Page 51 of Finding Forever

“I thought so, too.”

Beth picked up her napkin. “We went from unexpected disasters to Dave in less than ten seconds.”

Laurel shrugged. “He’s in charge of the renovation. It seemed like a reasonable question.”

There was nothing innocent about Laurel’s expression. Beth put down her napkin. She’d known this conversation was coming. Part of her suspected it was one of the reasons Laurel had suggested having lunch together.

There were some things Beth could tell Kayla, but talking to her daughter about Dave still felt strange. Especially after Kayla had met him and immediately seen far more than Beth had wanted her to. Laurel was different.

Laurel had known Jessie. She’d known Beth before Jessie died and through all the years afterward.

“Dave’s good,” Beth said eventually.

Laurel waited.

Beth sighed. “You aren’t going to let me get away with that, are you?”

“No.”

Beth looked out across the lake. She remembered telling Laurel how frightening it was that talking to Dave had become so easy. At the time, she’d still been able to pretend that was all it was. She couldn’t pretend anymore.

“I really like him, Laurel.”

“I know.”

Beth turned back. “You could at least act surprised.”

“I could, but I’m not going to. Is liking him the problem?”

Beth traced one finger along the edge of her napkin. “That’s not quite the right word anymore. I’m attracted to him.” Saying it aloud made Beth blush.

Laurel’s expression didn’t change, although something gentled in her eyes. “Okay.”

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

Laurel frowned. “What would you like me to say?”

“I don’t know,” Beth replied. “Something that makes me feel less ridiculous.”

“Why would being attracted to Dave make you feel ridiculous?”

“Because I’m sixty-one years old. I shouldn’t spend half a morning wondering whether he’s going to walk through the door.”

Laurel smiled. “I don’t think attraction has an age limit.”

“I was afraid you’d say something sensible.” Beth lowered her voice even though no one nearby was paying attention to them. “We kissed.”

For the first time, Laurel genuinely looked surprised. “You kissed Dave?”

Beth nodded.

“When?” Laurel asked.

“Sunday night.”

“And you’ve waited until now to tell me?”

Beth glanced at the waiter serving lunch to the table behind Laurel. “It’s only been a few days.”