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“He’s a great kid. It’s natural he’d be territorial about his mom.”
“Territorial?”
“Sure. He’s sees me sniffing around and he’s suspicious.”
She tried for a light tone. “So that’s what you’re doing. Sniffing?”
His expression turned serious. “Absolutely. The dog was just a pretense. Well, it was also convenient that he chose the sidewalk in front of your house.” He hesitated. “May I ask you a question? What were you doing on a date with Ted Ferguson?”
She couldn’t help but cringe. “My mother set it up.”
“I hear she’s good at that sort of thing.”
They both smiled. Then he cleared his throat. “I know the evening didn’t end well, but I’m not one to make assumptions. You’re not dating him now, are you?”
“That would be a big fat no.”
“Are you seeing anyone else?”
“I’ve had two dates since my divorce. Ted. And…you.” An image of that last perfect moment on the beach flashed through her mind. “Nate, what are we doing? I mean, that kiss was…”
“Spectacular? Earth-shattering? At least, I hope that’s what you were going to say. As for what we’re doing, I think that’s obvious. I know we got off to a rocky start, but I’m attracted to you. And I pretty sure you’re attracted to me, as well.”
He thought their kiss had been Earth-shattering! She felt a moment’s relief to discover that it hadn’t been just her.
“But you just got out of a serious relationship. Are you sure you’re over Jessica? Because I don’t want to be anyone’s rebound.”
“You wouldn’t be a rebound,” he said.
“What would I be then?”
“A beautiful, fascinating woman that I want to get to know better.”
Yikes! No one had ever been interested in her as a woman. As a girl, she’d had plenty of admirers in high school. Then, she’d gotten pregnant. And married. But her marriage had been a ticking time bomb. It hadn’t been either of their faults. She and Tom had been young and they’d tried, but their love hadn’t been deep enough to sustain them into adulthood. She wasn’t a narcissist, but she knew men found her attractive. No one, however, had ever called her fascinating before. Was it a line? Nate certainly didn’t seem like a player. But less than a month ago she’d seen him get down one knee and propose to another woman. What if Jessica wanted him back? It could happen. And once again she’d find herself with a man who deep down, really wanted someone else.
She couldn’t go through that. Not again. As much as she was attracted to Nate, she was going to have to pass.
“I like you. I really do. But I’m not at a place in my life where I’m looking for a relationship. And I think, and please don’t take this the wrong way, but I think it’s too early for you, too. Maybe we can be friends? At least, for now?”
“Of course. I understand completely. In your eyes, I’m not a good risk. I get that.” He seemed disappointed, but like a good sport he smiled anyway. “Friends it is. For now.”
This week’s Bunco was being held at Mimi’s house. Shea Masterson stood in front of the group, looking like a she-warrior ready to take on the world. “I think we should call the governor. Bruce Bailey and his minions shouldn’t be allowed to get away with this!”
The rest of the Babes murmured in approval. All except Mimi and Pilar, who stood to the side with resigned looks on their faces. “Believe me, as the city’s attorney I’ve already looked into it, and unfortunately it’s legal,” Pilar said. “It sucks, but there it is.”
The mayoral election, traditionally always held at the beginning of April, had been postponed until November. The city council suddenly deemed it “a waste of good tax payer money” to hold a lone election in an off month and voted to combine the race with the rest of the state elections. A move that, on the surface, seemed to make fiscal sense, but everyone knew that Bruce Bailey was running scared and hoping to turn things around after the Spring Into Summer festival. According to Pilar, he’d gotten Billy Brenton, county music’s newest “it” celebrity to perform at this year’s festival. It would be hard for Mimi to defeat Bruce with that sort of coup under his belt.
Mimi put her hand up to stifle the chorus of boos brought on by Pilar’s words. “Don’t worry. This doesn’t change anything. I’m still running against Bruce, only now, we have more time. That’s all. No big deal.”
“But to cancel the election with less than two months out? I think the whole thing stinks,” Frida grumbled.
“What I’d like to know is how he’s getting Billy Brenton to perform,” Shea said. “You have to admit, it’s a far cry from last year’s closing act.”
Lauren had to agree. Last year, Harry Tuba and his polka band, a local group, had closed out the festival. Personally, Lauren didn’t have anything against polka bands, but it seemed like a big leap (in a good way) from Harry Tuba to Billy Brenton.
“However Bruce managed it, I have to give him credit,” Mimi said. “Even though he’s my opposition, he’s done a really good thing in getting someone of Billy Brenton’s caliber for our festival, so I say, kudos to Bruce.” She raised her margarita glass in salute, but none of the other Babes followed her lead.
