by SJ McCoy
“I hardly think so. We’ve been on one date. And besides, I live in Ventura, and he lives in Laguna Beach.”
“Of course. Sorry. But stranger things have happened, you know. Clay McAdam moved here. So did Seymour Davenport.”
“That’s who he is!”
Roxy gave her a puzzled look.
“We ran into them last night. It took me a minute before I realized that Clay was Clay McAdam. I thought Seymour looked familiar as well, but I couldn’t place him.”
Roxy winked. “We have our very own pack of silver-foxes here.”
Audrey had to laugh. “You can say that again.”
“And there’s Zack’s dad, too.”
Audrey frowned. “Oh, Diego?”
“Yes. There’s quite a few girls in town who were very disappointed when they saw your friend leaving with him yesterday.”
“Well, according to Izzy, they have nothing to worry about.”
“No? She doesn’t like him?”
Audrey shrugged, suddenly wondering why she was telling Roxy this. “She claims not.”
Roxy seemed to sense the change in her and sat back. “So, what does your day hold? Are you sightseeing, shopping or relaxing?”
“First of all, I’m going to go over to the plaza for breakfast, and then I might do a little shopping. I treated myself in Hayes the other day, and I think I might treat myself to another outfit or two while I’m here.”
“Oh, you should! Holly has such gorgeous clothes, and she’s so clever in helping you find what works for you. I heard that Roberto’s here, too. If you’re lucky, you might get both of them at the same time. It’s usually pretty quiet in the plaza on a Monday morning.”
“I like the sound of that. I’ll get going then. You have a good day, Roxy.”
“Thanks, and you, too, Ms. Patterson.”
“Call me, Audrey.”
“Okay. Have a good one, Audrey.”
She enjoyed the feel of the sun on her back as she walked over to the plaza. It was going to be a warm day. When she reached the square in front of the clock tower, she glanced over at the café but decided to keep on going and see if Hayes was open yet. She wasn’t really hungry, she could get breakfast later, and the thought of having not only Roberto but also Holly Hayes herself to help find her some more outfits was too good to pass up.
The store looked to be open, even though it wasn’t ten o’clock yet. The door opened when she pushed it, and she went inside. The first person she saw was neither Roberto nor Holly, but Marianne—one of the women Ted had introduced her to last night.
“Audrey, isn’t it?” Marianne greeted her with a smile.
“Yes. It’s nice to see you again, Marianne.”
“Well, hello, gorgeous!” Roberto came hurrying toward her. “How was your evening? I’ll bet you were the belle of the ball. Are you back for more of my magic?”
Audrey smiled. “It was wonderful, thank you.”
Roberto winked. “I’ll bet horrible him was kicking himself when he saw you. That was some way to make a statement about your new beginning, girlfriend!”
Audrey glanced at Marianne, who had politely turned away and was looking at a display of earrings, but who must still be able to hear every word.
Roberto’s eyes grew wide, and he mouthed, Sorry!
It was hardly his fault. “It was a good evening, thanks. And Richard did seem impressed with the dress.” She said it more for Marianne’s sake than Roberto’s. She didn’t want her thinking that she’d been in here talking about Ted as some horrible him!
Roberto smiled. “Exes are like that, darling. They’re too dumb to know what they have until they lose you. Anyway. That’s not why you’re here. So, tell me, what can I do for you?”
“Berto, can you come and … oh! I’m sorry.” A young woman came out of the dressing room with a tape measure in one hand and a pen and paper in the other. She smiled at Audrey. “I didn’t know there was anyone here. I’m Holly, it’s nice to meet you.”
“You, too. I’m Audrey. And don’t worry about me. I’m happy to wait.” She nodded at Roberto. “I’m in no hurry, I can browse.”
Roberto followed Holly into the dressing room, and Audrey turned to peruse a rack of blouses.
Marianne came to stand beside her. “Sorry about that. My sister, Chris, is back there. They’re fitting her wedding dress.”
“That’s lovely. She must be so excited.”
Marianne nodded. “It is. She is.” She chuckled. “Well, I think she’s more anxious about me and my dress. I still haven’t found mine.”
“You’re her … bridesmaid? Maid of honor?”
Marianne laughed. “Oh, sorry. I thought you might know. I’m getting married, too.”
“Congratulations. When?”
“As soon as I can figure it all out. I don’t have a dress. I don’t have a date. Clay’s been so patient with me, but Chris is starting to stress out over it. I told her all she has to worry about is her own wedding.”
“Let me guess; you’re sisters, but you’re total opposites?”
Marianne nodded. “Yep. She’s the organized one. I told her early on that I should probably hire a wedding planner, but she insisted that there’s no need. That I can do it myself. She forgets that planning and organizing are not my idea of fun.”
Audrey almost suggested that she should get in touch with Ally. She’d been working as a wedding planner for the last couple of years and was about ready to branch out on her own. But it didn’t seem appropriate. “Perhaps you should go ahead and hire one?”
“I’m starting to think it’s the only way we’ll ever get married. Either that or we could elope, but I don’t think that would go down too well.”
“Probably not, though if I were you, I’d be tempted to do that.”
Marianne smiled. “How long have you and Ted known each other?”
Audrey swallowed. She and Ted had deliberately avoided telling his friends that they were on a first date last night—she didn’t even know why, but they had. Still, Marianne had seemed as if she knew. “Not long.”
“I thought so. Am I right in thinking that when we all assumed you were together, neither of you wanted to say in front of the other that you have no idea where this is going yet because you only just met?”
Audrey chuckled. “That about sums it up.”
“I like Ted. You don’t have anything to worry about with him. He’s …” she thought about it for a moment or two, then smiled. “He’s a man of integrity. I know that probably sounds like a strange thing to say, but that’s who he is. I think he and Diego had some murky past, but they’re above board and well-respected members of the business community these days.”
Audrey nodded. She wasn’t sure what she could say to that.
“Anyway, sorry.” Marianne waved a hand. “Are you just here on vacation, then?”
“Yes. I run an advertising agency, and things have been crazy for the last few months. I came here for the weekend for my children’s birthday party, and my assistant, Izzy, talked me into staying here for the week to get a break and decompress.”
“Is she here with you?”
“No. She’s holding down the fort at work. I say she’s my assistant, but she’s so much more than that. She could run the place and never miss me.”
“Are you here by yourself, then?”
“Yes. Just getting some me-time.”
“That’s wonderful. A girl needs some of that every now and then. But if you want some company other than your own—or Ted’s—we could have lunch, if you like? I’m home alone this week. Clay’s going back to Nashville, and Chris and Seymour are heading up to Montana to see his family.” She smiled. “You can say no, of course, but if you want to meet up …”
“I’d love to.” She liked Marianne and felt as though the two of them could become friends. It’d been a long time since she’d made any new friends, and this week was supposed to be about new beginnings. “Whatever suits you, wheneve
r suits you. I’m up for it.”
“Well, what are you doing when you get finished here?”
“I planned to have a late breakfast at the café. I haven’t eaten yet.”
“Want to call it an early lunch?”
“That’d be great, and we can go whenever you’re ready. I can come back and shop another time.”
“No, you’re fine. You’re here to shop, so shop. And besides, you can’t pass up the opportunity of having both Holly and Roberto here. I’m in no hurry to get going anyway.”
And shop they did. It was twelve-thirty by the time they emerged from Hayes, each laden down with shopping bags.
Marianne grinned. “Chris won’t believe that I bought so much.”
“It’s a shame she couldn’t have stayed, too.”
“It is, but this morning was just a quick stop for her before she and Seymour left for Montana. They’re due back on Thursday; maybe the three of us can do something.”
Audrey nodded. She liked the idea of that. She’d expected this week to be more of a solitary retreat. She'd never have expected that she’d be dating and making new friends.
They found a table out on the terrace of the café, and she sat down with a sigh of relief. “I don’t remember the last time I did this much shopping.”
Marianne laughed. “Me neither. I’m not much of a shopper, but that was fun.”
Audrey watched as Marianne waved at a man who was sitting on the other side of the terrace. He was probably in his mid-forties. Good-looking, rugged—he looked as though he knew how to take care of himself, and probably of anyone around him, too. She was intrigued as to who he might be and how Marianne knew him, but she didn’t like to ask.
Marianne caught her expression and smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m not making eyes at a younger man while Clay’s not around. That’s Adam; he’s Clay’s security guy.”
“Oh, I see.” She really didn’t see. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to date someone as famous as Clay McAdam, and to have a security guy—did that just mean bodyguard?—follow you around.
Marianne seemed to know what she was thinking. “It’s funny how life changes, the things you get used to that not so long ago would have seemed ridiculous.”
“It doesn’t seem ridiculous,” Audrey said hurriedly.
“I thought it was at first,” said Marianne. “Unfortunately, I found out all too soon that it’s necessary, too. And Adam’s a great guy; so is Davin, his colleague. I just kind of see them as family now.” She smiled. “Anyway, tell me about your family? You said you came here for your children’s birthday party. How old are they?”
“Thirty.” She blew out a sigh. “It’s hard to believe that my babies are thirty. They’re twins, Ally and Brayden. What about you, do you have children?”
“I have a daughter, Laura. She has one of the shops here … the jewelry store.”
“Laura Hamilton? She’s your daughter? You must be so proud of her. I love her jewelry.”
“Thank you. I’m very proud of her. And of her husband, too. Smoke. He’s a pilot.”
“Do they have children? Are you a grandma?”
“No.” Marianne gave her a rueful smile. “They’re both so independent and busy with their careers. I do have a little bit of hope. Laura always used to say never when it came to having babies. Lately, she’s been saying never say never, and even Smoke is starting to get a little broody. Some of their friends have little ones, and I think they’re starting to wonder if it’s something they should consider before it’s too late. Selfishly, I hope they do. I’d love to have a grandbaby or three, and I think they’d make wonderful parents. But all I can do is wait and hope. What about you?”
“No. My two just had their thirtieth birthday, but neither of them is looking to settle down yet.”
“What do they do?”
“Brayden works in cybersecurity. He’s always been the techy type. Ally’s the outgoing one. She’s worked all kinds of jobs over the years, but for the last few, she’s been a wedding planner.”
Marianne clapped her hands together. “Does she freelance? As you know, I could use her help!”
“I thought that when you first mentioned it, but I didn’t want to seem pushy. And besides, I don’t know if she could help you anyway. She still works for an outfit in Ventura. She’s done a couple of her own weddings, but I don’t know if she’s ready to travel this far afield yet—or even if the two of you would hit it off. She says that’s one of the most important factors. The bride and the planner need to get along.”
“Well, if you want to run the idea by her, maybe we can set up a time to talk.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.”
“I only want something small and simple and local. Clay’s fans would love some big deal fancy affair, but that’s not who I am, and I’m the one getting married.”
“You seem so down to earth. Was it difficult adapting to his kind of life?”
“No. I was worried that it would be, but he’s such a wonderful man. He’s pretty down to earth himself. It’s a pity he’s not here this week. I’d love to have you and Ted over for dinner. Maybe next time?”
Audrey laughed. “I don’t know that there’ll be a next time. Last night was our first date. We’re both here visiting for the week, but …” She shrugged.
“I’m not a betting kind of girl, but I’d put money on there being a next time. You two just seem right together.”
Audrey smiled. She felt the same way. There was something right about being with Ted, but she had to remind herself that she was probably just getting carried away. Dating for the first time in over thirty years was fun and exciting, but it was hardly likely to go anywhere. Just because she felt that she and Ted understood each other didn’t mean anything. At least nothing more than the fact that they could have a fun week together.
Chapter Eleven
“Mom, Mom, can Ethan come over?”
April frowned. “When?”
“Now.”
“Not tonight.”
“Aww, but we have math homework that we want to do together.”
Eddie pursed his lips. “Because neither of you can manage to figure it out by yourselves? Come on, dude. More like, you want to play video games?”
Marcus shrugged. “Maybe, after we get done with our homework.” He shot Ted a sly grin.
“But Grandad’s here because you asked him to stay. Ethan can wait until next week. You see him all the time.”
Marcus gave Ted a conspiratorial grin. “I bet Grandad wouldn’t mind going to see his new girlfriend instead, would you?”
Ted chuckled. “I’m staying out of it. I’m here if you want me; I’ll get out of the way if you don’t.”
“You’re not in the way!” Eddie said adamantly.
Ted felt bad. He’d only been joking.
“No, you could never be in the way, Grandad,” said Marcus. “I love you being here, but are you really going to tell me that you don’t want to see your new girlfriend again?” He grinned. “Remember, when I was little, you promised me you’d never lie to me.”
Ted had to laugh. “I would never lie to you. But you’re not putting me on the spot like that. I told you once. I’m staying out of it. I’m not going to be your bargaining chip against your parents.”
Marcus blew out an exaggerated sigh. “Fair enough.” He turned back to April. “So?”
April looked at Eddie and then at Ted.
“Well,” said Eddie, “if you don’t want to make the most of the time you could have with your grandad …”
Marcus made a face. “I do. It’s just …”
Ted took pity on the kid. He didn’t like seeing the struggle on his face. “It’s okay. I get it. I’m here all week. I know you want to see me, but you don’t need the rest of your life to stop because of me.” He smiled at April and Eddie. “I don’t mind if you don’t.”
Eddie shook his head. “He and Ethan have been waiting for this new game to come out for mon
ths. But …”
“It’s fine. I’m here all week. None of us thought that me staying meant that we had to be in each other’s pockets the whole time, did we?”
“That’s right,” agreed Marcus.
“If Ethan comes, I want to see your homework finished, both of you, before there’s any video games,” said April.
Marcus grinned. “Sure. It won’t take us long.” He came and wrapped his arm around Ted. “Thanks, Grandad.”
Eddie looked at Ted. “You know we don’t want you out of the way, right?”
Ted laughed. “Of course, I do. I want to see you guys just as much as I want to see Marcus.”
“Almost as much,” said Marcus. “You want to see them, but you want to see me just a little bit more.”
Ted chuckled. “I told you. I’m not going to be the source of any tension around here.”
“Well, what do you think?” asked Eddie. “Do you want to come down to the dock and fish with April and me, while Marcus and Ethan stay cooped up inside playing video games?”
“I’d love to.”
Marcus made a face. “That’s not fair.” He loved to fish with them, but Ted knew this was Eddie’s way of making a point.
“Of course, it’s fair,” said April. “You’re the one who gets to choose. You can’t have it all ways.”
“I know.” He was a good kid, just trying to find the balance between wanting to do his own thing with his friends and wanting to spend time with the men in his life. He looked at Ted. “You’re going to come back tomorrow, right? And every night this week?”
“Maybe not every night,” said Eddie.
“But, we can go fishing before you leave?”
“Of course, we can.”
Once Ethan arrived, he and Marcus disappeared into the bedroom, and Ethan’s mom, Megan, stood chatting with April. Eddie looked at Ted. “Want to head down to the dock?”
Ted loved sitting out here with Eddie. It was an old wooden dock that reminded him of where he used to take Eddie as a kid. It made him happy that Eddie loved this place so much. It was a nice property, down on the water, but nothing fancy. Eddie could buy any of the bigger houses in town; he could have a grander place and a much nicer dock if he wanted, but he chose not to. He said that for April and him, the priority was to have a place where they were comfortable, a place that felt like home. They didn’t need fancy.
