Dating, Dining, and Desperation (A Dear Daphne Novel)

by Carlson, Melody

  Daphne couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment to think that she, in a small way, had helped to facilitate it. Too bad she wasn’t more adept at creating such miracles in her own love life.

  Chapter 12

  I don’t know how to thank you for helping my mother to meet Wally,” Ricardo told Daphne on Sunday afternoon. She and Sabrina had come to the diner after church, and it seemed that Ricardo couldn’t have been more pleased to see them.

  “They really seemed to hit it off, didn’t they?” Daphne smiled as he set their iced teas on the outdoor table.

  “I had to leave early the other night, to close up here. But Mom came here for breakfast and she looked happy.” He grinned. “Truly happy!”

  “I’m so glad. And Wally seemed pleased to meet her too. I think that’s the first time I’ve seen a genuine smile on his face. I mean since back in high school.”

  “It gives me hope,” Ricardo told her. “I’m in your debt, Daphne.”

  She laughed. “No, you’re not. I’m just glad two sweet but lonely people have found each other.”

  “Your lunch is on the house,” Ricardo said as he was going.

  “But you—”

  “No arguing,” he said over his shoulder.

  “Wow,” Sabrina said without enthusiasm. “I’m glad someone is enjoying a happy little romance.”

  Daphne reached over and patted Sabrina’s hand. “Come on, you’ll get over this.”

  Sabrina let out a slow sigh. “I just don’t see where I went wrong. Mick and I were having such a good time. I feel totally blindsided.”

  “Maybe it’s just a case of chemistry. Like it was with Collin and me. I just wasn’t hearing any bells.”

  “But I was hearing bells,” Sabrina protested. “Every time I saw Mick, my chemistry was working just fine.”

  “But it’s a two-way street, Sabrina.”

  “Tell me something I don’t know.” Her lower lip protruded. “I just feel so utterly let down . . . deflated. You know?”

  Daphne nodded. “I do know.”

  Sabrina forced a weak smile. “Yes, I suppose you do. We’ve both been unlucky in love lately. At least you can commiserate with me. I’m not sure how I’d feel if I thought you and Collin were madly in love and planning your wedding right now.”

  “Knowing you, I believe you’d be happy for me.”

  Sabrina’s smile grew stronger. “You’re right. I would.”

  “And it’s not like you’re in any rush to get married,” Daphne reminded her. “You don’t have any big deadline looming ahead for you, do you?”

  “No, of course not. In fact, when my divorce was finalized, I promised myself not to even consider marriage for at least five years.” She slid her straw into her tea. “I guess being around you made me think that I needed to hurry things up too.” She giggled. “Silly ol’ me.”

  “I think we should both just take a nice little break,” Daphne said.

  “A break?”

  “From being so focused on dating . . . and men . . . don’t you think?”

  Sabrina laughed. “You won’t hear me agreeing to anything like that anytime soon.” She pointed into the diner. “And unless I’m mistaken, there’s a guy in there who would like to get better acquainted with you. That is, if you would just give him half a chance.”

  “Ricardo?” Daphne glanced in the window. “He’s just grateful for his mom’s sake.”

  “Looked like more than that to me.”

  “Well, we are friends, Sabrina.”

  “Friendship seems like a good foundation for romance.”

  Daphne nodded. “I totally agree.”

  “Hmm.” Sabrina got a thoughtful look. “Speaking of friends, I feel like Collin has been a friend to me. If you’re certain you’re finished with him . . . maybe I should take the boy out for a spin.”

  “Really?” Daphne blinked.

  “Well, I was so in love with the idea of vacationing in Australia again,” she said dreamily. “Seeing it with someone who was from there. Perhaps I was just dreaming about the wrong man.”

  Daphne tried to wrap her head around this. “You really think you’re that interested in Collin?”

  “I might be.” Sabrina grinned. “He’s definitely a good dancer.”

  “Well, after I told him I didn’t see a future for us, he sounded like he’d be heading back to Australia—”

  “So you told him after all?” Her expression was a mixture of surprise and hopefulness. “Were you planning to tell me?”

  “Sorry. I spoke to him at your little soiree.” Daphne shrugged.

  “How did Collin take it?”

  “He was perfectly fine.”

  “Oh, good.” Sabrina’s lips curved into a smile.

  “But if you want to make a move on him, you better not waste any time.” Daphne said this in a teasing tone, but she could tell by Sabrina’s expression that she was already considering it. Really, was she that desperate?

  Sabrina wrinkled her nose. “On second thought . . . maybe not.”

  “Why not?”

  She shrugged. “I just remembered Pastor Andrew’s sermon. Remember how he talked about not running ahead of God? And how we sometimes do that and mess everything up?”

  “Yes. Those were good words.”

  “Maybe I just need to slow down a little.”

  Daphne nodded. “You and me both.”

  “Then what about Jake?” Sabrina asked pointedly.

  “What about him?”

  “Just before he left the other night . . . I overhead him asking you to meet him for coffee on Tuesday. What’s up with that?”

  “Oh, that’s nothing. Just a business meeting.”

  “You know that for a fact?”

  “I’m pretty sure that’s what it is.” Daphne replayed their brief conversation from the previous evening. “Jake said he needed to speak to me regarding something in Aunt Dee’s will.”

  “Maybe he wants to declare his undying affection for you and propose marriage. That would have something to do with the will, wouldn’t it?”

  Daphne rolled her eyes. “I am 100 percent certain that is not going to happen.”

  “But you’d be happy if it did happen.” Sabrina scrutinized her closely. “Wouldn’t you?”

  Fortunately, Daphne did not have to answer that stupid question because Ricardo was coming out the door with their food. And the truth was, Daphne was unsure. Would that make her happy? Or had she simply imagined it would? As Ricardo chatted amicably, neatly arranging the plates on the small table, Daphne wondered if Sabrina really had picked up on something real. Was Ricardo interested in something beyond friendship with her?

  “Thanks, Ricardo,” she said warmly. “But you really don’t have to comp our meal. I insist you—”

  “Please, Daphne.” He looked directly into her face. “Let this be my thank-you. Even if nothing develops for my mom and Wally, I love that you made the effort. And I know it made her happy. At the very least, she’s made a friend.” His dark brown eyes implored her. “Please, allow me to express my gratitude.”

  She smiled. “Well, when you put it like that. How can I possibly refuse?”

  “Thank you.” He tipped his head. “Enjoy your lunch, ladies.”

  “See,” Sabrina said quietly after he went inside. “If that’s not genuine romantic interest, I am completely out of touch.”

  Daphne just shook her head. Sabrina’s determination could be exhausting sometimes. “Time will tell. In the meantime, I’m taking a break. A man break.” Naturally Sabrina just laughed.

  On Tuesday morning, Daphne walked to town to meet Jake for coffee. Even though it was only late August, she thought she could feel autumn in the air, and she wanted to make the most of the last days of summer. Jake was just getting out o
f his car when she reached the coffee company.

  “Good timing,” he said as they met at the door. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing well.” She waited for him to open the door. “Enjoying this lovely morning.”

  They ordered their coffees and went to a table in back. Jake had his briefcase with him and she was ready for him to open it and start spreading papers on the table—the way he had done at their first meeting. But instead he set the briefcase under his chair and just looked at her. “I feel like I need to apologize to you.”

  “Apologize?” She frowned. “For what?”

  “I’m not sure exactly. But I think I’ve offended you somehow. And it seems that every time we talk, I end up offending you even more.”

  She tilted her head to one side, weighing her words. “Well, you were a little nosy the other night. At the Founder’s Day dance.”

  “You mean by expressing my opinion in regards to your date?”

  Unwilling to admit that he’d stepped on her toes—especially since he’d been correct—she simply shrugged.

  “I only spoke up because I care about you.”

  She waited as the barista set their coffees on the table. “Yes, I get that,” she said slowly. “And you’re worried I’m going to disappoint Aunt Dee somehow. You feel it’s your responsibility to see that I don’t make a great big fat mess of my life.” She sighed. “But honestly, it seems like I haven’t done anything too terrible so far. Perhaps you could simply trust me to handle things myself from here on out. Or is that even possible?”

  He looked somewhat taken aback. “Wow . . . I guess I really did offend you.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said stiffly. “Now it seems I’ve offended you.”

  He peered over his cup of coffee at her. “It’s just that I thought . . . well . . . that we were friends.”

  “I thought so too.” She pressed her lips together.

  “As your friend, am I out of line to be concerned for your welfare?”

  She shook her head, then sipped her coffee. She felt herself softening and wasn’t sure that she wanted to.

  “And like I said, I believe I have your best interests at heart.”

  “Yes . . . and so does my dad, but he doesn’t meddle with my life nearly as much as you do.”

  “Ouch.” He frowned.

  “Sorry, Jake. But I’m a little weary of your big-brother act.”

  “I understand. But as your aunt’s attorney, I feel a responsibility. I see you as a vulnerable woman that could be taken unfair advantage of.”

  “Yes, well, if you’re talking about Collin, rest assured. I sent him packing.” She stirred a little more cream into her coffee. “Literally. Yesterday Mick informed me that Collin is booked for Sydney on Saturday.” She held her coffee cup in the air. “Happy trails, mate.”

  Jake chuckled. “Well, that’s a relief.”

  She frowned. “So did you really think my taste in guys was that off? That I couldn’t figure it out for myself . . . eventually?”

  “I didn’t know what to think. I was floored when I saw you with him. It just seemed all wrong. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t say something.”

  “So, will you be shadowing me on all my dates from here on out? Can I expect you to pop up whenever I’m with a guy, expressing your venerated opinion? Because if that’s your idea of—”

  “Daphne.” He shook his head. “I get it. I know you’re vexed. And I’m sorry, okay?”

  She sighed. “Okay.”

  “Anyway, I’ve come up with another plan.”

  She felt an unexplainable surge of hope. Was this about them? “Another plan?”

  He nodded. “I’ve been compiling a list of suitable suitors. Local guys I don’t think you’ve had a chance to meet yet. Respected professionals who—”

  “What?”

  “It’s just because I understand your dilemma, Daphne. I know the pressure you’re under to get this figured out. Can’t say I blame you either. There’s a lot at stake. Anyway, I got to thinking . . . if I’m really your good friend, why wouldn’t I help you out in any way I can? We can sort of speed things along.”

  “Are you totally nuts?”

  “Not at all.” He looked slightly offended.

  “So you want to set me up on dates?” She suppressed the childish urge to dump her coffee over his head. “With other men? Seriously?”

  “You really think it’s a bad idea?” He seemed genuinely hurt. “For a friend to help a friend? Surely you’re aware of online-dating websites, where complete strangers match people up. Wouldn’t being helped by a trusted friend be a whole lot better? That’s how it used to be done—back in the good old days.”

  “I think you’ve lost your mind, Jake. And FYI, I have no intention of utilizing a dating website either.”

  “So you wouldn’t even consider my golf buddy Anthony Wells? He’s a doctor.” The way he said the word doctor felt like he was dangling a carrot in front of her nose. “And he’s good looking too.”

  “So why is he single?” She frowned. “What’s wrong with him?”

  He grinned at her. “I like that. You’re developing a good sense of skepticism. It gives me hope.”

  “Seriously, what’s wrong with him? Why does a good-looking doctor have difficulty getting dates? Why is he single?”

  “Tony’s wife left him for a plastic surgeon about a year ago.”

  “Oh.”

  “But if you’re not interested.” Jake leaned back in his chair, smugly folding his arms in front.

  “Oh, Jake.” She glared at him. “Why are you doing this to me?”

  “Because I care about you.”

  “Or because you think I’m unable to find a man on my own.”

  “Nothing is further from the truth, Daphne. I’m afraid you’ll find all kinds of men. You’re a beautiful woman and by all appearances you are rich and successful and, forgive me for saying so, quite a catch.”

  She considered this. Maybe it actually made sense . . . on some levels. Still, it was insulting.

  “I just want to make sure you get to meet some good prospects. I’d feel terrible if you settled for some beer-guzzling womanizer—”

  “You’re suggesting that Collin is a womanizer—?”

  “I watched him, Daphne. He was dancing with a lot of pretty girls the other night. Seemed to enjoy it too. Besides that, he left you to your own devices most of the time. Not very polite if you ask me. But maybe I’m old-fashioned.”

  “For your information, I was the one who was avoiding him.”

  “Oh?” He looked doubtful.

  “I was! I had already made up my mind about it. Even before dinner, I had pretty much decided I’d had enough of him, okay?”

  Jake seemed pleased. “Well, I never accused you of having bad judgment. It’s more a case of attracting the wrong sorts.”

  “How can I be sure your Dr. Tony isn’t the wrong sort?”

  “By meeting him.”

  “But I just told Sabrina that I’m taking a break from men and dating.”

  “You don’t have to date him. Just meet him for coffee. If there’s nothing there, what have you lost? A few minutes of your time?”

  She considered this. Really, if Jake was just a friend and only a friend, this would seem like a perfectly natural conversation. It’s just that she had once thought he was more. However, if she wanted to prove to herself—and to him—that they were only friends, perhaps she should accept his challenge to meet his doctor friend. And what if he really did turn out to be a great guy? At the very least she might manage to make Jake jealous. No, that was the wrong motive.

  “Okay, fine,” she said abruptly. “I’m happy to meet your friend.”

  He looked surprised. “Great. Want me to set it up?”

  “That dep
ends.”

  “On what?”

  “On whether or not you’ll be hiding in the shadows observing.”

  He laughed. “I promise you I won’t do that.”

  “Okay . . . then go ahead. See if your friend is as keen on your idea as you are.”

  “Anthony is on staff at St. George. Maybe you could meet up with him there. That way it really won’t feel like a date.”

  “Fine.” She finished the last of her coffee. “Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?”

  “Well, yes . . . that’s pretty much it.”

  “Then if you’ll excuse me, I need to work on the column today.”

  “How’s that going?”

  “Don’t you read the newspaper?” she said a bit haughtily.

  “Uh, yes, of course.”

  “Then you should know exactly how it’s going.”

  “Right. So you don’t miss having me as your middleman as much as you thought you would?”

  She shook her head as she stood. “Apparently not.”

  “I’ll let you know about Anthony,” he said in what seemed a halfhearted tone. Perhaps he was having second thoughts, or maybe he was worried that Dr. Tony wouldn’t be interested in her.

  She forced a smile and thanked him for the coffee, turned, and walked away. Heat rose up her neck and flushing her face as she went outside. It was partly from anger, partly from humiliation. Who did Jake think he was? What audacity—offering to set her up with dates? Did he really think she was some poor, pathetic loser, unable to attract a guy without his help? Was she that repugnant and repulsive? The nerve of that man!

  Of course, as she got closer to home, she began to see it a bit differently. Replaying Jake’s words, she realized he’d been partially complimentary. He had actually called her beautiful . . . but then he negated that by saying she had the “appearance” of being rich and successful. How insulting. Although to be fair, it was true. It was an appearance—she was neither rich or successful, she was simply riding on Aunt Dee’s coattails. And Jake knew that.

  Maybe he was right. It did seem entirely possible that she could attract the wrong sort of guy without even knowing it. In fact Collin might very well have been that sort of guy. But how would she have discovered that if she hadn’t given him the time of day? And yet wouldn’t she have been happier not to have wasted her time on him? As she went into the house, she was feeling completely confused. Maybe it was time to write Dear Daphne again.