Rainshadow Road(28)
They paused at a street corner, waiting for the light to change.
“At the moment,” Sam remarked, “we happen to be standing in front of a wine bar that serves the best mahi in the Pacific Northwest. What do you think about stopping for dinner?”
Lucy glanced through the window of the wine bar, where people sat in the glow of candlelight and seemed to be having a perfectly wonderful time. She returned her attention to Sam Nolan, who was watching her intently. Something was hidden beneath his nonchalance, not unlike the effect in a chiaroscuro painting. Clair-obscur, the French called it. Clear-obscure. She had the feeling that Sam Nolan wasn’t quite the uncomplicated character Justine had made him out to be.
“Thank you,” she said, “but that wouldn’t lead to any place I want to go.”
“It doesn’t have to lead anywhere. It could just be dinner.” At her hesitation, Sam added, “If you say no, I’ll end up microwaving something out of a box at home. Can you really live with yourself, letting that happen to me?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, you’ll have dinner with me?”
“Yes, I can live with the idea of you eating out of a box.”
“Heartless,” he accused softly, but there was a glint of amusement in the vivid depths of his eyes.
They continued to the inn.
“How long are you going to stay at Artist’s Point?” Sam asked.
“Not much longer, I hope. I’ve been looking for an apartment.” Lucy gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Unfortunately the apartments I can afford aren’t nearly as appealing as the ones I can’t afford.”
“What’s on your wish list?”
“One bedroom is all I need. Something quiet but not too isolated. And I would love a water view if possible. In the meantime, I’m staying at Justine’s place.” She paused. “I guess you and I have a friend in common.”
“Did Justine say we’re friends?”
“Aren’t you?”
“That depends on what she said about me.”
“She said that you were a great guy and I should go out with you.”
“In that case, we’re friends.”
“She went on to say that you were the perfect transitional guy, because you’re fun and you like to avoid commitment.”
“And what did you tell her?”
“I said I wasn’t interested. I’m tired of making stupid mistakes.”
“Going out with me would be a very smart mistake,” Sam assured her, and she laughed.
“Why is that?”
“I never get jealous, and I don’t make promises that I would end up breaking. With me, you get what you see.”
“Not a bad sales pitch,” Lucy said. “But I’m still not interested.”
“The sales pitch comes with a free test-drive,” he said.
Lucy smiled and shook her head.
They approached Artist’s Point and stopped at the front steps.
Turning to face him, Lucy said, “Thanks for the new shirt. And for helping me out of the bar. You were … a nice ending to a rough day.”
“No problem.” Sam paused. “About that apartment you’re looking for—I may have an idea. My brother Mark has been renting out his place—a condo on the waterfront—ever since he and Holly moved in with me.”
“Who’s Holly?”
“My niece. She’s seven years old. My sister Victoria died last year, and Mark was named as Holly’s guardian. I’m helping him out for a little while.”
Lucy stared at him closely, interested by the revelation. “Helping to raise her,” she clarified.
Sam responded with a single nod.
“And you let them move into your house,” Lucy said rather than asked.
Sam shrugged uncomfortably. “It’s a big house.” His face turned unreadable, his voice deliberately casual. “So about the condo … the current resident is gone, and as far as I know, Mark’s still trying to sublet it. You want me to check it out for you? Maybe take you for a walk-through?”
“I … maybe.” Lucy realized that she was being hypercautious. A waterfront condo wasn’t easy to find, and it would be worth taking a look at. “I’m sure it’s out of my price range. How much is he asking?”
“I’ll find out and let you know.” Sam pulled out his cell phone and looked at her expectantly. “What’s your number?” He grinned as she hesitated. “I swear I’m not a stalker. I take rejection well.”
He had a kind of easygoing charm that she couldn’t seem to resist. Lucy gave him her number, and looked up into his blue-green eyes, and felt an unwilling smile tug at her lips. It was a pity, really, that she couldn’t let loose enough to have some fun with him.