Chapter 20
CHAPTER 20
LOUISE
I smiled down at my phone, re-reading the message from Theo before a voice interrupted my thoughts, startling me. His sweet admission about how much he missed me warmed me all over.
I jumped, nearly dropping my phone in the process as heat washed over me.
“Spencer, darlin’, you can’t go around scaring me like that.” I pressed my hand against my chest.
He furrowed his brow as he stared at me. “Scaring you? How did I scare you? Oh, unless you’re hiding something from me.”
The way he grinned at me made warmth rise up in my cheeks.
The smile slid off his features, and he wrinkled his nose. “Lou, I was just kidding. I mean…what could you be hiding? Unless you’re stepping out on me.”
He chuckled at his own joke as I clicked my tongue.
“Very funny, Spence,” I said, using the humor to sidestep my reaction. “Speaking of stepping out, how goes the planning for your big night?”
That question seemed to make him uncomfortable. He shifted his weight as he swallowed hard and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Fine. I’m…it’s…it’ll be good, I think.”
I arched an eyebrow, poking a manicured nail toward the floor. “Details, now.”
“Huh?” he asked, his voice breaking a little.
“What plans do you have? Tell me so I can okay them.”
He wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “Okay them? Lou–”
“Spencer,” I said, crossing my arms, “by your own admission, you are not good at this sort of thing. Now, I’m offering to help you sweep this perfect woman off her feet. Take advantage. It’s not every wife that would do this.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s not any wife, Lou.”
“Well, consider yourself lucky, then, darlin’. Now…plans, spill ‘em.”
He shifted around again, his shoulders rising toward his ears as his hands dug further into his pockets. “Well, I planned a nice dinner at the lighthouse at sunset. And, uh, you know, some wine, and stuff.”
“And?” This time, both of my eyebrows shot up.
“And…we can…talk and…look at the lighthouse.”
“Look at the lighthouse?” I repeated. “Spencer, no one wants to see a dusty old lighthouse.”
“Well, I think Eve does,” he answered with a tilt of his head. “She liked the arcade, and we…”
He didn’t finish his answer, running a hand through his hair, a sure-fire sign of his nervousness.
“We what?” I questioned, sensing something.
“Huh?”
“You said she liked the arcade, and we…” I swiveled my wrist, trying to get him to continue. “We what?”
“Oh, uh, we had a nice time.” He shrugged. “And she seems to like…unique things. So, I thought the lighthouse would be nice. We could explore it together and–”
“Kiss?” I finished, my voice filled with hope.
His lips formed an O as he blew out a breath. “Sure.”
The way his voice shot up an octave made me think he had no intention on following through with the kiss.
My hands fell onto my hips. “Spencer Whitaker, you stop being a coward and kiss that woman. She deserves it.”
He shot me an awkward smile filled with uncertainty and a nervous chuckle. “Well, actually, she probably deserves a lot better than what I can give her, so it may be kinder to not kiss her.”
I offered him an unimpressed stare. “Spencer, it’s a nice way to show her how interested you are. If you don’t kiss her, she’s going to think you don’t like her. And if she thinks you don’t like her…”
“She’ll be better off?” he finished when my lower lip bobbed up and down, searching for words.
His eyes fell to the floor as he pressed his lips together.
“Spencer, that’s not true. Now, you are a gem of a man. A little rough around the edges, and certainly lacking in confidence, but…a catch. Perfect for Eve.”
His eyebrows pinched together at my words as he chewed his lower lip.
“Oh, Spencer, just kiss her and get it over with. She’ll understand. She’s probably nervous, too.”
“Really?” he answered, his eyes rising to mine, hope floating in them.
“Yes, really.” I recalled the first time Theo and I had shared a kiss. Butterflies flitted in my stomach, my heart pounded against my chest, and my breath had caught in my throat. But it had all been so worth it. “Darlin’, her heart is going to be pounding, too, and she’s going to hope you like the feel of her lips on yours and that it makes your heart go pitter-patter.”
He sucked in a breath and nodded. “Right. Well, I can’t imagine it wouldn’t.”
Amusement crossed my features, twisting my lips into a grin. “Ohhh, Spence, you like her!”
Color rose into his cheeks as he shook his head, not denying it. “We should talk about your date. Is that what had you staring at your phone earlier?”
I recalled the sweet message from Theo about how he missed me and couldn’t wait to see me. He asked about Spencer’s progress–another reason I desperately wanted to ensure their relationship was moving along.
I needed Spencer to be happy before I could really enjoy my relationship with Theo. Until then, I still felt like I was sneaking around behind my husband’s back.
With a flutter of my eyelashes, I nodded and lied. “Yep. Just confirming things.”
“The White Horse is nice. Looks like Justin may have earned himself some points.”
I nodded, sliding my phone behind my back. “Sure. It’s private, seems like he wants to get to know me. You know, not just a hook-up.”
Spencer smiled, hope floating in his eyes. “You know, this one was Eve-approved. She picked him, but I still don’t understand why.”
A twinge of guilt swept through me over my little white lies. “Well, he’s cute, he looks honest, sweet.”
His eyebrows pinched again, his confusion obvious. “I really don’t understand women at all.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “Oh, Spencer, most women aren’t attracted to perfect tens.”
“You could have fooled me. Don’t you women all love chiseled jaws and bulging muscles?”
I doubled over with laughter at his innocence. “No, of course not.”
“Really? Because women are always ogling those types. Like the Chippendales.”
A snort escaped me as my laughter intensified. “For eye candy, sure. But we aren’t lining up to marry a Chippendale, Spence. Honestly, sometimes you really make me laugh.”
A corner of his lips pulled back. I could almost see the wheels turning in his mind as he tried to assess the information, likely wondering if Eve found him attractive and if they could move forward. I hope it gave him plenty to think about and encouraged him to move things forward.
His phone chimed, and he tugged it from his pocket, any trace of a grin erased in an instant as he glanced at the screen.
“What is it?” I asked.
He heaved a sigh and shook his head. “Well, looks like I have some time to ponder that kiss.”
He flashed his phone toward me, showcasing the message from Eve. My heart sank at the words on his screen. Hey, so sorry to do this last minute, but I’m really sick. Summer cold. Can we postpone? I’m so sorry!!
“Oh, no, Spencer!” I said, my voice tinged with upset.
“Yep,” he said, his voice deflated.
He had been looking forward to the date, no matter what he’d said about being nervous. He was crushed.
“Oh, darlin’…” I pressed my lips together and shook my head. “Wait, I’m going to call her.”
“Why?” His features devolved into surprise and confusion. “Oh, you think she’s lying. I’m not surprised. I bet she just wants a night off from me.”
“No,” I said with a shake of my head as I found her name on my phone. “No, Eve wouldn’t do that.”
He didn’t look like he believed me as I turned on my speakerphone and the line trilled.
“Maybe we shouldn’t call–” he started when the line clicked and Eve’s tired voice answered.
“Hey, Lou.”
“Well, hey there, darlin’. I hope you don’t mind me calling out of the blue, but I was with Spencer when you sent the message about being sick, and I wanted to check up on you.”
A cough sounded before a sniffle. “Thank you. Yeah, I feel so terrible about canceling, but I honestly feel…well, just awful.”
“Aww, my poor Eve. Well, I just feel horrible about this. Is there anything I can do?”
“Have fun on your date,” Eve answered before she hacked away again. “There’s no reason both of us should have our nights ruined.”
I shot Spencer a glance at those words. Eve thought the canceled plans were a ruined night. I hoped he took note of that.
“Well, I’ll try, but I’m just going to be checking in on you all night long to make sure you’re all right. You sound just awful.”
“I’m okay,” Eve said. “It’s just a cold. It’s miserable but I’ll live.”
“You’d better. We need to add to that charm bracelet soon. I’ll text you tomorrow so we can gab about the date.”
“Sounds good,” she said with another sniffle. “I hope he’s a real Prince Charming, Lou.”
I smiled down at my phone, that guilt swirling around inside me again. I didn’t care if he was King Charming. I had already found my happy…but I couldn’t let them know that. “Thanks, sugar.”
I hung up and raised my eyes to Spencer. “She sounds really sick.”
Spencer wrinkled his nose as he nodded. “Yeah. Poor Eve. Sounds like she feels awful. She should be eating chicken soup or something. I wonder if she has any.”
My eyes widened and the corners of my lips curled. “Well, you should take her some, Spence. Remember that time I came down with strep, and you made me the homemade soup? You should do that for Eve.”
Spencer rubbed the back of his neck, his features showing his obvious discomfort over the suggestion. “I don’t know…”
“Why not? It’s perfect. It shows you care. You’ll get the chance to take care of her, and you won’t miss your date.”
Spencer lifted his shoulders toward his ears. “Well, I mean…she probably just wants to be left alone.”
“She doesn’t,” I assured him. “Listen, Spencer, no woman wants to sit alone feeling awful, then have to get herself up and make herself something to eat when she feels bad. More than anything, she’ll want someone to just hand her the warm bowl of soup, wrap her in a blanket, and stroke her hair while she watches television.”
Color rose in Spencer’s cheeks again. “I’m not…that’s…I could make the soup, but maybe I should just drop it at the door.”
“Take it inside, make sure it’s nice and hot, then deliver it to her on the couch. Oh, and remember,” I said with a wag of my finger, “she’s not going to look perfect like she normally does. But don’t say, ‘oh, you look awful,’ because no woman wants to hear that even if she looks bad.”
Spencer’s eyebrows pinched. “Right, okay, umm, yeah, I can make the soup and take it to her. I’ll check to make sure she has cold medicine and stuff. And I will say she looks good.”
“No,” I said with a shake of my head, “no, don’t say that, just don’t say, ‘oh, my word, you look awful,’ because then she’ll just feel bad.”
“Okay, I won’t say anything about her looks at all.” Spencer chewed his lower lip.
“Now, have fun, darlin’, I need to go get ready for my own date.” I grinned at him before I spun on a heel and headed for my room.
After a twirl through my closet, I picked a dress that was hardly my favorite, but would do nicely for Dustin or Justin or whatever his name was. It didn’t really matter. I felt somewhat bad for him, but I wouldn’t waste too much of his time.
The sound of rattling dishes floated from the kitchen. A smile curled my lips as I slicked on my lipstick. I hoped Spencer had a lovely time despite Eve being sick.
It took the pressure off for the kiss as I doubted he’d want to swap spit with her while she was germy. But this could be a turning point for them. Spencer’s attention and kindness could make a huge impression on her and maybe, just maybe Eve’s illness could make Spencer see her as more human.
I could tell that he still didn’t believe she could love him.
I finished my makeup and did a final check of myself in the full-length mirror before I grabbed my bag. I made my way downstairs, peeking into the kitchen where an apron-clad Spencer stirred a steaming pot on the stove.
My heels clicked across the floor as I hurried to him and kissed his cheek. “Good luck, darlin’. But you don’t need it. I bet she’ll be so happy you’re doing this for her.”
He offered me a nervous smile. “I hope she likes it. Hey, good luck on your date, too.”
“Thanks. But I don’t need it. If this one’s meant to be, we’ll know it.” With a wink, I left him behind, climbed into my car, and headed to The White Horse to meet whatever my date’s name was.
A twinge of guilt shot through me as I drove there, plotting for how to get rid of him, but I brushed it aside. I had a job to do.
I found him already seated and waiting at a booth in the back. As I approached, he rose a little awkwardly–something I’d normally find charming–and smiled as he held out a rose.
He was doing well so far. It was almost a shame I’d have to ditch him, but I knew he’d make some other woman very happy.
“Hi,” he said with a smile, “you must be Louise. I’m Justin. Wow, you look fantastic.”
“Thank you, darlin’,” I said as I tossed the rose aside and slid into the booth. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
His cheeks turned red, highlighted by the candle glowing between us. We studied the menu before placing our orders.
Justin offered me an awkward smile before he launched into his icebreaker. “So, you’re from Savannah. How do you like Newport?”
I wanted to grab my phone and text Eve to see if Spencer had surprised her with the soup yet, but I resisted the temptation. “Oh, I love it. Of course, I’m not sure how I’ll feel at the end of the summer.”
“First time through the weather change?”
“Something like that,” I answered. My read on him was that he was a nice guy looking for a committed relationship. I had to send him screaming from me…and I knew just the way to do it.
“Well, the fall can actually be quite warm. So, you may enjoy it more than you think.”
With a huff, I settled my chin in my palm. “Well, it’s not so much the weather, it’s more the…scenery.”
“Oh, the leaves will be beautiful.”
“I meant the…outflux of tourists and…so on.”
His brow furrowed as he stared at me. “Oh, you…you like the bustle?”
“I like the bodies,” I answered coyly.
His features devolved into more confusion.
I chuckled. “You know, all those hot young men who come to the area.”
He laughed nervously. “Uh, I guess it helps with the dating, yep.”
“Dating?” I said with a chuckle. “Yes, I guess so.”
“Were you meaning something else?”
“Well, I don’t…it’s not so much dating that I’m looking for.” I leaned closer, sliding my hand across the table and rubbing his.
He glanced down at it before his gaze rose to mine, his forehead creasing. “Wh-what are you looking for?”
I couldn’t help letting a little smile curl my lips as I eyed him, one eyebrow arching. “A little of this…a little of that.”
“I’m not sure I’m following.”
I let my thumb rub across his skin. “You know…a little of you…a little of Joe…a little of Tom…a little of…well, everyone.”
“You…you want a one-night stand? I thought you were looking for a long-term commitment.”
I threw my head back with laughter. “No, sugar, I’m not looking for a one-night stand. I’m looking for long-term.”
The nervousness on his features only dissipated a little as he huffed out a chuckle. “Oh, good. Because I’m after a committed relationship.”
“So, am I…just…more than one of them.”
His eyes narrowed at me, and he searched my face for answers.
“I want an open relationship. You know? I see you…I see Tom, I see Joe. I see a few men.”
“What?” He wrinkled his nose.
“An open relationship. Oh, and you get to see other women, too. I’m not psychotic.”
His eyes slid from side to side. “Are-are you joking?”
“I’m not,” I answered. “You’re not interested in this?”
His head wagged before his words came out. “No. I’m…I want a committed relationship.”
“Well, we can be committed, darlin’. But we can also see other people.”
“I’m really not interested in that.”
I pulled my head away with a heavy sigh. “I just can’t believe this. I’m just shocked at the number of men who don’t want to date a variety of beautiful women.”
“Oh, if you’re…if you suggested this because you think that’s what men want, it’s not. It’s definitely not.”
I raised my gaze to his, keeping my features innocent. “No, that’s not it. It’s what I want. I just can’t seem to find enough men interested in this. Well, whatever. I suppose we can still enjoy our meal.”
He dug into his pocket and tossed a few bills on the table. “I’d really rather not. Feel free to eat on me, and, uh…good luck with your…preferences.”
With that, Justin Hartwell fled across the crowded bar and disappeared through the door. I grinned as I leaned back against the wooden booth. I’d papered over that nicely if I did say so myself.
And now all I had to do was make sure Spencer’s relationship was moving forward before I had to ditch another date.
My mind wandered to his soup venture, wondering if Eve had taken well to it. I’d have to slyly find out the next time I talked to her–which I’d do soon.
But a statement he’d made to me earlier rattled around in my head, making me concerned for their relationship. His first reaction to her text had been that she was lying. Did he really not trust Eve?
If he didn’t, I had some work to do because I was determined to make certain they fell in love. Even if it killed me.