Page 94 of Beach Vibes

He sat back down on the stool. “You’re the expert on the topic.”

“I am.” She slid lasagna and the rest of the chicken parmesan onto a plate and put it in the microwave. While it heated, she put the leftover salad into a bowl and added dressing.

Teddy got himself a beer from the fridge then held up an open bottle of white wine. She nodded, and he poured her a glass.

“So, you’re ready for your calculus final?” he asked.

“So ready that I’m thinking I should switch and become a math major.”

He grinned. “Good for you. I’m proud of you, kid. You work hard and you get results.”

“I’m feeling a little smug myself.”

She was in a good place with so much of her life, she thought happily.

The microwave beeped. She got out the plate and put it in front of Teddy. “Eat.”

“Thanks.”

For a minute or two there was only silence as he dug into his dinner. She wondered if he bothered to feed himself during his long days and figured the answer to that was no. When he was out of his regular routine, he went into caretaker mode, and ata big event, there were far too many people who desperately wanted his time and attention.

Only a couple more days, she told herself. Then he would be home, and Beth could work her magic on him. The kids were going to want to hang out with their dad for sure, but Jana was confident he would make time for both.

“Why are you smiling?” he asked.

“I’m thinking funny thoughts,” she told him. “I’m good at entertaining myself that way.”

“It’s a gift.” He studied her. “You okay about me and Beth?”

“Yes. I was just thinking she’s good for you. Why would you worry?”

“She’s your friend. I’m your brother. You’re datingherbrother. It’s complicated.”

“It’s very LA, and yes, it’s all good. I’ve been waiting for you to be healed enough to find someone to care about. I’m happy that’s where you are.”

“You never set her up with Dex,” he said.

“Why would I do that?”

“He’s single. She’s single. It seems like a natural fit.”

“Beth and Dex?” She shook her head. “I don’t see it at all.” She smiled. “Besides, now she’s taken.”

“That she is, and tell Dex not to forget it.”

“I’m pretty sure he already knows.”

19

“Jana told me about your period being bad,” Teddy said, his voice warm with concern. “She says I should just let you be and see you on Sunday like we planned, only I happen to be a skilled practitioner when it comes to acupuncture, and that can help.”

Beth felt her eyes start to burn. She wasn’t much of a crier, but lately her emotions had been right at the surface. While she desperately wanted to see Teddy, she was terrified to actually be face-to-face with him. How could they be in the same room without her blurting out what she’d seen and what Rick had done? She hated knowing she had to lie. It was her nature to be honest, but her brother had made that impossible.

No, she thought grimly. Not Rick. The decision to keep quiet had been hers. If he hadn’t agreed to stop seeing Galaxy, shewould have come clean, but once he’d admitted what he was doing was wrong, she’d felt obligated to protect him.

There was probably a bit of self-interest in there, too, she admitted, if only to herself. Because spilling the truth put her relationship with Teddy at risk.

“I appreciate the offer,” she said, her voice low. “But I’m going to pass. Give me a day or two and I’ll be fine.”

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