Page 97 of Beach Vibes

“I’ve been counting the days,” she admitted, watching him drive. His attention was fully on the road, and she knew he was paying attention to traffic. Rick was all about the details.

“Getting ready for finals is always exhausting,” she added. “This time more so because I wanted to be able to take the weekend off without worrying about school. But it will be worth it.”

He gave her a quick, warm glance. “I hope so.”

“I’m not worried at all.”

“Once finals are done, you’re taking the summer off?” he asked.

“I’m working, but I’ll be done with school. Technically I’ll have my associate’s degree.” She thought about the emails she’d been receiving from the college. “There’s a graduation, but I don’t know how I feel about going to it. I signed up to go, but I might change my mind. I kind of think I want to wait and just go to the one at UCLA.” She wrinkled her nose. “Teddy wants me to walk in the community college one. What do you think?”

“It’s just community college. I’m surprised they even have a graduation ceremony.”

His answer startled her. “For a lot of people, an associate’s degree is a big deal. There are many programs that don’t require a four-year degree, so for them, this is the only graduation they’re going to have. It’s a rite of passage, and—”

Some of her energy dissipated as she realized he was smiling. “What?” she asked.

“You have a lot to say on the topic. Maybe that’s your answer.”

She laughed. “Okay, so you said what you did to get a reaction out of me. I get it. And I hadn’t thought of it that way. Maybe I do care more than I thought. Plus it will be something Linnie will remember. That’s important.”

“A kid’s memories are forever.” He glanced at her, then back at the road. “Can I come?”

Deep in her chest, something fluttered. “To my graduation? Do you want to?”

“Yeah, I do. I think it would be cool to be a part of that.”

She smiled. “I’d like that.”

“So, decision made.”

She leaned back in the comfy seat. “How many graduations have you had? Twenty-seven?”

He chuckled. “Just two. College and medical school. There wasn’t anything after my fellowships.” His expression turned self-deprecating. “Except, you know, job offers.”

“Better than a certificate.”

“I thought so.”

“Medical school must have been expensive. I’m sweating nursing school and I have financial aid. You had what? A grant, plus the money Beth gave you and the money your uncle paid?”

“I had a scholarship for my bachelor’s. A mentor helped me get the money for medical school.”

“I thought Beth gave you her culinary school money.”

“She did. It was a few thousand and Uncle Dale gave me close to fifty thousand, but the rest came from a mentor.”

He sounded casual about the whole thing—especially Beth’s contribution. “But that money was all she had, and she gave up her dream of cooking school for you.”

Rick shook his head. “No, no, that’s not what I meant. I wasn’t dismissing what she did. It was great. I was saying it costs a lot of money to get through. I had help, and I’m grateful.”

Which sounded better, she thought. Sometimes Rick really didn’t say it right, but his heart seemed to be in a good place.

“She has the sandwich shop now,” she said. “It’s such a great business.”

“She’s happy there, and that’s what matters.” He looked at her. “You make me happy.”

“I’m glad.”

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