Footsteps of the Past (Second Chances #2) - Felice Stevens Page 0,16

into his pocket, and gave Chess a huge smile. “Happy?”

“It’s not about making me happy. If you don’t want to turn off your phone, then don’t.”

Frustrated, he raised his voice. “Dammit, why are we arguing about phones? This is stupid. I turned it off. Now how about we go have lunch?” He took a deep breath, said more gently, “It’s gorgeous outside, and we’ve been stuck in a car for hours. I’m ready to eat delicious food, then go to the beach, maybe swim a little.” He put his arms around Chess, who sank into his embrace.

“I don’t want to fight.” Chess spoke into his chest, and André’s heart hurt at how sad and defeated he sounded. “It’s the first real time away we’ve had together in months, and we shouldn’t be doing anything but celebrating the chance to be with each other.”

“You’re right. I feel like we’ve been stumbling ever since I got home, starting with that stomach bug. I’m sorry I snapped at you. Things got off on the wrong foot, but now we’re here, and it’s just us.” He kissed Chess’s hair. “From this point on, only positivity around us.”

Eyes bright, the way André loved seeing them, Chess grinned at him. “With only the two of us, I’m looking forward to exploring here more. Together. I’m glad it’s summer and we have some free time.”

“So am I. Now let’s change for lunch.” He swooped in for another kiss. “Suddenly I’m starving.”

“I’ll be ready in less than five.”

In board shorts and T-shirts, they walked out to the expansive deck. A large white table was set with a beautiful arrangement of more stargazer lilies and fresh-fruit platters, crudités, and a basket of homemade bread.

“Welcome home.” Dottie stepped onto the deck, wearing her usual flowered apron and cat’s-eye glasses.

“Dottie, my love, you get younger every time I see you.”

She folded her arms. “Considering it’s been over a year, you must be traveling back in time.” Her lips twitched. “You’re looking like you need a week of sleep and good food. You better be sure, by the time you leave here I’ll have fattened you up. All your favorites, yours and Chess’s. How are you, sweetheart?”

She left him to greet Chess with a hug and kiss. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s been way too long since we’ve seen you. I love the big family gatherings in the city, but the holidays are always so hectic, we barely have time for anything but hello and good-bye. A crying shame, is what I tell Freddie, to have this big, beautiful property and hardly anyone uses it. Look at it. This is paradise. Come sit, and I’ll bring out the rest of the food.”

“Yes, Dottie.” He winked at Chess, who pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. Chatty and good-natured, Dottie was the kindest soul in the world and the first person he’d turned to after Dawson’s death. He loved her like a second mother. Between their parents, Martine in the city, and Dottie and Freddie out here, André and his brother and sister had never lacked for love.

She ladled the gazpacho into thick white bowls decorated with green vines. “I baked baguettes for you, and then I have the potato rolls you love for the lobster salad if you want. And for dessert there’s sorbet.”

“Mmm. Dottie, you should be classified as the eighth wonder of the world. Either that, or a national treasure.” He reached for her hand and kissed it.

Her cheeks turned pink. “You’re a silly man, but I love you anyway.”

André poured the chilled freshly squeezed orange juice into their glasses and raised his. “To Dottie and Freddie. Thank you for everything you did to make this happen.” He turned to Chess. “And to new beginnings and continued love and happiness with my love.”

“Thank you, Dottie, for this beautiful lunch.”

“You know it’s my pleasure.” She clasped her hands together. “I’m just tickled pink you’re both here. This home needs people again.” She left them, closing the glass sliding door behind her.

It had been months since he’d taken the time to sit and breathe. To do something frivolous simply to make himself feel good. The last time was when Chess had managed a weekend away to visit him, and André had felt guilty every moment he wasn’t working, and guilty for not giving Chess the attention he deserved. In retrospect, it was silly of him to worry about coming here. Bad memories could bring you down only if you gave them