“I’ve never thought about making this my home,” she admitted. “I have Harlow and Austin to consider. Harlow’s on her own, but Austin’s planning on moving back home in the fall. He works for his father, so I couldn’t ask him to move here with me.”
“He could get a job here. I’m not sure about Harlow.” Lillian sighed. “I’m asking too much.”
“You’re not. It’s just a lot to think about.” Move permanently to Santa Barbara? She was tempted. “What about Mason? Wouldn’t that be awkward?”
“The house is big enough for twenty of us. Besides, I thought you liked Mason.”
Robyn thought about how capable he always seemed. He was strong without being dominating. She liked that he could simply be in a space without having to talk all the time. Plus the man was sexy. Not that she was going to admit that to her ninety-four-year-old aunt.
“I do like him, but visiting is one thing. Living here is another.”
“It’s still my house,” Lillian pointed out. “I get to say who lives here.”
Robyn smiled at her. “Yes, you do.”
“You could go to UC Santa Barbara.”
The college she’d almost gone to when she’d been just out of high school. “Now you’re really tempting me.”
“I’m trying.”
She thought about living in this beautiful house and taking classes at UCSB. “I’m still coming up with a plan,” she said.
“Just offering options. I think Mason should be one of them.”
“I wonder how he would feel about you planning his life.”
“Just the sex part.”
Robyn laughed. “That’s kind of a big step. I’m sure he’d want a say.”
“I think he’d be pleased. He watches you sometimes. There’s a sexy, brooding aspect that is very fun for me, as the observer.”
Robyn stared at her aunt. “What do you mean?”
Lillian’s smile turned sly. “He’s attracted to you. Haven’t you noticed? I’m guessing you’re also attracted to him.”
She was, but they weren’t going to talk about that. “You’re meddling.”
“Yes, I am. So...any interest?”
“Lillian! We’re not having this discussion.”
“Why not? Talking about it is all I have left. Are you afraid if you get involved, you’ll surrender yourself? You’re not twenty, Robyn. Mason isn’t Cord. You don’t have to give up yourself to be with a man.”
Robyn shook her head. “You’re far too insightful. Why can’t you talk about the past, like most old ladies?”
“You know I’m right.”
“You are. I gave up too much when I married Cord. Not because he asked, but because I thought being in love meant doing what he wanted. I was too young.” Her mistakes were the reason she worried about Harlow—something her daughter didn’t understand.
“Isn’t it smarter to be strong enough to be your own person rather than avoiding love completely because you’re afraid of what you have to give up?”
More insight and it wasn’t even lunchtime. “I thought we were talking sex,” she said, her voice teasing. “Now you want me to fall in love?”
“I want you to be happy, my dear. I want you to have the life you deserve, with a wonderful man who loves you, a career you enjoy, and dozens of grandchildren.”
“I want that, too, and I’m doing my best to figure out how to make it happen.”
* * *
Harlow finished work, then swung by the grocery store for the ingredients for spaghetti. Her mother would be disappointed to know her only daughter was going to settle for jarred sauce, but there wasn’t time to make anything from scratch.
In Austin’s apartment, she boiled water for pasta, then cooked the sausage she would add to the sauce. She’d just finished making the salad when Austin walked in.
“Hey,” he said with a smile as he crossed to the kitchen. “You weren’t kidding earlier when you said you’d fix dinner.”
“I owe you for letting me stay here.”
“It’s been two nights, Harlow, and you’re sleeping on the sofa. It’s no big deal.”
“It is to me.”
More than a place to sleep, she thought. Austin hadn’t asked any questions. Not here and not at work. He also hadn’t said a word when she’d ignored Kip’s texts and phone calls.
“Besides,” she said, faking a smile. “Tonight’s my last night. I’m heading home tomorrow.”
“You sure you want to do that?”
“No, but I can’t avoid him forever.”
“You’re not leaving him?”
She flinched at the words. Leave Kip? “I love him.”
“Just checking.” He leaned against the counter. “I’m quitting my job.”
“What? Austin, seriously? Why? What will you do?” Panic seized her. What if he left her and moved away?
“Because Dad won’t listen. I’ve made a bunch of appointments, and he won’t sit down with me.”
“What do you want to talk about?”
“My future. I’m not like you. I don’t want to take over the family business. I don’t have a fancy degree and a business plan. I just need time to figure a few things out, and I wanted to talk to him, only he won’t listen.”
“I’ll listen. Austin, don’t quit.”
“I’ve made up my mind.”
Which was Austin’s way, she thought. He took his time making a decision, whether it was about what color shirt to buy or what to do about college. Once he made his decision, he couldn’t be swayed.
“What are you going to do?” she asked.
“I’m going to drive across country to see Mom for a couple of weeks while I figure out my next step.”
Harlow felt a stab of envy. “I wish I could come with you.”
“You can. Road trip. It’ll be fun.”
She smiled. “I have a job with responsibilities.”
“Adulting sucks.”
“Sometimes, yes. And speaking of that.” She pointed to the table. “That needs to be set, and you have to start the barbecue so we can cook the garlic bread.”