Page 31 of Beach Vibes

He studied her. “I’m glad you’re happy here. I look forwardto meeting Linnie. When you think it’s time,” he added hastily. “You’re the mom.”

He was saying all the right things, but what really got her was the slightly wistful tone to his voice. As if he envied her having a daughter.

She wanted to confirm that he liked kids and maybe wanted a couple of his own, only she didn’t know how to ask without sounding like one of those scary women overeager to commit.

They walked to his car, where he held open the passenger door for her. Once she was settled, all her nerves came rushing back, and she had to remind herself to keep breathing.

“Tell me about your sister,” she said. “You mentioned the two of you are close.”

He drove out of the neighborhood. “We were always tight. Growing up, it was just us and our mom, and she wasn’t someone we could depend on. But my sister was always there for me.”

He glanced at her before returning his attention to the road. “I was always the weird kid. I was too smart, and for a long time, I was small for my age. I got picked on, but she was always right there, ready to defend me. I helped her with her homework. Once I decided to become a doctor, she was my biggest fan and did everything she could to help. When I graduated, she was cheering the loudest.”

Which all sounded nice, she thought, telling herself the evening would be fine. Rick and his sister were tight, the same way she and Teddy were there for each other. It was what family was supposed to be.

“I think I’m going to like your sister a lot,” she said firmly, as much to herself as to him.

“You already do.”

Jana had no idea what to say to that. How could she like someone she hadn’t met? But before she could ask, he was entering a small cul-de-sac.

“This is going to be fun,” he said as he pulled into a driveway.

Jana stared at the ordinary house and told herself whatever happened, she would get through the evening. There was no reason to be apprehensive. Only she knew she was lying, and by the time they reached the front door, she was nearly hyperventilating.

Rick knocked once, then opened the door, calling out, “It’s me.”

Jana had a brief impression of a comfortable living room before Rick’s sister stepped into view. Only it wasn’t Rick’s sister at all. It was her friend Beth, and how on earth could that be possible?

* * *

Beth stared at the woman next to Rick. No, not the woman. Jana. Someone she knew, someone she liked rather than some stranger she’d been terrified was going to be interested in her brother only for his earning potential.

“I don’t understand,” she said, looking from an obviously pleased Rick to Jana, who looked as confused as she felt. Rick was dating Jana? But he couldn’t be. The person he’d described was nothing like her friend.

“Surprise!” her brother said happily. “Isn’t this funny? When I figured out you two knew each other, I decided we all had to meet.”

Jana looked at him. “What do you mean? How did you…” She shook her head. “I don’t even know what to say.”

Rick pointed at Beth. “You were talking about the food bank and how you made friends with your mentor there.” He turned to Jana. “You mentioned the food bank one night at dinner. I put it together.” He sounded pleased with himself. “This is great.” He put his arm around Jana. “See, I told you that you already liked her.”

Beth did her best to reconcile how her brother had described the woman he was dating with the friend she already knew. The friend who had joked about marrying money, she thought, then told herself Jana had been kidding. Of course she had been.

“You said she had a son,” she blurted, remembering that detail.

Rick chuckled. “I didn’t want you to guess. I knew you’d enjoy the surprise.”

Beth didn’t bother pointing out he was wrong about that. She was unsettled and confused, and Jana looked equally unhappy. They stared at each other.

“I, ah…” Beth drew in a breath. “Okay, let’s just admit this is awkward and move on.”

Jana’s relief was visible. “Thank you. I’d like that as well.” She offered a faint smile. “I can’t believe you’re Rick’s sister.”

“I can’t believe you’re dating him.” She paused, remembering what her brother had said. “I thought you were in medical billing.”

Jana frowned. “I am. At the derm office. Why?”

Beth shook her head. “That’s what I thought.” She looked at Rick. “You said she was a receptionist.”

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