Page 96 of Perfect Assumption

— StellaNova

Angie’s been introspective since we went downstairs for dinner at the lodge. When I explained my connection to Jared, and Jared to Ryan Lockwood, her only comment was, “I see. I suppose I should have realized you were so close with such influential people.”

Maybe taking the jet was a bad idea? “Angie, it’s just money. The most I do with mine—ours,” I correct myself, “is to donate large amounts of it. In fact, our investment advisor wants us to donate a chunk to a charity Ryan’s putting together.”

That gets her interest. “Really? To do what?”

I’m glad Lynne finally sent over the information. I’m able to give her a brief rundown of the ways it will help kids who need college scholarships. “I’ll be proud to add our money to that,” I conclude.

“I’m sure Carys will too.”

“I hope so. I committed us for a hundred.”

“Thousand? That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“No. Million.”

The chicken wing slips out of her fingers. “One hundred million dollars?” Her voice is weak.

Embarrassed, I admit, “That a little less than ten percent of what we have.”

She reaches for her water, and the glass wobbles. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Hey. What’s wrong?” I capture her hand beneath mine on the table.

“Ward, I had you sleeping in front of a fireplace. In my dead grandfather’s clothes, for Christ’s sake. And here you are, able to call up a jet at the drop of a hat. You can donate more money than people can dream of making in their lifetime. What on earth are you doing with someone like me?” Her voice cracks.

“Realizing I still have a heart,” I shoot back.

“What?”

“Angie, I don’t care if it’s too soon, but you’ve given me back the things I lost when my parents died thirteen years ago.”

“Ward,” she cautions.

“You made me realize I could love. That I could be loved. And the world wasn’t going to end if either was going to happen.”

Her chest rises and falls as waterfalls of tears cascade down her face. “I want…I need…”

“When you’re ready. I already know how you feel.”

“That’s a pretty damn big assumption, Counselor,” she snaps.

“I’ve got a check big enough for my ego to cash,” I joke.

And her tears of panic turn to screeching laughter. If she’d open up that final barrier, she’d never have to feel that panic ever again.

* * *

“I swear,you were on my television last night. Sure as the devil, I recognize your hair.” The store proprietor follows Angie around the store the next day.

“I can’t imagine why, ma’am. I offer no offense.”

“None taken. Those earrings are buy two, get one free.”

“Thank you.” Angie moves away from the kitschy earrings and makes a beeline straight for me. I frown at the fearful intensity on her face. Whatever is wrong, I have to get her out of this store, quickly.

“When are you coming out with your next movie? I was so excited to see that one come on broadcast TV. It has a 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, you know,” the woman persists.