Page 10 of Beach Vibes

“I want to help.”

“You do. You’re a wonderful friend and member of this family, but you’re not paying for nursing school. Dex, come on. We had this fight already when I started community college. I want to do this on my own. I’m not taking money from Teddy, and I’m not taking it from you.”

“I can afford it.”

“Yes. You could also buy Rhode Island. So what? It’s not relevant. I already feel bad about living with my brother.”

The frown returned. “Why? He likes you here. When Valonia died, having you move in was about all that kept him together.”

Jana remembered how rough things had been back then.Teddy’s wife’s death had been a shock to everyone. One second she’d been fine and the next, she’d been gone.

“You helped him hang on, too,” she said. Dex had been a rock for all of them. He’d been the one to handle the funeral arrangements and had kept their lives running while they all grieved.

“We still miss her,” she added. “But the kids are doing great, and Teddy’s figuring out life without her.”

“It’s been over four years, and your brother won’t even talk about dating. I’d say he has a ways to go until we can say he’s figuring out life.” He pointed at her. “Speaking of which, isn’t it time you started having a social life?”

Her reply was automatic. “Given what happened last time I had a boyfriend, no.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

Her heart knew he was telling the truth, but her head and her gut still thought she’d been an idiot. The problem was she couldn’t figure out what she could have done differently.

She’d been so careful, taking things slow with Paul. She’d liked how he’d been involved with his kids and had shared custody with his ex-wife. It had taken her a few months to notice how “involved” really meant controlling.

“I was dating a guy who practically turned into a stalker and then slapped my kid,” she said flatly. “Hardly a testament to my good taste in men.”

“He wasn’t who you thought.”

“An understatement for sure.” She shook her head. “There were warning signs, and I ignored them. I won’t do that again. If I decide to date someone, I’m going to be sure about his character.”

“An excellent plan,” he said, his smile easy. “But before you can put it into action, you have to start dating. The next time a guy asks you out, say yes. It’ll be good for you.”

Her eyes widened as she suddenly remembered she’d done just that. “Too late. I already did.”

“You met someone?” He sounded more curious than concerned. “Spill.”

She quickly explained about Rick, the unexpectedly sweet and skilled surgeon.

“He was just so nice. Really genuine, you know.” She bit her lower lip. “I want to say he’s different from Paul and that I’ll be safe this time. I like him enough to take a chance, but in the back of my mind, I can’t help wondering if there’s something wrong with him I can’t see. Which is my past talking, right?”

“Of course it is. Don’t go looking for trouble. It’s one date. He’s taking you to dinner, right?”

She nodded.

“At worst, you’ll get a good meal out of it. At best, maybe he’s the one.”

“You know I don’t believe in the one, at least not for me.” Teddy was different. She’d seen how he had loved Valonia. Theirs had been a true grand passion. “I don’t have the Mr. Right genes or whatever,” she added. “But maybe a nice guy hanging around wouldn’t be so bad.”

He stepped toward her, gave her a brief hug, then kissed the top of her head. “You go, girl.”

* * *

Beth poured herself coffee and looked out the kitchen window. It was still dark with only the faintest hint of light coming from the eastern sky. For reasons not clear to her, she’d had a restless night and was up way too early. On the bright side, that circumstance meant there was plenty of time for a second cup of coffee when she finished her first one.

She’d barely settled at the table when her aunt breezed in and smiled at her.

“Good morning, darling. How are you today?”

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