Page 2 of When You Smile

“Cool to know, I guess.” The truth was Taryn didn’t have a clue who she was going to be, but it was clear that Charlie’s calm confidence meant she already had. It made Taryn want to try harder to put her stamp on the world—as her dad often said—and go out there and take on the hard stuff. Maybe she should learn to play an instrument or run for class office. Charlotte Adler status was something to strive for.

“And do you want to know what I already know?”

Taryn nodded, eager for that information.

“You’re gonna go out there and knock this world over with all the things you’re going to accomplish, and one day I’m going to get to say I told you so.”

Taryn could hardly speak after that. Charlie was probably just trying to be a good role model or whatever, but the words left Taryn on a high for the rest of the movie. She happily ate popcorn, laughed along with Charlie, and secretly wondered about all that was ahead of her that year. Sadly, her fantastic evening was interrupted when the four parents arrived home with grins on their faces, smelling like wine and garlic bread and gushing about their night.

“Tare-Bear,” her mother said loudly, encircling her neck from behind. “Charlotte’s parents took us to the neatest little pizza place. I’m going to take you there one day soon so you can soak up the culture. So authentic! So chaotic! Your little heart will sing a song.”

“Mom, did you have a glass of wine?” That pulled a laugh from the other three adults.

“Vino? Do you mean vino? I did have one. Yes.” She gave Taryn’s cheek a loud smack. Her mother’s excitement at pretty much everything was not at all new. She grabbed hold of life and leapt. Loudly. Taryn didn’t. Well, yet.

Off to the side, she watched as her father slipped a folded-up wad of cash into Charlie’s hand, and she thanked him. While her mom sang something that sounded close to Italian in the kitchen, Charlie took three steps and pulled Taryn into a dedicated hug. “You have a good first week at school, okay? And less worrying, Taryn. You’re gonna be great out there. The next time I’m over, I want every detail. I mean it.”

Taryn smiled, nodded, and hugged her back, savoring the warmth that came over her but also feeling a little bit shy all of a sudden. Plus, being close to Charlie physically brought on an overwhelming wash of feelings she didn’t know how to name. “Yeah, okay. You got it.”

Four weeks later, Ronnie, Deirdre, and Charlotte moved from Dyer, Indiana, to sunny California without much notice at all. Ronnie announced plans to open up his own dealership and apparently didn’t want to wait. Her dad was sad about that. He popped open a beer in the kitchen and shook his head. “Lost a good salesman and a buddy.”

“Wait. The Adlers are moving?” Her heart dropped. She couldn’t imagine not having Charlie-nights to look forward to anymore.

“Afraid so, kiddo. Good thing you don’t need a babysitter much longer, right?”

“Yeah,” she said flatly, her words echoing in her head, hollow and weird. Her chest ached, and all sorts of plans she’d made evaporated. Life without Charlie Adler in it sounded dull and unexciting. The little spark of excitement she’d come to cherish was extinguished in an unceremonious whoosh. “Good thing.”

Chapter One

From its historic red and white brick buildings to the sprawling green lawns and colorful trees, Hillspoint University knew how to make an impression. The kaleidoscope of autumn hues grabbed Taryn by the throat the minute she stepped out of the car and into her new life on her own. She swallowed as a rush of intimidation hit. Luckily, she’d been prepared and took a long, slow breath in, reminding herself that everyone was nervous on the first day of anything important. She’d made a mental plan to keep her anxiety in check, and part of that meant physical check-ins with herself, deep breaths, and staying out of her own head.

She’d been impressed when she’d visited the university three years ago, imagining she’d attend as a freshman and take the world by storm. She’d had goals and aspirations and confidence for days on that visit, which felt like almost another lifetime now. She remembered being gobsmacked by the campus that looked like something out of a beautiful film, proud that her grades had all but guaranteed her admission. Unfortunately, she’d made the decision to defer.

She took a deep breath and, as anxious as she was, just let the moment wash over her. The grounds, the buildings, the meticulously maintained walkways were nothing like the community college she’d studied at for the last two years. Hillspoint felt vast and important by comparison and steeped in traditions she’d only just begun to study. She felt smarter just standing there and like her life was about to begin. The world suddenly felt full and limitless.

“You okay?” her mother asked quietly, giving her elbow a squeeze.

“It’s now or never, right?”

“Tare-Bear. You’re gonna knock ’em on their asses. Remember who you are.”

She nodded as her mom scooted around the other side of the car to gather a box to carry up.

“They said you’re on the fourth floor?” her dad asked, loading her belongings onto the portable cart he was so proud to own. She had to admit, he looked good, stronger lately and with more stamina. At the same time, she didn’t want him to overdo. He kept a smile on his face, but each small movement caused a weakening behind his eyes signaling his supreme effort. Taryn hated everything about the new normal. Fuck fate. Thank God his prognosis was good. The unexpected stroke and her father’s slow recovery struggles had been devastating. But at least the damage hadn’t been as extreme as they’d once feared. He’d had to adjust his life and manage his own expectations about what he was capable of, but he was still here. He even managed to smile more now than he ever had before, appreciating the life he’d almost lost.

“Yes, but I can get that stuff.” He wasn’t listening. Just as stubborn as he was generous. She turned, seeking backup. “Mom, heads-up. He’s trying to—”

“Tad, stop that immediately,” her mother said, stalking around the car. “Halt in the name of Willie Nelson.” She was a tall and strong woman, who had no trouble asserting herself.

“What?” her father asked, annoyance lacing his delivery.

“Kindly drop the bags, sir.” With a pointedly placed hand on her hip, the world knew Martie Ross meant business. Her father deflated and placed the box he held on the cart before stepping back.

“I was just fine. I know my limits,” he said in defense. But his right side didn’t work the way that it used to, weaker and less coordinated now. Excess exertion overwhelmed his system and knocked him out for the entire next day. He was back to work part-time after a good portion of a year at home, building himself back up again through rigorous rehab. He still lost words sometimes, and the doctors thought he likely forever would, but it didn’t matter. Taryn always knew what he meant.

“I’m sure you do, you handsome man,” her mother said. “But I love you so much that I can’t let you get near those limits. We got this, right, Taryn my girl?”

“For sure.”

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