Her face relaxed, as she looked down to the ground, blushing. “We’ll see about that. I’m all for throwing parties, but usually not the best at accepting big deals.”
She turned around to see someone at the register. “Forgive me—we are a bit busy today. It’s a Saturday sale I’ve advertised. I’m happy with the turnout.”
I turned to see Robena busily knitting, and wondered whether she ever spent time at home. I’d come in before, not on our scheduled day to meet, and found her here. At the table, knitting away. I imagined all her cats wearing knitted apparel because she didn’t know what else to do with her talent.
I took the candle off the cake and let Sophie lick the icing. After I slipped it in the box, I turned to Robena. “Well, I hate to dash, but I have to get to the grocery store.”
She never looked up from her project. “Don’t you sound like the little momma? And only a few weeks ago you were talking about new clubs and mixed drinks we should all try.”
True that. It felt as though in the span of a month I’d become a new person—more like the girl I was in middle school: full of responsibilities, and aware of how critical my future was. I wasn’t trying to keep up with Rob anymore, and all the law lingo was all but gone from my brain.
“Well, have a great day, Robena.”
I closed the box on the cake and motioned for Sophie to follow me out. We waved at Marta, who was busy checking out customers and laughing about whatever small talk they were engaged in. I really did like coming here and knitting with this group of ladies. Now that Gennifer was gone, I thought maybe I’d get to know Carol a little better. Gennifer had a way of monopolizing the conversation usually.
Sam was getting out of his car when I pulled into the driveway. Sophie fumbled to get out of her car seat when I unbuckled her and she rushed over to hug him. “Daddy, I’m so happy you’re home.”
“Thanks, princess. I am too.”
He gave her a quick squeeze and then came over to help me carry in a few bags. “Here, let me give you a hand.”
“Thanks.” I looked at his other hand, holding a dry cleaner bag of clothes, slung back on his shoulder. “I see you went and did a few errands.”
“Yeah. I had a great workout, too. I hadn’t been to the gym in forever.” He handed a small bag for Sophie to carry. “Say, do you work out? Maybe we could go together. It’s a great stress reliever, and they have babysitters to watch Sophie.”
I didn’t know where that came from. He’d certainly changed from our first meeting. He was so standoffish, drinking amber liquor from tumblers, that first evening. I would’ve never thought to catch him at a gym. Now he wanted to work out together? What was next? Late-night grocery shopping together? Maybe they had babysitters there too.
“I might. I’m sort of bogged down with life’s major decisions now. Like my next step, my next job. Who knows, maybe my next degree.” Although I doubted it. I was tired of being the oldest one in the room. Even professors seemed to be getting younger.
He walked in front, fumbling for the keys to the front door. They dropped on the ground and Sophie picked them up.
He pressed his eyes shut. “Are you looking for work in another field you’ve studied? I have some contacts, and would be happy to call someone for you.”
I walked through the door he held open. Sophie followed. She was quiet and I realized it was her nap time. She almost dropped off to sleep on our way home.
“I don’t know what I’m looking for. I don’t think I’ve ever felt quite so directionless before. I’m typically in the middle of something at all times. This downtime is not good for my brain.” I winked at the sleepy girl watching me. “For now, I think I’ll put Sophie down for her nap.”
I set the bags down on the counter and took the one she was holding. “I’m certain of one thing, and that is I’m happy to take care of Sophie. She’s the first real thing that I’m genuinely happily invested in.”
I smiled and picked up the sleepy girl. She rested her head on my shoulder.
“Daddy, it’s Sarah’s birthday,” she said in a quiet tone, halfway lifting her head.
“What?” He threw his dry cleaning over the sofa and walked back in the kitchen. “Is it really?” He looked at me.
I felt my cheeks warm. “Well, yes, but—”
“Oh, my goodness.” His smile stretched wide. “This calls for a celebration.” His face dropped. “Of course, that is if you don’t have plans. Which, what am I saying? You’re probably going out with friends.” He grabbed his mouth. “Which is actually not so good. Do you have plans with friends?”
“Not exactly.” Loser alert. I said hi to a couple of girls who were in some of my classes, but I was never the type to hang out with any of them. Never mind that I was about eight years older than most. And when I wasn’t in class, I was studying, recruiting a potential husband, or working.
He squeezed his temples with his fingers. “I completely forgot to tell you I have a thing to go to tonight.”
Sophie raised her head. “Daddy, you promised to take me to the sand.”
He stroked her hair and looked into my eyes. He must’ve been thinking something because he paused before he answered his daughter.
“Princess, that’s in the day.” His eyes scanned the back wall. “So you have no plans tonight? No old boyfriend coming to take you out? No new boyfriend coming to help celebrate with you? Nothing?”
I looked at him, standing very close to me, one hand still on the back of Sophie. He looked so different, wearing a pair of shorts and a workout tee. I had taken note of the fair-colored hair on his legs, the biceps, and flat stomach.
“Every time I confirm the ugly truth, the sadder I become. Trust me, I can watch Sophie. We can make some special birthday punch, watch some Sprout, and end it with a bang of popcorn and SweeTarts!”
Sophie rose up, smiling from ear to ear. “Yay!”
“Not that that doesn’t sound completely like I need to give you more time off to spend time with friends your own age, but I have an alternate suggestion.” He smiled. “Come with me. I know it doesn’t involve pajamas and this sweet girl.” He tousled Sophie’s hair. “But at least you won’t be home alone. They’ll have food, champagne, and I won’t have to go by myself. You’d be saving me from a lot of boring business talk, and we could toast your birthday. Not ideal, but it’s something?” His head was still low, waiting for me to respond. I liked how his sandy-blond hair feathered back slightly on the sides.
I tilted my head. Gee, thanks. I’m saving you from boring business talk. Definitely a birthday wish granted for every type of desperate girl.
“That’s not what I mean.” He must’ve caught on to what that sounded like outside his head. “I mean, I would love for you to come along with me. I can request the band play your favorite song, and I’ll propose a toast in your honor.” He kept his stare planted on my eyes. “Please.”
“Will I go, too, Daddy?”
“No, princess. I’ll call Caitlyn and Stan and ask if you can play at their house.”
Sophie perked up. “With Fizzy?”
“Caitlyn and Stan sometimes watch Sophie if I have to go out of town or have functions such as this. And they have a small dog named Fizzy. I’m scared to death Sophie is going to pull its tail off one of these times.”
“I love Fizzy, Daddy.” Her lower lip dragged down.
“I know you do, sweetie. Well?” He focused his attention on me. “Will you escort me to the retirement dinner of the chief? I promise after the ceremonial mess, the endless speeches, and boring introductions, the food is pretty good.” He tilted his head and waited for my answer.
“I…” I looked around the kitchen and thought about the sad fact I would be cooking for only Sophie and myself. Which wasn’t bad, but maybe I’d meet my future husband there. You never know. And on my birthday, no doubt. My wish could possibly come true. And she did say how much she loved Fizzy. It would be a win-win for her either way. “Well, since you put
it that way. Okay. Thank you for asking.”
His face relaxed and a smile spread wide. “That’s wonderful. I’ll get these groceries put away if you want to lay Sophie down for her nap. And I’ll give Stan a call to let him know I’m dropping Sophie off later.”
“Suppose they can’t watch her?” I said, suddenly trying to reel in the foreshadowing disappointment.
“They’re in their late sixties and their idea of a good time is watching Wheel of Fortune after Jeopardy. What could they possibly have planned? They live for Sophie’s visits.”
I put Sophie down for her nap, returned to help put away the food, and asked Sam what kind of dress was required. I’d purchased something very elegant four months ago with the architect, Taylor. I felt like Audrey Hepburn in it. The neck was high, it hugged my hips, and it was a deep red. I was pretty sure I knew where the shoes that matched it were.
“Dress is formal. I had my tux cleaned for tonight.”
“I think I’m okay with my dress, then.” I hesitated to ask my next question. I didn’t want to feel as though I were using Sam. That I was ungrateful for the invite. “Do you think a lot of single guys will be there?”
“I guess.” He placed his cell phone on the counter and grabbed a chip from the bag he’d opened.
“Are you hungry? I could fix you some lunch. Sophie and I split something before we came home.”
“No, I’m all right. I just want something to munch on. I had a protein shake at the gym before I left.”
I gathered the plastic bags and stuffed them in the recycling bin I had started in the closet.
“So then you’re actively looking for a…a…”
“A guy?”
“Yeah.” He wiped the corner of his mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t have the word.”
“And I wondered how completely ungrateful that would sound, asking you if there were going to be any single ones there tonight.”
He shook his head before he shrugged. “Not at all. I can’t promise you anything, and it’s not like I look around when I’m invited to this sort of thing. But I can imagine there will be all sorts of people. The chief is a pretty big deal around here.”
“Maybe if we’re lucky, I can find a potential forever guy, and you can find your rebound.”
The refrigerator door hung open as he peered around it to look at me. “My rebound?”
“Is it too soon?” I palmed my head. “Of course, it might be. I’m sorry for suggesting it.”
“No, this is interesting. Please elaborate.”
“It’s just that when you get over a serious relationship, you always follow it up with a rebound. You know, someone you date casually then let go when you realize all you wanted from them was something to fill the lonely hours while you were settling into single status again.” I clapped my hands, finally having the better description come to my mind. “A good time with no strings attached, if you will.”
“I see. Don’t they refer to that as a booty call, or something rather like that?”
A laugh burst from my mouth. “A booty call? So you know what a booty call is, but you have no idea Snickers ice cream existed before the other night?”
“I only know this because I watched a movie the other week when I couldn’t get to sleep. The guy was definitely not a gentleman.” He closed the fridge and leaned against the counter, staring at me. “And you know this rebound scenario because you’ve had your share in the past?”
“More like been the rebound. Several times, in fact.” I stared at my feet. “It’s not all that fun.”
“That must hurt. If, indeed, you’ve become vested, and not just seeking a rebound yourself.”
“I wouldn’t know when I was in rebound status. My relationships don’t usually last that long.”
“Why is that? I don’t see anything obviously wrong with you. You’re attractive, great with children, and you cook a mean spaghetti.”
“Thanks.” I’m pretty sure my dimples were on display for all to see. “You see, I usually end up sabotaging it by loitering too long by the china patterns in department stores, or asking questions like ‘Do you prefer sending our children to private or public schools?’ You know, in case we have some and they would need to go get an education one day.”
He laughed in his hand. “You really are serious about settling down, aren’t you?”
“I’d say it’s been a dream of mine for quite some time.”
He shook his head and then took a drink from his glass, staring at the ceiling while he gulped.
“I think I’ve wanted a real relationship since I was a little girl.” I looked off toward the back wall. “One day we were eating dinner at our local diner, and there was a family sitting in a booth by the window. I stared at them from my barstool. You see, Dad and I sat at the bar every time we went out for dinner. No need in taking up a whole table when it was just us, he’d say. And I remembered the mom and dad laughing and carrying on with the kids. The dad put a napkin on his head and they roared. Then he turned to the woman and kissed her.” I snapped from the memory. “I want that. I want the family I never had growing up.”
“Are your parents divorced?”
“Not exactly.” I looked to the ground and bit my lip. “My mom died after giving birth to me. She had a blood clot that hemorrhaged, or something like that. Dad said she got to hold me all of a second before they rushed her to the operating room.”
“Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“It makes my birthday a bit hard to celebrate. And even harder, I’m sure, on my father to call and wish me a happy day. Seeing that his world crumbled on this very day.”
“Even more reason to get you out of the house tonight.” He stammered before he walked to the sink to rinse his glass. Guys usually didn’t do well with such a deep subject. Funny thing was, I never told any guy I dated, except for Michael, how I really felt about having a family.
“I’m going to clear my car of some fast-food bags and coffee cups, and then I’ll drive Sophie to the sitter. That should give you enough time to get ready.”
His hand was on the door when I nodded in agreement. He smiled and stepped into the garage. I took a deep breath, wondering what the night might bring.
I heard the doorbell ring and ran downstairs to answer it. I had no idea where Sam was. He left to take Sophie to Stan’s house and I went upstairs to get ready. I had a lot of time and enjoyed the extra pampering I got to do for myself. I actually got to exfoliate in the shower, and shave my legs without nicking myself. My hair cooperated nicely and the dress fit better than a few months ago. I was excited about what the night would bring. It felt like forever since I’d been out.
“Hold on, I’m coming.” I flung open the door and stepped back, trying to catch my breath and hide the fact my mouth salivated like a dog seconds before catching a treat. Holy moly! This man looked swoon-worthy.
“I’m sorry. I left the house key in my car, which is running with the air conditioner on.”
“Sure, uh, okay.” I tried to control my breathing. His tuxedo was doing a great job strumming my libido. Hold me back now. “I didn’t realize you got ready before taking Sophie.”
He seemed to be in some sort of trance and quickly recovered when I stopped talking. “Yeah, I figured it would save time if I got dressed before taking her.”
His eyes moved slowly down the front of my dress, and I heard him take a deep breath. “Wow, you look gorgeous.”
He smiled after saying it and the dancing of my hormones commenced once again. “Thank you. You look pretty great yourself. Give me a second and I’ll grab my bag.”
I tiptoed to the kitchen and grabbed my clutch from the counter. I even had time to transfer my important things to a smaller bag. I could get used to all this spare time on my hands.
Sam pulled the door behind me and we walked to the quietly humming car parked in the driveway. He opened my door and I was instantly impressed by his “older guy” charm. It seemed the young
er generation missed out on a few chivalrous things. Or perhaps I was dating the wrong young ones.
“I’m sorry we’re running late. Sophie always takes time to acclimate, but she took to Fizzy and before I knew it, she was off in the other room yelling out when was I leaving.”
“It’s great you have someone who can watch her at a moment’s notice.” I grabbed at my collarbone, not knowing what else to do with my hands. He wore a new scent and he sort of had me at Eternity for Men.
“Yeah, Caitlyn and Stan are great. I trust them completely.”
I stared out the window, trying not to focus on his cologne that seemed to be drifting by me with every gesture he made. It was hypnotizing to say the least. I’m such an aromatherapy connoisseur. His was warm, woodsy, and aromatic. It made me want to get drunk off it and swim around in it like a lazy river.
I did my share of fidgeting, completely uncomfortable in this scenario of a dad—whom I help as my current job—taking me on a date. Was it a date? I was certainly dressed up and shaved my legs for it. Nah, it wasn’t a date. For goodness’ sakes, he had a mortgage, a gardener, a dry cleaner on standby, and recycled because it was good for the planet. Most of the guys I dated didn’t even take their clothes out of the dryer the same week they put them inside it. But here I was, with this responsible man, father of one, signer of my paycheck, and had somehow he had morphed into Mr. GQ, with whom I was sharing a ride in his Jaguar to attend a public event on his arm—his very attractive arm. I imagined me smacking myself and reminding myself that he was older…wiser…complicated…and very much not on my radar. I simply was suffering from guy withdrawal. The smelly guy handing out cheese at the farmers’ market on Saturdays would probably look alluring to me at this point. Any man with a pulse within ten feet of me would get a hormonal salute from me. And wearing a tux? Make that a double salute, with a side of weak in the knees.
“Looks like we might’ve dodged the bullet of the speeches. I’m sorry we’re running late. I hope all the food isn’t gone when we get inside. I’m looking forward to the stuffed mushroom caps. They always have mushroom caps at these sorts of things.”
Searching For Sarah (The Sarah Series Book 1) Page 6
