Page 79 of Enthrall
I smiled back at him, seeing a look I’d never seen on Richard before. He held my gaze with affection. Something shifted inside me as though these new memories dared to push the others out.
Cameron nodded approvingly. “What color dress are you wearing?”
I frowned at him, amazed he knew…
My step-mother and I were sitting on an old, stained sofa inthe funeral home.
“Blue,” I muttered.
The funeral director discussed with my step-mother which coffin might best suit our needs. Lorraine asked for the least expensive.
My lips trembled.
“Share that thought with us, Mia?” said Cameron.
“I don’t remember the funeral.” I fought back the sting of tears. “I think Lorraine decided it was best for me not to go. I wanted to go.”
“What else do you remember?” he said.
“Lorraine was angry. Isn’t that the first stage of grief?”
“Did she cry?” he said.
“I don’t think so...”
Cameron looked thoughtful, his gaze finding Richard’s again and another unspoken moment passed between them. Could close friends really communicate merely with a look and read each other’s thoughts?
“What’s your happiest memory?” said Cameron, breaking my trance.
My gaze shot to Richard and I realized that swimming in his pool had to be it. Along with that kiss. The way his hands had swept over me, caressing. The promise of getting closer to that all elusive love.
“What do you see?” said Cameron.
“Stars.” I wanted to say Richard’s face but felt too embarrassed. “That is, we can’t see the stars because of the smog.”
Richard flashed the biggest smile.
“We’re not talking about your childhood anymore, are we?” said Cameron.
“No. I don’t like it back there.”
“Ah,” whispered Cameron. “There it is.”
“What?” I bit my lip. “I mean excuse me?”
“Tell me about your father.”
“When I was growing up he worked as an administrator in exports and imports. After he left my mom he moved to L.A. and worked in a wine store in Pasadena.” I looked over at Richard and he gave an encouraging smile. “My dad divorced my mom because of her drug habit.”
If either Cameron or Richard were judging me they didn’t show it. I assumed they were used to hearing all sorts of things here.
“You’re an only child?” asked Cameron.
“Yes.”
“How was your dad around you?” he said.
“Didn’t really have a lot of time for me to be honest.”
