The Last Good Day by Gail Bowen

Author:Gail Bowen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
Published: 2011-08-08T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

8

After we left the ladies’ room, Taylor went back to the dance floor to rock around the clock with Bill Haley, and I returned to our table on the deck and a fait accompli. Zack was alone, his fingers tapping out the beat on the Formica tabletop and his eyes fixed on the progress of a red canoe moving towards shore.

When I sat down, he gave me a satyr’s smile. “Change in plans,” he said. “Blake caught a ride to Lawyers’ Bay with those people he was talking to before dinner. He’s decided to drive back to the city tonight.”

“So he can look for Lily?” I said.

“I imagine Blake can make an educated guess about his wife’s whereabouts.”

“Can you?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Anybody can make a guess, but Lily’s wandering ways are Blake’s concern. I never assume another man’s burdens.”

“Unless he pays you a retainer,” I said.

“Good one,” Zack said, raising his metal milkshake container to me. “But back to the situation at hand. I didn’t see any reason to end the evening. The girls and I are having a good time, and you looked as if you could use a little fun.”

“You’re very perceptive,” I said.

“When it matters to me, I am. And since you matter to me, I’ll do what I can to lighten your spirits. Would you care to dance?”

Taken aback by what sounded suspiciously like a pass, I hesitated a beat too long before answering. Zack picked up on my uncertainty.

“I can dance, you know.”

I stood and extended my hand. “In that case, let’s dance.”

Zack took it. “A woman who leads,” he said. “I like that.”

The spectators around the dance floor were closer to Taylor’s age than to mine, and they were agape. True to his promise, Zack really could dance. He manoeuvred his chair with skill and finesse, and he led me through the Twist, the Stroll, the Jerk, the Monkey, and the Swim before, sweaty and breathless, I raised my hand.

“I have to sit the next one out,” I said. “It’s either that or coronary care.”

Zack was sweaty and breathless too. “Thank God,” he said. “I was afraid you’d never give up.”

“I didn’t know it was a contest,” I said.

“Everything’s a contest, but I also wanted you to have a good time. You seemed preoccupied.”

“Sorry,” I said. “Just parent stuff. In the boat coming over, Taylor said something that bothered me.”

“Fill me in,” Zack said. “I’m a good listener.”

“Is this going to be a billable hour?” I asked.

He grinned. “Nope. This hour’s free. This is where I suck you in. Get you to like me.”

“I already like you,” I said.

“So the pressure’s off. Let’s talk about Taylor.”

“There’s not much to say. On the ride over, Taylor seemed a little down. I offered her a penny for her thoughts and she told me she was wondering what she’d leave behind after she died. That’s why I followed her into the bathroom. But she assured me her concern about a legacy was no big deal – it was just a question she was mulling over.

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