by SJ McCoy
Austin held his gaze long enough that Cal wanted to tell him to spit it out. Eventually, he did.
“Can I be frank with you?”
“I expect you to be.”
Austin smiled. “Of course. It’s just that Dallas just got his license. He’s good, and I’ll be his backup, I’ll watch all the details. But I’d like him to get his first sale, and if you’re looking at Lakeside … it’d be a good first deal for him.”
It would. Even three percent of the sale price would be a handsome commission and a great start to a career. “What about you?”
“I want him to find his feet. I want him to stick around.”
Cal grasped his shoulder, liking him even more. “Okay, then. You have him call me and set something up. Do you want me to take it easy on him or ...?”
Austin chuckled. “I’ll let you be the judge of that. That’s why I asked you. I get the feeling he could probably pick up some life lessons as well as real estate experience from working with you.”
“Have him call me.” Cal let himself out. He’d be happy to help. His smile faded when he remembered the look on Teresa’s face when she left. Ah, well. She was beautiful, but he didn’t need to deal with that kind of crazy. He’d be happy to stay out of her way.
Chapter Three
“Are you sure you don’t want to go out? I can stay home and watch Skye for you. I don’t mind, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Mom, but really, I’m pooped. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a full week like this at work. We’re going to play for a while.” She dropped a kiss on top of Skye’s head. “Then, once she’s gone to bed, I’m going to do my nails and watch a movie.”
Teresa wished that Elle would show some interest in life here. She’d love for her to pick up with some of her old friends and settle back in. But so far all she’d wanted to do was work and hang out at home with Skye. Of course, she was a wonderful mom, and that was the life she’d been used to from what Teresa could gather. While her boyfriend had thought it was just fine to go gallivanting with his friends—and other girls—it sounded as though he’d been domineering with Elle and Skye. He’d wanted them at home.
Elle waved a hand in front of her face. “Hello? What are you thinking? Don’t tell me that you’re changing your mind about going out? You deserve it, Mom. I feel bad that you almost had a date, but he turned out to be a pig. You should see what this friend of Manny’s is like. She waggled her eyebrows. Nina’s done well for herself there. I never did like Abbie’s dad …” She stopped. “That’s a horrible thing to say now that he’s dead, isn’t it?”
Teresa shrugged. “No. It’s just how you feel.” She wanted to move on from that subject. Elle’s instincts about the man Nina had been married to for thirty years were spot on. But she couldn’t tell her that. Abbie still thought the sun had shone out of him.
“Anyway. You should go.”
“I think I will.” She went to little Skye, who looked up at her with a smile.
“See you tomorrow, Grandma.”
Teresa wrapped her up in a hug and then set her back down again. “See you tomorrow, sweet pea.” She looked at Elle. “I’ll give Nina a call and then take a shower and get ready.”
Elle smiled. “Don’t be on the phone with her too long. You know what you two are like; you’ll chat all night. Keep it short and talk to her when you see her.”
“I’ll try.” Teresa took her phone through to the kitchen and dialed Nina’s number.
She answered on the second ring. “Hi. I was about to call you. You are coming, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
“Good. I had a feeling you were going to drop out. I know you love having Elle and Skye home, but I haven’t seen you in ages. And I need you to even up the numbers tonight.”
“Even up the numbers?”
“Yeah. Leanne’s out of town, she had to go back to San Francisco, so Ryan will be by himself, and Manny’s friend, Cal, is going to come out. I don’t want to be the only woman with three men.”
Teresa laughed. “I think a lot of women would envy you. Three good-looking men all to yourself. Well, two and what’s Manny’s friend like?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t met him yet. But I’m hopeful.”
“I hope you don’t mean on my behalf?”
“Of course, I do! Can you imagine? Don’t you think it’d be great if you ended up getting together with Manny’s friend?”
Teresa laughed. “We’re not in high school anymore, Nina. It’s been more than thirty years since our days of double-dating.”
Nina laughed with her. “I know. I’m getting carried away. But it is a nice thought.”
“Yeah. Nice, but hardly realistic. And besides, I’m off men.”
“What? Why?”
“Nothing.”
“No, come on, tell me. Last time I saw you, you were talking about going on another one of those adventure vacations—in part to meet an adventurous man. What’s changed? Oh … is it because of Elle? Because she’s home?”
“No! It’s not that at all. It’s just ... there was a guy in the salon today.”
“Ooh. Tell me more?”
“There’s nothing to tell. He was a good-looking guy, sexy. Just my type. We hit it off, there was something there. He even asked if I wanted to go for a drink afterward.”
“And you didn’t go?”
“No. Because I went to take a call and when I came back, he was texting. I peeked; I know I shouldn’t, but I’m glad I did. He was texting his wife saying to tell the kids he’d be home when he could get there and love you, miss you.” She shuddered, mostly at the fact that she’d had a narrow escape—but partly in disappointment, too. He might be a horrible human being, but they’d definitely had chemistry.
“Oh, Terry, that’s awful. Did you throw him out?”
“No, he was almost done anyway. But perhaps I should have told him what I’d seen. I’m hoping it was just coincidence, but I ran into him two more times after that. I’d swear that he followed me to the grocery store, and then he came into Austin’s place when I was there, too.”
“No?”
“Yeah, but like I say, hopefully it was just a coincidence.”
“I’m going to tell Manny.”
Teresa laughed. “There’s no need. Just because you had your own stalker doesn’t mean that I have one now, too. And even if I did, it wouldn’t be Manny’s problem.”
“I won’t tell him you said that. He’d be mad at you. He takes care of all his people and you’re one of his people because you’re one of my people. He’ll take care of it.”
“There’s nothing to take care of, Nina, really. You’re just getting carried away. And besides, I’m not sure I want to hear any more about how you have this big, strong wonderful man who’s so in love with you that he’ll look out for me, too, just because I’m your friend, while all I have is a creepy married dude following me around—even if he was a very good-looking creepy dude.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Listen. I’m going to go and get ready, otherwise I’ll be late. And we don’t need to be talking on the phone. We can talk properly later.”
“Okay. Do you want us to come get you?”
“No! I’ll see you there.”
“I just thought …”
“I know, and you’re the sweetest. But honestly, I’m fine. I’ll see you there.”
~ ~ ~
Cal walked into the Boathouse at seven-fifteen. He liked to get the lay of the land before others showed up. He wasn’t surprised to see that Ryan was already there, sitting alone at one of the picnic tables out on the deck.
“Hey, boss.”
Cal smiled. “How long’s it going to take you to stop calling me that?”
“I’m not sure I ever will.”
“You know that, technically speaking, you’re my boss now, don’t you?”
Ryan shrugged. “Sure, I do, but th
at doesn’t make any difference. Do you mind? Do you want me to quit saying it?”
“No. It’s fine by me. Do you need a drink?”
“Yeah, I’ll come to the bar with you. I had dinner here; Leanne won’t be back till tomorrow.”
“How are things with you two?”
Ryan didn’t need to say a word, Cal could see the answer in his eyes and his smile. “They’re amazing. Better than they ever were.”
“I’m glad. And she doesn’t have a problem with me being here?”
Ryan’s smile dimmed momentarily. “She’ll be fine. She says she doesn’t, but I think part of her still believes that you might have been behind those messages.”
“I figured as much.” He blew out a sigh.
“Before you say anything else, I don’t want to go there. It’s the past. It’s behind us.”
Cal met his gaze. “You don’t think …”
“Hell, no. And I never did, not even for a minute.”
“Okay. Good.”
When they had their drinks, they took them back to the picnic table. Cal liked this place. He liked the whole town, and from what he’d seen so far, the Boathouse seemed to be the heart of it.
He smiled at Ryan as they sat down. “Will Manny be late?”
Ryan chuckled. “No, but he won’t be early.”
Manny used to show up fifteen minutes early just like Cal and Ryan, but now he had a woman to take into account. Cal was curious to meet her.
Ryan smirked at him over his drink.
“What?”
“I’m wondering about you. I don’t know if Nina’s friend’s coming or not, but would you be interested? I never thought I’d see Manny settle down but now that he has, it’s making me wonder if you’re next.”
Cal shook his head rapidly. “Hell, no! And if I say any different, you remind me?”
Ryan laughed. “If you want. Is there a story behind the look on your face?”
Cal blew out a sigh. “Let’s just say that this afternoon I almost forgot that women and I don’t mix. I was interested in … but I got a timely reminder. The female of the species might as well be an entirely different species, as far as I’m concerned. I don’t understand them.”
“Maybe you just need some practice?” Ryan grinned at him. “You know, use it before you lose it?”
Cal laughed. “I don’t have a problem in that department. It’s the talking to them, the figuring them out, that I’m no good at.”
“From what I’ve seen, you’ve just never cared to learn. You’re good at everything you put your mind to.”
“Maybe.” Cal pondered Ryan’s assessment; could he figure a woman out if he chose to try? And what did it matter anyway? Well, he knew the answer to that last part. It might matter if he couldn’t get the hairdresser Teresa out of his head, and so far he hadn’t been able to—no matter how strange her behavior had been.
“I take it I should drop it?” asked Ryan.
“Yep.”
“Okay, and look, there’s Manny anyway.”
Cal turned to follow Ryan’s gaze. Manny looked more relaxed and happier than Cal had ever seen him. He had his arm around a woman’s shoulders. It made Cal smile. They looked right together.
He got to his feet when they reached the table. Manny grasped his shoulder. “I’m glad you came.” He turned to the woman. “Nina, this is Cal.”
She stepped forward and ignoring the hand he extended to shake with her, she reached up to hug him and landed a kiss on his cheek. “It’s so good to meet you. Welcome.”
He smiled back at her. Now he understood what Ryan had been saying. She really was a sweetheart. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Nina.”
He glanced at Manny and gave a slight nod of approval.
Manny grinned back at him, and Cal had to wonder what it must feel like. Manny had been divorced right around the same time he had. He’d been a single guy, focused on work for … more years than Cal cared to count. Yet here he was, engaged to Nina and from what Cal could tell, in his late fifties his life was better than ever.
~ ~ ~
Teresa looked around when she entered the restaurant. It was busy, but that was nothing unusual. She couldn’t see Nina straight away, so she headed to the bar first.
Kenzie greeted her with a smile. “Hey, lady. What can I get you?”
“Vodka, lime, and soda, please. A double.”
Kenzie raised her eyebrows. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s just been a day, you know?”
“Oh, I know how that goes.” Kenzie turned away to fix her drink and then set it down in front of her. “Here you go. The day’s over now and if I know you, you’ve earned that.”
Teresa took a drink and smiled. “I have.”
“Well, now you get to kick back. Are you meeting Nina?”
“Yes.” She looked around. “Have you seen her?”
“I sure have. She’s like the queen bee, tonight. She’s over there.”
Teresa looked but couldn’t see her friend through the crowd.
“She’s out on the deck holding court with three men all to herself.” Kenzie waggled her eyebrows. “Manny’s with her of course, and Ryan because Leanne’s out of town. But Manny’s friend?” She fanned herself with her hand. “Damn! You need to see him to believe it. If I were you, I’d get over there and stake my claim. You’ve got the in because of Nina and Manny, but if you’re not quick about it he’ll get snapped up in no time.”
Teresa made a face. “I’m sure he’ll make some lucky lady happy. But I’m not interested.”
“Tell me that again later, after you’ve seen him.” Kenzie smiled. “Go on, get over there and see for yourself.” She moved along the bar. “I can’t stop anyway.”
Teresa took another sip of her drink and watched Kenzie serve a couple who’d just come in. She was looking forward to seeing Nina and Manny, and Ryan was fun—he was fun to look at, too, but she was too old to be looking and he was well and truly spoken for anyway. She wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of meeting Manny’s friend. He was probably a nice guy but even if he were as good-looking as Kenzie made him out to be, she doubted he’d catch her attention the way Blake had this afternoon. Wasn’t it just typical that he’d turned out to be … a pig, as Elle had put it?
She took another sip of her drink and set out toward the deck. She was relieved when she reached the table to see that there was no friend with them. Nina came to greet her with a hug and Manny got to his feet and did the same. He was an amazing guy. Teresa was so happy for Nina that she’d met him—and they were getting married.
Ryan greeted her with a smile as she took a seat.
“How’s everyone doing?” she asked.
Nina nodded happily. “We’re doing great. Cal should be back in a minute.” The way she held Teresa’s gaze said that she was keen for her to meet him.
Manny raised an eyebrow at her. “Nina’s quite taken with him.”
Teresa had to laugh. “We all know you’ve got no worries. She only has eyes for you.”
Manny laughed with her. “That wasn’t what I meant. I think she might have plans for you.” He turned and smiled at Nina through pursed lips. “Even though I’ve warned her that Cal’s not really a ladies’ man.”
“I haven’t … I wouldn’t …” Nina shrugged. “I wouldn’t meddle.”
Manny patted her hand. “I’m only teasing you, but I didn’t want you,” he looked at Teresa, “to think that this was a set up.”
“That’s okay. I didn’t. I don’t. And I wouldn’t be interested even if it were.”
“Oh!” Nina turned to Manny. “I was going to tell you. There was a guy in the salon this afternoon and he might have been following Teresa around afterward.”
Manny’s eyebrows came down and Ryan leaned forward.
“What happened?” they asked in unison.
Teresa had to laugh. “You two need to get your busine
ss up and running. Look at you, both so eager to have someone to protect! Nothing happened. I’m fine. It was just a bit strange that after this guy left the salon, I ran into him two more times in the next hour.”
Ryan frowned. “And you came by yourself tonight? I’ll walk you home when we leave.”
Teresa had to laugh. “That’s sweet of you, but there’s no need. Leanne would skin me alive!”
Ryan chuckled. “Nope. She trusts me absolutely these days.”
“Even so,” said Nina. “We could get Cal to see you home.”
Teresa rolled her eyes at Manny, and he laughed and said, “We can take you.”
“I’m a big girl. Thank you. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”
“There he is.”
She turned to follow Nina’s gaze and her heart thudded to a halt when she saw him—Blake. He looked even more handsome in jeans and a black shirt than he had this afternoon. He was coming toward their table. She looked past him, wondering where Cal might be and hoping this didn’t turn ugly. She didn’t like Blake’s chances if he said anything to her in front of these guys.
He smiled at Manny as he got closer but stopped dead when he saw her. She glanced around at the others, wondering if they’d even noticed him.
It seemed they were all looking at him—did they know somehow that he was the guy from the salon? Apparently, not. Manny grinned and waved him over. “Cal! Come and meet Teresa.”
Her heart was thundering in her chest. Cal? Manny had called him Cal? She’d thought Austin had called him Carl this afternoon, but that had only made her think that he’d given her a fake name in the salon. She’d known he didn’t look like a Blake.
She watched him approach the table cautiously. She couldn’t figure it out. Was he Cal? It didn’t make sense.
Nina smiled at her. “Teresa, this is … Cal.” She turned her smile on him. “I never thought to ask the rest of your name.”
He smiled back at Nina, and it had the same effect on Teresa as it had this afternoon—that was one hell of a smile. “Callahan.”
He turned to her. His blue eyes were unreadable. If she was shocked, how must he feel? “Blake Callahan.”