Page 80 of The Perfect Distraction

But instead of answering, she simply handed Beth his card. Beth read it, and then her eyes widened with understanding.

“What are the chances?” Becca said excitedly.

“Bec. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that this was no coincidence. I was just talking about selling real estate here, and this guy gives me his card! Can you believe it?”

“Yes, I can. There’s a ton of real estate offices around here.”

“Maybe, but he actually owns one! A hot rich real estate broker. He could be good for a job, a romp, or both!”

“Um. Excuse me. Are you ladies done here?” the waiter asked, his face flushed.

Beth suppressed the urge to giggle as Becca replied, “Yes. Thank you. You did an excellent job.”

“I’ll bring your bill,” the waiter said, and he hurried away, flustered.

Beth shook her head in amusement.

“Think about it, Beth. You could stay here with Colton and Joey, and I could live nearby and sell real estate with Hot Rich Guy. It’s perfect!”

“You seem to have forgotten one minor detail.”

“What is it?”

“My job! I need to work too.”

“There must be teaching jobs around here, and you could probably stay at Aunt Jenny’s house until you find one.”

Beth held up her hands, palms out. “Okay. Now you really do sound crazy. I can’t just pick up my entire life and move to Harbor Springs.”

Becca leaned forward and rested her chin on her hands. “Why not?”

Beth’s eyes bugged out. “Because that’s not what I do! I plan things. I organize things. I don’t just decide on a whim to upend my entire life with or without Colton and Joey. That’s not who I am.”

Becca sat back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. “And how has that worked out for you so far? Hmm?”

She was referring to Christopher, and Beth knew it. While the question stung, she understood what her sister was trying to do. It was the same thing she’d been preaching for months—that she should step out of her comfort zone and try something new. Do what felt right instead of whatever was most convenient.

“Excuse me, ladies,” the waiter said, “It appears your bill has already been paid for.”

“It has? By whom?” Beth asked.

Becca’s mouth curved up in a knowing smile. “I don’t suppose it was paid for by a Mr. Simon Calloway?”

“Yes, it was. Have a good day, ladies.”

Becca tucked Simon’s business card into her purse, and they walked out of the restaurant.

“What do you plan on doing with that?” Beth asked.

“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll just hold onto it for now,” Becca said cryptically.

On their way up to Main Street, Becca pulled her into the Harbor Wear clothing store, where she insisted they buy matching T-shirts and one for Brooke too.

“This is silly. We’re not kids anymore,” Beth complained as Becca handed her a coral-colored shirt that read: Life is better on the harbor, Harbor Springs, Michigan.

“Oh, come on. Just think how cute we’ll look in our next family photo.”