“Not yet,” she whispered. “I can’t.”
Rocky held her and stroked her back. “I understand.”
“It’s not you,” she began, pulling back to look at him. How could she explain?
He put a finger to her lips. “I know that. You don’t have to explain. But know I’m here. Anytime, Jo. Helping you go for your dream made me realize what an amazing woman you are.”
She placed her palm on his bare chest, lamenting her decision but unable to act on it. “Thank you for understanding.”
Rocky pulled back and let out a long breath. “Okay then. You know, being in the water always makes me hungry.”
“Me, too,” she said, getting her bearings again.
“Great.” He shoved off the rock and stood, brushing his hands. “I heard about a great place for tacos nearby. Are you up for Mexican food?”
“Always. Let’s go.” She tucked her fins under her arm.
And just like that, they were back in the friend zone, though she felt a little awkward. She stole a glance at him. He was taking it fine.
They put their wet items in the back of the truck, and he held out his hand to help her in.
“Thanks,” she said, resting her hand on his for balance.
Rocky shut the door and folded his arms on the open window, the door safely between them. “We’re still good, right?”
Jo nodded, relieved at his question. “We are.”
He drove a few minutes until they saw a food truck parked in a gravel area with picnic tables and lights strung overhead. A hand-painted sign read Isla Tacos. A small line had formed in front of the food truck, and tables were nearly full. Kids played at the water’s edge while their parents ate and watched them.
“I didn’t expect so many people here,” Rocky said. “Did you know about this place?”
“It’s a popular spot among locals,” Jo replied. “They make the best beer-battered Baja tacos, with chipotle crema and lime on homemade corn tortillas.”
He rubbed his hands together. “I love places like this in San Diego.”
They ordered fish tacos and cold Mexican sodas. They didn’t have to wait long for their order.
Jo was pleased. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the tortillas were delicious, so different from what people bought in stores.
They settled under the shade of a palm tree to eat. As they ate, they talked about everything except business. Rocky told her about his twin brother Reed, and how they used to compete at everything until they found their own paths. Jo told him about Hugo’s first day working at the diner when he was only thirteen, but he’d insisted on helping. Her customers had watched her little brother grow up.
Jo was happy that their conversation flowed effortlessly, despite what had nearly happened between them earlier. Even the occasional silence between them was easy.
She finished her tacos, looked out at the water, and shook her head.
“What’s up?” Rocky asked.
Jo glanced at him. “I’m thinking how strange it is to have such a great day when other things in my life are falling apart.”
Rocky was quiet for a moment. “Not everything is falling apart. The project is sure coming together. That’s what we’re celebrating.”
“Of course, I didn’t mean that.” She left it at that.
“Sometimes it’s good to start over,” Rocky said, bumping her with his shoulder again. “You’ll know when the right time is.”
She smiled. “Are you flirting with me?”
He turned serious. “I’m telling you the truth, Jo. You deserve a lot more.”
