"Well, it sure as hell isn't going to be you."
"What about your mother?" he asked. "You've hardly talked the last two years, and she hasn't seen you. How can you close her out?"
"I learned from the best," I snapped. Then, I felt the twist in my chest. "She kept looking at me like I was a wounded animal. You know that look? Like all she needed to do was get close enough and she could snatch the thorn right out. She doesn't get that it's part of who I am now."
Xavier's dark eyes looked too shiny. "She's a healer. You can't blame her for trying. But, I understand. Some things you have to heal yourself. That's what I wanted to talk to you about-"
"There you are," I called as Corsica came back in the room. "Did Ginny get the tour? What do you think?"
"I think she's crazy to leave this place, even for Monterey," Ginny said.
Corsica elbowed her friend. "Actually, we were talking about that-"
"If you love this place, you'll love the house in Monterey. Same feel, but different views," I said as I strode across the room. When I was out of earshot of my father, I held out my hand. "Please, don't leave me alone with him. I know this is insane, but I promise I'll make the trip worth your while."
"What's insane is that you work for Xavier Templeton," Ginny said.
"No, what's insane is that you didn't recognize him," Corsica hissed. "I don't know, Penn. You and your, ah, employer seem to have other things going on. I don't want to get in the way."
"That's exactly where I need you," I pleaded. "There's a piano at the Monterey house. I'll get you lessons. You can spend the whole time writing songs or singing or just enjoying the coast. Please?"
Ginny tossed her bouncy hair. "Oh, she's going," she said. "Corsica's now enrolled in a crash course on spontaneity and I'm grading her. Don't worry, though. I'll be keeping an eye on you, too. With Mr. High Profile over there, it should be easy to keep tabs on you all. Plus, I'll just be a short drive away in Santa Cruz."
"So, you'll come?" I grabbed Corsica's hand and squeezed.
"Oh. God. Yes, I'll come." She forced the fear in her eyes aside and gave me a lopsided grin. "I guess someone's got to save you. I mean, we wouldn't want Mr. Templeton's good taste or impeccable grooming habits to wear off on you, now, would we?"
Ginny clapped her hands as I pulled Corsica in for a hug. My father cleared his throat and edged towards the door.
"I have a business meeting, but the arrangements have all been made. Make sure that criminal driver of yours gets you to the helipad on time," Xavier said. "Ladies, it was a pleasure."
"I should go, too," Ginny said. "I borrowed a friend's car. Oh, God, I hope it isn't blocking Mr. Templeton!"
"Hold on, Ginny. Wait!" Corsica cried.
"Do you still want to go with her?" I asked.
Corsica hesitated, then straightened her shoulders. "No. I said I would help you."
I grinned to hide my relief. "You're just staying because you want a ride home on Xavier Templeton's helicopter."
"Would that make me an awful person?" Corsica's eyes lightened with her challenging look.
"No. Yes. I mean, I would understand." I shook my head and tried to get my thoughts in order. The only thing I knew for sure was that I felt better with Corsica around. "Thanks for staying."
"Does that earn me an explanation for your, ah, business relationship?" She stepped forward and peered up into my face.
I sighed and tried to smile. "Sorry. That'll cost extra."
Corsica considered my teasing. "How about a friendly pat on the back?"
"Sure." When she leaned over, I swung my arm over hers and tugged against my chest. "Or, how about a hug?"
Her head flew back and those blue eyes blazed. Then, Corsica looked at me and I felt all the playful fight run out of her. She wrapped her arms around me and held me tight.
Grief washed over me. My mother had been seriously ill for two years. The stretch of time made me dizzy. I should have been there for her. What if?
"That doesn't help," Corsica said.