Summer's End by Danielle Steel Read Free Book Online

had irresistible warmth and a certain way with clothes. She always looked as though she ought to have ten men at her heels, and she usually did. Or at least one or two. Tonight she was wearing a blue velvet blazer and slacks with red silk shirt, unbuttoned dangerously low to reveal ample cleavage and a single diamond dangling enticingly on a narrow gold chain that fell neatly between her full breasts. An “eye catcher”—as though she needed any help.
Deanna ordered a drink and settled onto the seat, dropping her mink coat on a chair. Kim was neither interested in it nor impressed. She had grown up in that world and had no desires for money or mink, only for independence and good times. She always made sure she had a great deal of both.
“So what’s new? Enjoying your freedom?”
“More or less. Actually, this time I’m finding it a little hard to get used to.” Deanna sighed and took a sip of her drink.
“Jesus, as much as Marc travels, I’d think you’d be used to it by now. Besides, a little independence is good for you.”
“Probably. But he’ll be gone for three months. That seems like forever.”
“Three months? How did that happen?” Kim’s voice suddenly lost its champagne brightness, and a question appeared in her eyes.
“He has a big case going between Paris and Athens. It doesn’t make sense for him to come home in between.”
“Or for you to go over?”
“Apparently not.”
“What does that mean? Did you ask?” It was like answering to a mother. Deanna smiled as she looked at her friend.
“More or less. He’s going to be busy, and if I go over I’ll be stuck with Madame Duras.”
“Screw that.” Kim had heard all the early stories of Marc-Edouard’s indomitable mother.
“Precisely, though I didn’t put it quite that way to Marc. So, voilà , I’m by myself for the summer.”
“And hating every minute of it after only two days. Right? Right.” She answered her own question. “Why don’t you go somewhere?”
“Where?”
“Jesus, Deanna, anywhere. I’m sure Marc wouldn’t mind.”
“Probably not, but I don’t like to travel alone.” She had never had to. She had always traveled with her father, and then with Pilar and Marc. “Besides, where would I go? Jim Sullivan said Santa Barbara would be a bore.” She looked forlorn as she said it, and Kimberly laughed.
“He’s right. Poor little rich girl. How about Carmel with me, tomorrow? I have to go down to meet with a client over the weekend. You could come along for the ride.”
“That’s silly, Kim, I’d be in your way.” But for a moment, she had liked the idea. She hadn’t been to Carmel in years, and it certainly wasn’t far away, just a two-hour drive from the city.
“Why would you be in my way? I’m not having an affair with this guy for chrissake, and I’d enjoy the company. By myself, it would be a drag.”
“Not for long.” She looked pointedly at her friend, and Kim laughed.
“Please, my reputation!” She smiled broadly at Deanna then tilted her head to one side, shaking the halo of soft blonde curls. “Seriously, will you come? I’d love it.”
“I’ll see.”
“No. You’ll come. Settled? Settled.”
“Kimberly. …” Deanna was starting to laugh.
“I’ll pick you up at five-thirty.” Kim grinned a victorious grin.

3
Kim honked twice as she pulled up in front of the house, and Deanna glanced through her bedroom window before picking up her bag and running down the stairs. She felt like a girl again, off on a weekend adventure with a friend. Even Kim’s car didn’t look like something a grown-up would drive. It was an ancient MG painted bright red. Deanna appeared in the doorway a moment later, wearing gray slacks and a gray turtleneck sweater, and carrying a large brown-leather bag.
“Right on time. How was your day?”
“Ghastly. Don’t ask.”
“All right. I won’t.” Instead, they spoke of everything else: Carmel, Deanna’s latest painting, Pilar and her friends.
Finally, they