An Unexpected Partnership (HQR Special Edition)

by Teresa Southwick

  When she pulled out her cell phone, Leo did, too. She started talking dates and he zeroed in on the current one. Between the bar renovations, the baby and thinking about Tess, he hadn’t been paying attention to what day it was. But now the significance of this one sank in, making him feel as if he’d been bodychecked without hockey pads.

  And for some reason, this year the pain of remembering was worse than ever.

  * * *

  When she walked into the restaurant called Burgers but Better, Tess was still quivering from feeling Leo’s arms around her again. In the same room where they’d had sex. It would have been so easy to go there for a second time, because she wanted him. There was no denying the attraction, but acting on it would have been stupid. Once was a foolish mistake, but twice was a pattern and that was a template for heartbreak. They’d agreed not to mix business and pleasure, and she was sticking to that. Her priority was having her baby and saving her business, in that order.

  And now she was going to put all that aside and have a carefree evening with her two BFFs. Tess had known Carla Kellerman and Jamie Webber since first grade. She’d come to live with her grandfather, and then her mom had split just before she started a brand-new school and knew no one. A terrified first grader had walked into the classroom and come out with two lifelong friends.

  They’d been through a lot together—breakups with boyfriends, job changes, family problems and loss. There was no one she counted on more than these two women. It had been a while since she’d seen them, and since then Tess had gone through a lot of changes, life-altering ones. With The Pub closed because of the construction work, they were meeting somewhere different for dinner.

  Tess got there first, which never happened because she normally got hung up at work, even before her grandfather died. But she wasn’t currently working, unless tutoring counted, so that wasn’t a problem. She was sitting at a booth in the brightly lit, casual restaurant when her friends walked in together and looked around.

  She stood, waved and they came over. There were big hugs all around before the two of them slid into the space across from her in the booth. They smiled at each other for several moments, just happy to be together.

  “The triumvirate of trouble together again.” Jamie Webber was a pretty, blue-eyed brunette who labeled her hair mousey brown and her legs too short.

  “That’s what Granddad always called us. The last time we were together was at the memorial service.” The pain of loss sliced through her. That was a sad day but she had a feeling what she would remember most was what happened between her and Leo. It was the day a life lost had been honored and another had been created.

  “I miss him, too.” Carla squeezed her hand for a moment. The redhead had a fiery temper and the biggest heart in the world. “A lot has changed for you since then. You’re pregnant.”

  “Thanks for the newsflash.” She’d told them about the baby, how it happened and who the father was.

  “How are you feeling?” Jamie asked.

  “Tired. Nauseated and generally in a state of doubt and fear. How are you guys?”

  “Things are good,” Jamie said. “I finally told Karl he was never getting out of the friend zone.”

  “How did he take it?” Both Tess and Carla had recommended letting the poor guy know sooner rather than later.

  “I felt like I kicked a puppy. It was awful. You both know how I hate hurting anyone.”

  “We do,” Carla confirmed. “And you’re a brave little soldier. But letting it go on would have hurt him more in the long run. You did the right thing.”

  “I know.” Jamie sighed, then looked sideways at Carla. “And what’s going on with you?”

  Tess pushed Leo out of her mind and focused on her friend. “Lots of changes, I hear. You’re back home, where you belong, and have a new job.”

  “It’s humiliating,” Carla said. “Not the job. But leaving town. I can’t believe I followed a guy to Denver, worked my ass off to help him get established, buy a house and then he dumped me. So now I’m back, forced to live with my mother in the house where I grew up. Full circle sucks.”

  “I’m sorry, honey,” Tess said. “But selfishly, I’m glad you’re back.”

  “Tell us about the job,” Jamie urged.

  “It’s called Make Me a Match, as in matchmaking.”

  “So you’re working at a place that brings couples together,” Tess clarified.

  “The irony is huge,” Carla admitted. “I’m not the only one getting back on my feet. The company provides personal service and has been going through a rough patch. The owner’s nephew is some tech guy and agreed to help out for a limited time, make things run more efficiently.”

  “Sounds exciting,” Jamie said.

  “You should give us a try,” Carla told Jamie.

  “Actually I met someone. He’s the reason I had to tell Karl how I felt. His name is Bill Para and he’s in sales. Right now he’s going back and forth between here and Seattle, but he’s planning to move here. He says the weather is better in California.”

  “Can’t argue with that,” Tess agreed.

  The waitress interrupted them and introduced herself, then took drink and food orders. It was—surprise—burgers all around. She pointed out the fixings bar that offered a plethora of items to make the hamburgers more exciting. Hence the name—Burgers but Better.

  Drinks came quickly—wine for her two friends, club soda with lime for Tess. They clinked glasses.

  “To the baby,” Carla toasted. “I can’t believe you’re going to be a mother.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  Jamie turned serious. “I want to hear about this baby’s father. Leo Wallace. I saw him at the memorial service and he seemed genuinely fond of your grandfather. What’s he like?”

  “Besides huge and hunky.” Carla grinned.

  “He’s now my partner in the business for one thing.” Tess knew that’s not what they wanted to know but this was the simplest part of their relationship, and even that was complicated. “Apparently Granddad was fond of him. About six months before he died, he approached Leo about buying into the business.”

  “Knowing him, Pat wanted to make sure there was someone to watch over you after he was gone,” Jamie said.

  Tess nodded and explained about customer decline and her reasons for going through with the partnership proposal.

  “How does Leo feel about becoming a father?” Carla asked.

  “That’s a good question. He wants a DNA test after the baby is born. He made that very clear.”

  “Can’t say I blame him,” Jamie teased. “What with the way you sleep around. I’m surprised you could narrow it down to one guy.”

  “Funny girl.” Tess was aware that her friends knew he was the one and only guy she’d been with in a very long time. They told each other everything. The only information she’d held back was her current living arrangement, and she wasn’t sure why. But in a few weeks she’d be back in her apartment anyway. No harm, no foul. Getting serious again, she said, “He asked how I feel about being a mother.”

  “Wow, a man in touch with his softer side.” Carla looked at Jamie and the two friends nodded at each other. “And?”

  “I was honest with him. I’m nervous. It’s a big change, not to mention responsibility. And I have a business to run, one that needs to grow to be successful. That means more hours at work, not less.”

  “Good thing you have a partner, then,” Jamie said. “Is he excited about being a dad? Maybe having a new little hockey player?”

  “Honestly, I haven’t actually asked him how he feels about it.”

  “Because you don’t want to know.” Carla wasn’t asking.

  These two knew her better than anyone and would know if she was dodging the question. So she didn’t. “That’s probably true. But it’s a little freaky what he kn
ows about pregnant women.”

  “Oh?”

  “He brought me crackers when I was having trouble keeping food down.” And he’d held her hair back when she threw up. “He insisted on coming to my OB appointment.” But it seemed more as if he was keeping her under surveillance than anything else. “But he has a reputation with women, so—”

  “So a sports guy who’s a womanizer is a deal breaker for you,” Jamie said.

  According to Granddad, her father was the quarterback and captain of his high school football team, and he’d run out on his family. Tess’s college love was a baseball player and he’d cheated on her. In Tess’s eyes, athletes didn’t make good husband material. She had to keep reminding herself there would never be anything, except this baby, between her and Leo.

  The waitress arrived with their burgers and fries, and they took them to the bar for bacon, jalapeno, onions and just about any topping one could imagine. After returning to the table, there was nothing but silence because their mouths were too busy eating. It was a messy meal that required concentration and a bazillion napkins. Tess didn’t complain because she was happy to no longer be in the spotlight, fielding questions she couldn’t answer.

  “That was super yummy,” Carla said when she was finished.

  “I’m a happy girl,” Jamie agreed. “Tess, you’re lagging.”

  All eyes were on her half-eaten hamburger. “My appetite isn’t quite back to normal yet. I’ll get a to-go box. Leo might like it.”

  “Oh? And why is it that he would be getting your leftovers?” Jamie asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously.

  “What are you not telling us?” Carla demanded.

  Tess had only said there were renovations going on at The Pub. Neither of them had asked if she was staying in her apartment while the work was being done. Now she had no choice. The cat was out of the bag and no way would they let this slide.

  “I had to move out because of the dust and paint fumes. Not good for the baby.”

  “And what does this have to do with Leo?”

  Tess looked at Carla. “He was actually the one who said it wasn’t a good idea for me to be there. And that his house has lots of room.”

  “You could have asked me,” Carla said.

  “Or me.” Jamie wore her heart on her sleeve, and clearly her feelings were hurt.

  “Oh, honey.” Tess reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I couldn’t impose on you in your studio apartment. There’s not enough room.” She looked at Carla. “And I couldn’t ask you.”

  “Because I’m living with my mom. But you know we could make room.”

  “I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. Besides, Leo was pretty insistent.” She held up her hand to stop the questions she knew they still had. “Separate bedrooms. That one time was, well, one time. A mistake. We’re handling the consequences together.”

  “How very grown-up and civilized of you both.” Carla’s voice was wry.

  “Okay.” Jamie nodded. “As long as you know we’re there for you. There’s no favor you can’t ask. Nothing we wouldn’t do for you.”

  “Including hurting that big hunk if he hurts you,” Carla said fiercely. “Just so you know, I can be a father if he decides it’s not for him.”

  “Sweet of you.” Tess grinned. “But anatomically you don’t have the equipment to be a dad.”

  “Still,” she said, “I’ve got your back. Discipline is my middle name. I can be the bad cop.”

  “Me, too,” Jamie chimed in.

  “And I love you guys for that.” Tess’s vision blurred with tears. “Damn hormones.”

  “Oh, sweetie—”

  They both reached over and took her hands. She sniffled and held on tightly. There was no doubt in her mind these loyal women would be there for her.

  But Leo had surprised her. He had clearly connected with Josh and handled that situation extremely well. His fathering instincts were on full display and, in her opinion, he was going to be a terrific dad. He was also anti-marriage, flat out said as much because of his folks, but she was, too. They saw eye to eye on that.

  It was just the business they seemed to butt heads on. “Thanks, you guys, for being my friends. I love our girls’ nights.”

  “Me, too.” Jamie squeezed her hand tight, then let go. She looked around the restaurant. “I sure do miss the bar, though. It’s so friendly and comfortable there.”

  “Not for much longer.” Tess thought about the meeting with Leo just a couple of hours ago. The one where she brought up wanting cozy and he pushed for flashy. She had a partner now and compromises had to be made. And more darn changes.

  “What do you mean not for much longer?” Carla asked the question, but both women were giving her a skeptical look.

  “The decor is changing—a mix of old and new. He wants it to be a sports bar. Do you believe that?”

  “Guys like sports bars,” Jamie mused.

  Carla nodded thoughtfully. “Could be a good place to meet men. A fun place to suggest a first get-together for our Make Me a Match clients. So right there you’ve added another customer demographic. Women who want to meet men.”

  “Oh, brother.” Tess already met a man and it was complicating the stuffing out of her life.

  She’d be better off alone, but... Leo gave really good hugs. When he put those big, strong arms around a girl, she knew she’d been hugged. It made her feel better earlier, when she had cried.

  But then it made her want sex. It made her not so sure mixing business with pleasure was such a bad idea. The more time she spent with Leo, the more she was leaning toward that very bad idea.

  And now she had to go back to his place and see him.

  Chapter Eight

  Through his alcohol-induced haze, Leo was aware of someone shaking him awake. He opened one eye and decided it must be Tess, although she was really blurry, which was a shame because he liked looking at her. She was pretty. And his head was pounding, like a bunch of midgets were bouncing on a trampoline in his brain.

  He focused a little and saw she was staring at him. “What?”

  She held up a nearly empty bottle of scotch. “Did you drink all this?”

  He struggled to remember, and then it came back to him why he’d deliberately gotten blind drunk in the first place. Holding out his hand he said, “Shame to waste that.”

  “I think you’ve had enough.”

  “Not even close.”

  She handed him a bottle of water instead. “Alcohol is dehydrating. You need to drink this. I learned a lot of useful stuff working in The Pub.”

  He sat up and the room started spinning, so he leaned against the back of the sofa again and rubbed the ice-cold water bottle across his forehead. The scotch would have been gone if she’d given him that instead. Anything to achieve a reprieve from the aching emptiness of loss. Just for this day. He wasn’t entitled to much but surely it was okay to make the pain go away for today.

  Tess sat on the coffee table right in front of him and set the liquor bottle behind her. He’d have to go through her to get the booze. As pleasant as that thought was, he couldn’t do it and at the moment wasn’t entirely clear on why.

  “Have you eaten?” she asked.

  He shook his head and, man, was he sorry. Pain exploded inside his skull and he winced. “Not hungry.”

  “Could you choke down some eggs and toast? Something light. It would make you feel better.”

  That’s just it. He would never feel better. Not about this. “No. Just go to bed. I’m pretty bad company.”

  “So this isn’t a good-natured bender you’ve got going on.” She met his gaze. “I’ve seen a lot. I know the difference. If you were in my place, I’d be taking your car keys and calling an Uber.”

  “I’m not planning to drive.”

  He opened the plastic bottle
and took a long drink of water. It helped some. But he still didn’t want company. Conversation was the last thing he was looking for but she didn’t budge. She had a look on her face, the one women get when they’re determined to drag something out of a guy. And she didn’t say a word. Another tactic to get him to open up.

  “I’m not going to talk,” he said stubbornly.

  “Okay.” But she continued to look at him.

  Even in his semi-sober state he could tell this silence was getting awkward. He glared at her. “What is it going to take to get you to go away?”

  “Tell me about Chad.”

  Hearing the name was like a two-by-four to the midsection. If her goal was to sober him up with an agonizing adrenaline rush, score one for her. And then something crept into his foggy mind.

  “How do you know about him?”

  “I don’t. But you were mumbling the name and it sounded like a nightmare. You were pretty upset. That’s why I woke you. Otherwise I’d have let you sleep it off.”

  “You should have.”

  “I couldn’t.” Her eyes took on a softness when she said, “Tell me. Who is Chad and why are you so upset about him?”

  “Is there anything I can do to make you let this go?”

  “Not even giving up chrome-and-glass decor for the bar.”

  Any other time he would have smiled at that, but not today. “It’s Chad’s fourth birthday.”

  “And you’re not there. Is that your nephew? Godson?”

  “He was my son. At least I thought so.” He sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

  “I don’t understand.”

  He needed to start at the beginning, spit out the story and never speak of it again. “A woman I was seeing told me she was pregnant with my child. I wanted to do the right thing and asked her to marry me.”

  “Even though you saw your parents make each other miserable.”

  “Yeah. I thought it would be different for me. And it was.” He met her gaze. “Just not how I expected. It was so much worse.”