Page 87 of New Day at the Beach House

“Was what I did really that bad, Kat?” Hurt filled his gaze. “Everyone makes mistakes. Why don’t I get a second chance?”

“Because you cheated and that’s not something you should have ever done.” He still hadn’t taken the ring, so she set it on the hood of his car. Up to him now. “I’ve moved on, Ray. You should, too. I don’t want anything to do with you, but I don’t wish you any ill will, either. Just get on with your life.”

He finally picked up the ring and shoved it in the pocket of his creased khaki pants. There was dirt on them, probably from the tussle last night. His shirt was wrinkled like it had been slept in, which it probably had been. “I know you’ve moved on. You made that pretty clear last night. At least your new boyfriend did.”

She wasn’t going to deny that’s who Alex was. She was proud of him. And proud of herself. “What did you think I was going to? Sit in my room and pine for you? For what might have been? I’ve changed, Ray.”

“Yeah, you can say that again. You couldn’t have fixed your hair and makeup like that when we were together?” He fumbled for his keys, no longer making eye contact. “You won’t see me again.”

“Good.” She stepped back out of the road but stayed on the sidewalk. Something inside her said she should watch him leave. Partly to make sure he did, and partly because it felt like closure.

He got his door open, but he just stood there. “Is he really that much better than me? He looks like a beach bum.”

Kat shook her head. Was that what Ray was hung up about? What Alex looked like? “Yes, he really is that much better than you. He’s not a cheater, for one thing.”

Ray snorted. “Give him time. All men cheat. Look at your father if you don’t believe me.”

Kat’s insides went icy. “Get out of here before I call the cops.”

Ray leaned one arm on the roof of his car. “A day will come when you’ll regret leaving me. Mark my words.”

“No, it won’t. I am very happy. Happier than I’ve ever been.” She pulled her cellphone out of the pocket of her leggings, ready to make good on her threat. “Now get in your car and drive.”

He looked at her one more time. “I hope you get everything you deserve.”

She laughed. Was that supposed to be some kind of cryptic threat? “Same to you. And Heidi.”

He got in the car, slammed the door, and drove off, tires squealing.

Kat realized she was shaking. She didn’t like confrontation, but she thought she’d handled that pretty well. She turned and went inside, taking the elevator up this time. Reminding herself to breathe. Reminding herself she’d never have to talk to him again.

Her mom was waiting for her in the kitchen. “Sorry for eavesdropping but I saw most of that from the porch. Are you okay?”

Kat nodded. “I don’t mind that you were eavesdropping. I just needed to make sure he understands we are completely over.”

“Sounded like he did. I had Danny’s number up and ready, just in case you needed him to remove Ray again.”

“Thankfully, I didn’t, but I appreciate that you were on the ball.” Kat glanced at the coffeemaker. She was hyped up enough already that her first cup could wait until after they got back from walking. “I gave him the engagement ring back.”

“You did? Good for you.”

“I thought that would be a great way to illustrate what I was trying to tell him. He didn’t take it. I had to put it on the hood of the car. Then he took it.”

“Same result.” Her mom hugged her. “I’m proud of you, honey. That was a hard thing you did. But I’m proud of you for more than that. For getting the new job and taking care of yourself and not letting this stuff with your dad shut you down. You’re a strong, brave woman and I’m proud to be your mom.”

Kat smiled. “Thanks. I’m proud of you, too. With moving forward and not being afraid to let Danny into your life and the bakery stuff. All of it.”

Her mom shrugged, her cheeks rosy. “Danny was the easy part. Speaking of, we still need to do a double date. I’d like to get to know your Alex a little better than just meeting him in the driveway.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s up for it, too. We just need to work out the timing.” Kat’s smile slipped off her face as Ray’s words rang in her head. “Ray said all men cheat and that Dad was an example of that. Do you think that’s true?”

Her mom shook her head. “Not at all. I think weak men cheat. Men like Danny and Alex? Those aren’t weak men.”

“No, they’re not,” Kat said, feeling better already. “Ready to walk?”

“Very much so. Let me just grab my visor.”

“Yeah, I need my sunglasses, too. Meet you on the deck.”

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