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I’m so distracted that my time is divided between staring out at the ocean and reading my breakfast options. I can’t stop replaying the conversation I had with my dad over and over. I think about the fact that I left a hair behind. What if I left some other evidence? If the police know that the perp is female and likely someone who escaped, what’s to stop them from tracing everything back to me?
And the biggest question of all: if I do get caught, will it have been worth it?
I get my compact mirror from my purse and check my reflection, pondering it all. I mean, these are serious questions I have to ask myself. Questions that, the moment I see Ben’s reflection in my mirror, I know they don’t have to be answered just yet.
I turn around and catch his attention. And he makes his way outside and stops at my table, gesturing at the chair.
“This seat taken?”
“It’s about to be.” I push it out with my foot, sweeping my eyes over him. He’s dressed in black pants with a crisp, denim button-down, sleeves rolled up partway and showing off his hairy forearms.
“Thanks.” He sits and flicks open the cloth napkin, setting it in his lap.
“Glad you could join me. I haven’t ordered yet.”
“I’m on my way up to La Jolla. Figured I could stop in for a bite.”
“La Jolla? What’s up there?”
“Business acquaintances,” he answers without taking his eyes off the menu.
“For the construction thing or the side gigs?”
He flicks his gaze up at me. I wonder if he’s surprised that I remember. “Side gigs.”
“And you’re not even wearing a suit? Shame, shame.”
“Already met and impressed them. Today we’re just meeting for fun.”
“Hmm. Well, I hear people in La Jolla are filthy rich.”
“They can be. Some are just filthy.”
I sip my ice water, wondering what that comment is supposed to mean. Coming from a fellow filthy person.
“You two need a minute?”
“I’m ready,” Ben says, sliding his menu to the side. “What about you?”
“I’ll just have the tofu scramble and a dirty chai.”
“And for you?”
Ben shakes his head, smirking. “I’ll have the meat lovers’ platter, steak rare, an extra side of bacon, and the Norwegian pancakes. Large juice and coffee also.”
“I’ll get those in for you right away.”
The waitress walks off, Ben staring at her ass until she’s out of sight. Gross. “Why don’t you see if they’ll bring you a live animal and you can slaughter it right here on the table?”
“Wouldn’t want to offend the other customers.”
“How gracious of you.”
He nods, looks out at the water. “Did you enjoy the rest of your evening last night?”
“I didn’t find any suits to take home if that’s what you’re asking.” He shows a flicker of interest. “How about your sister? Did you manage to save her from herself in time?”
“Barely. But yes.” He lifts his phone off the table, glances at the screen. “Speaking of which, she’s having a cookout tomorrow night. Thought you might want to come and pick her brain about where to live. She grew up here so she knows the area.”
