I found the house on Puffin Way. Before I could knock, the door opened. I didn't get a good look at the father on the beach, but I could tell he was the same man.
He wasn't six foot, perhaps two inches less. To my five-eight, he wasn't very tall. He was a medium build so nothing about him reminded me of Parker - not his hair that looked like it could use a trim or his neat beard and mustache. The only word to describe how he looked was handsome. He wasn't ruggedly handsome, but his smile and brown mocha eyes were both warm.
He introduced himself as Sam Mazzarelli. Clara and Ian hid behind his legs. What added to his appeal was the gentle way he was with his children.
I could tell he was staring at my face and felt awkward. After introducing myself, I explained I was staying with my mother for the summer.
"We're renting for the summer. Some friends recommended The Point. I'd never been to Maine and wanted to avoid The Hampton scene."
I nodded knowing what he meant. "Is your wife here?"
"No, we're separated. She travels a lot."
"I'm sorry." I felt uncomfortable. "What hours were you looking for?"
"Ideally mornings, eight to noon, perhaps more, as needed. I'll be here, but I need to work."
"You're lucky to work at home."
"I'm an author. You're not familiar with my books?"
"No, I don't read much." Parker never allowed me too, because it took my attention away from him. "Do you have questions for me? Do you need references?"
His hand reached out towards me and I reflexively jerk away. "Is he in jail?" I shook my head. "Is that why you're here?" I nodded. "Does he know where you are?"
"No, he doesn't know where my mother lives or even her name."
"Okay. I had to ask. I can't have my children in danger."
"Oh no! Never!" I replied adamantly.
"When can you start?"
"Tomorrow?" I answered tentatively.
"Great! I'll show you everything you need to know tomorrow." He looked down. "Callie is going to come play with you. Would you like that?"
Clara asked, "At the beach?"
"Yes, you can go to the beach."
"Yeah!" she said and Ian joined in.
Later my mother asked how my meeting went. "I start tomorrow morning. They're renting for the summer. The father is a writer."
"What's his name?"
"Sam Mazz-something."
"Mazzarelli? I love his books! Wow!"
Jim smiled. "You must! Maybe Callie can arrange for you to meet him."
"What does he write?" I felt awkward I didn't know of him.
"Thriller, mysteries with romance. Always romance."
"Mom!"
"Just because I'm a perpetually single doesn't mean I can't read about it. I have one of his books upstairs and more at home. You should read it."
Reading Sam's writing intrigued me.
Jim asked, "Perpetually single is that a new term?"
My mother smiled. "I made it up."
She was always giving me a reason to laugh. Suddenly eager to read, I asked where the book was.
"It's on the dresser." She called out as I walked away.
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A Summer Thing
Roman d'amour(Completed) When Patricia's daughter comes to her battered, she has to look at her own past as she helps her heal. As she focuses on mothering, she becomes aware that she is also woman. After leaving Parker, Callie never thought she would have a sum...
