Beautiful Ties Read online

  “Really? You never told me that before!” she responded in amazement, eyes shimmering. She pointed to her sash. “Did you earn lots of pins, too?”

  “I did.” I nodded. “Collecting those and going on really neat trips were my favorite parts,” I added while finding a variety of premade cookie dough. The directions said just to break it apart and stick it in the oven. How hard could that be? I added chocolate chip and peanut butter cookie dough to my list, too.

  “I love the pins, too!” She giggled as she pointed to them. “Look! I even color-coordinated them!”

  I was really impressed with how perfectly aligned they were and how many she had at such a young age. She had never shared this part of herself with me before. Each time I’d seen her, she would reveal a small piece of her personality, slowly letting me in. I had grown very fond of Pearl in a short time. I only wished I could help her more.

  “That is a very impressive collection,” I said with appreciation.

  Then, I glanced back at the brochure and found two black picture frames. Each had a white daisy on it, and one had Family written across the bottom while the other one had Friends. Surely, I could find photographs to place in each one, and then I could display them in my living room.

  After finding a few more small items, I handed the brochure with my order back to her. An adorably sweet girl trying to raise money for a field trip with this brochure was an irresistible combination. I had very high hopes that she and her friends would have no problems reaching their goal. I admired Pearl’s hard work and dedication at seeing it through.

  I looked around the front parking spaces of the condo to see if I could find Diane lingering around, but I came up empty. I was extremely worried that Pearl was going door-to-door alone. Nowadays, there were way too many crazies out there for my liking.

  “Pearl, where is Diane or maybe your dad?” I questioned softly, realizing I still had no idea if Diane was her mom.

  I remembered that Pearl would call Diane by her first name. Maybe she’s Pearl’s stepmom? There was so much I still did not know about Pearl. Also, I had never seen a man around before either. But I was praying for the best. Maybe he worked long hours?

  I eased myself down next to her until we were eye level. “Is she helping you today?” I added quietly, not wanting to frighten Pearl, but I simply felt like it was my duty to ask.

  The sadness that crossed her eyes made my chest tighten. It was a look that I never wanted to see in an innocent child’s expression.

  “Diane said she had things she needed to do today.” She paused and then lowered her voice. “Although, she never said where she was going.”

  She hesitated again as if choosing her words carefully. Before I could speak, she let out a painful sigh that hit me straight in the heart.

  “And I never told you this before, but I don’t have a daddy.”

  I had to blink back the tears forming in my eyes from her words and the loneliness in her tone. It was utterly heartbreaking. There was so much more I wanted to ask, but I didn’t quite feel sure that it was my place to invade her privacy, and I didn’t want to sadden her even more. This was unfamiliar territory for me.

  “I’ll tell you what, Pearl. I don’t have to leave for a few hours. Would you mind if I tagged along and helped you out for a couple of hours?” I asked, holding my emotions in check.

  Her emerald eyes widened so much that I momentarily thought they might burst.

  “You would do that? For me?” she cried. She threw her arms around me, nearly knocking me over.

  “Of course, Pearl,” I responded, knowing that I would do anything I could to see this beautiful girl smile more often. I wished I could help her in a greater way, yet I didn’t know how. I pulled back, letting out a deep breath. “All right, so how much are we trying to sell today?” I asked her, hoping to lighten the mood.

  “Four hundred and ten dollars,” she said without blinking.

  “Wow!” I said in astonishment. That’s some field trip they’re trying to go on. “Well then, we better get a move on. How about I get you some chocolate milk first? Then, I will change really fast, so we can head out.” I always kept chocolate milk in the fridge for when she came to visit me.

  “Mmm! My favorite!” She nodded her head and then giggled while looking at my clothing. “Yes, I don’t think my leader would be too happy if she found out you went door-to-door in your pajamas,” she teased with disapproval.

  “Good point.” I winked while rising to my feet. “Let’s go get that chocolate milk.”

  Five hours and what felt like hundreds of houses later, Pearl and I were finally finished.

  Holy cow.

  My eyes nearly bulged out when I thought about how we would have to deliver all those orders after they came in. Being a Girl Scout nowadays was some serious work. It had still been worth every second though, especially when the last door shut. Pearl had started jumping up and down, knowing she had finally reached her goal.

  “We did it! We did it!” Pearl squealed and launched herself into my arms, hugging me. “Thank you, Abbey! I could never have reached my goal without you!”

  I smiled while returning her embrace, feeling proud. Then, I drew back and gazed down at her. “That was all you, kiddo. You did great!”

  We started to walk back in the direction of our condos that were kitty-corner to each other.

  “We did great,” she responded.

  I glanced over at her.

  Before I could say anything, the light in her eyes suddenly dulled. “Well”—she sighed—“I better be going. Diane said I needed to be home before she returned from her outings.”

  “Okay,” I replied as we made our way along the sidewalk.

  Pearl started to veer to the left toward her condo as I continued onward to my own.

  She lifted her hand and waved. “See you later!”

  “Bye!” I smiled and waved back before she disappeared out of sight.

  I pondered while closing the short distance to my home, wondering what kind of circumstances she went home to. After letting myself inside, my phone beeped in my pocket. I read the time on the screen to see that I needed to meet Gail in the next thirty minutes. Crap! I quickly read the message from Gail.

  Let’s meet at Starbucks for a quick coffee before our shopping date. Thirty minutes or so good?

  I literally ran for the bathroom as I replied to her text.

  I’ll be there! See you then.

  She quickly responded.

  Okay. ☺

  My phone beeped again, and I was surprised to see a text from Lily. Today, Lily and Kyle were leaving for their honeymoon.

  Getting ready to board the plane to Kauai! Eeep! So excited! ☺ P.S. Have fun working with Jason. I want to hear all about it when I get back! ;)

  I smiled warmly at seeing how excited she was about her honeymoon. Then, I shook my head when I read the extra part about Jason. I texted her back.

  Yay! Have fun! ☺ And soak up some sun for me. *hugs*

  I wanted to text her more, but I was on a tight time frame here.

  After a record fast shower and drying off, I planned to let my long brown hair air dry since it would allow my natural waves to form. Plus, it was faster. I hurriedly applied my light cover-up, a deep rose blush to brighten my cheeks, and brown mascara.

  I flew into my walk-in closet to choose something comfortable to wear today since my legs were a little sore from all the dancing yesterday. I pulled on a pair of black leggings and matched it with a bright blue dress shirt. Then, I reached for a gray pair of Lucky Brand slip-on shoes.

  I was really excited to see Gail and just spend the day with her. With both of our busy careers, we’d literally had to put each other on our calendars. Gail and I were two peas in a pod. It had been that way since the first day we were introduced in college. From the first moment we’d met, we’d instantly had this mutual understanding of each other and a gift to finish one another’s sentences. I loved that woman like
a sister.

  In the kitchen, I grabbed my purse and car keys. Then, I locked up and beelined for the parking garage. I opened the side entrance door.

  “Hello, gorgeous,” I purred to my red-hot Chevy Camaro.

  Some would say it was not normal to talk to a car, but my recent splurge was a sight of pure feminine beauty.

  I did not grow up playing with Barbies. With two older brothers around, they had been the first ones to drag me outside to play in the mud. Whether it was a four-wheeler, dirt bike, snowmobile, or go-cart, Ryan and Kyle had made sure I knew how to ride them all, and they had even taught me the right way to do a burnout. My childhood days had been the start of a true love affair with engines and the power they held.

  I opened the driver’s side door and slid into my seat before turning over the ignition. The thrumming noise of the motor filled my ears. I pulled out my phone to send Gail a quick text before I left.

  I’m on my way! Better have your shopping game on. ;)

  Her reply was instant.

  Late as usual. LOL. Hurry up! ;-)

  I slipped the gearshift into reverse and backed out of the garage. I grinned as I thought about how Gail knew me so well. Other than work, I always seemed to be at least a few minutes late getting out the door. I viewed it as a curse. No matter what time I started getting ready, I would always be late.

  Luckily, it was only a five-minute drive to Starbucks.

  Gail looked quite cozy in her car with her seat slightly tipped back, and her legs propped up in front of her. I could see the light coming from her e-reader through her window as I parked into the vacant spot next to her BMW. I turned off my car and grabbed my purse before exiting. Gail stepped out of her car with her Kindle and Coach bag in hand.

  “Girl, when do you not have that Kindle in your hand?” I said teasingly while shaking my head. “And who reads in a parking lot?”

  “Oh, shove it!” She snorted. “Just because you haven’t picked up a book since college doesn’t mean the rest of us normal people don’t enjoy reading all the time.” She smirked playfully, tucking the device in her bag.

  The two of us started walking across the parking lot toward Starbucks.

  “I do read,” I retorted while opening the door. “In fact, I read Lily’s book just a few weeks ago, and I loved it.”

  “I read it, too! God, that girl had me in tears one minute and on the edge of my seat in the next,” Gail replied, shaking her head. “I can’t wait for the next book in her series.”

  “Me, too,” I responded genuinely. I had not had much time to read with my hectic schedule, but I really did enjoy a good book here and there. Reading was a great way to escape the stress of my job.

  After ordering our lattes, we took a corner seat near a window for some privacy.

  “So, speaking of Lily, have you heard from them at all?” Gail asked.

  “Yeah, Lily texted me right after you did this afternoon. She said they were getting ready to board the plane.” I took a sip of my vanilla cream latte that tasted divine.

  “Oh, man, I bet Kauai is so warm right now. I hope they have a great time.” Gail smiled.

  “Me, too. I’m so happy for them,” I said while returning her smile.

  “So, how was the wedding?” she asked. “I bet the lake was gorgeous on Saturday.”

  “It was very beautiful.” I smiled affectionately at the memory. “It was small and intimate, definitely their style.”

  I felt a little guilty that Gail had not been invited to attend. However, Lily had only met her a few times, so it was perfectly understandable.

  “I’m so happy the weather turned out nice for them. So, did you meet any hot and sexy hunks there?” she teased with one brow raised.

  My body betrayed me, letting out a dreamy sigh.

  Gail immediately pounced. “Oh, that sounds very interesting. Do tell.”

  Damn.

  Gail would never let me out of telling her now. She had crazy super powers to pull the words right out of me. She had done it to me many, many times over the years of our friendship. So, I was pretty much always pouring my feelings out to her.

  “Okay, okay,” I huffed jokingly, earning a grin from her. “So, I met Lily’s oldest cousin, Jason, last night. Holy hell, the man is fine.”

  “Oh,” she purred. “Did you flirt your little heart out?” She took another sip of her drink.

  I stared down at mine, wishing it were that easy. Then, I glanced back up at her. “Of course not. He is the very same cousin who is now partnering up with his brother, Damon, and my brother, Kyle,” I said while shaking my head from side to side. “Pursuing him has working disaster written all over it.”

  “Was he interested?” she questioned.

  “Yes, I think so. The two of us danced together for a while, and we seemed to really enjoy each other’s company,” I replied.

  “I sense a big, fat but coming next,” Gail said exasperatedly.

  “Oh, there is.” I laughed. “But he didn’t look like the white-picket-fence type,” I clarified.

  Gail rolled her eyes. “They never are, Abbey. I think that comes with time. And it’s just a job. Don’t let your career hinder the possibility of something great. I say, rein that bad boy in,” she added with a saucy tone, making me chuckle.

  “He didn’t even ask me out,” I said. “And if he had—”

  She cut me off before I could finish. “I know, I know. Your work ethics are standing in the way.” Gail waved her hand in the air. “Seriously though, Abbey, love doesn’t care who you work for.”

  I threw my head back, laughing hard. I loved this woman’s sense of humor. “I’m pretty sure you can’t fall in love in eight hours, but I’ll definitely keep your advice in mind,” I responded, rising from my chair to toss out our empty cups.

  Gail followed, and we strode toward the door.

  “Enough about men. Let’s shop,” I said.

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” She grinned.

  We came to a stop at our cars.

  “Meet you at the main entrance?” she asked over her shoulder while opening her door.

  We were each taking our own vehicles, so we wouldn’t have to backtrack.

  “Sounds good to me,” I said before sliding into my seat.

  I followed behind her as we made the drive toward the shopping outlet. We pulled into the main entrance that was centered in the middle of several department stores. The parking lot was surprisingly not too packed for a Sunday afternoon. I had expected a larger crowd for such a beautiful sunny day.

  I parked and exited the car with my belongings, and from the space next to me, Gail tilted her head in my direction after shutting her car door.

  “Where to first?” I asked.

  I did not really need anything on this trip—at least, that was what I was telling my shopaholic self. I wouldn’t hesitate if I found something irresistible.

  “As long as it has shoes and purses and clothes, it’s fine by me,” she teased. “How about apparels first?” Gail suggested, pointing in the direction of Banana Republic. “Since it’s September, I think a few fall outfits are in order.”

  “Good idea,” I agreed before the two of us headed toward the store.

  “Man, I have shopping fever like you would not believe,” Gail said.

  We reached the double doors to the entrance, and she held one open for me.

  “You always have shopping fever.” I snickered, rolling my eyes at her as I strolled inside.

  Gail and I made quite the team, pairing together multiple outfits. We always loved to share clothes with each other since we had similar tastes. Both of our closets were overflowing with a ridiculous quantity of clothing. Shopping was like a disease, but I, for one, was not searching for a cure. I always chose to embrace it.

  By the time our arms were abundantly full of clothing, we made our way over to the checkout counter. The saleswoman’s eyes nearly bulged out of her head when she saw our enormous piles.


  “This is the result of shopping withdrawals,” Gail stated politely with her usual hint of humor.

  I chuckled in agreement.

  “I can see that,” the tall brunette said as she started to ring up Gail’s items. She folded each article of clothing and stacked them into a pile. “Maybe you should visit more often, so you don’t have such a buildup,” she teased in a friendly manner.

  Gail and I both laughed again.

  Gail shook her head from side to side. “I don’t think that would help in our case, and my credit card couldn’t take more visits, but thanks.” She grinned.

  “I second that,” I chimed in, cringing at Gail’s total. Then, I realized that mine was probably going to be damn near close to hers. Oh well, you only live once.

  And since I had been good in the last few months, I had earned a good splurge. After this though, it would be back to budgeting and saving. I had a three-year plan of saving enough money for a down payment on a house. Gail had thought I was a little mad for having such a goal while I was still single, but it felt like it was time to move forward in my life. I loved my condo, but I dreamed of having a home with more space and a big yard. Besides, a person could only have so many clothes before the items were just good for taking up space.

  After checking out, we headed over to Timothy and Sons Art Gallery. Every time I came to the outlet mall, I always tried to stop in and see his ever-changing displays. It was also another common thing Gail and I shared. Our appreciation for hand-painted portraits of all kinds could keep us talking for hours.

  I approached a new painting on the far left wall, and I came to a complete stop when I took in its full beauty. It was a painting of a lake with a wooden dock. My eyes continued to roam over each detail, and then they widened when I realized it was a painting of the very same dock my brothers and I had jumped off of many times when we were children. The scenery matched Lake Tahoe perfectly, and then I saw one of the many orange, white, and black signs in the background that read, Sudden Drop-Off. It was distinctly bolted onto the center of a same colored rustic post halfway up the dock.