Fumbled (The Girls of Beachmont #1)

by T. K. Rapp

When he finished speaking, I knew who it was and my stomach flopped nervously.

  Nick was right: three days. I tried to play it cool.

  “This is Dani,” I answered, deciding to play dumb. “And this is?”

  “Tabor. From the other day,” he said.

  My knees wobbled slightly and I started pacing my small living room. I wanted to laugh at how stupidly I reacted to his voice because it wasn’t like me at all. I realized the silence had gone too long, and I desperately tried to find something witty to say but nothing came out. Truth be told, I’d never expected him to actually call.

  “Hello?” he asked.

  “Oh sorry,” I said, tripping over a pillow that had fallen off my couch. I walked over to have a seat, figuring I’d be safer sitting still. “I’m here. Just…cleaning.” I stumbled over my words.

  “If you’re busy I can call back,” he said.

  The room wasn’t remotely dirty, but it was all I could come up with on short notice.

  “No it’s fine. I was just…finishing up,” I lied and then scoffed.

  His soft laugh filled the silence and I smiled at the sound.

  “I wanted to make sure you got that tire fixed,” he stated. “I mean, I’m sure it was fine, but you never know.”

  “You’re good…I mean, it’s good. The tire. The tire is fixed,” I stuttered, running my hand over my face and laughing. “I took care of it the next day. Thank you again for helping.”

  “Not a problem.”

  The TV in my living room did little to fill the awkward silence that was taking over. I could hear Tabor breathing on the other end, but he didn’t say anything.

  “Well, it was nice of you to check on me,” I finally said when I couldn’t think of something better.

  “So that’s it?”

  “What’s it?”

  “I thought you were going to let me take you out.”

  I smiled. “Well, you didn’t ask.”

  I heard his laugh before he spoke. “So Dani, do you have any plans tonight?”

  There was nothing on my calendar, but I didn’t want to appear too available. He’d waited three days to call, just like Nick had predicted.

  But if there was some kind of game to be played, I wasn’t aware of the rules. Am I supposed to wait three days before accepting? Damn. The dating apps were looking better and better. All I had to do was click a box to tell them I was interested.

  Plus, I didn’t even know if Tabor had a girlfriend—or worse, a wife. I needed to know more before I agreed to anything.

  “Actually, I’m going out with some friends tonight,” I began, “but I was thinking that maybe I could take you out tomorrow…you know, as a thank you for helping me.”

  “But I called you,” he said.

  “What about your girlfriend?” I asked, my voice going up slightly at the mention of a partner, wincing as I awaited his response.

  “I’m afraid my girlfriend can’t make it,” he said.

  I slouched and my bottom lip jutted out, but he kept talking.

  “Maybe I could bring her along next time though. I mean, if you’re into that sort of thing.”

  I opened my mouth to say something, but with the disappointment simmering in my gut and my own mortification clouding my mind, I couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t make me sound pathetic.

  “Dani?” His deep voice echoed down the phone. “I’m kidding. I don’t have a girlfriend.”

  “Oh!” I chirped. “Okay. Good to know,” I said, playing off the rush of relief I felt.

  “And just so you know, I’m not in the habit of asking women out when I’m dating someone else,” he said.

  “Great answer,” I responded.

  “Another test? Did I pass?”

  “Yeah, I think you did.” I smiled, even though he couldn’t see it.

  “Cool,” he said confidently.

  I couldn’t stop grinning at the sound of his voice.

  “So what time should I pick you up?”

  And then the smile faded as I remembered what I was doing before he’d called.

  “I’m actually going to my sister’s tomorrow night.”

  “That’s all right,” he said, a hint of disappointment in his tone. “Maybe another time.”

  “Okay,” I agreed, though it lacked any sort of enthusiasm. Do not let this man hang up! the voice in my head shouted.

  “It was good talking to you. Have fun with your sister,” he said.

  No. No. No. I’m not going to wait around for him to call again! “Thanks.” Think, Dani!

  “Bye—” he started, but I cut him off.

  “I’ll be back around five,” I blurted.

  “Oh yeah? Okay, well, is seven good for you?”

  “I think I can do seven.” My heart slowed to a manageable level and I let out a breath.

  “Sounds like a plan,” he said. “What’s your address?”

  In a rare Dani display, I jumped up like a kid with a new toy and my smile threatened to split my face in two. And then in very Dani-fashion…I tripped and fell onto my ass. “Ow!”

  “Dani?” he asked, his voice full of concern.

  “Yeah, I’m okay,” I replied. “I’m a bit of a klutz.”

  “Why don’t you text me your address and I’ll pick you up then.”

  “If it’s easier, I can just meet you there,” I offered.

  “Call me old-fashioned, but I’d like to take you out the right way,” he said.

  “Oh. O…kay,” I stammered and smiled.

  It was if he were plucked from the description of what I’d told Grace I wanted in a guy. And since I was open to something new, someone old-fashioned was exactly what I wanted. And Tabor sweetly insisting on being a gentleman made my heart skip a beat.

  “Well, now you have my number, so you can text me,” he said. “Is that good for you?”

  “Yeah, that sounds good,” I answered.

  “Then I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.

  “See you then,” I replied evenly, though inside I was beyond giddy and I didn’t understand the reaction.

  We hung up and I sat on the floor where I’d landed moments before, immobile. It had been a while since I had looked forward to a date, despite Millie’s numerous attempts at setups.

  “I have a date,” I said out loud, feeling excited and nervous at the same time.

  I stood up and walked to my bedroom to get everything ready so I could go out with my friends, but then a surge of enthusiasm shot through me.

  “I have a date!”

  I turned into my bathroom and stared at my reflection in the mirror, seeing the spark of hope in my eyes. I pointed a finger at myself and narrowed my eyes.

  “Do not look at me like that. For all you know, he’s a world-class asshole who hides it well.”

  I shook my head at my words, knowing deep down he was a good guy. I wasn’t sure why I was so quick to believe that, but something in me held tight to that notion. He was a handsome, sweet, and funny guy.

  Crap! A guy I need to text!

  Me: 333 Antigua Hills Dr

  Tabor: Got it. See you at 7

  Me: Where are we going?

  Tabor: Have you been to Metropolis?

  Is this guy serious? Metropolis was only one of the highest-rated fine dining restaurants in the city, and that’s where he suggested going. I’d never been, but I’d wanted to try it for some time.

  Me: No. But I’ve heard of it

  Tabor: Do you like steak?

  Me: I do

  Tabor: Then you’ll love it

  Me: Sounds good

  ***

  After I texted Tabor, I took a shower and got dressed so I could get over to the school. I had planned on spending a few hours there every day of the week, so I’d have the rest of the summer to myself.

  Millie had her things taken care of a week before school ended. She needed to go back to turn in her keys and pick up a box or two, but she was otherwise done. I knew bec
ause I’d listened to her brag the other day.

  By the time I got to River Valley Junior High, there were a few teachers tucked in their rooms taking inventory and putting things away in boxes. We were told that the school would be getting new paint and floors, so everything had to be packed up.

  I visited with a few co-workers on my way to the classroom, and they told me of the plans they had with their kids. I didn’t envy them much, because they were going to be busy entertaining while I was busy catching up on my reading and trying to enjoy some downtime.

  As I walked out of my classroom with another box of books to turn in, I was stopped mid-delivery.

  “Dani, can I see you in my office when you’re done with that?” Principal Lopez asked.

  I nodded and made my drop-off to the library, and then walked back to the main office.

  “You ready for summer?” Linda, the secretary asked with a huge smile.

  “I am,” I answered. “You?”

  She glanced up at the clock and nodded eagerly. “One more hour.”

  “But who’s counting, right?” I teased. She grinned sheepishly and I nodded toward the principal’s office. “Is he in there?”

  “Yeah. Go ahead, he’s waiting for you,” she said and I felt my heart race.

  I had only been called into Mr. Lopez’s office once since I’d worked with him, and that was once more than I had ever been called as a student growing up. Trips to the principal’s office were something I dreaded more than visiting the gynecologist. At least with the doctor I knew what to expect. It wasn’t pleasant, but there weren’t any surprises. A visit with Mr. Lopez meant a lecture, a reprimand, or a request for help that entailed too much paperwork.

  When I knocked on the door, Mr. Lopez waved at me and motioned for me to come in and close it behind me.

  Not a good sign.

  I took a seat across from his desk and tried not to fidget. His space was covered with pictures of nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters. Since he’d never had any children of his own, the students at River Valley Junior High were his kids.

  “I know what you’re going to say,” I started, but he put a hand up to stop me from speaking.

  “I don’t know how you did it, but I have to say, I’m impressed.” He smiled kindly.

  Not what I thought he was going to say.

  I shook my head slowly, not knowing what he was talking about, but he continued.

  “I don’t think I’ve known anyone as dedicated to these kids as you are, but I’ve already gotten two phone calls from companies who want to make donations to River’s Kids. I’m proud of you,” he beamed.

  “Thank you, sir. But I just called them this morning,” I said, recalling the runaround that at least four companies had given me.

  “There’s still a ways to go, but this is a great start. And you have the rest of the summer to figure out how to get another year from this program. I don’t have to tell you what an asset it’s been to our students.”

  “I’m going to do my best, Mr. Lopez,” I said with sincerity. “I love these kids.”

  It was true. The students could be frustrating and mouthy, but at the end of the day they had one thing in common: they wanted something better.

  “I know you do, Dani. And they love you.”

  “Sir, I’ve contacted so many companies today, but there’s so much more to do and I’m at a loss. Who else can I contact?”

  “Have you tried the Gulls? The Quakes? The Ballers? Sometimes the major league teams can donate items.”

  “Don’t you think they get hit up all the time? Why would they take my call?”

  “It never hurts to ask.” He smiled.

  “So I’ve heard,” I responded. “Actually, I plan to go home today and look for more grants. Those served us well this past year—maybe we’ll strike gold again.”

  “If anyone can do it, it’s you, Ms. Miner. I have no doubt that River’s Kids will live to see another year. Great job.”

  “Thank you.” I smiled.

  I got up from my chair and started to leave the office but turned to face him.

  “Thank you for being so supportive of the program. I’m not sure many administrators would give their time and attention like you. So thank you,” I told him, and waved as I left the office before he could say anything.

  With a renewed sense of hope, I made my way to my classroom and closed it up. The rest could wait until the next day. I was eager to get home and research anything I could to get funding for my kids.

  C h a p t e r 5

  D A N I

  Tabor: Are we still on for tonight?

  Me: We’re good :)

  Tabor: Did you work today?

  Me: From home

  Tabor: Teachers can work from home now?

  Me: When they’re trying to get funding they can.

  Tabor: Funding??

  Me: My after-school program

  When he didn’t respond, I went back to my research. I had spent the better part of my day poring over website after website, looking at various foundations and sponsors for programs like mine. Between the two businesses that had contacted the school the day before, we had secured half the money needed. I still had a long way to go.

  My phone rang and Tabor’s name flashed on the screen.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey Dani, it’s Tabor. Can you talk?”

  “Yeah,” I answered, surprised that he called. “What’s up?”

  “You mentioned funding for your after-school program and I was curious.” He sounded like a businessman, not the flirtatious roadside hero from the other day.

  I really liked that guy.

  “Anything in particular?” I tried not to sound too disappointed about the reason he’d called. Not exactly something that gets you excited about a date later that day, but still nice that he took an interest.

  “Can you tell me about it?”

  I felt lightness in my chest and I smiled. Philip wasn’t interested in my program when I was trying to get it off the ground, but Tabor was a complete stranger who had asked more about it in two simple questions. I tried to focus on that, and not the fact that he hadn’t flirted with me at all.

  I took a deep breath and began recalling how the after-school program came to be.

  “I started teaching at River Valley two years ago, and noticed that many of my students came from single-parent homes. Others had two working parents, so the kids were going to empty homes for a couple of hours. Not the worst thing in the world, I know. But some of the kids were getting in trouble because they had too much idle time. So I went to my principal with the idea for River’s Kids.”

  “So the program’s been running for two years?” His intrigued tone was something I wasn’t used to when I talked about the program.

  “No. Unfortunately it took longer than I thought to get the grant money—a year, actually. But once we got it, it was only a matter of time until kids were lined up to participate. Several of my co-workers have given their time for an hour after school, which allowed us to open the door to more students.”

  “That’s impressive,” he said. “So did you apply for more grants?”

  “I’ve been in the process of doing that and talking to several businesses to see if they’d be willing to sponsor us.”

  “That’s great,” he said, not elaborating further.

  “So is this why you called me?” I asked coyly.

  “Yes,” he answered softly, adding, “and to make sure you weren’t going to back out tonight.”

  There it is, the flirting I’m looking for.

  “I told you we’re still on,” I laughed.

  “Just wanted to hear your voice to make sure you weren’t lying.” I imagined his cute smile appearing at his words, and it made my heart flutter.

  “Did I pass the test?” I asked him, using his words from the other day.

  “Yeah. You did,” he laughed. “We’re going to have fun tonight. I promise.”

 
“Are you always so sure of yourself?” I teased playfully.

  “There are few places in my life where I’m not sure of myself,” he quipped.

  “And those would be?”

  He sucked in a rush of air and tsked. “Maybe once I get to know you better I’ll let you know.”

  “Good thing I agreed to go out with you then, huh?”

  “I’m looking forward to seeing you,” he said sweetly. “I don’t go out very often.”

  “Oh? Why is that?” I asked, curious why the Greek god didn’t date.

  “Work,” he said quickly. “Work has me traveling a lot, so my schedule is pretty tough.”

  “That sucks,” I sympathized. “How are you going to meet anyone if you never get out?”

  “I met you, didn’t I?”

  “You’ve got me there.”

  “But really, that’s the least of my worries,” he muttered under his breath. “Just too busy, I guess.”

  I found myself unable to respond to his words because I found them confusing. In the brief conversation we’d had, I’d learned that he traveled a lot and he was likely too busy for relationships.

  I wasn’t looking for an ever after, but what was the point in going out with him if it couldn’t go anywhere?

  “I’m in town for a while,” he finally said, breaking me of my thoughts.

  “What’s that?” I asked, shaking the cobwebs from my mind.

  “I just realized how all of that sounded.” He chuckled lightly. “I’m not doing any traveling for the next couple of months.”

  “Oh, that’s great,” I said a little to eagerly. I didn’t know Tabor from the stranger on the street, but the idea of not getting a chance to get to know him had unsettled me.

  “I better let you go so you can finish up before tonight. I’ll see you at seven,” he said.

  “See you then,” I said before hanging up the phone.

  I sat at the kitchen table staring at my phone, wishing I had been more suave. Before Philip I had been outspoken and outgoing, but that had disappeared and I hated that I was missing that part of me. I had been fighting like hell to get back to my old self.

  The old me would have flirted easily. She would have made sure that Tabor knew she was interested in him. More importantly, she wouldn’t have needed to go to her sister to mentally prepare.