Read Online This Very Moment by Rachel Ann Nunes - Free Book Online Page B

going,” he replied. “We have another important engagement tonight.”
    “At least introduce us to your friend.” Merriam’s hostile eyes looked Kylee over from head to toe, assessing her competitive value like a prize fighter entering the ring.
    “Sandra, Merriam, this is Kylee Stuart. Kylee, this is Sandra Burnheart and Merriam Gotsby.” He wished he could leave it at that, but etiquette dictated that he elaborate. “They are both wonderful plastic surgeons here in town. We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know each other through the conferences we’ve all attended.”
    “Are you a doctor, too?” Sandra asked.
    “Actually, I organize fundraisers,” Kylee said. “I work with different charities to help them meet their monetary needs, especially children’s charities.”
    “Oh, how sweet.” Sandra was obviously unimpressed.
    “Yes, isn’t it?” Kylee answered, not retreating at the condescension in the other’s voice. “In fact, if you wish, I’ll send you a copy of the video I’ve made for Children’s Hope. I think you’ll find it . . . interesting.”
    Merriam glanced at Bill. “Is that the charity you talked about?”
    “Yes, it is.”
    “So that’s how you know each other.” Sandra sounded relieved.
    Bill put his arm around Kylee. “Actually, Kylee and I are old friends. Now if you’ll excuse us . . .”
    “Go ahead and send your video,” Sandra told Kylee. “Bill can tell you where. He’s been to my house before.” With a pair of false smiles the women turned away, allowing them to escape.
    “Wow,” Kylee said as they slid into the comfortable seats of Bill’s BMW. “Do you go through that a lot?”
    He sighed. “Unfortunately. There aren’t many single men in our circle these days. All the most eligible ones are snatched up. The more educated the women are, and the more money they make, the more difficult it becomes for them to find a good match.”
    “Don’t I know it. Even so, you do seem to attract more than your share of hangers-on.” She rubbed her arms, as though hoping to bring warmth to her limbs. “You know, when Raymond learned that I didn’t keep the full percentage that I should from raising money for the charities, he just about went ballistic. I guess he thought by marrying me he could take a permanent vacation, but I wouldn’t let him.”
    “Is that why you broke up?” Bill kept his eyes on the road as he spoke, hoping the question wouldn’t feel threatening to her.
    Kylee gave a long sigh. “One of the many reasons. I think I should have tried to get married when I was younger, before all the good ones were taken. But I had my dreams.”
    “Worthwhile dreams. They wouldn’t have interfered with your finding someone eventually.”
    “I know. It’s just hard to be lonely sometimes.”
    “I hear you. That’s when it’s nice to have a friend.” He took one hand from the wheel and held it out to her. She put her hand in his and for a long time neither spoke. Then Bill said, “I know a great movie playing at Universal City Walk. Want to see it? Or would you rather go home?”
    “The movie. But I can’t be out too late. Remember I have to teach—”
    “Sunday School tomorrow. I know. I remember.”
    Bill enjoyed the movie and being with Kylee was comfortable, but she was quiet and pensive, as though wrestling with some inner demon. After the movie, instead of taking her home, he drove to the observatory at Griffith Park.
    “Did you bring me to make-out point?” she asked with a grin that lit up her face. “I’ve never been up here in a BMW before.”
    “Oh, so you’ve been here before?”
    “Only to the observatory,” she returned with fake innocence. “What about you? You come here a lot?”
    Bill chuckled. “Actually, yes. Sometimes looking at the lights clears my head. Though I usually drive up in my Blazer. It’s less conspicuous than this car.” He brought the BMW to a stop, but left the engine running so the music could play