Page 40 of A Little Twist

“Since Drake is hanging around a few more days, you can use it when you need to. Or, hell, wear it all the time. Whatever makes sense.”

Her lips are parted, and I remember kissing her, slipping my tongue between those soft pillows, tasting her sweetness. I remember her beautiful voice singing in the ocean so long ago,I believe in angels…

“Did you buy it for her?” Her question pulls me from my fantasy.

“What?” My brow furrows. “For who?”

“Penelope’s mom. Was this for her?”

I almost laugh. “No.” The thought of giving this ring to Jessica is ludicrous. “I saw it in a jewelry store in Hawaii, and I bought it.”

“I love it, but it’s not for me.” She shakes her head, looking down at the ring.

“Why not?” A touch of amusement is in my tone.

“I’m no angel. I’m a mess. I have no direction, I’ve had a million jobs, I still don’t know who I want to be, and I’m practically thirty.”

She has no idea how wrong she is.

Lifting my hand, I trace a lock of dark hair behind her ear. “I think you’re smart and curious. You’re a little wild, but what’s wrong with that? Even the angels take their share of bourbon.”

“What does that mean?”

“The angel’s share is the amount of bourbon that evaporates during aging.”

“Bourbon-drinking angels.” Shaking her head, she turns away. “That’s not me. I’m just like my mother—ask Drake.”

Anger tightens my stomach. “Drake is a douche, and I’d never agree with his sour-grapes opinion of you. I’ve never met your mother, so I can’t know if you’re like her, unless she’s kind and supportive of her friends.”

“When I was a child, I’d lie and tell people my mother was a Broadway singer so I didn’t have to tell them the truth.” Her voice is quiet. “The truth is she was a failed Branson climber, who never came back for me.”

Our glasses are empty, and I study the hurt in her eyes. “Then I’d say you’re nothing like her. After hearing you with my daughter, I can’t imagine you leaving a child behind.”

“Drake also said I was a gold digger.”

The anger in my stomach moves to my fist, and I expect I’ll have to pop that guy in the mouth one of these days. “If that were true, you’d still be with him.”

“I suppose.” Her eyes meet mine now. “You know what I’d really like? I’d like to find something that makes me happy, and then just do it forever—be very boring and predictable for the rest of my life.”

A laugh slips through my lips. “I can’t think of anything worse.”

“You’re one to talk. You measure every action, plan every step, control every outcome…”

“I wouldn’t be a single dad if that were true.”

“But it worked out for you, and you’re doing what you love and being predictable.” Her pretty eyes return to her empty glass. “I’m like a dandelion puff blowing in the wind.”

I trace the line of her profile, her upturned nose, her full lips. I remember how lost I felt in San Diego after Pinky was born and Jessica left. I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted. I thought about the past and the things I left behind, and I booked the next plane home.

This beautiful girl was only a memory then. Now she’s standing right in front of me. “You’re so much more than that.”

“You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough. I’ve known you since we were kids, and we have a month to get to know each other as adults. Maybe after that, you’ll see yourself the way I do.”

“You see me as wild. I think you’re being generous. Messy, yes, but wild?” Her dark head shakes, and I’m ready to pull her to me.

“You’re not afraid to try new things. You’re not afraid of bullies… And you like to swim naked in the ocean.”

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