"Good. I'm glad. We'll talk in a few days, but don't hesitate to call me if you need to, okay?"
I nod, because I get the distinct impression that he's got somewhere to be. My hand goes to the door. "I will. Thanks again. I'd invite you in, but you've probably had enough of me."
His gaze drops to my mouth. "I'd love to, but I promised Ma I'd go to her house tonight. She has some project involving an indoor dog house for Steve. Raincheck?" His right eyebrow cocks up and he smiles.
"Anytime," I murmur, climbing out of the Jeep with the hugest grin on my face. I give him a wave as I make my way to the door, feeling a little self-conscious because my dress is wet from my bathing suit.
I can't help but notice that he waits until I've unlocked the door and am safely inside.
I let out a sigh. "Such a gentleman," I say out loud.
My phone chirps, and I reach in my bag while slipping off my flip-flops. This time, it's Mom.
"Hey! I was going to call you tonight." I put the phone on speaker and pad into my room.
"You sound happy," she says.
"I am, actually. The bar's coming along well, and I've made a friend," I practically holler while I change out of my wet clothes and slip into a fuzzy white robe.
"Oh? Tell me. A male friend?"
I glance at my hair in the mirror, pulling it back in a ponytail. "In fact, yes. We're working together on a Chamber of Commerce project. He's my age, single, and..."
Dreamy?
Gorgeous?
Hilarious?
I step closer to the phone. "He's quite nice," I say primly.
Mom chuckles. "Quite nice, eh? I think I've heard that one before. Oh, Leilani. You're just like me. You can't resist a good-looking man."
I flop onto the mattress. "We're just friends, Mom."
"Of course you are," she says in a singsong, the one that's both cynical and maddening. But, since I've just had an amazing day, I choose to ignore it.
"How are you? You coming to visit soon? I haven't talked with you in a week. You haven't returned my calls."
She sighs. "Well, dear, that's the thing. I'm afraid I won't be able to come visit right away."
"Why not?" I frown and pick at a loose thread on the robe's belt.
"I've left Frank."
I sit up straighter.Finally. "Oh, Mom! That's great news. I mean, I'm sorry. But you know that I never warmed to Frank. Why don't you come stay with me for a while? I have a pull out sofa that's actually pretty comfy."
"I know, dear. But I haven't told you the other piece."
My stomach sinks, because I know this probably won't be good news. "What's the other piece?"
"Well, I've fallen for someone, and I'm moving in with him."
"Mom," I yelp.
"I met him at work. He's an administrator. We've known each other for years and his divorce finally went through."
I grimace. "Oh, no. Why can't you be on your own? You have the money."
