He nodded. "I'm glad."
The door closed behind him, and Lisa reached for a glass and filled it with water. She drank it half down before taking a breath.
It had to be said. She wasn't naive. And neither was he.
God, if only...Tears formed in her eyes. That was useless.
Chapter 4
Would You, Could You...on an Inner Tube
Bryce waited in the lobby until half past five then picked up his towel and walked to the front desk. He was about to use the house phone and call Lisa's room when she bustled out of the elevator, carrying a beach bag.
She waved at him, and he joined her, grabbing for the bag.
"Sorry," she said in a breathless voice. "Another crisis."
"There are a lot of those around here."
She glanced at him as he held the door open for her. "Nothing major usually. The teenagers from the volleyball tournament put some very sudsy soap in their hot tub."
"Doesn't your staff know what to do?"
"They do, but I asked to see the damage."
"Was there damage?"
"Nothing permanent."
"You look nice. I like that floppy black hat, very chic."
"Thank you. You're not that bad yourself. Did you bring that swimsuit?"
"No," he replied with a rueful shake of his head. "I had to get one. How'd you know?"
"I don't really see you as the relaxing type. There's a lot of energy about you. Like you're always ready to spring."
"I'm working on it." He reached for her hand. "Is this a no- no?"
"It's fine."
They continued across the resort, ambling past guests and employees, many who stopped to take a peek at their assistant manager holding hands with a man.
"It seems we're an oddity," she said in a soft voice.
"I don't think anyone expected to see you with a man. Does it bother you?"
"Not really. They certainly don't hide their flings from me."
He stopped short. "Is that what this is?"
"I don't know." Her eyes widened. "I didn't mean..."
Why was he pushing her? He didn't know, either. He didn't know if she would ever forgive him for being a part of her husband's death...and her child's.
"It's all right. We'll take it slow."
"This is slow?" She asked with a smile.
"I'm not twenty. I'm not thirty. I think I know what's real. Don't you?"
"Yes."
She gave his hand a squeeze and started walking again.
When they reached the lazy river, they stowed their belongings in a locker. Bryce peeled off his shirt and tossed it inside.
"Going to torture me all afternoon?" asked Lisa, pulling her sundress over her head to reveal a flattering black one piece.
"Not as much as you're going to torture me."
Bryce glanced around the lockers then leaned down to kiss her nose.
She smiled up at him until he twisted his head down again. "I owe you this." He licked the tip of her nose then walked away, humming to himself.
"Very funny!" she called after him.
"I thought so. Last one in's a rotten egg."
They queued up to get an inner tube then plopped into the water. Lisa immediately climbed on top of hers and leaned back.
"Ahh, it's wonderful!"
"Yeah, the water's warm."
Bryce laid on his stomach across his float and paddled until he caught up with her. He reached out and grabbed the side of her tube so they could stay together.
She opened her eyes.
"I don't want to lose you," he said.
"You won't."
Bryce hoped they weren't talking about the inner tubes. He wasn't. She seemed serious enough until she splashed water in his face.
"Do you really want to have a splash war?" He sent a wave her way, and she held up her hands.
"No. No. I give."
"Really? What will you give me?"
She leaned back again and closed her eyes. She did that a lot when she didn't want to answer him. Completely clammed up. And he didn't know how to get her talking again. He didn't know what was too much. Didn't want to push when she didn't feel like talking. Why was it so much easier with Julianne?
Perhaps his feelings weren't invested. Julianne didn't make his masculinity feel threatened. With Lisa, there was, after all, another man in the picture. In her head, anyway.
"Lisa."
"Hmm?"
"What are you thinking about right now?"
"You."
"Good."
"What are you thinking about, Bob?"
"You."
"Good."
She reached for his hand, and they let the current carry them around the resort for quite a while. Sometimes, they had clear skies, and sometimes the trees shaded them. Bryce found it very relaxing. He didn't to have to think about carrying a gun or wonder who might have one trained on him. When was the last time he hadn't scoped out the area around him for predators? He even closed his eyes at one point until Lisa dripped water on his chest.
He grabbed her wrist. "That was cold, lady."
"You're just too tempting a target."
"You know what they say about paybacks, but I'm glad you're tempted."
"I might be more than tempted."
He raised his head. Was she saying what he thought?
She eyed him lazily, her expression much too benign to have a double meaning.
He sighed. His heart had jumped three beats. "Darlin', when you're ready, say the word."
"Well, we just went past the Grill House and it smelled divine."
"You're ready to eat."
She nodded. "Salad doesn't stay with you long."
He pulled her inner tube closer, glancing at his water-proof watch. "That's exactly what I've been trying to tell you. We have an hour before we meet Julianne. What do you want to do?"
"What do you want to do?"
"You know exactly what I want to do, but we can't do that in public."
She laughed, a soft throaty laugh that made him want to pull her off the inner tube.
"Bob, you're such a man."
"Glad you noticed."
"I noticed. We're almost back to the beginning of the river. I say we get our things and go dry off then we can get dressed for dinner."
"We don't need clothes for what I had in mind."
"I'm sure of that."
"How did you get this job?"
She peeked at him from under the hat. "That was sudden."
"Not really. I was thinking what a nice place to raise a kid when you don't have a spouse."
"You're right. It helps. There are people, distractions, things for her to do even if I'm working, and she remains in a safe environment. I don't know what we'd have done without it."
"You'd have managed. You're that kind of person."
She shook her head. "I wasn't at first. Just numb. It wasn't real. I couldn't think or talk...just stare into space. Then I was offered this job. Roger had known the manager...worked with him...with a lot of resorts and businesses. It all just fell into place."
"You have a degree in the hospitality industry?"
"No." She laughed. "I was a teacher, but I couldn't...I couldn't go back. All the children...I couldn't."
"I'm sorry."
She sniffed. "It's better now. I only wake up occasionally thinking he's calling me. Usually, I sleep through the night."
"Oh, Lisa. I never realized...I guess a mother would think that way...would feel that loss at night. If you wake up, call me. I want to help."
"You don't have to say that. I'm fine. Really. I manage."
"I wouldn't offer if I didn't mean it. And I don't want you to be fine. I want you to be happy...and not alone."
She turned to look at him and smiled a watery smile. "You've already done that...in two days."
He kissed her fingers.
She couldn't have said anything more gratifying. They were making progress. Maybe by the time he left, she would f
orgive him, or at least see him in another light than the one who'd taken her family from her. At some point, he was going to have to tell her.
They walked back to the lobby, hand-in-hand without saying a word. Bryce was getting accustomed to her silence. It seemed a part of her. She thought about things a lot.
When they reached the elevators, she pushed at his chest. "Go get dressed. This isn't your elevator."
"Fine. One kiss before I go?"
She shook her head. "I think you need to learn some self- control."
"You are the only person to ever say that to me."
"Are you saying you're usually a bit repressed, Bob?"
"I'm saying I haven't had a relationship in over six years."
She looked at him for a second then leaned in abruptly and kissed him on the cheek.
He rubbed the spot. "What was that for?"
"Good behavior...and telling me something personal about yourself. You're kind of a clam."
"I'll work on it."
She smiled and stepped into the waiting elevator.
He watched until she disappeared then headed to his room. The woman kept him off-balance. Just when he thought she wanted him to be quiet, she rewarded him for talking.
When he reached his room, he shoved at hangers until he found a t-shirt. For some reason, he felt casual tonight. Maybe because Lisa and Julianne made him feel comfortable.
He pulled out a solid-colored black t-shirt and jeans. He never wore prints or plaids. They were too easy to distinguish in a crowd.
After he ran a towel through his hair and dressed, he hurried downstairs. Julianne was already waiting at the restaurant door.
She waved at him. "So, how did it go?"
"What?"
"Mr. White...the river float."
"Oh...I enjoyed it. Very peaceful...and wet."
She laughed. "It wouldn't be a river ride if it wasn't wet. Let's get a table. Mom will be right down. She was picking out something to wear."
"Really?"
"Oh, yeah. I better text her."
"Why?"
"You're wearing a t-shirt."
"Right."
While she punched keys on her phone, he asked for a table for three.
"Would you like the same table each night, Mr. White?"
"Sure. If it's possible."
They sat at the table. Julianne ordered manicotti for them all. Bryce raised a brow.
"I don't want to be late for the movie," she said when the waiter moved off.
"We won't be late if I have to take my food in a doggy bag."
"You're really nice...you know?"
Bryce squeezed her hand briefly and let it go. "And you're about the nicest kid I ever met."
"A kid?"
"Young lady." At her pouty face, he shrugged. "You're a kid compared to me."
"How old are you? My dad was thirty-three."
"You look like him. You've got his smile."
"Thanks. Mom says I've got my mother's eyes. My real mother. She died. Cancer."
"Do you remember her?"
"No. I was two. Lisa came along a year later. She's the only mother I've ever known."
"She's a great lady."
"I like her." Julianne drummed her fingers on the table. "I'm waiting, you know."
"Thirty-one."
She smiled. "You're very good at the re-direct. I ask a question. You ask something related without answering. You need to work on your communication skills."
"Your mother said something about that earlier."
"Maybe you should listen."
Lisa threw her purse in the empty chair and plopped down between them. "Sorry. I just had to rinse that chlorine out of my hair."
Bryce studied the sequined t-shirt she'd worn, very modern. She could easily pass for a college student, particularly in those low-rise jeans.
"Very fetching," he said. "Julianne says you had a little trouble dressing. It seems to have paid off."
Lisa's head whipped around to Julianne. "Julianne..." but she was grinning.
"I like your hair."
She'd worn it up again. For him?
She cocked her head at him and smiled. "Thank you. You look nice, too. That has to be the first time I've seen you in jeans." She grinned at Julianne. "We're wearing off on him. Only two days and we've got him playing tennis, swimming, and wearing t-shirts and jeans. Just think what he'll be like by the end of the week."
"Happy," he said, taking her hand.
The waiter returned with their food so he didn't get to see either Lisa or Julianne respond to that statement. But he didn't need to. Their expressions and body language over dinner said it all. Both of them seemed completely relaxed, smiling and laughing as if they hadn't a care in the world. They might think they'd made changes in his usual outlook on life, but they didn't realize how much more alive they'd become since he met them. They were good for each other, all three of them.
Julianne threw down her napkin. "Time's up."
"I just started," whined Lisa.
"Mom, you eat too slow."
"And you engulf your food."
Bryce pulled out his wallet and handed Julianne a wad of bills. "Go get seats. I'll wait for Lisa. And get some candy if you like."
"No way. You said ice cream after. I'm holding out for that...but I will get the seats." She yanked the money out of his fingers and sashayed away.
He smiled after her. "That is one funny kid."
"You spoil her. You know, you can't give a kid everything they want. They don't learn how to be responsible."
"I'm not spoiling her, Lisa. I'm enjoying doing things with her. And she has to be the most responsible twelve-year old I've ever met. Does she ever disobey?"
"She's not that great with chores." She set down her fork and smiled. "I blame it on the staff. They know how much she's lost, and they look out for her. When she forgets to do something, they usually do it for her." She pushed back her chair. "Are you ready for this? An hour and a half of mindless entertainment."
"Can I sleep through it?"
"There will be a review immediately afterward. I assure you."
"A review and lots of ice cream."
She laughed. "Yes. Lots of ice cream."
Chapter 5
Would You, Could You...with a Cherry on Top
Lisa leaned over the ice cream freezer to peer at a new flavor…birthday cake. White ice cream with colorful tidbits like confetti. The girl behind the counter grinned at her.
"It's good."
"Is it just vanilla with sprinkles?"
"Absolutely not! It tastes like cake batter. Really awesome! Want a taste?"
Bob came up behind her and put his hand at the small of her back. "I do."
Julianne joined them, and all three tried a spoonful.
Bob moaned. "Ohhh, this is good. That's for me."
"Me, too," said Julianne with a grin.
Lisa tilted her head on the side. "I don't know...I've got a chance for fudge brownie nut. I hate to blow it on birthday cake."
"Get two scoops. Live a little," said Bob.
"Oh, what the heck! I can diet next week."
"What?" His outraged glare made her smile. He was so good for her ego. "Don't you dare go on a diet! You're perfect."
"I won't be if you keep feeding me manicotti and ice cream."
"Julianne ordered the manicotti."
"Hel-lo-oh, still standing here waiting," said Julianne.
Lisa and Bob turned back to the counter.
The salesgirl, whose nametag said Joe, watched them with an amused smile. She winked at Julianne. "Your parents are cute."
Before Lisa could open her mouth, Julianne nodded. "Yes, they are."
"Now," said Joe, "will that be a milkshake, sundae, banana split, waffle cone, or cake cone?"
"Waffle." Julianne answered as if it was the most natural thing in the world to refer to Bob and Lisa as her parents. As if they went out for ice cream every day.
Lis
a shook her head, but refrained from glancing at Bob. What had gotten into her daughter? Into all three of them?
"One scoop or two?" added Joe.
Finally, Julianne turned to her mother, but it was Bob who answered. "Two. I'll have the same and give mom here one scoop of fudge brownie and one of birthday cake."
Julianne bounced on her feet and giggled. "Don't forget the cherry on top."
"Of course. Gotta have the cherries." He turned to Lisa. "Can you tie the stem in your mouth?"
"Not hardly."
"I can," said Julianne.
"Must have gotten that from your dad," said Bob. "The ability to twist your tongue around is hereditary."
"Really? That's so cool."
Just one more thing Lisa liked about Bob. He referred to Roger as if he still mattered. He helped Julianne see it was all right to think about her dad.
"Can you do it?" she asked.
"I can."
"Prove it."
"As soon as I get my ice cream." He looked down his nose at her as if she was clearly wanting in the cherry stem tying arena.
She had to laugh. That superior look on his face just didn't suit him. He was always so...what was the word she was looking for? She didn't know. Her perception of him had changed. That first day, he'd been solemn, almost businesslike in his outlook. He'd slowly transformed, smiling and laughing, as if his cares had fallen away. What had made him so reserved? She still knew very little about him. What did he do? Why had she never thought to ask?
He caught her staring at him and crossed his eyes. He would have never done that the first day.
Joe handed Julianne her ice cream then reached for Lisa's. Finally, she handed Bob his.
"Ok," he said. "Where are we going? It's nice outside. Want to sit on the deck?"
"Sure," said Julianne.
Lisa followed them outside, noting that Bob offered seats then sat with his back to the wall. He always did that. Did he have issues? She had a trunkload. What a pair they made.
"Ok, hotshot," she taunted him. "Show me the cherry stem."
He held up his hand. "I think it only fair that Julianne participate. I'm sure I can beat her, even though she's got youth on her side."
"You're just sore cuz you lost at tennis." Julianne bit the cherry off her stem.
"I've got to beat you at something."
"Ok. Mom you're the ref. Make sure he doesn't cheat."
Lisa grinned and pulled out her cell phone. "Contestants, get your cherry stems ready...in your hand, Bob, not your mouth."
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