Page 42 of The Love We Make

Bobby stands next to me. “If we don’t take those boys home, I’m afraid Imani might not survive.”

“I don’t want to go home!” Wyatt shouts from the pool.

Imani whispers something in his ear. She’s indefatigable, or maybe she’s just good at hiding it. I glance at Nora from the corner of my eye, to see how tired a raucous afternoon with my offspring has left her. She doesn’t have the same freshness of face about her than she did a few hours earlier, that’s for sure. Juan and Austin are canoodling in the far corner of the patio.

“Oh, shit. I’m really sorry,” Jennifer rushes toward us. “There’s something going on with our server. I have to go put out some fires. Damn it.” She looks at Nora as though she might never see her again. “This afternoon was a dream, Nora. Seriously. You have no idea.” She clutches her hands to her chest. “I know I’ll never be able to return this favor, but if there’s ever anything I can do for you, just hit me up.”

Everyone’s saying goodbye in quick succession. Meeting the idol from their teenage days or not, my daughters are women in their thirties with busy lives and, in Heather’s case, worn-out children.

Juan and Austin say they’re taking this party elsewhere and depart, leaving just me, Imani, and Nora. And a few people cleaning up behind us.

“How about one final glass of champagne?” Nora says. “Just the three of us.”

“Seriously, Nora, I think I need to lie down,” Imani says. “Those kids have worn me out.”

“Do you want to stay here?” Nora asks.

“I’m going home if that’s okay with you. I have the early shift tomorrow, but I’ll come by in the afternoon.”

Nora and Imani hug each other tightly. By the time Imani leaves, it’s as though the entire patio has been cleaned of any remnants of the party that just took place here.

“I know better than to offer you champagne.” Nora has wrapped herself in a colorful sarong against the evening chill in the air. She moves her elbow backward and presses her fingertips into her shoulder blade. “I think I pulled a muscle while dancing with your kids. Truth be told, I don’t dance a whole lot.” She grimaces. “Does theUnbreak My Heartinsurance policy cover injuries sustained while entertaining one of the producers?”

“I’d have to look into that, but you have a full day to recover tomorrow.”

“I’ll get a massage and I should be good as new. Issa, my massage therapist, has hands of gold.”

“My ex used to be a massage therapist. She taught me a few tricks. Would you like me to…” I nod at her shoulder. “Have a look at that?”

“Um, sure.”

I rise and take a deep breath. But isn’t this the friendly thing to do?

CHAPTER19

NORA

“Jesus, Nora.” Mimi’s thumbs skate along my shoulders. “When was the last time you had a massage? Your shoulders are incredibly tight.”

“A couple of days ago,” I say.

“You’re so tense.”

Maybe because Mimi’s hands are dancing across my skin. “In case you missed it, I’m not really a people person.”

Mimi’s thumbs dig in and it hurts so good.

“I really couldn’t tell by looking at you this afternoon.”

“I’m a highly paid actor.” I lean into her touch. “Not that I was pretending. I do like your family. But that party was exhausting.”

Mimi’s thumbs slide gently along my neck into my hair. My skin breaks out in gooseflesh.

“Sore shoulders are the price I pay for pretending to be social for a couple of hours,” I mumble. “My god, that feels good.”

“I’m glad.”

“Your ex didn’t just leave you with a broken heart, then.” I’m just saying things. I’ve used up all my common sense and acceptable conversation skills this afternoon.

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