name of Stone’s father.”
CHAPTER 14
STONE
Just when I thought I had everything figured out, it suddenly went all to hell. I had planned on taking Desirae out to dinner after the show, and then hopefully back to her place. The night we spent in her bed was incredible. I’ve never been with such a passionate lover, and the way that she’s so in tune with her body, and not afraid to say what she wants, is so incredibly sexy.
But that didn’t happen. Unfortunately, sweet Mrs. Reilly, who I had escorted on stage only moments before, experienced a medical episode and mistook me for her son. The son who’s been dead for over forty years. According to the paramedics, her blood sugar suddenly dropped, leaving her in a state of confusion. Once they got her stabilized, she was fine, but it was a frightening situation. Desirae insisted on seeing her home and making sure she followed up with her doctor. I didn’t want to confuse Mrs. Reilly any further bysticking around, so we agreed I would touch base the next day.
And now she’s not answering my calls or texts. I’ve been ghosted and I have no idea why.
I’m in Pelican Point tonight to see my mother, and to show my face around town, since it’s the kickoff of the annual fall festival. We’re strolling down Seabreeze Avenue, which has been transformed with lights and decorations, giving it a fall flair leading into the holiday season. It appears most of the town is out tonight, as folks nod and wave, a huge contrast to the earlier hostile vibe at the town hall meeting. It appears the show left a positive impression of Stone Development, which was the goal.
The activity from locals and tourists and the sights and sounds of the small businesses remind me of simpler times walking around town with my grandfather, who taught me that true wealth isn’t always about money. At some point, I obviously forgot about that lesson, although Desirae has consistently reminded me.
As we approach the storefront of Coastal Couture, I admire the updated displays in the windows. Desirae must have worked all day to transform her boutique into what looks like a festive fairytale.So why the hell is she avoiding me?
During another heated argument with the board earlier today about the project, something clicked inside of me. I realized that because I never knew my father, I always felt I had to do more, and do better, to compensate for not having him in my life. That’s been the driving forcebehind my relentless pursuit of success at any cost—no matter who or what might be destroyed.When did I lose sight of what’s truly important?The callous disregard by the board for the people and history of Pelican Point has opened my eyes. Now that I’ve become personally invested—because of Desirae, my mother, even Mrs. Reilly—I get it.
