“We’ve been really busy,” I said softly. “The kids have had so much going on with school and their activities. I feel like I’ve been running nonstop for weeks.”
“You should take a break then.”
I put my hand to my forehead, “That’s a nice thought. But it probably won’t happen.”
“There’s no time for late night wine? There’salwaystime for late night wine.”
I smiled at his confidence. “How did your date go the other night?” If he could change the subject, so could I.
“Date?”His brow wrinkled with confusion.
“Megan?”
A surprised chuckle shook his shoulders. “Megan? Is that why you’ve been avoiding me? Liz, I told you the pool was yours, any time you wanted.”
“I haven’t been avoiding you! I told you we’ve been busy. Look! I can’t even get the trash out on time. That’s how busy we’ve been.”
He gave me a frown that said he knew the trash had nothing to do with our schedule. “My date went fine.Even with party crashers ruining my game.”
“I am sorry about that.”
“And I am kidding, Liz. I swear. Megan and I didn’t end up having all that much in common. We haven’t been out since, but it had nothing to do with you and the pool.”
“Oh.” My mind spun a little with his words. “So are you dating someone else?”
His eyebrows dipped low, “No. I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Then I should set you up!”
“Excuse me?” He looked startled. I hadn’t meant to scare him.
I put some excitement into my tone, trying to sell the idea.“With my sister!”
If possible, he looked more surprised than ever. “Liz, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”I demanded. I thought about calling the doctor. My mood swings were slightly terrifying. I felt sorry for Ben. He always seemed to get the worst of me.
He sucked in an exasperated breath, “Well, don’t you think that might be awkward? What if Emma realizes what a terrible person I am and tells you. You’ll be stuck knowing all of my embarrassing habits.”
“You’re not a terrible person.”
“How do you know?”
I smiled gently. “I know. Ben, we might not know each other well, but I know enough to see what a good person you are. I think you would really like Emma.”
“Liz…”
“Please?Just one date?”I blinked at him with wide, hopeful eyes.
“What if she doesn’t want to go on a date with me?”
I played with my hair in an attempt to hide my knowing smile. “That’s always a possibility. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.”
“I guess not,” he agreed.
“So is that a yes?”
He smiled slowly at me, “I suppose it is. I apparently cannot say no to you.”
