Love and Other Things (Crystal Lake 4)

“How is she? I haven’t seen her at the hospital in a while. Though I suppose it’s because they moved her husband to that new wing. Such a shame. Melinda, Rick’s mother, said they’re hopeful he’ll wake up one day and Ethan Caldwell is convinced he will too, but…” Her voice trailed off for a few seconds. “I don’t think Ethan has ever forgiven himself for heading out with Rick that day.”

Beck nodded. Ethan had been…was…Rick’s best friend. They’d grown up like brothers, and he’d been MIA since the accident. Kept to himself and showed his face in town when he had to.

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What the hell could he say to that?

“I was just telling Nate’s friend Sidney about the church you’re thinking of buying, and she told me she’s already seen it.” His mother smiled. “I don’t know what I have to do to get an invitation to see it, but clearly, being your mother isn’t enough.”

Her voice was light and teasing, but he heard the questions. He knew his mother. She was wondering how they’d gotten from Beck being rude and acting like a dick, to Sidney coming along to see the church. He gave her hug and kissed the top of her head. His mom could wonder all she wanted, because he sure as hell wasn’t going to offer an explanation.

He wasn’t even sure what that explanation would be.

“Don’t worry about it, Ma. I’ll take you over whenever you want. Though I haven’t decided yet on whether to buy it or not. It’s an ambitious project and a huge commitment.”

“I think it’s one of the most amazing structures I’ve ever seen, and the possibilities are endless.” Sidney glanced at him. “I hope you decide to purchase it.”

Samuel Jacobs tugged on his wife’s arm. “We should go and let these kids have fun.”

The four of them watched his parents leave, and then Nate grabbed his wife’s hand. “I need beer.”

“I need food,” Molly replied with a giggle. “Let’s go.”

Beck fell in place beside Sidney as they followed his brother and wife into the community center. It was already crowded, but the champions had a long table reserved, conveniently located near the bar and to the left of the stage.

“Are you a fan of hockey?” he asked Sidney as they maneuvered through the crowd.

“This was my first game. It was exciting. Really fast,” she said, waiting for a couple of guys to move out of their way. “I’m West Coast, though, so I’m more of a baseball kind of girl.”

“Padres?”

“Giants all the way.”

“Huh.”

Sidney stopped cold and looked at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“What?”

“You said, ‘Huh.’” Her right eyebrow arched.

“It’s not supposed to mean anything. I’m just surprised you’re not a fan of the team that calls your city home. San Francisco is a bit of a hike to watch a game.”

“Well, Mr. Jacobs, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that there’s a lot about me you don’t know.”

“I think I know plenty,” he replied, hiding a grin. They stood a few feet from his teammates gathered around the table, and as he looked down into Sid’s eyes, the noise in the room faded. In the low lighting, her features shone like a beacon, and he had to wonder… Had her lashes always been so damn long? Had her lips always been full and soft like a pillow?

That thought made him pause. Did he just compare her lips to a pillow? What guy did that?

“Do you now,” she replied, a hint of a smile touching those lips he was trying to forget. Gone was the fatigue that had plagued him most of the week. Hell, it was only twenty-four hours earlier he was dead on his feet. And now he felt as if could go back onto the ice and skate at least a hundred laps of the rink.

It was one hell of a second wind.

“I do,” he said.

“Then share.” Sidney was clearly enjoying herself, and damned if he wasn’t as well.

“You’re left-handed, like a good number of artistic folks, and you’re nearsighted.”