Page 39 of Beach Vibes

Jana was practically frothing by the time she got home. With her brother still working and the kids with Dex, the house was silent, but for once she didn’t find the quiet comforting. As she couldn’t settle, she spent the next hour pacing rather than using the time to study. She was so pissed, but she knew that under the energy was a lot of hurt she didn’t want to face.

Dex arrived home with the kids around seven. After the usual wild and loud greeting, everyone got settled in the family room for a little wind-down time. But instead of leaving, Dex sat downwith the battered copy ofThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeand picked up where Teddy had left off. Jana told herself to use the time to get a few things done, but found herself pulled into the story, drawn by Dex’s perfect “radio voice” and the adventures of the four siblings.

She dropped onto the sofa next to Linnie and pulled her daughter close. Linnie snuggled in and whispered, “I love this story.”

“Me, too.”

Ninety minutes later, the younger kids were in bed and the two oldest were in their rooms. Dex followed Jana back into the family room before asking, “Want to talk about it?”

“I’m fine.”

He flashed her his famous smile. “You are such a bad liar. I’m not saying that isn’t a good thing, but I could see the second I walked in that something had happened.” He sat on the sofa and patted the cushion next to him. “Tell Uncle Dex what’s going on.”

She drew in a breath, then eased into an overstuffed chair opposite the sectional. “Things blew up with Beth tonight.”

“What happened?”

“I don’t know. She was talking about Rick and how she worries about him and that she’s always been afraid he would get involved with the wrong sort of woman.”

“She doesn’t trust his judgment?”

“No, and just between us, I wouldn’t trust his judgment, and we’re just dating. Plus it turns out there were other women in his past who took advantage of him, so she has reason to be cautious.”

“Sounds reasonable. So what’s the problem?”

She glared at him. “You know what the problem is.”

“She thinks you’re not good enough for her brother.”

The blunt words made her wince. “That’s so harsh.”

“Am I wrong?”

“No. She wasn’t directly talking about me, but when she described the woman she always hoped Rick would fall for, it definitely wasn’t anyone like me.” She slid to the front of the seat and stared at him. “I get I have a checkered past. I’ve screwed up big-time. I’m flawed. But I would never go out with a guy because he was rich or successful. I care about the person.”

“Does Beth believe that?”

“I don’t know, and that’s where it all went wrong. The way she acted the other night…” She sucked in a breath. “If you could have seen her face when she realized I was the one dating her brother. She was upset and disapproving. Part of me understands that she’s protective, but she knows me. Or she should. I’m a good person.”

“So what happened tonight?”

“She was going on about the perfect woman, and I realized I would never be what she wanted for him. I told her I was obviously good enough to hang out with but not good enough for her brother to date. Then I stomped out.”

The smile returned. “You always did have style.”

“Thanks, but this time style isn’t enough.” She glared at him. “She should be a better friend.”

“I agree.”

“And she’s wrong about me.”

“Yes, she is. So what are you going to do?”

Jana frowned. “There isn’t anythingtodo.”

“I meant are you and Beth still going to be friends or is that done? And if the friendship is over, what about dating Rick? If things get serious, then Beth is going to be a part of your life, kid. You said they’re tight which means there’s no escaping her. If you want the relationship to work with him, you’re going to have to find a way to get along with his sister.”

She knew the truth of his words, but she didn’t like it. “I’m not the problem. She is.”

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