One Golden Summer(59)

“I do.”

“What’s going on?” I say again, heart beginning to race. I have a bad feeling that whatever is happening, I don’t want Charlie here for it.

What the hell? he mouths.

I shake my head. I have no idea.

“Hi, Ali,” Heather says. “I’m just going to put you on hold while I get Dad.”

“I think you should leave,” I tell Charlie quietly.

“Are you sure?”

I nod, and he gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Text me, okay?”

“Where do you think you’re going?” Nan says.

Charlie looks at me for guidance.

“He’s going home, Nan.”

“Actually,” she says, directing her attention to him, “I’d like you to stay. You might be able to help.”

“Is he there?” Heather’s back.

“Who?” our dad asks.

“Ali’s cottage friend.”

“Charlie Florek,” Charlie says, sounding like he’s in a suit and tie and not a wet bathing suit. For a second, I picture him in another life, his real life, completely in control, not a joker but a titan.

“Oh my god,” Heather says. “I have so many questions for you, but we have a hard out in ten minutes, so I’m going to cut to the chase. Alice, you need to go to the opening.”

“This is about the show?” My entire body runs cold.

“Congratulations, Alice,” our dad says. “This is a tremendous honor, a testament to your talent, success, and hard work. I’m damn proud.”

I’m aware of Charlie’s gaze on me. I hate that he’s here right now.

“He cried when I told him,” Heather adds.

I close my eyes. She wasn’t supposed to say anything. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Charlie,” my sister says, “I’m not sure how much Ali has told you about the show.”

He looks to me, not with judgment or surprise. He looks to me so I can decide how I want to handle my sister.

“He knows the basics,” I say. My rage is an icy thing, chilling my fingers and toes.

“One of Alice’s photos is appearing in a group exhibition for a brand-new gallery,” Heather says. “It’s a very big deal. The opening is in a few weeks, but Alice doesn’t want to leave the lake to attend.”

“She thinks I’m too infirm to be left alone,” Nan adds.

“I don’t think that at all,” I say.

“And that it’s too much travel for me to come with her.”

“I don’t want you to wear yourself down.”

“Alice, help me understand where you’re coming from,” my father says. “This is a career highlight. If your fear of public speaking is stopping you, I’d be happy to hire a coach to make sure you’re prepared and comfortable. You’ll be wonderful.”

“It’s not that, Dad.” Though I do hate talking to an audience—I always freeze up. My heart rate spikes, my tongue may as well be made of concrete, and a cool, clammy perspiration chills me to the bone.

One by one, Heather and my father lay out their arguments as if they’re in court. Another, stronger person wouldn’t put up with this level of meddling. Heather certainly doesn’t allow anyone to tell her how to manage her life. But I can only look for the nearest exit.

“We only want the best for you, Turtle,” Heather says.

I’m too angry to explain myself.

“Are we done now?” My voice is barely louder than a whisper.

“What do you think, Charlie?” Nan asks.

Charlie fixes his gaze on me. “I think it’s time to end this call.” And then he walks over to the phone and hangs up on my sister and father.

I blink at him, stunned. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever witnessed.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

I shake my head. I turn to Nan, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “Why would you do that to me? I’m a grown woman. I make my decisions.”

“I thought it would help.”

“You embarrassed me. I’m trying to respect your independence and privacy when you ask me to. I’ve been trying to give you what you need.” My voice rises in an unfamiliar way. “I’m here for you. Why can’t you be here for me, too?”

Nan flinches, and it feels awful.

“I need some space.” Without waiting, I exit the cottage and head straight for the boathouse.



* * *





Charlie gives me space for twelve minutes. When he finds me, I’m sitting on one of the beds, knees bent to my chest, crying. He doesn’t say anything, just sits beside me and pulls me into his arms. Somehow, it only makes me sob harder.

“I’m here,” he whispers into my hair. “You’ll be okay.”

Eventually the tears ebb, but Charlie keeps holding me. It’s quiet except for a light rain tapping against the roof and windows. I could stay here forever.

“Alice?”

I make a mumbling acknowledgment against his chest.

“I have an idea that might cheer you up.”

I gaze at him. He’s wearing a green T-shirt with an image of two Muskoka chairs on a dock on the front that Nan has obviously found for him.