“Did you ever get home last night?”
“No, and I never made it to the beach either.”
“I’m glad I didn’t get your message and slept in,” she joked, but there was no laughter on the other end of the phone.
“Listen, I need to see you today. It’s about last night.”
Liza felt her stomach drop. His voice had a slight edge to it and he sounded tense and worried.
“I should be done here around three. Can you stop by my condo around four, so we can talk?”
She agreed to meet him at his place, ended the call and flopped back on the bed.
Had last night been a mistake?
Her eyes welled with tears, and she tossed her head back and forth, allowing them to flow down her cheeks.
He’s running away. He never intended to meet me at the beach.
She had hoped to broach the subject about a long-term relationship, but it seemed as though he didn’t want a commitment at all.
She shot out of bed and went to the mirror. Staring at her reflection, Liza saw a woman who was tired of believing the spiteful words of her mother that had been drilled into her head since she was a teen. Tired of worrying about her scar and the rest of her so-called flaws, and what men thought of them, especially Anthony.
Liza knew in her heart that she was a beautiful person, inside and out, and it was about time that she believed it, without the need for a man to tell her so.
She angrily rubbed the tears from her eyes. Once again, she’d been played. But this time, she vowed, would be the last time.
* * *
During her long, hot shower, Liza decided that she couldn’t face Maisie that morning. The last thing she needed was a round of questioning about her whereabouts the previous evening, despite her host’s best intentions.
She decided to have breakfast at Ruby’s, before her meeting with Trent at City Hall.
Liza chose her outfit carefully, ultimately deciding to wear one of her favorite cotton sundresses in periwinkle blue.
Though she missed Denver, she loved living in Northern California and the sunny weather often lifted her spirits. The fact that she didn’t have to cloister herself in sweaters and coats was a definite plus.
When she was dressed, she grabbed her purse and headed back downstairs. She was halfway there when she decided to go back and get her laptop. After meeting with Trent, she’d head to the library and continue her work on the design of her own home. It would be a busy day, but it would help to keep her mind off of Anthony until it was time to meet him.
Liza had her hand on the front doorknob when Maisie emerged from the parlor.
“Morning! Where did you two slip off to last night?” she asked, waggling a finger. “And don’t think I didn’t notice.”
Liza decided to ignore her question. She turned around and smiled sweetly. “Did Prentice walk you home?”
“He sure did, after I slapped him on the back to wake him up. I swear that man sleeps more than the dead.”
“There must be some reason he’s tired,” Liza teased.
“If there is, it doesn’t have anything to do with me. I’m too old for any hanky-panky shenanigans.”
She folded her arms, rested them on her bosom and a tiny smile crossed her face.
Liza gave Maisie a hug. “Okay, if you say so.”
“By the way, you missed me cutting the ribbon!” she said, sounding hurt.
“I’m sorry,” Liza said, with a twinge of guilt for skipping out on her friend. “It was a well-deserved honor.”
“Hush, I’m no better than anyone else,” Maisie said, waving her comment away. “But stop distracting me. What about you and Anthony? I know I’m not your mama, but don’t think you’re going to leave this house without telling me where you two snuck off.”
Liza discreetly bit the inside of her lip.
Maisie was as sharp as a bat. However, she didn’t know that Anthony was in the bed-and-breakfast last night, let alone up in Liza’s room. Though she knew Maisie would never intentionally hurt her, Liza just wanted to keep even the smallest details of her relationship with Anthony to herself.
“He walked me here and then had to leave right away because he got called to the hospital on an emergency,” she lied.
Maisie lifted a brow. “Any clue on what happened?”
Liza shook her head. “I can only imagine it must have been serious. The patient arrived by helicopter. Anthony once told me he is often called to assist when there has been an injury that is disfiguring or has the potential to be disfiguring, like bad burns that require skin grafts.”
Maisie frowned. “It must not have been a Bay Pointer, or one of us would have surely heard about it by now.” She patted Liza’s hand. “There will be other times for you and Anthony to talk, not to worry.”
Liza faked a smile and gave her a quick hug. “Who’s worried?” she said, before scooting out the door.
* * *
Upon arriving at Ruby’s, Liza headed straight to the counter to order her breakfast and then selected a table on the patio, hoping the fresh air would help to clear her head.
She rubbed her forehead, as if that would help drive thoughts of Anthony away. She looked across the street to the town square, and was surprised to see that the Bay Point Carousel was running.
At this hour of the morning, the twinkly music was a shock to her system. It was like hearing the jingle of the ice cream truck at the wrong time of the day, or worse, when you didn’t have any money.
Ruby sailed by with Liza’s latte and food. Today, she’d chosen a scone over a croissant.
Liza jerked a thumb in the direction of the square. “It’s too early for something to sound so happy,” she half whined.
Ruby looked over and nodded. “Then never come here on a Thursday morning, because that’s when they tinker with that old thing,” she advised.
Liza lightly tapped one finger on her scone. Though she knew it would probably taste delicious, it seemed as hard as her attitude.
“I thought the renovation was finished,” she said, barely hiding a scowl.
“All that pretty, historically accurate paint and sparkling lights can’t hide the fact that the carousel is over one hundred years old, with the creaks and cracks to prove it.”
The annoyingly cheery music of the carousel rang out through the square, but she was determined to ignore it.
At best, it reminded her of her childhood, which though rich in possessions, was devoid of consistent love and acceptance.
Her father was a surgeon and rarely at home. Though he was a kind and generous man, she never got the sense that she mattered in his life. While her mother was more focused on maintaining her youth through endless cosmetic treatments than caring for Liza.
At worst, the carousel reminded her how happiness could be faked. And when the ride was over, the disappointment seemed to last forever.
Liza felt her eyes moisten. Her growing affection for Anthony had made her happier than she’d been in a very long time, but she had a feeling he was about to break her heart.
“I hope that if I make it to that age, I get that much attention,” she said, doing her best to smile.
Ruby laughed. “You and me both, honey.”
When Ruby left, Liza bit into her scone and found that it was very tasty. She turned on her phone and frowned, half hoping to see a text from Anthony, but her screen was blank.
“Might as well catch up on my overflowing inbox,” she mumbled to herself.
Liza was so engrossed in reading email on her phone that it wasn’t until thirty minutes later that she looked up and realized that the patio was filled with townspeople. She spotted Mariella Vency, Mayor Langston’s executive assistant, scanning the crowd looking for a seat, and motioned her over. She’d met the woman
several weeks earlier when she inquired about construction permits.
Mariella approached, a tentative smile on her face. “I can’t believe all the tables are full so early. Are you sure you don’t mind sharing?”
“Not at all.” Liza began to rise from her seat. “I was actually going to order another latte. If you wouldn’t mind waiting here, I can get yours at the same time, if you’d like.”
“Don’t get up,” Mariella gushed. “Coffee is on me. It’s my thanks for letting me barge in on you like this.”
Before Liza could refuse her kindness, Mariella disappeared inside.
In the meantime, she finished reading an email, and had just stowed her phone away in her purse, when Mariella returned.
“Hope you don’t mind the to-go cups.”
Liza smiled as she accepted one from Mariella’s outstretched hand. “It’s fine. Thanks again.”
Mariella sat down and blew out a breath. “I can only sit here for a little while before I have to go to work.”
“Do you enjoy it?”
“It’s definitely interesting working for Mayor Langston, especially now,” she replied.
Liza took a careful sip of the hot brew. “Watching his plan for redeveloping downtown Bay Point come together?”
Mariella nodded. “I was so excited when he was re-elected, especially since I got to keep my job. If they’d voted for the other guy, I would have been out for sure.”
They were under a patio umbrella, but Mariella’s sun-kissed caramel-colored skin glowed so perfectly that it made Liza momentarily envious, until she spotted sadness lurking in her eyes.
“Are you married?”
Mariella laughed. “Oh no. My son Josh calls me ‘unhappily’ single.”
She sobered, frowned. “I try not to let it show how much it sometimes sucks to be single, but it seems as though he can read my mind.”
“I’m not a parent, but I can only imagine how tough it can be.”
“Sometimes I feel he would be better off with a male role model, but just between us girls, so far, there’s been no prospects.”
Mariella tapped the plastic cover of her cup. “But I shouldn’t complain. I moved to Bay Point for peace, quiet and the school system, not the men. Although, there are more than a few hotties living here. Dr. Marbet is one example, wouldn’t you agree?”
Liza froze, not knowing what to say, wondering if she knew anything about their relationship, other than that in the eyes of the public, it was strictly business.
After last night, she and Anthony were now lovers. But how long would they remain so?
“I really hadn’t noticed.” She pulled out her phone and swiped it on. “I’m so sorry, but I’m expected in a meeting.”
Mariella put her hand over her mouth. “Oh gosh. I’m sorry. I hope I haven’t made you late with my rambling.”
“It’s no problem. My meeting is at City Hall. I hope to break ground on Dr. Marbet’s clinic sooner versus later so I’m meeting with Trent Waterson and the building inspector to finalize permits for the project.”
Liza dropped her phone back into her purse and made sure her laptop case was zipped up.
“Do you know Trent?” she asking, thinking he might just be the ‘hot prospect’ Mariella needed.
“Yes, I do. He’s a good guy, but totally not my type. I’m not into guys on motorcycles. They’re too dangerous.”
“Who? The guys or the motorcycles?”
“Both,” Mariella giggled, as she lifted her cup and shouldered her own purse. “Let’s go.”
The two women strolled over to City Hall. They were climbing the stairs when Liza stopped and snapped her fingers.
“What do you say we have a girls’ night out sometime?”
Mariella’s eyes widened, and Liza could almost see her mulling the idea over in her head.
“It sounds like fun, but I don’t know if I could leave Josh alone.”
“How old is he?”
“Almost fifteen,” she replied. “But I still don’t like leaving him alone. I guess you could say I’m just a little bit overprotective.”
Liza wanted to roll her eyes, but held back, knowing she had no right to judge. “I think you could use a few hours away.”
“It’s been a long time,” Mariella agreed.
“Plus, it will give us a chance to get to know each other,” Liza gushed, hoping she didn’t sound overeager. “I don’t have many friends here yet.”
“Nor do I, even though I’ve lived here for a couple of years,” Mariella admitted, with a wide grin. “Between work and taking care of Josh, I tend to forget about myself.”
Liza grinned. “Then it’s all settled.” She bumped her shoulder gently against Mariella’s. “Girls rule!”
There’s nothing like making a new friend to help one get over heartbreak, Liza thought, as they walked into City Hall.
“So I know this cute little roadhouse just outside of town that has live music and dancing...”
Chapter 12
Liza stared down at her phone as a text message from Anthony slid across the screen.
Door is open. Just walk in.
She stared at her reflection in the mirror, and for once, she didn’t lift her jaw to check on her scar.
I could ignore or delete the text, she thought, picking up her brush and running it through her hair.
But she didn’t want to ignore it, or her feelings for Anthony.
Satisfied that her hair looked okay, she set her brush down on her dresser and smoothed the wrinkles from her dress.
Despite her best efforts, her mind kept wandering toward Anthony, as it had throughout the day, and what was inevitably waiting for her if she met up with him.
It was why after her meeting with Trent she’d decided to return to the bed-and-breakfast instead of going to the library. In case Anthony didn’t contact her, she could simply flop into bed and cry her eyes out.
But he did, and though she was sure she was going to regret it, she decided to meet him and face whatever it was he had to say.
Maisie had left a note that she had gone to a late lunch with some friends from church, but would return soon, as she was expecting guests to arrive in the early evening.
Liza grabbed her keys and a white straw hat to protect her face from the sun, and hurried down the stairs.
As she walked to Anthony’s condo, she tried to talk herself into turning on her heels and heading back to her room at Maisie’s. But she couldn’t face Maisie’s questions either.
When she arrived, she started knocking on the door, but remembered it was already unlocked. Before she could change her mind, she took a deep breath and opened it.
The entryway opened up to a great room with a cathedral ceiling. She looked up and saw that the transom windows were open, and felt a hint of breeze on her cheeks.
The late-afternoon sun streamed into the room and cast a warm glow on the leather furniture. Soft jazz was playing, though she couldn’t see any speakers.
But where was Anthony?
She shut the door and clutched her keys tightly, heels clicking on the varnished wooden floor as she walked.
“Hello?” she called out.
“Be right down!”
Liza followed the sound of his deep voice and discovered a staircase that led to the second floor.
“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be there in a minute.”
The soft whoosh of the two ceiling fans created a relaxing environment. She plopped down on the couch and nestled her keys in her lap, rubbing her bare arms against the breeze.
Suddenly, she heard a door slam, followed by a string of curses.
Liza swiveled her head and watched Anthony hurry down the stairs.
He leaned
down and pecked her cheek. “Sorry I’m late,” he said, a sheepish grin on his face.
“I hadn’t noticed,” she replied in an off-handed way. “I’m sure what you have to say won’t take long.”
His chasteness bothered her. After the passion they had shared last night, she wondered why he didn’t give her a full-on kiss.
She met his eyes, and saw that he was watching her intently.
“You said you wanted to talk about last night, so talk.”
Anthony gave her a curious look and sat down next to her. “Before we get to that, weren’t you supposed to meet with Trent today?”
She nodded. “We met at City Hall this morning. The permits are all in order. The motel will be razed next week.”
Anthony raised a fist, as if victorious. “Bring in the dozers and bring out the dirt!”
Liza couldn’t help but smile briefly at his antics. However, she saw no reason to postpone the inevitable.
“Now, what did you want to talk about?”
She fought not to let her eyes roam his body. Though he was dressed casually in a white T-shirt and navy blue basketball shorts, how was she supposed to have a normal conversation with the man when he looked good enough to eat?
Instead, she mentally braced herself for the news that she feared. That the previous night had been a mistake. That he regretted making love to her.
Anthony avoided her eyes and looked at the floor. “It was very tough leaving you last night, unlike anything I’ve ever faced before.”
He rubbed his free hand across the back of his neck. “Last night was...incredible. But I don’t know what to do next or where this will lead.”
Liza met his eyes, and saw indecision. A wellspring of hurt sprung forth. Though she loved him, she knew exactly what she had to do to save her own heart. She had to end the relationship first.
She swallowed away a lump in her throat. “It’s okay, Anthony. I understand.”
His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean, you understand?”
Liza folded her arms, and she accidentally jabbed one of her keys into her bare skin. She bit her lip against the pain. “I don’t know why you are wasting my time, Anthony. You could have just told me you didn’t want to see me anymore over the phone!”
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