Page 14 of Beyond Perfect

“Do you mind if I ask why you didn’t have money?”

“Both my parents died when I entered high school. They only left us the house. Caleb had a church downstate, and he got custody of me.”

“You had it tough. Bummer about your parents.”

“We were both shell-shocked.”

“I’m glad you had each other.”

“Me too. I came back to Westwood and he moved here not long ago. We’re renovating my parents’ house. It’s fun to do it with him.”

“I’ve heard rumors about why he came back here.”

“Yeah, it’s no secret.”

“Did they ever find the bomber of his church?”

“No. And you probably already know his wife had an affair with the youth pastor.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I did hear the gossip. The poor guy.”

“Caleb spent all his time consoling the families of his congregation and she got bored. I almost hate her for cheating.”

“Nah, you’re too nice to hate somebody.”

“I try to be a good person. But I’m no pushover.”

“The kids made that very clear. They talk in front of me. They say everybody knows not to cross you.”

“I’ve come down hard on them when I’ve had to.”

“Yeah, they say that too.”

“Tell me about your family. How you grew up.”

“Sure.” Hal talked happily about his very normal upbringing. It was fun to be with a man who didn’t brood about his upbringing. Then again, Jackson was in a gang. She guessed he had a lot to brood about.

After dinner, she took a peak into the private room. It was lovely. Then Hal walked her to her car. “So, is a small kiss okay?”

“A kiss would be great.” She actually meant it.

He brushed her lips with his. Pressed some but didn’t take it any further. “Tell you what,” he said afterward. “I’d like another date. If you would too, shoot me a note and let me know.”

“You can count on it.”

As she drove away, she thought about Hal. A sweet, uncomplicated guy. Maybe she could fall for him!

* * *

God, he hated these things. Jackson tugged at the collar of his tux as he approached The Westwood Hotel entrance. He sighed before he opened it. He had to be congenial tonight when he felt anything but. At least it was a cocktail party and not dinner.

Once inside the ballroom, he got a drink then went to mingle. He found some acquaintances at one of the high round tables placed all over the room. He crossed to them. “Hey, everyone.”

“Jackson. Good to see you.”

“You, too, Mark. I hope you brought your checkbook.”

“I did. Pathways makes miracles happen. My sister’s kid went there a while ago, and it straightened him right out.”

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