Page 45 of Running Home
Flustered, Jen tossed her heavy purse andwinter coat with a thud onto the counter, knocking over the stackof magazines Payson had been planning to use for brainstormingdécor ideas when the shop was slower. “We did. I came to tell youin person that we’re moving to Denver,” she dramatically sighed,quite the martyr.
Ronan rolled his eyes. Thank goodness Paysontook things in stride by comparison.
Payson’s voice was a blend of congratulationsand disappointment; whether she was being genuine or not, she was atalented actress. Handy if she ever decided to become a spy. “I’mso glad you two worked things out. Do you feel good about thedecision? Did Tony hear your concerns?”
Bubbling excessively, Jen responded, “Yes, ofcourse. There are plenty of museums I can apply at in Denver. And,with his raise, I won’t even need to work right away.”
He could almost picture Payson’s sweetdisposition, supportively nodding as her sister spoke.
Jen continued, “The real reason I’m here isthat I want to apologize for the last time I was here. Youshouldn’t rush into anything. I think it’s great you’re notsettling for anything less than your soulmate. Why don’t you moveout with us? See if you have any better luck in Denver. Cara’sthinking of making the move when she graduates in a few years.”
Payson refused as politely as possible, “Thatis so kind of you. I’ll pass, I-”
Persisting, Jen couldn’t be stopped. “Thereare a lot of single guys in Denver. I met a few of Tony’s newcolleagues. Several that would be perfect for you: successful, goodincomes, steady jobs. I’m sure they would love… old stuff, like youdo.”
Wow, she was a real treasure. Did Jen knowher sister at all?
Payson was trying to stay calm. Jen waslooking at her sister with such condescension. She continued, notletting Payson speak for herself. “We’ll have you happily matchedwith one of Tony’s investor friends in no time I’m sure, marriedwith beautiful children and settled in a nice house. I’m sure wecan relocate your shop without difficulty.”
“Jen, stop, please. I’m not going anywhere.I’m happy in Seaview. I like where I am.” Payson maintained afriendly disposition, but was clearly strained, trying to maintaina sense of calm.
Before Jen could interrupt, Payson continued,“I don’t want to marry an investor and settle in a perfect house ina perfect neighborhood. I want marriage and kids, but I’m not inany rush. Besides… I’m actually seeing someone here inSeaview.”
Jen rolled her eyes, arms folded and headshaking like a mother scolding her young child, “Come on, Payson,in this tiny fishing town? Who is he - the barista from the coffeeshop across the street?” She was laughing mockingly as she listedthe local possibilities that she clearly thought to be quitepaltry. “A bartender? A fisherman?” On a roll, she was shockingherself with her own creativity, she dug lower, “Your grubbyhandyman?”
Nearly in tears enjoying himself, Ronancouldn’t take it anymore. Remembering a cover he’d used a few yearsback, he pulled off his t-shirt and tucked it into the waistband ofhis jeans. He splashed some water in his hair and rubbed it allover to appear sweaty and like he’d been exerting himself.
Strutting out from the back room, heinterrupted Jen’s ridicule of him. “Pace, I just finished thoseshelves you needed done. If you don’t mind, the ladies’ club needsme to come in a little early today. I have a new routine I’ve beenworking on if you want to help me fine tune it, maybe latertonight?”
Enjoying Jen’s look of total astonishment, hewent for the gold. He walked up to Payson and grabbed her by theass, pulling her pelvis against his as he leaned in for a steamy,erotic kiss, his tongue halfway down her throat until her brain wascompletely wiped of everything but him. Leaving both womenspeechless, he turned and strutted right out the back door.
…
Finding her words, Jen finally managed tospeak. “Payson, was that…”
Payson threw her head back in sparklinglaughter. “Yes, that’s Ronan. My shop boy who’s name you couldn’teven remember.” Done placating her sister, Payson enjoyed Ronan’sinterruption more than she could say. “That’s the man I’m seeing.No, he’s not what you would have picked out for me. He’s so muchbetter.”
Jen wasn’t letting it go. Setting her arm onher sister’s, she shook her head patronizingly. “Sis, I understandyou need a rebound. I thought you were past the rebound point fromClive, but if you need more time, I get it.”
“I will miss you so much. I love you, Jen.Thanks for always wanting the best for me. Trust me when I say,I’ve found it. Let’s promise to make it out to see each other a fewtimes a year. I’ll still call the kids every week, ok? But, please.Let me choose my own dates. I want Ronan, in whatever form thatcomes.”
Pulling her sister in for a hug, Payson saidgoodbye and sent her flabbergasted sister on her way.
Ronan made his way back into the shop an hourlater, carrying bags of takeout for both he and Payson. “Youclosing up soon? I grabbed fish and chips from next door. Meet youupstairs in five?”
She closed up shop for the night and dashedup the stairs, not sure if she wanted to knock his block off orkiss him for shocking her unflappable sister. Walking into herapartment, he took her breath away yet again. He’d decked the placeout for a romantic living room picnic. He had their fish and chipscleverly plated, beers poured, candles lit on the coffee table, andfire blazing.
“So… stripper, huh? Guess they didn’t needyou to work tonight after all?” She teased as she sat down at thecharming picnic. Tearing into the fresh fish, she dunked thedelectably breaded cod in tartar and finished the first piecebefore he had time to answer.
“Sorry about that. I just couldn’t resist.”He grinned, quite pleased with his cleverness.
Shaking her head, Payson sipped her hoppybrew and watched Ronan’s very poor apology. “You’re not a bitsorry, and she totally deserved it.”
Reaching across the plaid blanket to wipe asmear of tartar from the corner of her mouth, Ronan licked thetartar off his finger. “Yeah, she deserved it. Did you sayanything?”
Enjoying the image of her sister’s completeand utter shock, Payson shook her head. “Nope. If you decide youwant to become a stripper, you go right ahead. You certainly hadthe look down.”
Swallowing the handful of salty fries he’dskillfully eaten in one bite, Ronan raised his eyebrowssuggestively, “I think I might enjoy that. Want to see my routine?I wasn’t kidding about that.”
