Brooke serves our drinks and glances over a few times while we make small talk about my learning to surf. When we first arrived I was sure that I’d want to make up an excuse and leave early because I couldn’t imagine being near Janessa and Delilah together. I thought I’d sense their attraction to each other—or at least Janessa’s attraction toward Delilah. I anticipated a really uncomfortable evening. But as our discussion moves to Delilah’s boots, what it’s like to work at the surf shop, and Janessa’s daughter, Jackie, I feel much more at ease. Janessa isn’t eyeing Delilah or vying for her attention. In fact, she doesn’t look uncomfortable at all, until she begins telling me about her sister.
And I see her through new eyes.
Her eyes glass over as she tells me about her sister’s suicide and how she still attends the grief-counseling meetings from time to time when things get hard.
“Sometimes being with Jackie is hard, because she reminds me so much of my sister. The way one of her eyes is a little squintier when she smiles and the way she moves her mouth like she’s chewing when she’s deep in thought. When I start to miss her too much, I go back to counseling so I don’t get depressed and make things hard for my daughter.”
Janessa tucks her hair behind her ear and drops her eyes.
How can I not soften toward her? She takes a deep breath and explains why she reached out to Delilah, and maybe it shouldn’t, but it makes me feel better. I still don’t know how she could be close to Delilah like she was and not look at her like she’s hungry to do it again. But then again, I don’t understand how anyone can know Delilah and not fall hopelessly in love with her. She’s sweet and smart, caring, and so hot I can’t keep my hands off her. But I guess if love wasn’t about a unique connection between two people that goes above and beyond sexual attraction, then we’d all be fighting over each other.
“So, that’s my big dark secret.” Janessa sits back, and when Delilah reaches over and squeezes her hand, I know it’s out of friendship and nothing more, because after she releases her hand, she reaches beneath the table and takes mine.
And holds on tight.
The bell above the door chimes, and we turn to see a tall, muscular guy with a little dark-haired boy propped on one thick forearm and a little girl on the other. His eyes meet Janessa’s and he flashes a warm smile.
“Mommy!” The little girl’s eyes widen. Her arms shoot straight out toward Janessa, and the man crouches and lets the excited little girl down.
Janessa slides off her chair and scoops her into her arms. “How’s my princess?” She kisses her cheek.
Delilah’s told me about Jackie, and in Janessa’s arms, it’s easy to see the resemblance between mother and daughter.
“We had ice cream.” Jackie rubs her stomach and licks her lips.
Janessa looks at the handsome guy. “Uncle Dean’s the best uncle ever, huh?”
Jackie nods, then waves to me and Delilah. “Is those your friends?”
“Yes. These are my friends Delilah and Ashley.”
Jackie leans forward and touches our heads with her little hands. “You have pretty yellow hair.”
Delilah and I both laugh.
“Thank you, and you have pretty brown hair,” Delilah says.
Delilah stands to greet Dean.
“Hi, I’m Delilah. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“You too, Delilah.” He glances at me, sharing another smile that reaches his dark eyes. “And you must be Ashley.”
Delilah and I exchange a confused glance. “Yes. Nice to meet you.”
“I noticed you holding hands when I walked in, and Janessa told me you were a couple.” He glances at Janessa, who’s busy exchanging Eskimo kisses with Jackie.
Delilah’s cheeks pink up. I can’t help but smile. It feels good knowing that Janessa told him Delilah and I were together. Now I like her even more.
“And who’s this handsome boy?” Delilah touches the little boy’s shoe.
“This is Drew, my little man.” Drew hides his face in Dean’s neck. “He’s tired and a little shy.”
“He’s adorable.” I remember Delilah telling me that Janessa’s brother had a son Jackie liked to have slumber parties with.
“Thanks,” Dean says. “Well, sis, we’d better get going and put these guys to bed.”
Janessa reaches for her purse, and Delilah hands it to her. Janessa opens it and fishes for her wallet.
“I’ve got this one,” I offer. I step back so I’m shoulder to shoulder with Delilah. She may not be ready to hold hands, but a little comfort goes a long way.