Girls of Summer(91)

“Ryder—”

“And if you wanted a break from me, you could always come down to Nantucket.”

Juliet picked up the key and dangled it from her fingers. Such an ordinary object, small and brass and notched and safely attached to the long leather strip that would fit easily in her pocket. The outdoor light struck it, sparking gold, and she smiled. She still didn’t trust Ryder’s feelings for her. They’d only known each other for three months. But to be merely practical, it would be very helpful not to have to pay rent. She needed a virtual assistant, and this would free up funds to pay for one.

   And to be merely romantic, it would be absolutely lovely to arrive home from a long business trip, take a cab to Ryder’s house, and find him waiting there. This had happened twice now, and both times her whole heart brightened with joy to see him. They’d opened a bottle of good wine, microwaved Greta’s sensational meals, and eaten in the kitchen, Juliet with her shoes off, both of them talking nonstop about their days. Other days she had spent in “her” office at his house, tapping away at her computer, forgetting to brush her teeth or dress until her stomach growled for lunch. And those days had ended in Ryder’s great big bed, so comfortable, so easeful, so welcoming. She had never known the pleasure of falling asleep in someone’s arms until she slept with Ryder. Being next to him, warm and safe, allowed her to sink into such deep restorative sleeps that she woke feeling as energetic and optimistic as a child.

If this man broke her heart, she’d kill him.

“Thank you,” Juliet said to Ryder. “I’m glad to have this. A little terrified, but mostly glad. I love you, Ryder.”

“I love you, too,” he told her, and pulled her away from the dock, into the shadow of the pro shop, where no one could see them kiss.

Theo had, of course, opted to come to the gala as a surfer, because really? He wore his board shorts, his inflation vest, a rope bracelet, and flip-flops. Beth had planned to come as a surfer, too, but Theo had freaked out at the thought of her showing up in front of everyone in her bikini and insisted she wear her chiffon cover-up. Even so, Theo thought she looked way too sexy to be seen. She’d woven blue and green ribbons in her hair, clipped on glittering starfish and seashells, and added a speck of Coppertone on her wrists so she’d smell like summer.

During the band’s intermission, they’d talked with friends, and Theo had a couple of more beers, but not so many he’d feel legless. One thing he’d learned in his life was how to handle quite a few brews without getting wobbly.

   Besides, he wanted to show Beth something tonight. It was the perfect night to do it, with the air so sweet and warm and the harbor full of lighted boats and laughter everywhere.

“Beth,” he said. “Walk down to the dock with me.”

“Sure,” she replied easily, and slipped her hand into his.

“You know, your cover-up doesn’t really do a great job of covering you up,” Theo said.

Beth grinned. “It’s not supposed to.”

“I wish you’d wear a one-piece. Maybe a Speedo.”

“Or maybe one of those bathing suits with a skirt?” Beth teased.

“Or maybe just never go swimming,” Theo told her.

Taking her hand, he led her to a bench on the boardwalk. “I want to give you something.”

Beth arched an eyebrow. “Should I be excited?”

“It’s not what you think. But it is a surprise.”

“Well, stop teasing me! Show me!”

Theo reached into his pocket and solemnly brought out a small pebble. Beth held out her hand, and he gently placed it in her palm.

“A pebble,” Beth said. “How unique. I don’t think I’ve seen pebbles anywhere on the island.”

“It’s not just a pebble,” Theo said. “It’s our pebble.”

“I don’t understand.”

When Beth leaned toward him, her cover-up clung to her body, making it hard for Theo to concentrate. But this was important.

“I bought a piece of land. Off Polpis Road. I’m going to build us a house there.”

Beth gasped. “How could you afford land on this island?”

“Well, it’s not big. No ocean view. But it’s got beach plum bushes.”

“But, Theo—”

“Sawyer Daly was my running back in high school. He’s in real estate now. I told him what I wanted, and he gave me a deal. My mom had to co-sign the mortgage on the land, and your father advanced me some money on my wages. I’ll drive you out there tomorrow to see it.” He expected Beth to throw her arms around him and kiss him.

   “How could you do this without me?” Beth demanded.

“Beth, it’s a sweet piece of land—”

“I’m sure it is, but if we’re going to live there, then I’m going to pay for half of it.”

“But—”

“Theo, please. We’ve talked about this before. I love that you rescued me the day of the storm, but I’m a perfectly capable human being and I do not want to be dependent on you.”

“I thought this would make you happy,” Theo said, puzzled.

“In a way, it does, Theo, of course. But what would really make me happy would be for us to go to the real estate office tomorrow, and have someone show me the financials, and allow me to put in exactly as much money as you’ve put toward the mortgage. And put my name on the deed.”