When We Kiss

by Louise, Tia

  I miss him so much.

  I miss his strong arms around me, that deep dimple in his cheek, those whiskey eyes. I miss being naked with him. I miss kissing him. I miss his lips on my body and that beard scuffing my skin. I miss chatting about work and Coco and traveling and dreams. I miss Andy…

  My hand goes over my eyes, and I exhale a laugh as tears fill my eyes.

  “Oh my God.” My voice cracks. “What am I going to do?”

  As if by some divine, immediate answer to prayer, my phone goes off. I’m holding it in my hand, and I turn the face to see a text from Chad asking if I’m busy Friday.

  That’s how I ended up here, at the Blue Crab in a navy long-sleeved, silk V-neck romper with gold chains and my hair styled over my shoulder. I toned down the Bettie Page routine for Chad’s mom, although I have no idea what to expect.

  I don’t know anything about his family, other than they live in Charleston, they lost a daughter, and they sent a son to military school. Still, something tells me she’s a formal lady.

  I’m standing in the foyer holding my beige clutch, when I look up and see him coming through the glass front doors. My hand goes out to catch the side of the hostess stand. I didn’t anticipate my body’s response to seeing him for the first time in nearly a week.

  An exhale hisses through my lips, and my stomach does a flip. Chad in a suit is even sexier than Chad in his uniform. He’s actually not in a suit, now that I look closer. He’s in dark jeans, a white shirt with navy stripes, and a blue blazer. It all looks amazing with his dark hair and those eyes holding mine.

  That’s when I see his mother, and I shift in my heels. It’s clear where Chad’s elegant features come from. His mother is tall with swept back, shoulder-length white hair and high cheekbones. Her nose is small, and her eyes are the exact same color as her son’s—only hers are like lasers, focused on me.

  Striding through the door, she’s dressed in beige pants, a cream silk shirt with a dark blazer on top. She’s kind of amazing… and a lot scary.

  Chad escorts her to where I’m holding on for dear life to the hostess stand, my heart beating too fast in my chest.

  Yes, I did miss you, Chad Tucker…

  “You look very elegant,” he whispers, leaning forward to kiss my cheek.

  Holy shit. My eyes close, and my panties ignite when his soft lips touch my skin. I catch his arm as a seductive wave of clean, manly Chad-scent surrounds me.

  He straightens just as fast. “Mother, I’d like you to meet Tabitha Green. Tabby, this is my mom. Evelyn Tucker.”

  “How do you do, Mrs. Tucker?” I get it together and hold out my hand, remembering the tiny bit of etiquette we were taught in grade school.

  “How do you do.” She shakes my hand, running her cool eyes over my outfit, my hair. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Table for three? Or are you expecting one more?” I don’t know the perky hostess, and I guess she must be a college kid.

  “Three,” Chad answers, and she leads us through the sparsely filled restaurant to a table by the window.

  I can’t help thinking it’s too bad the sun has already set. The Blue Crab has amazing views of the ocean. I worked here for about four months last year while I was going to community college.

  “Tabitha.” His mom studies me once we’re all seated and have our menus. “That’s an interesting name. Are you from around this area?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I grew up in Oceanside.”

  Thankfully the waiter walks up at that moment. “Welcome to the Blue Crab. My name is Kyle. Can I start you off with some drinks tonight?”

  Chad answers first. “I’ll have a scotch on the rocks. Mom, a martini?”

  “Yes, dry please with an olive.”

  “Vodka or gin?” Perky Kyle is looking at his pad, so he doesn’t see the withering glare Chad’s mom gives him.

  “It’s not a martini if it’s made with vodka. It’s a kangaroo cocktail.”

  “I’m sorry?” He finally looks at her, and his eyes widen slightly.

  “She’ll have gin,” Chad cuts in. “Brooklyn, or Beefeater if you don’t have it.”

  “I’ll have the same.” I nod, wishing I could make it a double.

  I’ve never been afraid of an adult in my life, but Chad’s mother scares the shit out of me. Does Chad care about her opinion? If so, how much?

  “Thank you, Charles, it is so hard to find a decent waiter these days.” She sighs, looking at the menu. “Your father and I have just about given up dining out unless we can get a table at Circa.”

  Charles? That’s something he didn’t tell me.

  Chad’s eyes briefly meet my surprised ones before he looks away. “What’s dad up to this weekend?”

  “Oh, he’s at our house in Kiawah.” She shakes her head in disapproval. “Can’t get that man off the golf course. I told you we have that issue in Burlington needing attention. I suppose I’ll have to get Darren to handle it.”

  “He’ll handle it fine. Darren’s been with the business since I was in high school.” Chad returns to me. “Sorry, my parents own some shipping companies—”

  “Logistics.” His mother corrects him.

  “Sorry, my family is in logistics. My father insists we use the correct terminology.” His smile is already exhausted, and I really want to slip my hand in his.

  I’m kind of starting to understand why Chad wanted to move to Oceanside. He left his overbearing relatives in Charleston. Sadly, mine are right here hanging over me—or one of them, at least.

  “Here you go.” Kyle is back, handing out the drinks. “And are we ready to order?”

  “I haven’t even looked at this. Charles, would you mind ordering for me?” His mother hands him her folded menu.

  “I can help if you want.” I lean forward, smiling. “I used to work here… a couple years ago.”

  I realize my error as the words leave my mouth.

  “Is that so?” His mother gives me a look I know means trouble. “Were you the manager?”

  “Um, no.” I shift in my seat wishing I’d never opened my mouth. “I was a waitress.”

  “Ah.” She smiles, but I know a fake smile when I see it. “A waitress.”

  The way she says it, you’d think I was a hooker.

  Her eyes go to her son, but Chad looks at the menu instead. “What do you suggest, Tabby?”

  I look down and give my best opinion based on two years ago. “Well, their blue crab bisque is delicious for a start, and as a main course, you can’t go wrong with the surf and turf. They serve it with grilled shrimp. Or if you don’t want a steak, you would probably love the crab claws du jour. They’re usually grilled and served with a light butter sauce and blanched asparagus.”

  His mother turns to me with her eyebrows raised. “Sounds like you were very good at your job.”

  She’s being condescending, and I shrug, flipping my menu closed. “It paid the bills.”

  “That all sounds great.” Chad, by contrast, is not being condescending. He returns my smile, and it calms my stomach a bit. “I’ll have the surf and turf. Mom, you want the crab claws?”

  “Whatever you think dear.” She pats his hand, and I barf a little in my mouth.

  He moves his hand away, taking her menu and handing both to the waiter. Then he looks at me with something like an apology in his expression. I’m wondering why he invited me tonight. His mom’s a judgy bitch. He should’ve known she’d hate me. I guess he needed a buffer?

  “I’ll have the bisque to start and a crab salad.” Kyle makes a note.

  “A bottle of sauvignon blanc for the table.” Chad adds at the last minute.

  More alcohol might not be a good idea. I’m still working on my martini, doing my best not to slug it.

  “How did—” Chad starts, but his mother’s laser eyes are on me again.

  She interrupts. “So Tabitha, who are your people?”

  My martini is halfway to my lips. “My people?” I take a quick sip as I
try to figure out how in the world to answer that question. “I’m not really sure.”

  “Tabby’s uncle is the Reverend Green. He’s pastor of the church in Oceanside.”

  “Her uncle? And what about your mother and father? Let her speak, Charles.”

  While the martini is still at my mouth, I just go ahead and take another, bigger sip. No point being something I’m not.

  “I have no idea who my father is, but my mother ran off and left me when I’d just turned three. Uncle Bob raised me after that, but I didn’t care for his nonstop God talk. I moved into the old parson’s cottage when I turned sixteen, and I’ve been taking care of myself ever since.”

  Chad’s lips press into a grin, and his mother leans back in her chair crossing her arms. “Is that so? And how does a sixteen year-old girl take care of herself?”

  I don’t like how she asks that question. “Turning tricks, of course.”

  Take that, Evelyn Tucker. I’ve been handling bitches like you all my life.

  A loud laugh explodes from across the table, and I drink a little more gin. “She’s only joking, Mom.”

  “About which part?” His mother glares at me, and I don’t even crack a smile.

  “Tabby’s a small business woman. She’s an entrepreneur like you and dad.”

  The woman’s eyes narrow. “What’s the business?”

  I’m about to say prostitutes when Chad answers first. “Website design. She’s pretty damn good at it, too.”

  “Language, Charles. Please.”

  Oh, smell the roses. Thankfully our starters are here.

  Kyle puts the soup in front of me and two small salads in front of Chad and his mother. “Shredded parmesan? Cracked pepper?”

  “No.” His mother is curt, but Kyle is doing a great job in my opinion.

  I put on my friendliest manner. “I’ll have some pepper.”

  He takes care of us and then he’s gone again. Back to the inquisition.

  “So you design websites.” His mother nods, taking another bite of salad. “Anything I’ve seen?”

  “Have you ever visited Pornhub?”

  Evelyn’s lips tighten, and our eyes clash. I’ve had it with her bullshit.

  Chad only shakes his head. “She just launched a major travel site called Travel Time.”

  I’m surprised he remembered the name. I break the ice-cold staring match I’m having with his mother and give him a warm smile. “You remembered.”

  “Of course I did.”

  That little exchange gets her attention. She puts her napkin beside her plate. “I don’t care for coarse humor. Perhaps I should return to your apartment, Charles.”

  Chad’s expression is startled, and now I feel like an ass. I’m ruining the evening, and I don’t mean to. It’s just my mouth…

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Tucker,” I say quickly. “I didn’t mean to offend you. Please stay for your dinner. I can leave if you’d prefer.”

  “Tabby, no.” Chad reaches out to catch my hand.

  I love feeling his warm hand around mine. His mother’s eyes go to that connection, and she pauses. I see the change in her expression, and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.

  Kyle is back with a busboy and all our food, and she takes the napkin, returning it to her lap. We’re all served, the wine opening ritual is performed, and finally we’re alone again with our entrées and glasses of wine. I kind of hope we can eat in silence, but I’m pretty sure that won’t happen.

  Chad takes a bite of his steak and sits back, giving me a wink. “This is delicious. Great call, Tabby.” He smiles, and that dimple I love appears.

  Evelyn seems to get her second wind. “Nan asked about you the other day.”

  Chad’s brow furrows and he shifts in his seat, clearing his throat. “Okay.”

  I’d taken a few bites of salad, but the way Chad is acting now makes my stomach tight.

  I know I shouldn’t ask, but I can’t help myself. “Is Nan your grandmother?”

  His mother laughs, and it sounds a little like breaking crystal. “Nan is from one of the oldest families in Charleston.”

  “Cool.” I put my fork down and lift my wine glass.

  “It’s just someone I dated.” Chad’s fork is on his plate as well, and my favorite dimple is gone. Now the muscle in his jaw is moving.

  “Dated!” Evelyn picks up her wine glass and takes a sip. “Why, she and Charles were engaged to be married before he left for Africa.”

  Oh. Nodding, I put my hands in my lap. Of course, he was. The star quarterback, captain of the football team, Mr. Graduated with Honors. I can just imagine the blonde Barbie type in a St. John suit and pearls holding his arm. I bet she was perfect for him, too.

  “That’s nice.” I don’t know what else to say.

  Chad acts disinterested, but engaged? That’s kind of major. “Tell her I hope she’s well.”

  “She’s not well. She’s as confused as all of us are about what you’re doing here being a sheriff’s deputy.” Evelyn takes another sip of wine. “I’ll be glad when you get this nonsense out of your system and come home where you belong.”

  Poor Kyle ventures up to the table at that moment. “Can I get you anything else?”

  “Just the check, please.” An edge is in Chad’s voice now.

  “What?” His mother cries. “So soon?”

  “I’m ready.” I can’t look at him.

  My eyes are hot, and I feel small and foolish. I wonder when he’ll wake up and realize she’s right. Why would anybody give up all the money and prestige she’s describing to stay in this silly town with me?

  No one ever has before.

  I really should accept Rani and AJ’s offer and get the hell out of here.

  “You’re awfully quiet, Tabitha.” Why is this woman talking to me again? “Thinking about your web designs?”

  Blinking fast, that strength in me rears her head. I might be a nobody bastard-orphan with no pedigree or prestige, but I’ve never liked bullies. And I’ve never backed down from one.

  “Actually, I was thinking about my next job. I think I just made a decision about it.”

  Chad’s eyes meet mine. “What is it?”

  I blink away from him, focusing on Evelyn. “Travel Time offered a job as a sort-of quality-control travel-scout for their company. They liked the website so much, they want me to be their woman in the field, testing existing packages and finding new ones.”

  “When does it start?” Chad’s expression is even darker now, but my eyes are focused on the stem of my wine glass.

  “They’re just waiting on me to make a decision. It’s sort of a dream come true for me. They’ll send me to the most exotic locations… The Great Blue Hole in Belize or Blue Lake, which is a true mystery. Divers have never found the bottom.”

  “That sounds terrifying,” Chad’s mother exclaims, and I don’t miss the change in her voice. She sounds almost thrilled to learn I’m headed to the far corners of the Earth.

  “I think it sounds amazing.” My voice is quieter. “And it’s a great deal. All I have to pay for are my meals.”

  “When did this happen?” Chad is not thrilled. He sounds really mad.

  “It just came up this week. After the soft launch.”

  “Here’s your check!” Kyle puts a little black tray on the table. “Thank you for joining us tonight at the Blue Crab! I hope you’ll come back again soon!”

  “We had a delightful time, thank you, Carl. You were a delight.” Evelyn touches our waiter’s arm, and I slide my chair back.

  “Thanks so much for dinner.” I’m talking fast, needing to go before I get pulled into anything more involving Chad’s mother. “I’m so sorry, but I have to get back to my place. I have some work to finish tonight.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Evelyn’s voice sounds the exact opposite of sorry. “It was nice meeting you, Tabitha.”

  “Nice meeting you.” I dare a glance at Chad, but he’s signing the c
heck. “Thanks again.”

  Turning on my heel, I head for the door before anyone can stop me. My hand is on the glass when I hear his voice calling for me to wait. I can’t do that. I’ve got to get back to my place and call Rani and AJ before I change my mind.

  Twenty-One

  Chad

  I hustle my mother out of the restaurant and into her Lexus. The only thing on my mind is getting her back to my apartment and getting to Tabby’s place. Tonight did not go how I’d expected at all. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t Tabby dropping a bombshell like that and walking out.

  The Blue Crab is all the way at the end of the strip, but since it’s the off-season, traffic is light. I fight the urge to speed home, only because I know I can’t. I’m sure Jimmy fucking Rhodes would be waiting in his Uber to let Robbie know.

  And I guess I am supposed to be setting a good example in the community.

  My mother hasn’t stopped talking even though my mind is miles away. Returning my focus to what she’s saying, I catch the last part.

  “…and after everything we’ve been through. I don’t know how you could get involved with a girl like that.” Her voice is sharp.

  My fists tighten on the steering wheel, and my jaw clenches. “A girl like what?”

  In my peripheral, I see her head snap toward me. “A girl just like Charity. She’s out of control. Did you hear the way she spoke to me?”

  I heard her.

  At the time, I thought it was pretty fucking funny. Now my stomach is in knots at the thought I might lose her, and I don’t have patience for my mom’s bullshit.

  Clearing my throat, I manage to speak calmly. “Tabby is nothing like Charity.”

  My sister acted out because she was desperately unhappy and not strong enough to stand up for herself. I’m beginning to understand her more.

  “That’s what you think.” My mother continues in her superior tone. “I know a wild girl when I see one.”

  “Tabby’s not wild.” I was wrong to listen to the gossip and pre-judge her that way. “Tabby doesn’t take shit from anybody. She stands up for herself. Cherry would never do that. She would only make bad choices.” Or do more drugs.