Page 37 of The Love Shack

Lawson nodded. “I’m making up some promo shirts for him—something Lark suggested. He used to be a physical therapist but now he’ll be running his own fitness place.”

“That seems to be a trend, people giving up one career to have their own business here.”

“Think it’ll change Cemetery?”

“Not as long as Betty is around.” The second she said the words, it hit her that at Betty’s age, any day could be her last.

Lawson reached across the table and took her hand. “Hey. What’s wrong?”

She hadn’t realized how she’d frozen until Lawson’s warm fingers closed around hers. It felt good. So good that she didn’t draw away.

And neither did he.

He frowned. “You’re not thinking of that dumbass again, are you?”

She nearly laughed. “No, so don’t bring him up. Actually, it’s just that I’ve gotten close to Betty. I don’t like to think about her age, but it’s a reality.”

He stroked his thumb over her knuckles. “A few years back, when I was working in Haiti, I met a guy who was one hundred and two. He spoke Haitian Creole, French and English. Sharp as a tack and he liked to debate everything—sometimes in all three languages.” Lawson smiled. “My own mother died shortly after she turned forty-five. Hard living, drugs, alcohol, who knows. I hadn’t seen her in years and then I got a notice that she was gone.” His hand slid from hers as he sat back again. “Betty’s still driving, and apparently she’s giving Oliver hell. No one would call her frail.”

Amazing. He’d just revealed all that like it was nothing. To Berkley, each bit of information, the sharing of his life, felt like a gift. The kind she never received, not since her mother had passed away.

She had dozens of questions, and a lot of sympathy to share, but she didn’t want him to regret confiding in her. “Anything could happen at Betty’s age.”

“To anyone, at any age, really. I don’t think you need to worry about losing her yet.”

Saul returned to the table with Lawson’s food. “Sorry for the wait. With the rain closing the beach, we’re swamped, even with all hands on deck.” He’d brought a fresh glass of cola for Berkley and also set out a dessert menu. “I’ll check back in a bit to see if you need anything else.” Snagging the chair they were no longer using, he then disappeared into the crowd.

Lawson picked up his sandwich. “Do you need to get back to the shelter soon?”

“Not unless the rain turns into a storm. A lot of animals get panicky with thunder and lightning. I’d want to be there for them.”

“Then how about coffee and dessert when we finish this?”

Her conversation with Betty stuck in her mind. If he was a keeper, did she dare extend her time with him? She didn’t want a keeper. Men were forever off her to-do list. Yes, she knew that made her seem shallow, judging all men by one bad experience.

But it had been really bad.

And yes, it also made her a coward. She didn’t care. Going through that shame, suffering the vile verbal attacks, the hatred, while also watching her mother’s life fade away... It was a nightmare she’d never be able to forget.

Betty had the right idea. Focus on the positive times. Look to the future.

Maybe have a little fun.

“Should I retract my offer?” His gaze was solemn, sincere. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”

With a crooked smile, she shook her head. “You didn’t. I just have the bad habit of overanalyzing everything.”

“Meaning us?”

Especially anything that had to do with him, but she shook her head and said, “Life in general. But yes, if the weather holds, I’d enjoy dessert and coffee.”

Concern remained in his eyes, but he accepted her answer. “Then I’m glad I asked.”

Now that she’d committed, she was glad, too. This was a much better way to spend a dark, rainy evening than sitting home alone, dwelling on things she couldn’t change. Looked like this would be the second time Lawson had made her evening better.

If she wasn’t careful, it might become a habit.

Lark ordered her own meal once she’d decided to intrude on Oliver. Belatedly, it struck her that he might have been meeting someone else. She watched him as the waiter set out their food, grilled chicken and vegetables for him, soup and a salad for her. They were each enjoying iced tea.

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