“I’m sure Hannah has lots of people she likes to have fun with,” he said. “It’s time for you to get out now. You want to wash your hair and get into your pj’s?”
“It’s just that there’s this thing happening at school. And I was thinking that maybe Hannah wouldn’t mind being my partner in it. But I wasn’t sure if she would want to or not,” Ruby said in a rush. Her hands were twisted together and she was watching him uncertainly.
He stilled as he understood what she was referring to: the mother and daughter fashion parade. He’d waited for her to bring it up this morning, but she’d been so chirpy and bright over breakfast he’d struggled to find a way to introduce the subject into their conversation. He’d been planning to tackle it tonight before Ben’s misadventures had intervened.
He moved into the bathroom and sat on the edge of the tub.
“I saw the flyer for the mother-daughter fashion parade. Is that what you mean?” he asked.
She nodded. “Do you think Hannah would like to be my partner?”
Joe took a moment to choose his words carefully. “I’m not sure. I know she seems to enjoy working on her bikes with you. I was thinking that maybe we could ask Nana Angela to do it with you.”
Ruby squashed some bubbles with her hands. “Nana Angela is going to Queensland with her friend next month. Remember?”
Damn. She was right—his mother was attending a rose-lovers convention on the Gold Coast in early October. Which explained why Ruby had cried in her room last night rather than share her misery with her nana. Ruby was smart enough to know that her grandmother would cancel her trip in a blink if she felt either of her grandchildren needed her. His mother was all too aware that Beth had been an only child and that because Beth’s parents were deceased, Angela was the extent of their extended family.
For the second time that night he was filled with a fierce pride in his children. They were good kids, despite the shit life had thrown at them. Despite his own shortcomings.
“So do you think I should ask Hannah?” Ruby prompted.
Joe frowned. What were his options here? Say no because he was wary of further entangling his life with that of his compelling neighbor and disappoint his daughter? Or risk a messy situation in order to ensure Ruby didn’t miss out on something she wanted very badly?
It was a no-brainer. When push came to shove, his own discomfort or wariness was nothing compared to his daughter’s needs.
“I’ll have a word with her tomorrow,” he said. “Leave it to me.”
Ruby slapped both hands down into the water.
“Really? Really, truly?”
“First thing,” he promised.
Ruby surged out of the water and flung herself, bubbles and all, against his chest.
“You’re the best, Daddy.”
He knew he wasn’t. Not even close. But he was doing what he could. Even if it meant spending more time with a woman he had no business being attracted to.
HANNAH WAS ABOUT TO HEAD off to work the next day when she had the distinct sensation of being watched. She was astride the bike, the engine running, but she pushed up the visor on her helmet and glanced over her shoulder. Ben stood on the curb in front of his house, his face impassive as he watched her.
They locked gazes for a moment and Hannah felt an absurd stab of guilt when she saw the accusing light in his eyes. She’d only done what was best for him, but she was sure he didn’t see it that way. He probably thought she was a squealer of the highest order.
She switched off her bike and tugged her helmet off. Yesterday had been a big day for him and she’d played a part in it. It seemed only right to acknowledge that.
“It’s Ben, isn’t it? I’m Hannah.”
“I know who you are.”
“Because of what happened yesterday.”
“You ratted me out.”
“I did. I was worried about you. You didn’t look like you were having a great time with those older kids.”
“I can look after myself.”
“Sure. The thing is, I don’t know you, so I had no idea what you were up for. All I saw was those big kids standing over you, and I figured I’d better talk to your dad about it.”
She could see the play of emotions across Ben’s face. Surprise, thoughtfulness, wariness. She let the silence stretch for a moment.
“I need to get to work, but I’ll see you around, Ben,” she said.
He frowned, then he nodded. She slid her helmet on and started the bike. She checked the mirror before riding off and saw him starting up the street, hands deep in his jeans pockets, schoolbag on his back. He looked as though he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Not your problem.
She knew it was true, but she couldn’t help feeling for Ruby and Ben. Losing their mom so young must have been scary and hard.
She shook the thought off. Her first impulse was right—it wasn’t her problem.
They had a busy day scheduled and she threw herself into work the moment she arrived at the garage. She’d just finished flushing the fuel injector on a Honda Civic when something made her look up and she saw Joe walking toward her, his long stride eating up the ground. She quelled the impulse to slip into her office and let Ian deal with his enquiry, whatever it was. She’d never backed down from a challenge, even one as annoying and confusing as Joe.
“Hey,” he said as he stopped in front of her. “You got a minute?”
She glanced at the clock. “If you don’t mind talking while I work. We’re under the hammer today.”
“Okay.”
She crossed to the Honda. Joe followed but didn’t say anything immediately. For some reason she was all fingers and thumbs as she bolted the injector rail back onto the engine. The silence stretched and finally she glanced up at him.
“Is this a quiz? Am I supposed to guess what you want?” she asked lightly.
He met her gaze and she realized he was nervous.
Huh.
“It’s about Ruby. Her school is holding a mother-daughter fashion parade.”
She winced. “Just what she needs.”
“Yeah. I was hoping my mother could do it with her, but she’s going to be away.”
“Right.” She had no idea where he was going with this and she propped an elbow on the rocker cover, waiting for him to get to the point.
His gaze flicked up to hold hers, then quickly flicked away again.
“Ruby and I were talking last night and she suggested that maybe you wouldn’t mind doing it,” he said, his tone absolutely neutral.
Hannah straightened so quickly she knocked her shoulder on the hood of the car. She rubbed it absently, staring at him.
“You want me to go in a fashion parade?” she asked incredulously.
“Not me. Ruby. And I absolutely understand if you’re not up for it. It’s a hassle, and you’ve already been very kind to Ruby—”
“My God, you’re really serious, aren’t you?” She couldn’t quite believe it.
“Well, yeah. Ruby’s not something I usually joke about.”
She laughed and slid the spanner she was holding into the pocket of her coverall. “Sorry. I’m not laughing at you. It’s just the idea of me in a fashion parade…It’s pretty funny.” She gestured toward her attire. “I couldn’t tell you the last time I wore anything except jeans.”
“Does that mean you’re not interested?”
“It means I’m probably not a great choice. Surely there must be someone else? A family friend?”
His face was utterly impassive as he nodded briefly.
“Sure. I’m sure we’ll think of someone.” He glanced at his watch. “Thanks for your time, anyway. I appreciate it.”
He headed to his car.
She watched him, feeling as though she’d let him down. Worse, she felt as though she’d let Ruby down. But the idea of her in a fashion parade…It was absurd, it really was. Surely Joe could see that? She barely knew how to put on mascara and lipstick, and
she’d practiced for weeks before the wedding so she’d be able to walk down the aisle in her stiletto heels. She was so not what Ruby needed.
And yet Ruby had thought of her and sent her father to ask her. And Joe had swallowed his pride and God knows what else to give his daughter what she wanted.
“Damn it.”
She took off after Joe, catching him just as he was sliding into the front seat of his SUV.
“Wait a minute.”
He looked at her, his hand on the door, waiting.
She shook her head, still unable to quite get her head around it. “It’s not that I don’t want to do it. It’s just…Are you sure? I mean, does Ruby have any idea how much of a handicap I’ll be?”
“Ruby thinks you’re the bee’s knees.”
“Which shows how much she knows,” Hannah said, but she could feel heat rising into her face.
She was so tragic. It wasn’t as if he’d said she was beautiful or anything—he’d compared her to insect appendages, for Pete’s sake. What was there to feel self-conscious about in that?
“When is it?” she asked to cover her embarrassment.
“A week from Friday.”
She took a deep breath. “Okay. If Ruby wants me, I’m all hers. God help her.”
The tight look left his face but his eyes were still wary. “If it’s too big a deal, it’s fine. Like I said, I’m sure there’s someone else.”
She gave him a look. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you to quit while you’re ahead, Lawson? You just got me to agree to wearing high heels and makeup. My advice is to drive away like a bat out of hell before I come to my senses.”
She was smiling, suddenly feeling unaccountably goofy. Slowly his mouth curved into a smile. Just like last time, it almost knocked her back on her heels.
“Okay. Thank you. I’ll tell Ruby after school. She’ll be dancing on the ceiling, no doubt.”
“That’s because she hasn’t seen me in a dress yet,” Hannah said darkly.
“I was going to take her shopping on the weekend. I guess maybe we should all go together, make sure your outfits coordinate. That’s the way it probably works, right?”
She held up both hands helplessly.
“You’re asking a mechanic. But you’re probably right. What time do you want me to meet you at the mall?”
“Seems stupid to take two cars. Why don’t we plan to leave at around ten or so and meet out the front of your place? Does that suit?”
“Sure. Wait till Mom hears about this. She’ll be in heaven.”
They finessed the details for their outing then Joe drove away. Hannah remained where she was for a good minute or two.
A cocktail of thoughts and emotions swirled inside her. Warmth that Ruby wanted her to be her partner in fashion crime. Surprise at herself for saying yes to such a ridiculous proposal. And something else. A sort of strange, foreign excitement that she wasn’t quite sure she even wanted to name.
Brow furrowed, she strode to the workshop. Hopefully Ruby wouldn’t have cause to regret her decision.
CHAPTER SIX
RUBY WAS SO EXCITED about the shopping trip that Joe had to send her back to bed three times on Friday night. She was almost jumping out of her skin Saturday morning as he made pancakes for her and Ben.
“Can I wear a tiara in the parade, like my Barbie doll?” Ruby asked.
“Sure. If that’s what you want and we can find one. Remember, though, that you and Hannah need to complement each other in some way.”
They’d gone over the guidelines for the parade when they filled out their entrance form the previous night, but Ruby was too caught up in the prospect of shopping to remember the rules.
“There’s no way Hannah’s going to wear a tiara,” Ben said.
Ruby shot him a dirty look. “How would you know? She’s my friend, not yours. You hardly know her.”
Ben squeezed a small bathtub’s worth of maple syrup onto his pancakes. “I don’t need to know her. She rides a motorbike. There’s no way you’re going to get her to wear some stupid tiara.”
Even though Joe privately agreed with his son, he had the good sense not to say so out loud.
“I think we should wait until we see what we can find at the mall before we start worrying about stuff like that,” he said diplomatically.
Ben must have caught something in his tone because he looked at Joe suspiciously. Joe couldn’t resist winking, and Ben hid a smirk behind his fork as he lowered his head. The small moment of connection almost made Joe grateful for the shoplifting incident. Ever since their trip to Mr. Balas’s corner store earlier in the week, Ben had been smiling more and actually volunteering conversation rather than having to have it dragged out of him monosyllable by monosyllable.
Not that the apology had been a walk in the park. Far from it. Ben had been so nervous beforehand he’d been trembling. Joe had kept his hand reassuringly on the back of his boy’s neck throughout the whole encounter, squeezing occasionally when he could feel Ben’s wiry body tensing with anxiety. Mr. Balas had been stern but fair as Ben explained his part in what had taken place, offering his apology in a shaky but clear voice. Joe had offered to repay Mr. Balas whatever he was owed for the stolen items, in addition to whatever punishment he deemed fit for Ben. The shop owner had surprised them both by refusing the money. Instead, he’d offered Ben the chance to work off his debt by helping out in the store after school.
Ben’s relief had been palpable when the ordeal was over. Even though Ben had avoided hugs for the past few years, he didn’t resist as Joe pulled him into his arms once they exited the shop.
“You did good,” Joe had said. Ben had let his head rest on Joe’s shoulder for a few seconds, his arms tightening around him. Joe had had to exercise real self-control to avoid squeezing his son too fiercely.
This morning, Joe slid another stack of pancakes onto a plate and sat next to Ruby.
“What time do you finish at the shop this afternoon?” he asked as Ben helped himself to a second helping.
“One o’clock, I think. Mr. Balas said he only needs me to help sort out the milk delivery and crush the boxes, then I can go.”
This would be Ben’s third shift. So far, so good.
“We’ll be back by then to pick you up. If not, I’ll call you.”
“Three hours isn’t long for shopping, Daddy,” Ruby said reprovingly.
“It’s going to have to be. We can’t chew up all of Hannah’s weekend. She might have other things she needs to do.”
For all he knew she might have a hot date tonight that she needed to prepare for.
Joe frowned as he sliced into his pancake. What Hannah did in her spare time was nothing to do with him. He didn’t even know where the aberrant thought had come from.
“I’m going to go wait out front for Hannah,” Ruby said, her chair legs scraping across the floor as she pushed her chair back.
It was still only a quarter to ten, but he figured there was no harm in letting her wait outside. Kicking her heels for a few minutes might even calm her down a little.
He should have known better. He’d just finished rinsing the fry pan when Ruby banged her way back into the house.
“Daddy, we’re ready to go now. Hurry up, slowpoke.”
He turned to find Ruby had dragged Hannah into the house behind her. His gaze ran over Hannah’s damp hair, pulled back into a ponytail.
“Ruby, I hope you didn’t hassle Hannah to come early,” he said.
Ruby closed her eyes for a long blink before shaking her head, a sure sign she was prevaricating. “No. Hannah was already up and dressed, weren’t you, Hannah?”
Hannah smiled and pinched one of Ruby’s earlobes. “Barely, grease monkey. But it’s okay, I’m ready to go now.”
Her gaze flicked around the kitchen, and he was immediately aware that the room needed to be painted and that he’d been meaning to do something about the pile of mail stacked on the end of the counter.
“I guess we sho
uld go, then,” he said.
There was a moment of awkwardness as they sorted out the seating arrangements in the car. Ruby automatically moved to one of the rear doors when they exited the house but Hannah quickly intervened.
“No, sweetie, you should sit up front with your dad,” she said.
“I don’t mind,” Ruby said. She slipped into the back of the car and buckled her seat belt.
Joe met Hannah’s eyes over the roof of the car for a brief second before she opened the front passenger door. He was acutely aware of her sitting beside him as he started the SUV and backed into the street. He could see her long, jeans-clad legs out of the corner of his eyes, her hands resting on her thighs.
For Pete’s sake, you’re not fifteen.
He only felt that way. Which boded well for the day.
It wasn’t until they had entered the first clothing store that he realized how tense Hannah was. She was frowning, her shoulders very square, her generous mouth pressed into a thin, straight line as Ruby circled the racks, pulling out frilly dress after frilly dress. Hannah’s eyebrows rose when she saw how short the skirt was on one of the dresses and she visibly flinched when Ruby selected a shiny Lycra thing in vivid pink.
“What do you think?” Ruby asked.
“Um. Well. I guess. Is this the sort of thing you were thinking of?” Hannah asked.
Ruby nodded. “My Barbie doll has one just like this.”
“Your doll?”
“Yep,” Ruby said. She started walking toward the change rooms. “We have to hurry because we’ve only got three hours.”
Hannah closed her eyes for a few seconds and he heard her say something under her breath. Then she followed Ruby to the change rooms.
“I’ll wait out front,” he said.
“No, Daddy, you have to stay with us. We need a boy’s opinion,” Ruby said bossily.
“I don’t know how much help I’ll be, Rubes. This isn’t really my area of expertise.”
Hannah gave him a dark look. “It’s not mine, either, but you don’t see me trying to wriggle off the hook.”
He gave in, partly because Ruby was watching him with big, expectant eyes and he knew that if Beth was here she’d be all over this shopping trip, and partly because he was curious to see what Hannah looked like in a miniskirt.
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