Page 91 of Dancing in the Rain

“What a difficult age for Chloe to lose her mom,” Aunt Laura said. “Thank God she has you.”

Peyton nodded. “I think I’m lucky I have her, too.”

Aunt Laura’s eyes crinkled up as she smiled. “You two will be okay.”

“Yes. We will. It’ll take some time, but we’ll get through this.”

“Please let me know if you need anything. Anything at all. I know you two girls are all grown up and independent, but please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything you need help with.” Aunt Laura gave a short laugh. “I don’t even know what that would be. But if you want to come to California for a visit to get away from things, I’d be happy to have you. Or I’d be happy to have Chloe if she wants to come.”

Aunt Laura had a busy career herself, managing a hotel that was part of a large chain. She’d never married and had no children. She worked long hours but she apparently had an active social life with a new boyfriend and lots of other friends and activities she was involved with. Sara and Peyton had visited her many times during summer vacations when they’d gotten older. Aunt Laura wasn’t exactly nurturing, but when they’d become teenagers, they’d been fascinated with her glamorous life as an independent career woman in a big city.

“I think Chloe might love that,” Peyton said softly. “She might need a little time, but I know Sara and I both enjoyed the vacations we spent with you.”

“She seems quite fond of her father.”

“Yes.” Peyton smiled. “It was weird timing, but having Drew has been a huge help to her. To both of us, actually.”

Aunt Laura gave her a shrewd look that made Peyton wish she hadn’t added that last part. “He’s quite a man.”

Peyton shook her head, her smile going crooked. “I don’t know what that means.”

“He’s…very masculine. Strong. Intense. Protective.”

Peyton swallowed. “I guess.” No, she didn’t guess. Aunt Laura was exactly right. Drew was all those things and more.

“I can see how much he loves Chloe, even though he’s known her such a short time.”

“Yes. He does. And I’m so happy about that. It’s such a wonderful thing for her.”

“So yes…bad timing. But still a good thing that he’s in her life.”

“I agree.”

“So your plan is to take Chloe back to New York with you?”

“That’s the plan.” A rock materialized in her stomach. She forced a smile.

“And where is Drew in that plan?”

Peyton dropped her gaze. “I don’t know. There are a lot of things I haven’t figured out yet. Don’t worry. I’m not going to rush things.”

“I know you’ll do what’s best. For all of you. It’s a difficult situation.”

Peyton sighed. “So difficult.” She lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. “We’ll get through it, though.”

“I know you will. You’re strong. Strong enough to get through this. And smart. Just be smart enough to know when you need help…and be brave enough to ask for it.”

Peyton stared at her aunt. Asking for help had always felt like a weakness to her. To her and to Sara. But when Sara had needed help, Peyton had made sure she was there for her, whether she’d asked or not. And she’d never, ever seen Sara as weak.

Her throat thick, she swallowed and nodded. “Thank you, Aunt Laura. I will.”

The next day she and Chloe drove Aunt Laura to the airport, then returned to an empty house. Things had been so busy they’d barely had time to register that Sara was gone. And she wasn’t coming back.

It seemed to hit them both like a brick wall as they wandered through the house. Now that all the activity had subsided and everyone had left, the feeling of desolation slammed into them. The utter bleakness and devastation.

Peyton’s stomach churned and she closed her eyes, standing in the middle of the living room.

“Auntie P?”

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