Page 108 of If My Wishes Came True
“But right now, self-publishing is working well for me,” Sunny goes on. “I want to work on my own schedule, especially with Stella being so little.”
“That’s fair,” Christy says, reaching for the baby’s hand. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend all day with this cutie pie.”
Stella grins, right on cue.
“How about you, Dex? Are you still traveling a lot for work?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I’m taking some time off from speaking engagements, so I can be home with my girls. It’s been nice living in our own little bubble—just the three of us.”
“We’re making the most of it while we have him all to ourselves.” Sunny trades a smile with Dex that makes my cheeks warm. “But he’s got big plans for the Dramatic Hearts Academy.”
“I’ve heard wonderful things about the program,” Christy says, which comes as no surprise. Dex’s wildly successful initiative to use the dramatic arts as a tool to help kids with anxiety has gotten great press coverage over the past year. “Are you hoping to expand?”
He nods. “We’re in schools across the country now, which is a dream come true for me. But eventually, I’d like to develop an offshoot of the program for adults. I’m still working out the details, but it’ll be called the Dramatic Hearts Club.”
“That’s amazing,” Christy and I say, almost in unison.
Not to be outshone by her superstar dad, baby Stella starts wildly kicking her feet to the upbeat music playing over the speakers. We all laugh and smile, which excites her even more. Then Dex takes her little hands and starts dancing to the music himself—and I’m glad there are no paparazzi here, because it’s literally the cutest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Seeing Dex as a dad warms my heart.
“I think my ovaries just exploded,” Christy says in my ear as Dex twirls Sunny, and the happy family of three dances together.
“Aww, I can’t wait to be Auntie Jenna. I’m going to spoil your kids like crazy—you know that, right?”
“You’ll be the cool aunt they run to with questions about life, and love, and art,” my sister says, grinning.
“It’ll be my best job yet,” I reply, and Christy squeezes my arm, her eyes glistening.
“So, where’s Charlie?” Sunny asks, when the Dexters are done dancing.
“He should be here any minute,” I say. “His parents are coming, too, which surprises me. Things are still a little tense between Charlie and his father. When we went to Denver for his mom’s birthday in May, his dad scowled the entire time.”
“Sounds familiar,” Christy mutters under her breath.
“But Charlie still managed to enjoy himself,” I go on. “I’m so impressed with how he’s learned to let things roll off his back. He rarely lets his dad get under his skin anymore.”
When the gallery door opens, letting in the bustling sounds of the city, my heart skips a beat, expecting to see Charlie. But it’s his parents who’ve just come in—without him. And his dad is wearing a frown, as always.
“Speak of the devil,” I sigh. “I’m going to go say hello.”
“Let’s decide on landscapes before someone else snags them all,” Sunny tells Dex as Christy and I walk to greet the Suttons together.
“Hi, Simone,” I say, enveloping Charlie’s mom in a hug.
“So happy to see you, sweetheart,” she says, beaming.
We get along well—which isn’t surprising since my boyfriend’s kind, thoughtful nature so clearly comes from her.
His father, on the other hand, gives me a stern nod. “Jenna,” is all he says.
I take a page from his playbook, wiping the smile off my face. “William.”
“Where’s Charlie?” Christy asks on my behalf.
“He had a quick errand to run,” his mom says. “Don’t worry, he’ll be here shortly.”
My sister and I trade sideways glances.
“I’m going to look at your pieces,” William Sutton barks, then walks away.
