by Louise, Tia
I cover the receiver with my hand. “I’m interested to know why everyone thinks I should go out with him. Gray included.”
Ralph is talking when I come back to the line. “…up around eight?”
“Sorry, you want to pick me up at eight? Would seven be okay?”
“Sure!” His voice sounds like it did in high school—a sudden tenor. “I can pick you up at your house?”
“I think I’d rather meet you at the restaurant. Would that work?”
“Of course. I’ll see you at the Watermark at seven.”
“The Watermark at seven. See you then.”
We disconnect the call, and Ruby closes her eyes. “This is a terrible idea!”
“Stop being so negative. Dating is about meeting other people, trying them on to see if they fit.” I grab my mouse and pull up my schedule for the day. “You of all people should know that, as many dates as you go on.”
“Don’t slut-shame me. You’re going out with a guy for the first time in almost two years, and it’s with Ralph the almond king.”
“At least the Watermark is a nice place.” I lift my chin in defiance. “I’m keeping my mind open. I’m open to the universe!”
“Just keep your knees closed. And your lips.”
“My first appointment is here.”
The Jag is parked in the lot when I arrive to pick it up at the garage. I see Gray and Billy inside, standing around the worktable. I assume they’re finished for the day. A quick scan tells me Leslie isn’t back.
“It’s really good,” Gray is saying. I can’t see what they’re looking at. “You should try selling them online or something. Maybe Dotty can help you.”
“Maybe I can make some money. Get a hot babe to bring me breakfast too?”
“I still haven’t figured out how to make that happen. Or to make it stop.”
He’s joking, but their conversation about Leslie pisses me off.
“Is my car ready?” I interrupt using my very best I don’t give a shit about you tone.
They both straighten, and Gray’s eyes sweep me from head to toe. I hate that my body responds every time he does that.
“Yes, ma’am.” Billy hustles over to the key rack. “I changed the brake pads and checked the lines. They look good to me.”
“Thank you.” I take the keys from the guy’s hand. “How much do I owe you?”
Sliding my purse off my arm, I do my best to stay calm when Gray closes the space between us.
“We still have more work to do.” His low voice makes my stomach clench. “Just wait and we can settle up when it’s done.”
“I don’t like running up a big bill.” My voice is soft. “It could end up more than I can afford.”
“I’m looking out for you.”
Don’t look in his eyes. Don’t look in his eyes…
I look, and it’s a lightning strike straight to my core. “I still like to know what I’m getting into.”
“I know.” He smiles, and I turn my back, ready to leave this place.
I can’t take his hot and cold anymore. It’s confusing and frustrating.
“Hang on.” He catches my arm. “Where are you going tonight?”
I pull my arm out of his grip. “I’m not going through this again with you.”
“I just mean… the tread on those tires is pretty worn, and it looks like rain tonight. Or maybe you’re not driving?”
Fine. If he wants to play this nosey game, I’ll give him what he thinks he wants. “I’m meeting Ralph at the Watermark. I’ll be driving myself.”
His expression tightens, but his tone remains steady. “You should be okay to make that short drive. Call my cell if you have any problems. I’ll come get you.”
“I’m pretty sure Dad still has roadside assistance on the car. I’ll call them.”
I start to go out the door, but he puts his palm against the jamb, blocking my exit. “Those guys can take forever to find you on these little country roads. If you have any trouble, call me.”
“Do you mind?” I give him a hard glare, and he eases back, allowing his hand to slide down the door.
I take that opportunity to leave.
He can give the possessive act a rest.
I check in with my dad, making sure he eats some leftover shrimp and grits before I leave to meet my date. Since the Watermark is on the lake, I plan to spend the night at my grandparents’ old place, depending on how late we stay. Dad seems to be stable, and he promises me he’ll eat something. And get out of that damn chair.
I can’t sit at home forever tending to him.
While I dress and brush my hair, I try to remember the last time I even went on a date. I want to dispute Ruby’s claim, but she’s right. The last time was with a guy from school… Brent something. He escorted me to a college graduation banquet, some honors recognition. Romance was not involved. I was home by ten.
Tonight I stand facing the full-length mirror, inspecting the dark green silk dress I’m wearing. It has spaghetti straps and swishes around my thighs when I move. At the last minute I grab a thin, white cardigan in case it’s cool in the Watermark.
Shaking my head, I do my best independent-lady face.
“I’m not waiting on you anymore, Grayson Cole. It’s over.” My heart isn’t in the words, so I straighten my shoulders and say it slightly differently. “I’ve waited for you long enough.”
That sounds more convincing.
The Watermark is a long, wooden house, right on the banks of Lake Mary. It has porch views overlooking the enormous body of water and a full seafood menu. It’s about as fancy as local restaurants get around Oakville.
My hair sways over my shoulders and down my back in the light breeze as I walk. The cardigan is over my arm, and the hostess guides me to the patio table where my date waits. Across the railing, a long boardwalk extends over the lake, and the sun is just starting to set.
Ralph jumps out of his seat as I approach. “Andrea, you are as beautiful as ever.”
He leans forward to kiss my cheek, but the moment his lips touch my skin, my stomach turns.
He doesn’t smell right.
He doesn’t feel right.
Gah, Ruby was right—this is a horrible idea. What am I doing here?
I shake the doubts away. I’m an independent lady enjoying a nice dinner with a friend, not sitting at home waiting on a guy.
“Thank you, Ralph, and thanks for joining me tonight. It was such a pretty day, I just felt like doing something special.”
I try to create a friendly distance between us, a way out of this situation for later. Ralph’s not budging an inch.
He smiles, reaching for my hand. “And you thought of me. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. I’ve waited so long for this.”
Distance-creation fail. Shit.
“We’ve been friends a long time, haven’t we?”
Remember the Friend Zone? You’re still in it.
But Ralph is like a duck on a june-bug. He’s determined to get me. “Yes we have, a long time. I’m so ready to take it to the next level.”
Thankfully our waiter appears. It’s Kenny Hartnett, one of the kids from the high school. “Good evening, Mr. Stern, Miss. Harris. Can I start you out with some drinks?”
“I’d like a margarita. A double if you have it.”
“We certainly do, and for you, Mr. Stern?”
Ralph gives me an adoring gaze. “I’ll have what my lovely date is having.”
Oh, brother.
“I’ll have Sasha bring those out for you. Any appetizers?”
We decline, and the fellow takes off. Ralph reaches for my hand again, and I wonder how long it takes to mix up two drinks. I manage to dodge the hand holding by picking up my menu.
“Looks like they’ve changed their entrées.”
Ralph frowns, opening his menu. “It looks the same to me. When is the last time you’ve been here? You never leave the house.”
He doesn’t have to be rude
about it.
“I guess I don’t get out as much. I’m usually home taking care of my dad. You know, making dinner and stuff.”
Pining over Gray.
Like an idiot.
“How is your father these days? I often think of you alone in that big old place, chained to him like Estella to an aging Miss Havisham.” He shakes his head, looking down. “Such a waste.”
Ralph is starting to annoy me. I’m not interested in his pity, and that analogy is as weird as he is… Even if it is slightly true. An older girl returns with our drinks, and I scoop mine up quick, taking a long sip of tangy lime.
“You know, Dad’s not that bad.” I take another sip, spinning what’s basically a big fat lie. “He’s doing some self-help stuff, and I’m working on grief therapy with him.”
Take that, Ralph Stern, I think, slurping more margarita.
Kenny is back at the table asking if we’re ready to order. Ralph gets the trout almandine, no surprise, but I go for the spicy, grilled shrimp salad.
“I’m glad to hear your dad’s doing better.” Ralph looks out across the room. “Would you like to dance?”
A live band is starting up on the other side of the patio. They’re playing slow beach music, Buffett and Marley. The last thing I want to do is hug up against Ralph. I only want one person’s arms around me.
No.
I am not letting my mind sabotage what could be a nice evening. Ralph is here, being somewhat tolerable, and I intend to enjoy my dinner.
“Maybe after we eat.” After I see how the rest of the meal goes.
A busboy helps Kenny bring out our entrées. Ralph orders us another round of drinks, and I dig into the salad. I’m going to have to ease off the tequila if I plan to drive myself to the lake house. It’s not far, but I won’t drive drunk.
I glance at Ralph’s almond-encrusted fish. “What got you interested in tree nuts anyway?”
Yes, I went there, but discussing almonds is better than analyzing my home life.
“I wanted to work in the food industry, but not necessarily restaurants.” He slices the flaky white fish and puts a piece in his mouth, tilting his head to the side as if testing it.
I wait as he finishes. “Good?”
He nods. “Did you know you only have to eat fifteen almonds a day to get the health benefits? You actually shouldn’t eat more, because you can overdose on the good nutrients.”
I’ve just crammed a giant grilled shrimp in my mouth, so I nod my head, doing my best to act interested.
“The old adage ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ should be modified to ‘an apple spread with almond butter.’”
“That must be great for your business.” I imagine if Dotty were here, she’d say Well, I’ll be dogged. Ruby would groan and say she’s aged fifteen years.
“But you don’t want to talk about almonds.” He smiles in a suggestive way that makes me cringe.
“You’re so wrong!” I place my hand on my chest, leaning forward. “I find almonds fascinating. It’s why I wanted to talk with you more. Maybe I should prescribe them to my patients.”
It’s the first time I’ve seen Ralph disappointed by his favorite edible. “I’m not sure they’ve been tested for clinical use.”
“Still, the health benefits are outstanding. Didn’t you say that?”
“I suppose.” He looks down at his fish, cutting another piece while I stab my last giant shrimp. “It’s primarily in the areas of heart disease and eye health.”
“Didn’t you say almonds help with diabetes?”
“And lowering blood pressure. It’s mostly vascular benefits.” He’s finishing off his fish, and the band is back from their break.
I’ve had my last bite of salad, and Kenny returns to the table. “Save room for desserts or coffee?”
I glance at my untouched second margarita and decline. Ralph does the same. I’m about to take this as a cue to make my escape, when he finally manages to catch my hand in his.
“Let’s have that dance now.”
“Oh… well… I don’t know. Aren’t you supposed to wait twenty minutes after eating?”
“That’s swimming.”
He drags me out onto the floor amidst a crowd of couples paired up and moving slow. The band plays Jimmy Buffet’s “Treat Her Like a Lady,” and I hope Ralph takes it as a sign, even if it is about the ocean and not a girl.
He puts one hand on my waist and pulls me close, holding my other in his. His cheek is against my temple, and he leans close. “You should always be treated like a lady, Andrea.”
My nose wrinkles as we sway side to side. “Thanks.”
While I endure the dance, I look over Ralph’s shoulder at the sun, disappearing on the horizon. The sky is streaked in dark blue, purple, neon orange, and pink. It’s really beautiful with the clouds sliding in across the face, although as I watch them, they look pretty dark.
“You think it’s going to rain?” I’m thinking about the convertible Jag. I left the top down…
“I hope not. We’ve had enough rain for this season.” Ralph actually stiffens and turns us so he can look at the sky.
I’m now facing the bar area, and as I blink absently to the crowd. Like a magnet, my eyes are drawn to another set of equally stormy ones watching us. I lean forward to get a better look, and my stomach flips.
Gray is sitting at the bar, eyes fixed on me and scowling. His jaw tightens as he traces our movements, Ralph’s hands on my body.
I try to jump back, but I’ve unintentionally moved closer to my date. “Andrea,” he groans. His arm tightens around my waist. “Let me hold you closer.”
“Oh, I’m sorry!” I struggle to move away, putting my hand against his chest. “I was just looking at something. I didn’t mean to—”
“I’m sure you’re nervous. It’s been a long time since you were with a man, but I’ll be gentle.”
My eyebrows shoot up to my hairline. “Hang on a second, Ralph. I didn’t mean to send the wrong message.”
“No need to apologize.” He leans down, pressing his lips to my head. “We were meant to be together, to merge our two families in the creation of a new one. An almond dynasty in the heart of Oakville.”
“Excuse me.” The deep voice startles both of us. “I’m cutting in.”
Gray stands at my shoulder, glaring down at my dance partner, or should I say my pet octopus, with angry eyes.
“You may not.” Ralph straightens, finally giving me room to breathe. Still, he clutches my hand and waist. “This isn’t that kind of dance.”
“They’re all that kind of dance, now beat it, Stern.” Gray reaches for me, but I step away from both of them.
“I’m tired of dancing.” No lie. I’m tired of being in Ralph’s arms, and there’s no way I can jump back into Gray’s. I’m tired of playing games. “Thank you for a lovely evening, Ralph. I’ll leave my share of the check on the table.”
Shaking my hands, I walk off the dance floor to where my purse hangs on the back of my chair. I’ve just found my wallet when Gray appears at my side.
“Here.” He tosses a few twenties on the table and tries to take my arm.
I pull away again. “You’re not paying for my dinner with Ralph.” I try to scoop up the twenties and give them back to him, but he slips the money from my fingers and puts it on the table again.
“We need to talk.”
“I can’t talk to you right now.” My insides are all twisted up, and my head is buzzing.
The prospect of dancing with him, of him holding me in his arms made the entire world tilt, and it’s not fair after the way he’s been acting since returning to Oakville. He’s hot one minute then distant and pushing me away the next. I’m through getting whiplash.
“Where are you going? You can’t drive.”
“I’m perfectly fine to drive.” I’ve only had one margarita. I didn’t even touch the second.
We’re outside the restaurant now, walking toward the boardwalk th
at extends over the lake. He’s following me, more like walking right beside me. Tension rolls off him in waves, and I’m wondering if he’ll seriously try and take my keys.
“Why are you here, Gray?” I spin around to face him. It’s a huge mistake. His blue eyes are so intense. God, please don’t let me cry in front of him.
“I was worried about the car. Those tires are old, and the transmission could go out at any moment.”
“I don’t believe you.” My arms cross over my waist, like I’m hugging myself, holding me together. “You’d have never let me drive it off the lot.”
This is a bad idea. I shouldn’t be here alone with him. I need to go to the lake house and go to bed.
He shrugs. “I also wanted to be sure Ralph didn’t get too… handsy.”
“I met Ralph tonight because we can’t be together anymore. You’re no good for me. Remember?” The words are like acid on my tongue, but they’re his words. He needs to hear them again and decide if they’re true.
His brow tightens, and he looks down. “I remember.”
A drop of rain hits my cheek, and I wipe it away angrily. “How dare you come back here, acting like there’s nothing between us, then get jealous because I’m on a date?”
“I don’t like you putting yourself in danger.”
I’ve had enough. “I’m not doing this,” I say, pushing past him. “I’m leaving.”
He catches my arm. “Not yet.”
“Stop it.” I’m losing my fight against the tears. “You left me. I was right here, and you left like you forgot all about us.”
He moves in closer, heat in his tone. “I remember every detail of us.”
“Prove it.”
Fire is in his eyes, those stormy eyes I love, but he’s still holding back, fighting me. I’m out of patience.
Raindrops fall faster on my arms. “It’s starting to rain.”
A flash of light in the sky distracts him, and I take the opportunity to pull away, jogging to where the Jag is parked. The top is down, so I throw my bag inside and jump behind the wheel.
“Drew, wait!” Gray jogs after me, but I floor it, throwing rocks as I rush out of the gravel parking lot. I’ve had it with the games. I’m not a yo-yo.
