“My pleasure.”
“You should join us sometime. Not to sing my own praises, but they’re fabulous.”
“I might just come this year. My... ex wasn’t a fan of charity events.” Her eyes clouded again. She shook her head. “Anyway, I read that you own a lingerie business.”
“That’s right. Any tips, from one CEO to another?”
Anne immediately straightened up, her expression sharp and focused.
“Oh, where to begin. Any area in particular you’re looking at?”
“Work-life balance?”
Anne waved her hand. “Yeah, big tip. Don’t read any articles on this. They fill your head with nonsense and make you feel guilty for giving your business the best you’ve got. Of course some times are more demanding than others. I think the trick is... create a life you want, so you don’t look forward to escaping from it, you know? Take a time-out when you need it, don’t just schedule breaks.”
For the next few minutes, Anne explained how she took impromptu breaks even with her crazy schedule. Skye amazed me. Somehow, she’d known exactly how to take Anne’s mind off things, at least until Lindsay returned with her phone.
“Daddy wants to talk to you,” she said quietly.
Anne grabbed the phone and went into the house. Lindsay climbed onto the chair she’d just vacated.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“Daddy said he doesn’t have time to visit next weekend. Or the one after that.”
A vein thumped in my temple. If I opened my mouth, I was liable to go on a name-calling spree. I gripped the armrests of my chair tightly. Skye put one hand on my leg, squeezing a bit, then just held her hand there. It was comforting. To my surprise, the anger faded, at least enough for me to be civil in front of Lindsay.
“Work sometimes gets in the way, Lindsay,” I said.
“But I was going to show Dad my new dolls and everything.”
“You have new dolls? Can you show them to me?” Skye jumped in, trying to help lighten the mood.
“I only have one here. I’ll get it.” She slid down her chair, retrieving her doll from the play corner she’d declared as hers. Upon returning, she handed the doll to Skye.
“This is really beautiful,” Skye exclaimed.
“The others are just as pretty.”
“I live next door, so just tell your uncle to call me when you’re here. I’d love to meet all of your dolls.”
Lindsay smiled from ear to ear. “Okay.”
Skye winked at me while she continued to chat with Lindsay.
I just watched her, fascinated. She truly was saving the day, erasing the pain Lindsay’s asshole of a father caused.
“Oh, by the way, your uncle bought something for you yesterday,” Skye said.
I’d completely forgotten about the necklace. I went into the house, not too close to Anne so she wouldn’t think I was eavesdropping. I didn’t need to, anyway. Her body language gave it all away. She was hunched at the island, whispering. I knew she was hurting; Walter had done a number on her.
Gritting my teeth, I checked the pocket of my suit jacket, which was still in the living room, then returned outside with the box.
Lindsay opened it up carefully, pulling at the bow, then taking off the lid.
“Wow,” she whispered, eyes wide, mouth open. “Is it magic?”
“I think it is,” Skye said. “Want me to put it around your neck?”