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“I’m a little warm,” I tell them after sitting down. “But other than that, I’m good.” Liar. Why am I reacting to Jamie like I’m a schoolgirl in love for the first time? I do not even like the man, yet my body does not seem to have gotten the memo.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
JAMIE
“You seem to really like Melissa,” I tell my daughter as we are splitting a hot fudge sundae after our lunch.
“She’s awesome, Dad,” Sammy gushes effusively. When I don’t respond right away, she asks, “Doyoulike her?”
“I’m not going to marry her if that’s what you’re asking.” There’s a definite edge to my voice.
“I think you mentioned that yesterday.” Sammy sounds irritated. “Remember when I told you that your social life is the last thing on my mind?”
“It’s been the only thing on your mind for months.”
My daughter lifts her palms toward the ceiling like she’s balancing heavy trays on them. “Do I want you to get married? Yes. Do I think you will? No. Would I love to have someone like Melissa as a mom? Yes. Do I think there’s a snowball’s chance in July that will happen? No. Would you like me to go on?”
“No.” I put my spoon down with so much force it clangs loudly through the dining room. So much so that nearby tables turn around.
“Plus, Melissa is dating that guy Tim. And he seems great.”
“This is just their first date,” I remind her.
“Yeah, but they’ve known each other since they were kids. That’s got to make it feel more like their tenth.”
“Where do you get your information about dating?” I demand hotly.
“Same place I learned about make-out parties.” She winks at me saucily.
“Sammy …”
“Dad …”
We’re at a standstill.
“I’ll give you five hundred dollars to buy school clothes tomorrow.”
Her eyes bug out. “That’s a lot, thanks!”
“It’s not every day you start a new school,” I tell her. “I want you to have all the confidence in the world.”
“If only I had boobs …”
I nearly spit out the sip of water I just took. Forcing myself to swallow, I tell her, “You’ll get them when you’re supposed to.”
“Beth had boobs, didn’t she?”
What kind of question is that?“Yes.” I don’t elaborate further, but just hearing her mother’s name reminds me there’s something important I need to tell Sammy.
She nods her head. “Good.” Then she looks at her watch and declares, “Thanks for lunch, Dad, but I need to get going. Our next appointment is at two and I have to choose some accessories.”
She pushes out of the booth before offering me a fist bump—a gesture that has sadly taken the place of the kiss I used to get. Sammy stops off at Melissa’s table and collects her on her way out the door. That’s when I notice Paige sitting at their table. Maybe Melissa’s date didn’t go as well as I thought.
After paying the check, I walk out onto Main Street. I only take three steps before stopping in my tracks and looking around. Elk Lake looks like the set of a Hollywood movie. It’s almost too perfect to be real. Kids are playing in the park, people are walking in and out of shops, the weather is perfect.
Then why is a sour pit of dread forming in my stomach? The article I read online this morning jumps to the forefront of my brain. I wonder if Sammy will still be happy that we moved here once I tell her about Beth.
My phone starts to play “Uptown Funk,” the song I have programmed for non-contact numbers. I look down at the screen and guess. “Hey, Anna, what’s up?”
