Page 6 of The Summer House

“Sure. That’s why I’m here. My friend Cassie offered me the use of the family summer house for a month and I jumped at the chance. I want to be as lazy as possible, doing nothing so I can recharge my energy.”

“I remember Cassie,” he said. “Wasn’t she your maid of honor at the wedding?”

“That’s her.”

Rick listened and watched as Mandy brought him up-to-date on some other people he’d known through her. She still used her hands when she talked, gesturing broadly and moving her body. He laughed at the funny bits and asked questions, all the while observing the play of emotion on her face.

Her wide, green eyes kept very few secrets. In them he saw affection for Cassie, just as he’d seen love for her students a few minutes ago, along with a flash of some darker emotion. Something that disturbed her. A man, he wondered? Someone who didn’t share her dreams?

His mother hadn’t said that Mandy was involved with anyone serious, but then his mother was very careful to pick and choose her information as it suited her best. Besides, it wasn’t as if he ever grilled his mother about Mandy. Until she’d called and suggested lunch, he hadn’t thought he would ever see her again.

The waitress returned, but he sent her away, asking for a little more time.

“You still live in Los Angeles, don’t you?” he asked.

“Torrance,” she said. “It’s a nice area. Close to the beach, without the beach prices.”

“Not exactly Beverly Hills,” he teased. “Do you still get over there for shopping?”

“Not on a teacher’s salary.”

“No credit cards from Daddy?”

She laughed. “He tries. Every time we get together, he hands me an American Express card, but I keep saying no. It’s bad enough that my Christmas and birthday presents are things like living-room furniture or a new car.”

“Most people wouldn’t complain.”

“I’m not complaining. Not exactly. But I do like to think that I’m making it on my own.”

“You’re his only child.”

“I don’t know. Some of his girlfriends could qualify.”

Her eyes sparkled with humor as she spoke. Rick recalled his ex-father-in-law’s preference for young, leggy blondes.

“Are they your age now?” he asked.

“Oh, yeah. A couple have been younger. At least we can swap clothes.” She laughed. “He’s currently dating the star of his last art film, so she’s about thirty-two. I know eventually he’s going to start going out with the female leads from his teen films. Then I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

She picked up her glass and took a sip. “I’m ragging on him, but the truth is he’s a terrific father. He gets caught up in his work, but I know he cares about me a lot.”

Martin Carter was a successful movie producer who had been responsible for some of the most successful, high-class films ever produced. He also had a soft spot for teen slasher movies. The combination made for interesting cocktail parties.

“I saw his last one.Autumn Hills,” he said.

Mandy looked at him. Her full mouth quivered slightly. “An elegantly made picture with a true, visionary ending.”

“Yeah, I didn’t get it, either.”

She laughed. “I sat there, staring at the screen thinking, is it me? I can’t believe how much money that thing made. I kept feeling like it was a modern version of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes.’ No one was willing to admit he or she didn’t get the story.” She sighed. “My father, the artist.”

“At least he doesn’t try to manipulate his children.”

Mandy’s smile broadened. “You wouldn’t be referring to your mother, would you?”

“Me? Never.”

“Uh-huh. She sure twisted me around this time. I was really surprised by her suggestion that I call you so we could meet for lunch.”

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