She hit send. That man couldn’t be counted on to do the right thing, ever. It was the story of her life. You would think he’d want this over with. She certainly did. She shook her head. At least she had Noah. She still didn’t know exactly where it was going or what they were to one other, but whatever they were, she was content for now.
Her car puttered as she dropped it into gear. Dahlia pulled Betty, her ancient black Saab hatchback, into the very last spot just as Kara called.
“Perfect timing,” Dahlia answered, feeling her tight shoulders relax a bit.
“And where are you going? You sound better,” Kara said curiously.
“To the restaurant. I am a little better,” Dahlia said, leaning her face into the salty air. “It’s good to be out of the house, away from all the deceit. I’m sure it will hit me later when I go home.”
“I still can’t believe it. Your gran never crossed me as a woman who would cheat.”
“Me neither. She was always so rigid and righteous.”
“She did have a soft side too.” Kara’s voice eased.
“She did. It’s just easier for me to focus on the bad things, I suppose.” Dahlia felt the corners of her eyes moisten.
“Not to change the subject, but did you find anything on your movie star grandfather?” Kara asked.
“Nothing. We googled, IMDb’d him, searched the internet for any clue or nugget. It’s like the man didn’t exist. But then again, the cast is enormous. It could be anyone.”
Kara hummed in thought. “Anyone listed in the credits with a G in their first name?”
“One, but she was a woman, Grace.”
“Grace Kelly?” Kara asked with unbridled enthusiasm.
“No, it wasn’t her, someone else. But Audrey was in it.” Dahlia’s smile widened.
Kara oooed. “Hepburn?”
“Is there any other one?” She laughed.
“So you’re telling me, your biological grandfather may have starred with Ms. Holly Golightly.”
“Yup. So it would seem, but again, he doesn’t exist.” Dahlia sighed in frustration.
“What about a name change. Plenty of people did it back then.”
“Yeah, that’s probably what happened. I told Noah he could ask his producer friend Penny, but I don’t think he’s been able to get a hold of her yet.”
“Intriguing. Speaking of McHandy, how is he? How many times this week?”
“I’ll never tell.” Dahlia laughed.
“More than twice a day?” Kara asked with emphasized curiosity. “I bet he’s giving you quite the workout.”
“Oh my God.” She laughed, feeling her cheeks grow red. She’d never been happier she wasn’t on FaceTime. “Next topic.”
“Damn, girl, you’ve come a long way since arriving at Lil’s.”
“I’ll say.” Dahlia felt her insides swell. Never in a million years had she thought she was capable of this kind of unhinged ownership of her desires.
“Way to own it.” Kara snickered.
“Ha, yeah. Listen, we’re about to pull up.”
“Oh, did you take my advice about lending Gretchen a few of Lil’s paintings?”
