Fool's Gold Collection Part 1: Chasing Perfect / Almost Perfect / Sister of the Bride / Finding Perfect. Susan Mallery
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Charity said, following Pia into a bright green kitchen. “I love the colors.”
“I’m not a beige kind of girl. I’ve done most of my decorating at garage sales and flea markets. I have a thing about finding a bargain.” She pointed at the flowered plates sitting on a rack on a shelf. “Eight plates for two dollars. It was a proud moment for me.”
“Impressive.”
“Thank you.”
Pia picked up a tray of sandwiches and salads, then motioned to another tray with iced tea in a pitcher and two glasses. Charity collected it and they went out onto the large balcony.
The day was sunny and warm. They could see most of the town, a bit of the lake and the mountains beyond.
“A view of the kingdom,” Charity teased.
“Exactly. I look at the little people and wonder about their lives.”
They settled into lunch and talked about what was going on in Fool’s Gold.
“Does Alice have any information on the thefts?” Charity asked. “I haven’t heard if the person stealing has been caught.”
“Last time we talked, she was still searching for the culprit. I hope whoever it is stops before Alice finds them. She can be scary. Of course the loss of a few packages of Easy Mac is a whole lot less interesting than the missing money from the state.” She curled her feet under herself and sipped her tea. “Three quarters of a million dollars. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
“It’s a life changer,” Charity said. “I just don’t understand how that kind of money goes missing.”
“Me, either, but accounting isn’t my thing. I guess that’s why the city is bringing in an auditor. Poor Robert. I wouldn’t want the responsibility or anyone thinking it was me.”
“It’s not Robert. Does anyone think it is?”
“Not really. That would require a level of creativity he doesn’t have.” Pia covered her mouth. “Sorry. That sounded mean. I just meant…”
“He’s not that guy,” Charity said with a grin.
“Exactly.” Pia reached for a half a sandwich. “So what did you do yesterday?”
Charity blinked, not sure which of her many activities she should choose from. Remembering her afternoon and night with Josh made her think she might blush, so she blurted the only other thing she could think of.
“I spent some time with Marsha. I just found out she’s my grandmother.”
Pia’s eyes widened with shock. “What? You’re Sandra’s daughter?”
“Yes.” Charity briefly explained everything she’d learned about in this last seventy-two hours.
“That’s amazing,” Pia said, still looking stunned. “You are so lucky. I would love to have Marsha for my grandmother. She’s always taking care of everybody. If someone needs help, she’s right there. Sandra was an idiot to run off.” She winced. “Okay, I’m putting my foot in my mouth more than usual today. Sorry.”
Charity assumed Pia thought she would be insulted about the comment aimed at her mother. “I agree. I don’t know why she was always running. Some of it was the men in her life. She chased after gorgeous, hunky guys, all of whom were lousy bets. When they moved on, she followed. I swore I would never be like that.”
“So you’re not interested in Josh.”
The statement was unexpected. Charity didn’t mean to react, but she had just taken a sip of her tea and nearly choked on it. As she coughed and sputtered, Pia looked on knowingly.
“Uh-huh. Just as I thought. You’re a little too cool around him. Something’s up. Tell Auntie Pia everything.”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“Do I look like I believe that? Because I don’t.”
Now it was Charity’s turn to feel uncomfortable. “I know better,” she began. “Men like Josh are a disaster.”
“But you’ve fallen for him.”
Charity covered her face with her hands. “Sort of. But he’s a really nice guy.”
“Don’t tell him you said that.”
“I won’t. He’d be wounded.”
“You and Josh.” Pia looked speculative. “Okay, I have to know. Is he the god everyone claims?”
Charity sighed. “The rumors are not wrong.”
“That’s what I need in my life. Hunky hot sex. Like that’s going to happen.” She glanced at Charity. “Josh really is a sweetie and I totally adore him, but you need to be careful. He’s famous and everything that goes with that. His ex is an actress. Very beautiful. He’s been linked with some amazing women.”
“You mean he’s not for us lesser mortals?”
“I’m saying don’t get your heart broken.”
“Speaking from the voice of experience?” Charity asked.
“I’ve had my share of cracks, but so far nothing fatal.”
“I appreciate the concern, but you don’t have to worry. I’m not in love with him.”
“Good. Because loving Josh would be a hard road for anyone.”
“ARE YOU TRYING TO get me drunk?” Charity asked when the server left the table.
Josh leaned back in his chair. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, please. You’re the one who warned me about the margaritas here.” She angled toward him. “Alcohol is not required to have your way with me.”
“I know. It’s one of your best qualities.”
They were having dinner at Margaritaville. The place wasn’t too busy on a Sunday night, so they’d gotten a booth in the back. Somewhere they wouldn’t be disturbed.
The soft light added a golden glow to Charity’s brown hair. She wore it loose and a little curly—a sexy look he enjoyed. Her mouth curved into a smile and there was a look of complete satisfaction in her eyes. He liked knowing he’d been the one to do the satisfying.
“How was your afternoon?” she asked. “You rode through town?”
“Uh-huh. I got a lot of support from the locals.”
“They know about the race. They want you to do well.”
At this point he just wanted to get through it without humiliating himself further. Why couldn’t he have something normal wrong with him? A bad back. A disease of some kind. Something that could be fixed with a pill or rest and an ice pack.
“How was Pia?” he asked.
“Good. We had fun.” She shook her head. “She knows we’re, um, that we’ve…” She cleared her throat. “You know.”
“That we’re seeing each other?” He wasn’t sure what was so hard about saying that.
She looked slightly relieved. “That. I wasn’t sure about…So that’s what we’re doing?”
“Isn’t it?”
She shifted on the seat. “I didn’t know. You’re not like anyone I’ve ever gone out with. You’re famous.”
“Oh, please.”
“Your ex-wife is a big star.”
“She’s a b-list star at best.”
“But beautiful and famous. I’m a regular person.”
He