Page 14 of Beach Vibes

She had to agree. He was nearly six inches taller than her, with broad shoulders and plenty of muscle. But the need to protect, to be responsible for him, had never gone away.

He grabbed a couple of bottles of iced tea from the refrigerator, and together they walked to the living room to catch up before dinner. He didn’t offer her a cocktail or wine. Rick never drank when he was on call.

They took their familiar places—her on the sofa, him in one of the oversize chairs. The space was open, with high ceilings and a view of the Pacific Ocean. The condo had been expensive—certainlymore than she could ever afford—but when she’d seen the listing, she’d known it would be perfect for him. He’d protested spending so much, but she’d talked him into it. Rick worked so hard. He deserved a great place.

She liked to think that she had, in her own small way, been a piece of his success. When Rick had gotten into medical school, they’d both been daunted by the cost. Yes, he could easily take out loans, but they would have left him a hundred thousand dollars in debt. Her Uncle Dale, Agatha’s late husband, had offered an alternative. If Beth would buy the sandwich shop, then Dale would give Rick fifty thousand dollars.

She’d been saving for culinary school—it had been her dream since she and her brother had come to live with their aunt and uncle. While she’d enjoyed working in the sandwich shop, she’d never thought about staying…until Dale had made his offer.

She’d barely taken two days to decide to buy the business. After all, she would only have been a chef at the end of her training, and the world hardly needed more of those. Her brother was going to save lives. Now, all these years later, she knew she’d made the right decision. She loved her business and couldn’t imagine doing anything different. Just as important, Rick was exactly where he was supposed to be.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“I was just remembering when you got into medical school. We were all so proud.”

He gave her an easy smile. “I was mostly terrified. What if I wasn’t the smartest one in class anymore?”

“Plus the cost.”

His expression turned momentarily quizzical. “Right. That. Uncle Dale came through for me. And then I got a grant to pay for the rest of it.”

“A lucky break.” In the end, Rick had graduated without any debt. She sipped her iced tea. “I just wish you’d find someone.”

“There’s a change in subject.”

“Not really. I was thinking about how great the condo is and how you’re happy at work. All that’s left is a personal life. You need to start putting yourself out there. You’re a great guy with a lot to offer.”

“You’re my sister. You have to say that.” He shifted in his chair. “It’s not that easy for me. I never know what to say.”

“Start with hi.”

He raised his eyebrows. “You haven’t been on a date since you and Ian split. I’m not sure you’re the one I should be taking dating advice from.”

“Fine,” she said with a groan. “But take advice from someone. I need nieces and nephews in my life.”

Her phone buzzed. She pulled it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen, then frowned at the text.

Just saying hi and letting you know we’re still interested in having you join our mentor program. Could we get lunch?

* * *

“What?” her brother asked. “Something with Agatha?”

“No.” She waved her phone. “A few weeks ago, I went to a meeting for women small business owners—just to network and maybe learn a few things. While I was there, a woman approached me and asked me about being a mentor.”

He stared at her in surprise. “Who would you mentor?” Before she could protest the question, he nodded. “Oh, wait. Right. Other small business owners. Makes sense that you all network. You should do it.”

“I don’t know that I have much to offer.”

“Don’t say that. You’re doing good, Beth. I was worried when you bought the business. I thought it might be too much for you, but you’re thriving.”

“Thanks,” she murmured, wondering what he’d been worried about before. She might not be college material, but she was a successful small business owner. Although when she’dfirst bought the business, she’d mostly been scared, so maybe he had a point.

She rose. “Come on. You can set the table while I make the salad.”

They walked into the kitchen, then took turns washing their hands. While Rick dried his, Beth reached out and lightly touched the small scar on his cheek. It had faded with time and was barely noticeable, but she still remembered how raw and jagged it had been the night he’d gotten cut.

She’d been thirteen, and he’d only been ten and small for his age. Their mother’s boyfriend at the time had been home alone with them. He’d gotten drunk and had come into Beth’s small room, talking about how pretty she was and how there were things he was going to teach her. She hadn’t known exactly what the guy had been talking about, but she’d been scared in a way she’d never been before.

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