by Susan Hatler
It felt so painfully obvious now. Sigh. “Instead of advising that you talk to Noah, I suggested that he could be like Jake. My paranoia must’ve rubbed off on you. I’m really sorry, Rach.”
The waiter brought our drinks over, set them down, then disappeared.
Rachel’s jaw tightened. “I was hurt that you didn’t believe in Noah, but you didn’t make me insecure. I did that on my own.”
I raised a brow.
She sighed. “I’m not saying your paranoia was particularly helpful. But, like you said, I should’ve talked to Noah about how I felt. Instead, I went crazy trying to prove my insecurities were unfounded.”
Ding! Ding!
The sound of my phone jerked me out of the conversation, and my heart skipped a beat. Maybe Ethan was texting me because he’d decided not to go on that date with Amanda.
I whipped my phone out, then flicked my finger across the screen, only to find a text from Noah: Is Rach with you? She’s not answering her cell, and I need to talk to her.
“Something wrong?” Rach asked.
“It’s Noah.” I showed her my cell screen, then texted him back: Yes. I’ll tell her.
With a wide-eyed stare, she picked up her drink, guzzled half, then held a tiny square napkin to her mouth. “He’s supposed to be meeting Kate right now. What do you think he wants?”
I held up a hand. “Didn’t we just talk about open communication? Call him, and find out.”
Finally, I was giving good advice again.
“Oh, right.” Her hands shook as she searched through her handbag for her cell. “Three missed calls. I didn’t even hear it ring.”
Picking up my glass of wine, I waved at her. “Just dial already.”
She tapped a couple buttons on her cell, then put it to her ear. “Hey. Kristen said you were trying to get a hold of me?”
My shoulders tensed as I sipped my Sauvignon Blanc, and studied Rach’s expression to see if the conversation was going well or not.
“Are you serious? Noah . . .” Her eyes watered, and met mine, but I sensed it wasn’t in a bad way. “Go have dinner with Kate immediately. Call me after, okay? I love you.”
Taking another sip of wine, I relaxed. “Everything good?”
Rach put her phone away, then lifted her lashes. “You’re not going to believe this. He’s been planning a surprise weekend for our two-month anniversary at one of the Geoffries’ luxury hotels. He’s only meeting with Kate because she’s giving him a huge discount.”
Inside, I cheered. “Really?”
“He said the getaway was supposed to be a surprise, but if meeting up with her was going to make me this wiggy then it wasn’t worth it.” Her eyes bulged so far I thought they’d pop out of her head. “I’d been jealous when he’d been thinking me the entire time. Isn’t that silly?”
“Men make us do crazy things.” I laughed, but without humor. “Look at me. I let Jake’s betrayal ruin my confidence. No man is worth that.”
She picked up her glass, and clinked it into mine. “Agreed.”
Savoring the crisp flavor, I set my drink down, then looked at Rach seriously. “You’re not mad at me?”
“Pshaw.” She waved a hand in the air, her lips curving upward. “What do I have to be angry about? I’m getting a fantastic weekend away with the man I love. Now, let’s go upstairs so I can buy you a very expensive dinner to celebrate.”
I laughed. “How can I say no to that?”
After dinner, I walked at a clipped pace along the sidewalk toward the block where I’d parked my car, grateful that Rach and Noah had worked things out. I also couldn’t believe I’d finally discovered how I missed the clues with Jake. I hadn’t asked the hard (yet, reasonable) questions, which is what intimacy is all about—sharing your thoughts and who you are with your significant other, risking that they’ll love the real you.
Part of me had liked keeping Jake at a distance. It was safe. He’d only been able to deceive me because I’d willingly kept myself blind. I hadn’t cared enough to open up with him. If I’d been that into Jake, then I wouldn’t have had feelings for Ethan.
The light at the crosswalk turned green, so I stepped off the curb, and crossed the road.
And I had been interested in Ethan.
I still was.
****
When I got home, Gina texted me that she was staying at Chris’s tonight, so I had the house to myself. I curled up on the couch with my laptop and a bottle of sparkling mineral water, which was the same lemon flavor I’d had at Ethan’s.
Ethan. I wondered if he’d gone out with Amanda tonight. Or if he was with her right now. The thought nauseated me, and I had the urge to text him. But, what would I say?
I sighed, then finished my last Career Crush survey, and submitted all my documents to my career counselor.
It’s Career Crush’s policy to complete their evaluation within one week after a client turns in all their reports. Instead of feeling good that I’d soon find out what career path I should be on, I felt a gaping hole in my chest. I picked up the envelope next to me, and reread the document inside for the umpteenth time since I’d received it.
One more week to renew my office lease.
Closing my laptop, I turned off the lights, and carried the renewal letter with me to bed. Instead of playing Adele or Kelly Clarkson, I tuned into my favorite light rock station. With my covers pulled up to my chin, I gripped the unsigned lease, and let the music wash over me.
A familiar love song came on, which played at Ellen’s wedding. Ethan and I had danced slow and close to it, and I relived the moments in my mind until I could almost feel him against me. Snuggling into my pillow, my mind drifted to the dinner on his boat. How we’d talked, laughed, and especially how we’d kissed.
I knew, without a doubt, Ethan would never hide anything from me. He was a man who adored his sister, so much, I could feel the love between them. He was a guy who gave his friend a case of wine when he was about to propose, in order to make the moment more special. He’d handed me his phone to reassure me when I’d felt insanely insecure. And he’d trusted me with a secret he treasured.
He’d also put himself out there, revealing his feelings. He was not a guy who’d let me keep him at arm’s length. And that scared me.
But he might be so worth it. . . .
Unless he’d moved on with Amanda, that is. Shoot, I’d practically pushed him to her. Gritting my teeth, I covered my face with my hands.
Obviously, I was an idiot.
****
“Happy birthday!” Gina sailed through the front door as I was sitting at our table, eating my oatmeal breakfast. She gave me a hug. “This is for you.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything.” I squeezed her back, unwrapped the small square box, then stared at the black, billiard-style cue ball inside. “Magic 8 Ball?”
“Remember these?” Gina proceeded to pull it out of the box. “Ask the ball a yes-or-no question, give it a shake for good luck, then check the window for the answer. Try it.”
“Okay.” Making sure the window faced down, I inhaled deeply. “Did Gina borrow my favorite white shawl last night without asking?”
Gina pursed her lips.
I shook the ball, turned it over, and read the words, “Signs point to yes.”
“It went with my outfit.” She shrugged, then bounced to the refrigerator, and poured herself a glass of milk. “You’ve been having trouble making decisions lately, so I thought this would be fun. I didn’t realize you’d use it against me.”
My mouth turned upward. “So the gift giver should be exempt from the ball?”
“Exactly.” Gina laughed. “Don’t forget Chris is picking us up for the lake at eleven. Ellen and Henry are catching a ride with Rach and Noah. Also, Ginger was down in the dumps yesterday so I invited her to come along. Hope that’s okay.”
“Sure,” I said, wondering what was wrong with Ginger.
Since I had about two hours to kill before we
left, I flipped open my laptop, and checked my emails. A few birthday wishes from friends, advertising from my favorite stores, spam from places that wanted me to enlarge appendages I didn’t have, and then I clicked on an unexpected email.
It was from Maureen James, the marriage and family counselor I’d referred my clients to. She was having trouble with a particular couple I’d counseled all last year and was wondering if I had any ideas. The husband showed up to the sessions, but refused to actively participate, and the wife was now considering a separation.
My heart sank. That couple loved each other, and just needed help. The right help, which they obviously weren’t getting from Maureen.
Pushing my laptop away from me, I leaned back on my bed, and stared at the ceiling. I knew exactly what to do for them. The husband had major rejection issues. If he felt attacked by his wife, even in the slightest way, he put up a wall, and refused to look at his own actions. Once I’d figured this out, I made sure to start each session with each partner sharing reasons they loved their spouse. It put him in a safe place where he was able to be open to changes they could both make to improve their situation.
I could help this couple, but only if I put myself out there again. I’d made mistakes and lost my confidence, because I wasn’t perfect. But, maybe I didn’t need to be.
I picked up the Magic 8 Ball. “Should I go back to counseling?”
After shaking it, the clear window read: Without a doubt.
Agreeing with my wise plastic ball, I reached under my pillow, and pulled out the new lease. I signed and faxed it in, then emailed Maureen to tell her I’d be available for the couple next week. As I hit SEND, a heavy weight lifted.
I was back.
****
We arrived at Folsom Lake a little before noon. I spotted Noah’s boat docked alongside the launch. Rach, Ellen, and Henry were already onboard. As Noah drove his truck away from the water to park it, our eyes met, and flitter of nerves rippled through me.
“Happy birthday, Kristen.” Ginger had snuck up behind me, holding out a card.
“Thanks.” I opened the envelope, then gave her a hug. “How are you?”
She shrugged. “Eh, who’s perfect all the time?”
“Not me.” I wove my arm through hers, then stepped away from Gina and Chris who were chatting as they waited for Noah. “I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier this week, Ginger. About whether women date men who are like their fathers.”
“Ugh.” She studied her feet as we walked. “We’d just met, and I shouldn’t have unloaded on you like that.”
“I’m actually glad you did.” I stopped by the edge of the water, and faced her. “You opened up to me, and I came off cold, because I was having a bad day. Not my finest moment.”
“Don’t worry about it.” She waved her hand dismissively. “We all have days like that.”
“Actually, I think I had four months of that.” I laughed, glad that I could finally joke about it. “If you’d like to talk more about your situation, I’d be happy to meet you for coffee when you have time.”
She blew out a breath. “I’d really like that.”
“Me, too.” I smiled, then we headed back to Gina and Chris. “Guys, I’ll meet you at the boat, all right?”
Gina glanced at where Noah was strolling toward us, and she threw me a knowing look. “Got it.”
I watched as she slipped her hand into Chris’s, leading Ginger and him toward the wooden pier. Then, I turned to face Noah. “Thanks for coming today.”
He smiled. “Someone had to bring the boat.”
I sucked in a breath. “I’m glad you’re speaking to me. I don’t deserve it though.”
“Rach told me about your scummy ex, the reason you broke up with him, and how he made you doubt yourself.” Noah ran a hand through his hair. “That had to be hard.”
Surprisingly, the betrayal didn’t sting like it used to. “It was, but I’ve moved on.”
“Good.” He slung his arm around my shoulder, his blue eyes sparkling as he winked at me. “Then we can move on, too. Let’s go celebrate the start of your new decade.”
“Don’t remind me.” I laughed, squeezing Noah back, grateful he’d forgiven me. We headed toward the boat where all my friends were waiting. All except the one I wanted to see most. “I’ll meet you in a sec. I need to make a phone call.”
I stopped at the edge of the dock, pulled out my phone, and got Ethan’s voicemail. “Hey, um, I guess you’re not there. I hope you come to my party today. But I understand if you don’t. Anyway . . . talk to you later.”
As I stepped onto the pier, a pontoon boat roared toward me. I put my hand over my eyes to cut the sun’s glare, then recognized Ethan behind the wheel. A woman stood next to him.
My heart stopped. He’d brought a date to my party, just like I’d told him to.
Stupid, stupid me.
****
My heart squeezed as Ethan’s boat stopped alongside Noah’s. I wanted to kick myself for telling Ethan to bring a date. Then, I wanted to kick him for bringing one. I couldn’t believe he’d brought Amanda to my party. Wait . . . that girl looked strangely similar to Dana.
No, that was Dana.
Tingles raced through me and, suddenly, I found myself running toward Ethan. Every inch of my skin felt charged, and before I had time to think about what I was doing, I leapt into his arms. Luckily, he caught me.
Holding him as tight as possible, I whispered. “You came.”
“I told you I’d save the date.” His lips brushed my ear, his voice low and gravelly. “Happy birthday, Kristen.”
My heart melted, and I leaned back to gaze into his mocha brown eyes. “I renewed the lease for my practice.”
His brows furrowed. “Good. It’s what you love.”
“You’re right.” I loosened my hold until my feet dropped to the floor, then I leaned into him. “You were also right about how I feel about you.”
The corners of his mouth crept into a smile. “I knew you’d figure things out.”
Tingles vibrated up my spine. “Ethan? I want you to save all your dates for me.”
He gazed down at me, with his simmering and intense look. “Already done, honey.”
“Good,” I said, then pressed my mouth to his.
Epilogue
Later that week, Ethan dropped by my office after work, and hammered a nail into the wall for me. Then he hung up the framed certificate from the Sacramento History Museum’s Adopt-an-Artifact program.
“I still can’t believe you donated to conserve that hat in my name.” I reached my arm around his neck, and gazed up at him. “That’s way too expensive for a birthday gift.”
Tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, he said, “It was for a good cause.”
I titled my head. “True. It’s important to preserve history.”
“I meant seeing you smile.” He leaned down, and brushed his lips against mine. “You ready to head out? Our dinner reservations are for seven.”
“Let me log off my computer first.” I skipped over to my desk, moved my mouse across the computer screen, then clicked on a new email from Career Crush. I gasped.
Dear Kristen Moore,
Thank you for participating in the Career Crush course. After careful evaluation, we have determined that you would be perfect in a career such as:
Marriage & Family Counselor
We hope our class has led you to your dream job!
Sincerely,
The Staff at Career Crush
“Everything okay over there?” Ethan’s voice laced with concern.
“Don’t worry.” I laughed, slipped my arms around my sweet and sexy boyfriend, then curled against his chest. “Everything’s perfect.”
THE END
If you enjoyed spending time
with these characters,
be sure to read Melanie’s story in:
A Twist of Date
(Better Date than Never series, Book #5)
&n
bsp; (Coming - August 1, 2013!)
Acknowledgments
Writing a book is an epic test of perseverance, and trying not to freak out (often). Now that I’ve finished Kristen’s story, of course, I want to cry. She was an amazing character to spend time with, so strong on the outside, fragile on the inside, and she had the biggest heart. Thank goodness I can visit Kristen again throughout the series.
I’d like to thank some awesome people, for giving me feedback on my story, and/or letting me pick their brain: Virna DePaul, Kate Perry, Kristin Miller, Parisa Zolfaghari, Veronica Blade, Grace Callaway, Caryn Heath, Karen Scofield, Geoff Hatler, Ann Rego, and Mike Hatler.
Special thanks to Parisa Zolfaghari, for invaluable feedback, and making me smile (a lot) with your comments.
Kate Perry, who is the definition of fun. Seriously, my dictionary has a little picture of Kate, wearing a tutu, and making a kissy face. Thanks for being such a good friend.
Virna DePaul, you are my rock during my chaotic writing process. I shudder to think what I’d do without you. Thank you for always being there. :)
This book is dedicated to Mike Hatler, for keeping me sane when I’m on a deadline, and for saving all your dates for me. Love you, baby.
About the author:
SUSAN HATLER is an international bestselling author who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too. You can visit her website at www.susanhatler.com
Other books by Susan Hatler:
Love at First Date (Better Date than Never series, Book #1)
Ellen may not believe in storybook love, but it’s about to rewrite her life . . .
Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.