“Well, we’re…you know…” But she couldn’t bring herself to put a name on what they were to each other.
That seemed to amuse him. “What? Boyfriend and girlfriend?”
She grinned awkwardly. “Don’t you think that sounds so dumb at this age? We’re not teenagers anymore.”
“Thank God.” But he nodded. “I know what you mean. Those words don’t really fit us anymore, do they? But it’s what we are,right? I’m not interested in seeing anyone but you. I’m assuming you feel that way, too. You do, right?”
She nodded quickly. “Completely.” It was cute he thought she might actually have enough time and energy to date several men.
“So what are we then if not boyfriend and girlfriend? Do people our age go steady? No, that’s worse.” He sipped his sangria.
“I don’t know what we are.” She leaned on her elbows to see him better. “Does it matter?”
“Not really. But how do I introduce you?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Who are you planning on introducing me to?”
His smile returned. “My brother is coming to visit. What do I say? Hey, Angie, this is my girlfriend?”
“Your brother’s name is Angie?”
Lucas chuckled. “Angelo. We call him Angie.”
“Yes, I guess you tell him I’m your girlfriend. There’s no real alternative.”
“I suppose not.” He was still smiling, staring out at the pool water and the river beyond, but there was a familiar twinkle in his eyes. “I could say you’re my old lady.”
The teasing in his voice was evident. “You do that and I’m taking back that portrait of Scout.”
The dog’s ears twitched.
Lucas pursed his lips. “The old ball and chain?”
She tipped her head at him, giving him the look that had once stopped students in their tracks. “If I had more energy, I’d splash you.”
His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me?”
She smiled. “Okay, you can say that.” She drank more of her sangria. The glass was almost empty except for the bits of fruit that remained. She set the glass out of the way on the pool deck.
Lucas’s shoulder brushed hers as he moved closer, his expression turning more serious. “You and Willa going to be okay?”
She’d told him everything over dinner, even about Willa’s texted apology and request to talk later. “Definitely. The fact that she’s already apologized and wants to talk means she’s probably had a conversation with Harper, who’s given her some unvarnished advice.”
“You’ll be glad Willa’s here, won’t you?”
“Definitely. I love her. But I’m worrying about her even now. About how the job is going to go and if it’s right for her and if she’s settling and staying on top of all her responsibilities and what’s actually going on between her and Kyle.”
“There are worse guys for her to be involved with.”
“I know. I just can’t help being her mom.”
Lucas laced his fingers through hers underwater. “Nothing wrong with that. It’s who you are. This is all going to work out.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“I hope so.”
“Will you come over tomorrow? I think Joyce and Beryl would be more comfortable with a friendly face to talk to instead of just the camera. That can be a little daunting. It’s hard to talk to nothing like that sometimes.”
“Sure. Do you mind if I bring my tablet and do some work?”
