Page 52 of Miss Trust

The two hugged before Mona pulled back and cupped her face. “You keep getting more and more beautiful. How is New York?”

I didn’t miss Kelsey’s hesitation. “It’s okay. I’m here for a quick break.”

Mona looked around the room. “Is Joel with you?”

“Not this time.”

There was sadness reflected in her expression, making me wonder who Joel was, and why he made her unhappy. Perhaps my jaded past was making me read into things.

Chance walked in and surveyed all of us in his kitchen. His expression was that of a man outnumbered by women four to one which was mildly amusing. I was thankful he didn’t focus on me since I wasn’t quite ready for his attention after this morning’s encounter.

“I’m heading into LA. Do you need a ride anywhere, Kelsey?”

Kelsey shook her head. “No, I’m good. I have a rental car.”

He slipped her a set of keys on a fob. “Keep it. Anytime you want to go to the beach house, it’s yours.”

“Thank you.”

She gave him a hug while I busied myself eating breakfast.

Then Chance turned directly toward me. “There will be a swim instructor here this afternoon to interview. You can decide on the frequency and when he should come. If you don’t like this one, let me know.”

I stopped mid-chew. “What?”

“An instructor for Penelope, so she can learn to swim.”

My daughter squealed, jumping up and down. Mona and Kelsey shared a look, while Chance simply went on. “He will be here at two o’clock this afternoon.”

While Penny celebrated the news, I stood up, trying to fight my anger. “Can I speak with you in private?”

He checked his watch, further annoying me.

“Now.”

“I have two minutes.”

“It’ll take one.”

“Fine.”

“Mommy, I can’t wait to swim,” Penelope interjected as if she sensed my displeasure and hoped to tighten the guilt screws.

“I know, ladybug. I’ll only be a moment.”

I waited until we were out of earshot before I unleashed my verbal vomit. “You have no right to set up swim lessons and spring it on me. Especially in front of my daughter.”

He stopped, his expression confused. “What do you mean? This morning you were freaked out about the possibility she might have wandered into the pool and drowned. So I made a phone call to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

“But you did it without asking me. Then you tell me in front of Penny so it’s not like I can say no.”

“Why would you say no? It’s logical to give her swim lessons. Then it eases your mind, and neither one of us has to worry about it.”

My fists clenched. “We should’ve discussed it first.”

His jaw throbbed. “Fine.”

Guess I wasn’t getting an apology or a promise it would never happen again. “Fine.”

He walked away without another word while I stood there feeling like an ungrateful bitch. When I went back into the kitchen, Mona and Penelope were gone, leaving me with Kelsey. She gave me a smile over the rim of her coffee cup.

“I don’t blame you for being angry. Chance has done something like that to me more times than I can count. Solving problems is how he shows he cares. And as much as he absolutely shouldn’t have sprung swim lessons on you in front of your daughter, please understand he means well.”

Yes. He probably did, but I wasn’t sure what unsettled me more. Him caring about me, or me liking it.