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I shrug. “It’s what I like. I know it’s notclassy, but a Cosmo isn’t really my style. You don’t have to get it if it threatens your sensitive male ego,” I challenge.
He smirks. It’s lopsided and cute. I can see his blue eyes now. They’re a light shade and sparkle when he smiles.
“My ego can handle it, but I appreciate your concern. I’ll be back in a few minutes with the most delicious piña colada you’ve ever had andoodlesof cherries.”
“Thank you.”
When he leaves the room, I do my best to wipe my eyes clean of the tears. He doesn’t need to see me cry. Again.
I wish I was one of those women who carried compact mirrors in their purses. I think the only things in my purse are lipstick, one two-year-old tissue, an equally old tampon, and loose mints. I use the crinkled tissue as best as I can.
He returns a few moments later with my drink along with another glass full of cherries. There must be twenty of them in there. I can’t help but giggle. “Thanks for indulging me.”
He winks as he hands me my drink and sits back in the same spot with a refreshed drink for himself. “You have a beautiful smile. I like it when you laugh more than I like when you cry,Amanda.”
Before I take a sip of my cool, refreshing drink, I respond, “Me too,Beckett.”
He rubs his finger over his lower lip. “Tell me what’s wrong. Why does a beautiful woman like you look so sad?”
I’m silent.
He nods toward my ring finger, which has an engagement ring and wedding band. “Marital problems?”
“What makes you ask that?”
“You’re crying and you’re here without your spouse.”
I nod toward his gold-band-covered ring finger. “The same could be said for you. You’re at a party, drinking alone, without your spouse.”
He looks down. When his eyes find mine again, I see them filled with tears. “Mine died about a year ago.”
My face drops. “Oh, Beckett, I’m so sorry. Was she sick?”
He shakes his head. “Childbirth complications. She died giving birth to our daughter.”
I move closer to him and take his hand in mine. He freezes for a brief moment before he allows me to hold it. “I’m truly sorry for your loss.” I can’t imagine that type of pain. It makes my problems seem mighty small.
He takes a deep breath. “Thank you. This is my first night out socializing since she left us. I haven’t quite made it into the party.” He holds up his glass. “I need a little liquid courage before I walk in and see hundreds of happy couples. Do you think that makes me an asshole?”
I shake my head. “No. I more than understand. I feel the exact same way.” I bite my lip. “How’s your daughter? Did…did she make it?”
He smiles. It’s genuine and full of love. I know she made it. Phew. “She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She’s my reason for living.”
I nod. “I get it. I have a daughter too. She’s much older than yours, but she’s the center of my universe. My reason for everything I do.”Everything.
“How old is she?”
“She just turned eighteen.”
His eyes widen. “Eighteen? You don’t look old enough to have a daughter who’s eighteen.”
“I get that a lot. I was a baby myself when I had her at twenty-two.”
“Wow. Is she in college?”
“No, not for another year. She’s a senior in high school.” I point toward the door. “She’s here tonight. She came with her father and his wife. My daughter looks like she’s twenty-five. I have no doubt she’s at the bar ordering a drink and hitting on older men.”
He lets out a laugh. “Oh god. I’m not prepared for that.”
