Only when I got home after my (very last) date with Brian, I dropped onto the sofa and tried to relax, but everything reminded me of Paul. The pink heels I’d kicked off as soon as I walked in the door brought back the thrill of rappelling down the Geoffries hotel with him. The half-empty wine bottle on the counter reminded me of our conversation by the river where he’d opened up to me about his dad. The ballet poster in the living room transported me back to the theatre where I’d cuddled up to him so relaxed and secure, I’d fallen asleep.
Tears burned my eyes. He’d totally intruded on my plans to remodel my house. I tried to think about paint swatches and fabric patterns and cool furniture, but all I could think about were his sapphire-blue eyes, charming smile, and teasing voice. He’d even ruined my happy place. No way I’d take a glass of wine down to the river when all I’d feel is empty that he wasn’t with me.
I had my fifth date scheduled and my free labor lined up for the weekend so I should be ecstatic right now. Instead, I felt freaking miserable. If only I hadn’t craved that Geoffries Martini. . . .
Wind chimes tingled and I glanced at my cell phone. Kristen.
I pressed ANSWER. “What now? Please don’t tell me a certain fast food joint had wedding availability in their children’s playland sooner than Wok N’ Roll. I don’t think I could stand you getting married in a place where shoes are optional but socks are a must.”
“That’s funny.” Kristen laughed. “But fear not, my friend, Wok N’ Roll is off.”
I sat up slowly. “What do you mean by off?”
“You’re not going to believe this.” Kristen voice was calm and it was hard to know if I should be alarmed or not. “I just received a phone call from a woman at the Geoffries hotel. They had to relocate a charity event that had been scheduled in their ballroom for six weeks from now. Therefore, she said that date is available if Ethan and I want it. Six weeks from now, which is exactly when we want to get married. How incredible is that?”
My jaw dropped. “How can that be? It was booked out eighteen months from now. There has to be a long list of couples before you guys.”
“Whose side are you on?” She huffed. “Do you want me to get married with chopsticks in my hair?”
“No.” I laughed. “I’m just floored. That’s amazing news, Kristen. I’m so happy for you. Your mom must be thrilled.”
Just like my mom would be thrilled when she found out I was dating Milton. Blech.
“I’m going to let her stew for tonight and I’ll call her tomorrow.” She chuckled. “How are things with you? Your receptionist told me you went home for lunch, but I stopped by your house and there was no answer.”
“I’d planned to go home for a catnap, but Mel called with good news so I met her downtown at Cherie’s Café to celebrate her new job. She’ll be teaching first grade at a private school starting next week.”
“Good for Mel.” She paused and I heard beeping in the background. “I have to go. Ethan just texted me about some family rug his mom wants us to get married on. Oh, by the way, are you getting work done on your house? There was a silver truck parked in your driveway when I came by.”
“No. . .” My brows furrowed then something clicked in my mind. “Paul did say he had the name of a contractor for me. Maybe he gave him my address for a bid?”
“Paul with the dark hair and heavenly blue eyes? What ever happened with him?”
A slice of pain speared my heart. “Nothing.”
“Really?” She sounded surprised. “I sensed serious chemistry between you two. And, of course, Mel showed me the photo.”
I rolled my eyes toward the ceiling. “It wasn’t real, okay? I’d looked five floors down and freaked, so he was just distracting me.”
“Nice distraction.” She made a humming noise. “Talk to you soon. Bye.”
“Bye.” I pressed the END button on my phone, which immediately lit up with an incoming call from my dad. Knowing I shouldn’t avoid him any longer, I sighed and tapped the ANSWER button. “Hello?”
“Kaitlin, I’m glad you picked up.”
I crossed my arm over my chest, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you back, Dad. It’s been a long week. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, but there’s been a slight change for tomorrow. Meetings are scheduled in the afternoon now because, well, I won’t bore you with the details. Then my flight leaves at six so I’ll only have time to meet you for lunch.” His tone sounded apologetic. “I’ll have to see the house on my next visit. Is that all right?”
Disappointment crept through me, but I was used to this when it came to my parents. “No worries, Dad. Lunch would be wonderful.”
“One more thing, honey.” He paused and the silence stretched out. “I’ll be bringing someone with me.”
Did he mean . . . ?
“Her name is Jennifer and, well,” another long pause, “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
A bomb dropped in my stomach and it felt like I was twelve-years-old and he’d just announced he was moving out. I knew I should say congratulations, but. . . “I didn’t even know you were dating someone.”
“I didn’t want to mention her until I knew for sure it would last. I’m excited for you to meet her.” He waited and the silence stretched out. “I’ll see you tomorrow, honey.”
“Bye.” I stared at my phone: Call Ended.
First Kristen, then Mel, and now my dad. Everyone had good news except me.
What was I doing wrong?
****
Standing outside the Geoffries hotel, I took a deep breath before I entered through the double front doors to meet my dad and his soon-to-be fiancée (ick) for lunch. I knew it would be slamming salt in my wound to eat there but was I going to deny myself my favorite drink because of a man?
No way.
Sure, Paul had pawned me off on some guy whose name sounded like a board game production company. But what was so horrible, really, about Milton sending a box to my work this morning with a note saying he looked forward to Paul introducing us at the Black & White Ball tonight? It wasn’t exactly awful that the box had contained a gorgeous white strapless dress with a black satin sash in exactly my size. Yeah, I’d tried to hate the dress and all it represented of my mother’s wicked influence but—I kid you not—when I’d tried it on, I felt like a freaking fairytale princess in that thing. Milton may be extravagant, but he had good taste!
So . . . I’d hold my head high, smile through date number five, and have lunch wherever I wanted—no matter who worked there.
As I crossed the marble lobby a magnetic force pulled my eyes toward the concierge desk. No Paul. Instead, an elderly man stood there talking animatedly on the phone. Telling myself I didn’t care that he wasn’t there, I continued down the hallway. When I started to pass the lounge, my gaze darted to the bar. A blonde woman was pouring wine into several glasses. Again, no sign of Paul. My shoulders heaved in disappointment and I recognized that part of me had come here hoping to see him.
Maybe he wasn’t working today because he was working tonight?
Wait, why did I care when he’d rejected me? Get a grip, Kaitlin. It was good that Paul wasn’t here. Bad enough that I’d have to see him tonight when he introduced me to Milton. I started up the stairs to the restaurant.
“Kaitlin?” a female voice said.
I glanced up and recognized Paul’s co-worker coming down the steps. “Hi, um . . . ?”
“Alice.” She stared at me as if in shock. “What are you doing here?”
“Meeting my dad for lunch,” I said, wondering why she’d be surprised to see me. “Is Paul working today?”
My heart pounded and I wanted to kick myself for asking.
Her forehead wrinkled. “No, he’s . . . out.”
“Oh.” I kept my face blank since I had the distinct feeling she knew where he was and wasn’t telling me. Maybe beautiful Alice was the reason he’d passed me off to his friend. But that didn’t make sense either because he�
��d kissed me and I’d believed him when he’d said he preferred committed relationships. Although, I’d believed a lot of things in my life that hadn’t come true. “Well, nice to see you again, Alice.”
“Have a great lunch,” she said, in a tone that didn’t exactly scream jealousy.
“Thanks.” I flattened my lips, feeling like Paul had once again disappointed me, then I shook my head. I had enough problems to deal with. Namely, at the top of the stairs.
My dad stood in the waiting area wearing a navy-blue suit and his peppered hair was feathered back in the same style he’d worn since I was a little girl. He was bouncing on his heels next to a middle-aged brunette with a bobbed cut who was talking to the hostess.
“Hi, Dad.”
He turned around, looking nervous like a school boy about to ask a girl to prom. “Kaitlin.” He stepped toward me, leaned forward too quickly and bonked his forehead into mine. “Sorry, honey. Are you all right?”
With my hand on my forehead, I stared up at my normally calm, cool, and collected dad. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
“If you’re sure.” He moved slower this time and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Honey, this is Jennifer.”
I held out my hand. “Hi, Jennif—”
“I’m so happy to meet you!” She pulled me into a crushing hug. “Your dad talks about you non-stop. He’s so proud. Congratulations on your new home. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
Whoa. Not at all formal and reserved like I was used to. No, Jennifer was not what I’d anticipated with her warm and bubbly personality. I mean, she didn’t even sound like she was trying to steal my dad from me.
My head spun as she released me. “Um, thank you.”
The hostess showed us to our seats where I promptly ordered a Geoffries Martini. To my surprise, Jennifer ordered the same saying that this was my town and therefore I must know what was good. The constant chatter was a bit overwhelming but the more we talked, the harder I was finding it not to like her.
When we were just about finished with lunch, Jennifer excused herself to the restroom.
My dad set his fork down and dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “What do you think, honey? I’d love your approval before I propose.”
“Well, she. . .” I fought for any reason I could find for my dad not to marry her, but I couldn’t think of a single one. “Honestly?”
His hopeful expression froze. “Please.”
My eyes watered. “She’s wonderful. Of course you have my approval.”
Dad’s eyes got misty. “I’m sorry, honey. I know I blew it the first time around with your mom. I just couldn’t make her happy.”
I scoffed. “Nobody can.”
His brows came together. “From what you’ve told me over the years, she and Gary seem to do all right.”
That’s because my stepdad’s adoration for my mom made him oblivious to all of her shortcomings. Huh. “You’re right. They do make each other happy.”
“See? Things can work even better the second time around.” Dad’s voice quavered. “How is your love life? You must’ve had a rough time with the wedding called off last spring.”
My eyes widened in shock. My dad had never delved into my personal life. Ever.
Jennifer picked that moment to return to the table. “What did I miss?”
I turned toward her vivacious expression, wondering if her open personality had rubbed off on my dad. “Well, I—”
“Kaitlin,” came a familiar male voice.
Chills vibrated through me. Swallowing, I looked up into blue eyes and an unexpected rush of heat ignited my belly and curled my toes. “Paul? I thought you weren’t working today.”
“I’m technically not.” His dark-tousled hair appeared wet from a shower as he stood there in dark jeans and a short-sleeved button-up shirt. He looked amazing, as usual. Except. . . .
My eyes narrowed on a blue smudge just below his ear. “You have paint or something by your jaw.”
“Thanks.” He rubbed his fingers over where I’d pointed then turned to my dad and Jennifer. “How’s your lunch? Is there anything more I can get for you all?”
“Oh, sorry.” I’d been so surprised (and excited) to see him, I’d forgotten my manners. “Paul works for the hotel. Paul this is my dad and his girlfriend Jennifer. They flew down from Seattle.”
Paul held my dad’s eyes as he shook his hand. “How long are you in town, sir?”
“Call me John.” Dad gave him a firm handshake then slipped his arm around Jennifer. “I’m here on business today, with just enough spare time to meet my little girl for lunch.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Paul.” Jennifer smiled and my eyes bulged when she popped up and gave him a quick hug. “How did you and Kaitlin meet?”
Jennifer’s question didn’t seem to have any hidden motivations other than general curiosity. Interesting to note how different she was from my mom.
“We met here at the hotel, actually.” Paul gave me a side-glance and the dimple in his cheek deepened. “I was tending bar and she ordered a Geoffries Martini.”
Jennifer held her glass up. “Thanks to Kaitlin, I’ve had my first one. They’re delicious.”
Paul’s smile deepened. “Thanks to Kaitlin, I rappelled down my first building with her this week.”
Dad turned toward me with raised brows. “You did that, honey?”
I bit my bottom lip. “It was spur of the moment.”
Just like our kiss had been. . . .
“It sounds like you bring out my daughter’s adventurous side, Paul.” The sides of my dad’s eyes crinkled as he smiled. “And here I thought Kaitlin had ignored my calls all week because she was at home remodeling her house.”
My cheeks heated. “I meant to call you back, Dad.”
“Have you seen the house yet?” Paul said, seeming anxious for an answer.
The waitress came by, eyed Paul curiously, then quietly left the bill on the table.
“Unfortunately, no.” Dad shook his head and reached for the bill. “We’ll have to make another trip down for that.”
Paul lifted the bill, slipped it into his pocket, then nodded to my dad. “I’ll take care of this for you—perk of working for a hotel. Very nice meeting you and hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”
Jennifer and Dad turned to me since I’d pretty much been mute.
I cleared my throat. “Thanks, Paul. I guess I’ll, um, see you tonight.”
“Definitely.” With a final nod, he left.
A knot formed in my belly. It had seemed so natural with Paul here that I’d almost forgotten his rejection.
“He likes you.” Jennifer’s voice held a teasing tone. “Are you two dating?”
I shook my head. “He’s just a friend.”
“Seems like more than that.” She smiled knowingly. “Have you told him how you feel? It’s written all over your face.”
Worse, I’d asked him out. “Trust me, it’s not like that between us.”
She put a hand on my arm. “He’s into you, trust me. Isn’t that right, John?”
Dad looked from Jennifer to me. “Tell him how you feel, honey. Don’t wait as long as it took your old man to figure things out. If you want something, you have to go for it.”
“Oh, really?” I laughed, wondering when I’d get used to my dad being so forward with his thoughts. Such a new venture for us. But maybe some things really were better the second time around. Sure seemed like it for my parents and for Kristen, too.
If only it could be that way for me.
****
After making the driver wait for half an hour, I finally climbed into the limo that Milton had sent to take me to the Geoffries hotel for date number five. Yeah, this was the first time I’d been late in my life but I couldn’t stop thinking about Paul. Finally, I’d convinced myself I needed to be rational, hold my head high, and reach my goal. Five dates in five days and this was the last one.
My stomach roiled like I was making a hug
e mistake.
Why had Paul showed up at the restaurant to meet my dad? I couldn’t figure him out. Obviously Alice had told him she’d seen me there. But why would she do that? Both Jennifer and my dad thought Paul liked me but I’d asked him out and he’d said no. I’d put myself out there and he’d rejected me flat. Then he’d kick-punted me to his friend as if my mom’s type of guy was what I wanted, which wasn’t true.
I wanted Paul, but he didn’t want me.
Wind chimes tingled and I reached into my black satin evening bag for my cell. I checked the screen which showed an incoming call from Ellen. “Hello?”
“Is everything all right?” Her voice squeaked as if she were worried. “Are you on your way to the Black & White Ball?”
Unfortunately. “Yes. Why?”
“Oh . . . no reason. Just checking. Aren’t you supposed to be there at eight?”
I stared at my phone then put it back to my ear. “Since when do you monitor my dates?”
“Pfft. I don’t.” She gave a small laugh as if the suggestion were ridiculous. “I’m actually calling to thank you for your advice.”
I blinked. “What advice?”
“About the sex of the baby, silly. Hang on.”
I heard chatter in the background and a familiar female voice. “Where are you? Is that Ginger?”
“Sorry about that.” Her voice came out rushed. “Yes, that’s Ginger. We’re out and she said hi.”
“Hi, back.” I peeked through the rear window at the city lights as we rolled into downtown Sac. “So you talked to Henry about finding out the sex of the baby? And?”
“I told Henry how I felt and he said he had no idea it meant that much to me and of course we could find out the baby’s gender.” She laughed. “Can you believe that?”
Hearing the joy in my friend’s voice made me smile. “I’m happy for you, Ellen.”
“Thanks.” She lowered her voice. “So crazy that I spent all that time thinking he knew how I felt. Men can be so clueless. I have to go. Have a great date!”
License to Date (Better Date than Never) Page 9