When We Kiss

Chad’s brow furrows and he shifts in his seat, clearing his throat. “Okay.”

I’d taken a few bites of salad, but the way Chad is acting now makes my stomach tight.

I know I shouldn’t ask, but I can’t help myself. “Is Nan your grandmother?”

His mother laughs, and it sounds a little like breaking crystal. “Nan is from one of the oldest families in Charleston.”

“Cool.” I put my fork down and lift my wine glass.

“It’s just someone I dated.” Chad’s fork is on his plate as well, and my favorite dimple is gone. Now the muscle in his jaw is moving.

“Dated!” Evelyn picks up her wine glass and takes a sip. “Why, she and Charles were engaged to be married before he left for Africa.”

Oh. Nodding, I put my hands in my lap. Of course, he was. The star quarterback, captain of the football team, Mr. Graduated with Honors. I can just imagine the blonde Barbie type in a St. John suit and pearls holding his arm. I bet she was perfect for him, too.

“That’s nice.” I don’t know what else to say.

Chad acts disinterested, but engaged? That’s kind of major. “Tell her I hope she’s well.”

“She’s not well. She’s as confused as all of us are about what you’re doing here being a sheriff’s deputy.” Evelyn takes another sip of wine. “I’ll be glad when you get this nonsense out of your system and come home where you belong.”

Poor Kyle ventures up to the table at that moment. “Can I get you anything else?”

“Just the check, please.” An edge is in Chad’s voice now.

“What?” His mother cries. “So soon?”

“I’m ready.” I can’t look at him.

My eyes are hot, and I feel small and foolish. I wonder when he’ll wake up and realize she’s right. Why would anybody give up all the money and prestige she’s describing to stay in this silly town with me?

No one ever has before.

I really should accept Rani and AJ’s offer and get the hell out of here.

“You’re awfully quiet, Tabitha.” Why is this woman talking to me again? “Thinking about your web designs?”

Blinking fast, that strength in me rears her head. I might be a nobody bastard-orphan with no pedigree or prestige, but I’ve never liked bullies. And I’ve never backed down from one.

“Actually, I was thinking about my next job. I think I just made a decision about it.”

Chad’s eyes meet mine. “What is it?”

I blink away from him, focusing on Evelyn. “Travel Time offered a job as a sort-of quality-control travel-scout for their company. They liked the website so much, they want me to be their woman in the field, testing existing packages and finding new ones.”

“When does it start?” Chad’s expression is even darker now, but my eyes are focused on the stem of my wine glass.

“They’re just waiting on me to make a decision. It’s sort of a dream come true for me. They’ll send me to the most exotic locations… The Great Blue Hole in Belize or Blue Lake, which is a true mystery. Divers have never found the bottom.”

“That sounds terrifying,” Chad’s mother exclaims, and I don’t miss the change in her voice. She sounds almost thrilled to learn I’m headed to the far corners of the Earth.

“I think it sounds amazing.” My voice is quieter. “And it’s a great deal. All I have to pay for are my meals.”

“When did this happen?” Chad is not thrilled. He sounds really mad.

“It just came up this week. After the soft launch.”

“Here’s your check!” Kyle puts a little black tray on the table. “Thank you for joining us tonight at the Blue Crab! I hope you’ll come back again soon!”