by Susan Hatler
Suddenly, every muscle in my body tightened. How pathetic was I for daydreaming about Ethan? He may seem like a hundred forms of perfect, but the man probably had an army of skeletons in his closet.
Thank goodness he had a girlfriend.
And that I wasn’t dating ever again.
He and I were history pals. Nothing more.
Chapter Two
Monday morning, Rachel’s office called while I was at my new gym, Totally Fit. After class, the Zumba instructor, Melanie, gave me an earful about her dating woes. Apparently no guy she dates ever wants to get serious. Although I wanted to hand her a business card, I was no longer in that line of work. But she seemed so bubbly and sweet, I was dying to dive into her psyche and help her.
In an alternate universe, maybe. Right now, I was off to answer phones.
I arrived for my interview at Woodward Systems Corporation at ten o’clock in the morning. The human resources manager, Chloe Campbell, was sharp, to the point, and didn’t waste time. Twenty minutes later, I’d been hired as the temporary receptionist.
“Gina tells me you’re roommates.” Ginger Nielsen, the gal who’d been promoted, was training me for her old position. She pulled her long, dark hair over one shoulder, and twisted it automatically, as if out of habit. “She also says you’re a marriage and family counselor.”
I felt a pang in my gut. “In a former life.”
“Hmm.” Her forehead crinkled. “Do you think it’s true that women choose men who’re like their fathers? Because my dad’s a raging alcoholic.”
“The danger is that being around a guy with similar qualities to your father will automatically feel natural, so you’ll have to be careful not to . . .” I stopped and closed my mouth. “I’m sorry, but, to tell you the truth, I am the wrong person to ask. My last boyfriend turned out to be married. So, what do I know?”
Her mouth dropped open. “What a scumbag. How’d you catch him?”
Surprised, I blinked. “I inadvertently saw him with his wife, but you’re missing the point. He and I were seeing each other for eight months and I didn’t have a clue that he’d been lying to me.”
She shook her head, and raised her brows. “You must’ve been devastated.”
“Yes.” I’d bawled my eyes out for few weeks, sure. “More importantly, though, I misevaluated him.”
“Well, if he’d been wearing a wedding ring, obviously you wouldn’t have gone out with him.” Her forehead wrinkled. “I’m no therapist, but you shouldn’t blame yourself.”
Cringing, I shook my head. “I don’t. His actions are his responsibility.”
“Right. But it sounds like you feel at fault for not catching him sooner.”
The girl was annoyingly astute. “Aren’t you supposed to be training me on the phones?”
My words may have been confrontational, but I needed her to stop. Obviously, I shouldn’t blame myself for not catching him sooner. But I did.
She put a hand to her chest. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.”
Uh, no. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to work. Okay?”
“Not a problem.” Ginger spent the next half hour showing me the employee directory, how to use the interoffice email, and the way to transfer calls. It wasn’t exactly brain surgery, or like scoring the Roscharch test.
The first call I made after Ginger left was to Gina. It rang twice before she answered. “Gina Hall. May I help you?”
“Why, yes, actually.” My voice was tight. “You can stop telling people I’m a counselor.”
“Kristen, hey.” If she was bothered by my tone, she didn’t sound like it. “How’s the front desk treating you?”
“Fine, until Ginger asked me if her bad dating choices might pertain to her alcoholic father.” I lowered my voice as a guy entered the lobby from the door behind the reception desk, nodded a greeting at me, then exited out the front door. “Why would you tell her, Gina?”
“Because,” she said, in an exasperated tone. “Her medical benefits bite. She can’t afford the out-of-pocket expense for counseling, and you’re just sitting there, using all your training and experience to transfer phone calls.”
“That’s my choice.”
“You should’ve heard about her last boyfriend.” Gina’s voice lowered, even though she had her own office, and I doubted anyone was in there. “Total drunk, and he was mean to her.”
My heart tugged, and I rubbed my forehead. Then, the phone started ringing, so I sighed. “I have to go.”
I switched calls and spoke into my earpiece. “Woodward Systems Corporation. How may I direct your call?”
“It’s Rach. We still on for lunch?” Her voice sounded panicked. “I’ve got to talk to you.”
Wondering what had her on edge, I said, “Sure. What’s wrong?”
“Can’t say right now.” She’d slipped to a hushed tone. “I’m in my cubicle. No privacy. I’ll be down in an hour.”
“Okay.” I hung up the phone, feeling dazed and hoping whatever had Rach upset wasn’t a big deal.
When the phone rang again, I tensed. Luckily, it was just a customer wanting to be transferred to the sales department. I pressed the appropriate buttons, announced the client, then sent the call.
Easy, and stress-free.
If only my coworkers could be that way, I’d be set.
****
Rach, Ellen, and I strolled several blocks to Cherie’s Café in downtown Sac for lunch. Once we were seated and had ordered, I waited for Rach to drop her bomb.
Instead, Ellen, who I’d been friends with since high school, patted my hand and gave me a proud look as if I were a two-year-old who’d peed on the potty. “How’s your first day back at work? Everything going smoothly? Do you like it?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Mom. I mastered my times tables, and got a sticker from the teacher.”
Rach snickered.
Ellen found my joke less amusing, as evidenced by her narrowed eyes. “I’m concerned about you, Kristen. Gina says you’ve been listening to Adele.”
Her tone made it sound like I’d resorted to drinking.
My mouth dropped open. “One month. Everyone’s entitled to a little Adele after a break-up. Then, I rebounded with Kelly Clarkson.”
Rach raised a finger. “Kelly totally helped me through my break-up with Jeremy.”
I reached for my water glass. “You see?”
Ellen seemed slightly mollified. “Still, you haven’t dated. What you need is a fling to get back in the game. Henry has a friend—”
“No way.” I brought my hands to my chest. “The last thing I need right now is another man. I’m focusing on me.”
Ellen leaned forward. “How? You’ve closed your practice, and you don’t leave the house.”
“I went to Folsom Lake with Rach and Noah this weekend. He took us out on his new boat.” I’d have to thank Gina for forcing me out the door, thus giving me a retort for Ellen.
“You did? Really?” She eyed my arms, then my face, as if she didn’t believe me.
Like I’d get a tan. As a red-head, my creamy complexion burns easily, and do I want to increase my chances for skin cancer? No, thanks. “Yes, really. I wore a hat and SPF-50.”
Ellen suddenly turned to Rach. “Why weren’t Henry and I invited?”
Rach’s eyes went wide. “I, uh . . .”
Although it would’ve been funny to see Rach squirm, I decided to bail her out. “It wasn’t a plot to exclude you, Ellen. She and Noah were going on their own, then Gina begged her to invite me.”
After the waiter set our plates down in front of us and left, Ellen lifted her fork. “You see? Gina’s worried about you, too.”
Whoops. I walked right into that one. “Nobody needs to worry about me. Everything’s hunky-dory. Why don’t you spread your love on Rach? She’s the one with a problem.”
Rach’s face tensed. “That’s putting it mildly.”
Ellen twirled her angel-hair pasta onto her fork. “What
’s going on, sweetie?”
Rach buried her face into her hands. “I’m afraid Noah’s going to dump me.”
My eyes widened in shock since her boyfriend was pretty amazing. Correction, he seemed amazing. He could be going home to his dearly beloved on weekends for all I knew. Except not this weekend, since we were all going out on Noah’s boat to celebrate my thirtieth birthday. “You guys were fine last Saturday. Did you find out he was married?”
She threw me a look. “Don’t even joke.”
“It happens.” I shrugged. “Can’t blame me for checking.”
Her face contorted as if she were sick. “Noah’s ex-girlfriend, Kate, is coming into town on Friday and they’re going out to dinner. They were together for two years before he moved here, and almost got engaged.”
Ellen reached for her water. “She’s flying up to visit Noah? That’s odd.”
Rach flattened her palms on the table. “He claims she’ll be here for business.”
“What does she do?” Okay, I had career on the brain, but who knew when the perfect profession would cross my path?
“She’s a Six Sigma Black Belt for the Geoffries hotel chain.” Rach said this in what I could only interpret as an English accent.
My brows came together. “Black Belt? As in kung fu? How does martial arts help the hotel?”
It sure didn’t help my career search, since I’d never even taken karate.
She waved a hand dismissively. “It’s apparently an upper level management position, which creates methods for improving quality.”
Ellen picked up a slice of sourdough. “Henry and I stayed at the Geoffries when we honeymooned in Kauai. Not sure what they’d improve on though, because our stay was amazing.”
Rach turned to Ellen, wearing a dark look. “Maybe when Kate and Noah get back together, they can get you a sweet discount for your first anniversary?”
Ellen put a hand to her mouth. “That didn’t come out how I meant. You know I’m on your side, whatever it is.”
In response, Rach’s eyes welled.
I reached across the table, and put my hand over hers. “You said his ex is coming to Sac for work, but why is that making you feel threatened in your relationship?”
Her lower lip trembled. “Because she’s gorgeous? And she’s seen my boyfriend naked? Clearly, she’s realized what she lost and wants to get him back.”
Ellen’s mouth formed an O. “Don’t jump to conclusions, sweetie. Noah’s trustworthy.”
I was about to agree that Noah was faithful, but I’d thought the same thing about Jake. So, I closed my mouth and looked away.
Rach’s mouth thinned, and she turned to me. “What, Kristen? You think he’s hiding something? Should I talk to him about it? Tell him how insecure I feel?”
“Well . . .” My initial reaction was to suggest that exactly, opening up and talking to him about her concerns. But, then again, it’s not like my bonehead method of thinking had saved me from heartbreak. I scratched my temple, wondering what I’d do in her situation. “If I’d run a background check on Jake before dating him, I would’ve known his marital status up front.”
“Kristen!” Ellen’s chided. “She can’t go behind Noah’s back like that.”
“I’m not saying she should.” My forehead wrinkled, remembering how honest Jake had seemed. “Noah comes off as committed, but nothing would shock me anymore. For all we know, he’s been sexting his ex the last two months and now they’re hooking up to make it official.”
Rach made a mewing sound.
Ellen gasped. “Don’t listen to her, Rach. She’s jaded.”
I brought my hands to my chest. “No, I’m realistic. Rach needs to keep her eyes open, so she doesn’t get hurt like I did.”
Rach’s eyes bulged. “You think he’s cheating on me?”
I swallowed, wishing I could rule out the chance. “I just want you to be careful. Don’t overlook clues. In any case, it would be better to know sooner rather than later.”
She hugged herself. “This is even worse than I thought.”
The waiter brought the check, and I picked it up. I hated to see Rach upset, but it’s not like I’d be doing her any favors by sugarcoating the possibilities.
Ellen snatched the bill away. “I hope you’re happy with yourself.”
My eyes widened. “What? For trying to make sure my friend doesn’t get played?”
She blew out a breath. “You’re paranoid. Just because your ex was a jerk, doesn’t mean Noah is.”
“Doesn’t mean he isn’t,” I said, hating to point out the cold, hard fact.
I tried to put some cash in the tray, but Ellen brushed me off, setting down her credit card instead. “Save your money for therapy. You’ve totally lost it.”
No, I just didn’t want Rach to get blindsided the way I had.
****
That evening, I arrived at the two-story, brick building that housed the Sacramento History Museum, and spotted Ethan sitting out front on an ornately carved wooden bench. He looked like he belonged in a museum himself. One that would display a perfectly chiseled male statue, that is.
He wore khaki pants and a white polo shirt that stretched across his broad chest. The sleeves hugged his well-defined biceps, and I couldn’t help wondering what he did to stay in such phenomenal shape. Oh, great. What if he had a membership at Totally Fit? It was located by his work, after all. Watching him lift weights would be an impossible distraction to my workout.
Not that it wouldn’t be enjoyable. . . .
As I walked toward him, the negative vibes from my day diminished. His dark eyes caught my gaze, and the corners of his mouth turned upward. He stood, then strode toward me.
Tingles danced along my neck. “You’re early,” I said.
“So are you.” Ethan leaned in, and gave me a brief kiss on the cheek.
My skin hummed where his lips had brushed, even though I knew he didn’t mean anything by it. Must be something he’d grown accustomed to while he’d lived in Europe.
I’d have to go there someday.
“How are things?” His deep brown eyes peered into mine, their undivided attention making me feel as if he wasn’t making idle chat, but really wanted to know.
I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, then started toward the entrance. Guilt over my conversation with Rach washed over me. “Not so great, actually.”
As he strolled along beside me, he threw me a side-glance. “Care to elaborate?”
“Sure. It’d be interesting to have a guy’s opinion on the issue.” I crossed the threshold past the building’s tall, white, window-paned doors, then glanced up at Ethan. “What’s your take on exes staying in touch? Is it okay if they go to dinner together, even if one is already in another relationship?”
Ethan’s dark brows came together. “Is Jake trying to start things up with you again?”
My face scrunched. “Jake? Ugh, no.”
We stepped up in line to pay our exhibit fee, and his forehead remained creased. “Because, he doesn’t deserve to be in the same vicinity as you, let alone the same dinner table. If he’s bothering you, even in the slightest, I’ll gladly file a restraining order.”
Wow. I’d never heard Ethan lose his cool before. To the point of threatening to use his lawyerly powers. For me. Even though he was actually a personal injury lawyer, but still. Major hero-factor, and I swooned a little.
Come on, Kristen. Get it together.
“That’s sweet of you, Ethan. But it’s not necessary.” Without thinking, I put a hand on his forearm, which flexed under my fingers. I’d touched him innocently, but the feel of his muscles against my skin sent all kinds of inappropriate zings through me, so I withdrew my hand. I cleared my throat. “I haven’t spoken with Jake since we broke-up, and don’t plan to. Ever. It’s my friend’s boyfriend who’s having dinner with his ex.”
His expression relaxed, and he glanced at where my hand had touched his arm, before meeting my eyes again. “I’m gla
d to hear that. You deserve better. Way better.”
My cheeks flushed at his comment. Now at the front of the line, I reached into my purse, but Ethan handed the man his credit card before I could give him mine.
“My turn.” He winked at me. “You got the last one. Remember?”
“Thank you,” I said, stepping aside to wait for him. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Of course I’d treated last time. I had to do something to make up for being a bad friend. After Ellen’s wedding last December, I’d rambled on to Ethan about Jake’s betrayal, how he’d been married, and that I never wanted to date again as long as I lived.
I chastised myself for babbling all my dirty laundry to Ethan, and wanted to blame Ellen’s open bar and buttery Chardonnay. But, as a therapist, I needed to own my own behavior.
So, I’d avoided Ethan for two months.
Whenever he’d asked me to “Save the Date,” I’d make up excuses not to go. What can I say? I’d gone into protective hibernation mode (aka: cleaning my condo and driving my roommate bonkers). At least I obsessed in a productive manner. My condo has never looked better.
Anyway, buying Ethan’s ticket last weekend had been the least I could do. It was a wonder he still wanted to hang with such a motor mouth (who had bad judgment). Especially when he could be spending time with Dana, whose only flaw seemed to be her lack of interest in history. Shudder.
Ethan handed me our torn tickets, then held his arm out in a gentlemanly gesture. “After you.”
We ambled toward the room with the special exhibit. “So? Give me the guy’s perspective.”
He shrugged. “I don’t see what the big deal is. I have a couple ex-girlfriends who I keep in touch with online. It might be nice to have lunch and catch up sometime. If my girlfriend were jealous, it’d make me feel like she doesn’t trust me.”
“Really? You don’t think there’s anything skeevy about it?” I hadn’t at one time, either, but that was before I’d been played. “And in reverse? You wouldn’t mind if your girlfriend went out to dinner with an ex?”
