Page 40 of Beach Vibes

“I’ve always admired how mature you are.”

She stuck her tongue out at him, then flopped back against the chair. Dex was right about all of it. If she wanted to keep seeing Rick then she had to solve “the Beth problem.” And although she knew she’d been in the right, there was also a slight possibility she hadn’t helped by walking out of their dinner.

“How did this get so twisted so fast?” she muttered.

“Rick screwed up. He should have told you both when he figured out you knew each other.”

“He thought it was going to be a great surprise.”

Something flashed in Dex’s eyes, but he didn’t speak.

“What?” she demanded. “You’re thinking something.”

“I hope his motivation is that pure.”

“What does that mean?”

Dex paused before speaking. “I don’t know the guy, so I could be completely wrong.”

“But?”

“What if he’s better at all this than everyone thinks? He’s figured out what works for him, and that’s acting like the hapless nerd. What if he knows exactly what he’s doing?”

Jana tried to consider Dex’s point, but honestly she couldn’t reconcile a secretly smooth romantic player with the guy she knew.

“I can’t see it,” she admitted. “He’s too awkward. Too honest.”

Dex held up a hand. “Like I said, you’re the one who knows him. Not me. It was just a thought.”

“I know you’re looking out for me, and I appreciate it, but Rick’s a good guy.”

He rose and walked over to the chair, then pulled her to her feet and hugged her.

“That’s what I want for you,” he told her. “A good guy. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I’m going home. See you soon.”

She walked him to the front door, then closed and locked it behind him. Teddy had clients until nine and would let himself in the back door.

She checked on Atlas and Magnolia. The former was already in bed, asleep, and the latter smiled at her, looking up from the book she was reading.

“You’ll turn your light out at nine thirty?” Jana asked.

Magnolia sighed. “I’m very responsible. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I can’t help it. I love you. Worry comes with the package. Night.”

After a quick peek at a sleeping Linnie, then Orchid, Jana made her way to her own room and shut the door. Her mind was swirling with thoughts from her conversation with Dex.

She appreciated his ability to get to the heart of the problem. If she wanted to keep seeing Rick, she had to deal with Beth. Just as important, excluding Rick, she’d liked having the other woman as a friend. Which meant she had to find a solution, although what it might be eluded her.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw Rick had texted, asking if he could call her. Instead of answering in kind, she pushed the button to dial his number.

“I know the cool kids don’t want to actually talk on the phone,” he said with a chuckle. “I can’t help it. I like the sound of your voice.”

And just like that, all her upset faded. “I like the sound of your voice, too.”

“Yeah? That makes me happy. So, I was wondering if I could cook you dinner. I only know how to make one thing, but it’s pretty good.”

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