Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
“Margaret,” he said, turning his attention back to his friend. “Sorry to see you in a cast. Don’t tell me you were performing with Cirque du Soleil again?”
Margaret chuckled, the laughter of a woman who clearly made it a point to enjoy every second of her life. “Don’t give me ideas. That’s something I’ve never done. At least, not yet. No, this is nothing so exciting. I was dancing the tango in Buenos Aires and tripped over my own high heels. Broke my arm.”
“Ouch,” he said. And then, “Although I’m pretty sure dancing the tango in Buenos Aires counts as something exciting.” Though they had been walking in opposite directions, he turned around to walk with them.
“I take it you’re back from Hollywood to celebrate your father’s birthday?”
He laughed. “Was it the balloons, the massive sign hanging across the front of the house, or the sixty-four pink plastic flamingos on the lawn that gave it away?”
“Subtle is something you Davenports certainly aren’t,” Margaret agreed with a chuckle. “In any case, I was very pleased to get an invitation to the party. I’m looking forward to tonight.” Then she turned to her companion. “What am I thinking? I should have introduced the two of you right away. Archer Davenport, this is Tessa Taylor.”
Compelled to touch her hand and feel her skin against his, he offered his for a handshake. She hesitated just a moment and then clasped his outstretched hand. Her grip was surprisingly strong. Despite the fact that she was fine-boned and slender, he could see at a glance that she took good care of herself.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Tessa,” he said. “And call me Arch. That’s what my friends and family usually call me.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Arch,” she replied. Then she took her hand back, and the three of them continued walking along the beach.
Margaret was so busy telling him about her trip to Argentina that she barely looked where she was going. He was worried that she’d break the other arm, but before he could steer her around a rock protruding from the sand, Tessa did it. He didn’t think Margaret had even noticed how deftly Tessa had intervened.
“How are you managing with your broken arm?” He couldn’t do much to help because he had to head back to Los Angeles after the birthday party, but he could make sure at least one of his brothers or sisters or parents dropped by Margaret’s on a regular basis to check on her.
“Actually,” she replied, “I’m being very well looked after.” She glanced at her companion with real affection. “I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without Tessa. She’s taken such good care of me.”
He’d vaguely recalled Margaret talking about a granddaughter who lived in the east somewhere, so he asked Tessa, “Are you the granddaughter I’ve heard so much about?”
Margaret shook her head, but before she could answer, the young woman spoke up for herself. “I’m Margaret’s caregiver.”
The way she said it made it clear that she expected him to think less of her for having a job so many financial tiers down from his own. Instead, he was filled with gratitude that she had clearly earned Margaret’s affection. It was easy to see that a real bond of friendship had developed between the two women. Which was particularly impressive given that Margaret could be extremely feisty, especially if anybody tried to get her to do something she didn’t want to do.
As though reading his thoughts, Margaret said, “And don’t think I’ve been an easy patient. I don’t like being an invalid. I don’t want to do my exercises, and the things Tessa won’t let me do would make anybody crazy.” She reached out with her good arm and slipped it around Tessa’s back. “But she’s a wonderful cook, excellent company, and bright as can be. I don’t know what I’ll do without her once I’m well enough for her to move on.”
“Go back to Argentina and dance the tango, I’m guessing.”
Margaret laughed. “No, Arch, the one thing I never do is repeat myself. Plus, I have finally realized that I’ve got to slow down. So I think I’ll go on a walking tour of Ireland next.”
He glanced over at Tessa and found her looking back at him, her beautiful blue eyes dancing. It was as though she was saying, What can I do? She’s a force of nature. I can’t stop her.
He hoped his silent nod let Tessa know that he completely understood. Margaret was a delightful and inspiring woman. She always walked her own path, and if she ever fell, she’d just pick herself up, dust herself off, and keep on going.
Margaret tapped her cast. “I’m getting this dreadful thing off tomorrow, and then with a couple of weeks of physical therapy, I should be as good as new.”