I hesitated. “Why do you want me to go?”
Nick shrugged. “Because I know you’ll have fun.”
“Yes, but why do you want me to have fun?”
He opened his mouth and closed it.
“Nick?”
He hesitated. “Seeing other people sad makes me sad.”
I crossed my arms and pouted. “I’m not sad.”
“Okay then, let me rephrase that. Seeing other people happy makes me happy. Is there anything wrong with that?”
I shook my head. “No. Not at all.”
“Good. Because I would like to see you happy.”
I thought about it for another moment. “Before I say yes, do you have anyone in your family named Barney?”
He stared at me like I was crazy.
Maybe I was.
“No,” Nick answered.
I nodded, satisfied. “Good.”
He opened his wallet and pulled out a card. “But I did meet a guy named Barney who has a couple of bagel shops. He gave me this card for a free bagel.”
I pointed to the card. “Tear that card up now and never step foot in his shop ever, if you appreciate our friendship.”
Nick chuckled, then tore up the business card, sticking the broken little pieces back inside his wallet.
He slipped the wallet back in his pocket. “Done.”
“You didn’t even ask me why I wanted you to tear it up.”
“It doesn’t matter. It seemed important to you, so I did it. Remember what I said earlier? I want you to be happy.”
“Thank you. Count me in. I’ll go to your reunion with you.”
“Good.” He studied me for a moment. “You’re a rare bird, Ruth.”
“You are, too.”
We shared another laugh.
Nick stood. “Karma and I should get going.” He grinned. “Our family reunions are always the best. I’m glad you’re coming. Three o’clock tomorrow and we always stay to watch the sunset. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone special.” He winked.
I already had.
His name was Nick Morris.
And what Nick didn’t know was that I had agreed to go the reunion so I could spend more time with him.
Chapter Twenty
NICK
As I unfolded chairs on the beach at La Jolla Shores for our family reunion, my thoughts were on Ruth again and why she had been occupying space in my brain recently. I had come to the most obvious conclusion.
There was nothing sexier in the world than a confident woman.
Sure, she had issues, but who didn’t?
And even though I had told myself and Brandon countless times that I would not be traveling down that road again, there I was, bewitched by a woman who I just couldn’t stop thinking about.
I had told Ruth that there would be eligible bachelors at the family reunion and that was true. But what she didn’t know was that I used that as an excuse to get her there. I was the one who wanted to spend time with her, away from her house, where I was working for her.
I honestly couldn’t see how something could work out between us, considering what she did for a living and her work schedule, but for some reason that didn’t stop me from trying.
It was a beautiful day at La Jolla Shores beach, eighty degrees, and the sky bright blue and clear. I had grown up in the area and used to walk to this beach almost every day as a kid. It always brought back special memories when we got together there.
I already helped set up the canopies and tables for the reunion. Other family members set up the food and drink stations, while I unfolded the last few chairs.
We were ready for fun and just about everyone was here, except for Ruth. She told me it might be better for her to meet me here instead of picking her up, just in case something came up with her work that she had to take care of at the last minute.
I gave her a hard time about it because I didn’t want her to use work as an excuse for not coming, but she wouldn’t budge on it. She assured me she would be here, and I had felt better after I had received her text letting me know she was on her way.
And there she is.
Ruth waved from the beach entrance, about forty yards away.
She stepped onto the sand, and immediately kicked off her sandals, letting them dangle from the fingers on one hand as she walked toward me. She carried a very large bag in her other hand, plus a beach bag hanging from one shoulder.
“Who is that lovely woman, Nicky?” my mom asked.
My daughter, Lindsey, was also watching Ruth. “Dad, do you have a date?”
I shook my head. “You can both relax. She’s a friend.”
My mom watched Ruth. “A friend? With a look like that on her face? I seriously doubt that she’s just a friend.”
What look was she talking about?
I didn’t see a look.
The only thing I saw was Ruth looking relaxed, which was a refreshing change.
“I agree, Grandma.” Lindsey turned to try to get a read on my face. “Something’s going on. She’s glowing.”
“Nothing is going on.”
What was with it with these two?
Ruth dropped a sandal and stopped to pick it up.
She peeked inside the big bag she was carrying and then stuck her hand inside.
“Dad, if you’re worried I’m going to disown you because you’re going out with a woman that isn’t Mom, get over it. I’m twenty-one, not five. And most marriages end in divorce anyway, so it’s expected that you find someone else to hook-up with.”
“Hook up with? Seriously? You do not have a dad who hooks up.”
“You need to get with the times. Hooking up can mean just getting together or forming a relationship, and there’s nothing wrong or bad about it. What I’m trying to say is I’m glad you’re putting yourself out there again. It’s about time.”
I huffed. “I’m not putting myself out there. I’m right here. And I told you, she’s a friend.”
“Whatever. We’ll get the dirt from her since you’re no help.”
“You two take it easy on her. And don’t tell her any embarrassing stories about me.”
My mom placed her hands on her hips. “That’s half the fun of being a parent! I get to pay you back for all the years you drove me crazy. Now, tell me the truth. What’s going on between you two?”
“Hey, look at me!” I waved goodbye to Lindsey and my mom. “I can’t hear either of you talking.”
“Nicky!”
“Dad!”
I chuckled and decided to meet Ruth halfway, so she wasn’t immediately bombarded and overwhelmed by my mom, my daughter, and the rest of my family.
I had completely forgotten to tell everyone that I was bringing someone. I was not surprised by the sudden interrogation. This was going to be a shock for many people in my family since it would be the first time they had seen me with a woman since my divorce.
Ruth stopped in front of me and dropped in her sandals in the sand. “Hey.”
She wore a flower-patterned summer dress that hung just above her knees. I could see the string from her black bikini tied around her neck.
“Hey. Glad you could make it. You look beautiful.”
A smile slowly formed on her face. “Thank you.” She glanced around the beach. “Did you bring Karma with you?”