The Friendship List(46)

When everyone was finally sated, he drove Dagmar home. She fixed a plate of appetizers while he made cocktails. After everything was prepared, they made their way to her living room.

“Thank you for dancing with my friends,” she told him, toasting him with her drink. “That was very sweet of you. We’ll be talking about it for weeks.”

“Just don’t give any of them my number.”

Her expression turned impish. “How disappointing. Hearts will be broken.” She picked up a shrimp and dipped it into the sauce she’d put out. “Now, tell me what’s going on with Unity.”

He leaned back in the sofa. “We went out.”

“Yes. Skydiving. She had a wonderful time and thought it was all very exciting. Are you going to ask her out again?”

He leaned forward and rested his forearms on his knees. “I don’t want to. I want to walk away and never see her again.”

“I thought you liked her.”

“I do and I don’t know why. She’s made it clear she’s not that interested in me. She’s obsessed with her late husband. She’s only going out with me because of some bet with her friend Ellen. They’ve challenged each other to do different things and the winner gets a spa weekend.” He looked at Dagmar. “I’m a means to an end.”

His great-aunt didn’t seem the least bit offended on his behalf. “She’s using you. How delicious.”

“You’re supposed to take my side.”

“I will when you need me to.” She patted his shoulder. “Let me get this straight. You know Unity isn’t looking to have a man in her life and yet you can’t seem to forget her. Is that right?”

“Yes, and I don’t like it. Why her? What about her gets to me?”

“Sometimes there’s just a knowing between two people. No one can explain it.”

“But this isn’t between two people. This is me interested and her not.”

“I can see how that would be more awkward.”

He grimaced. “You’re not very sympathetic.”

“I know and I’m almost sorry about that. What are you going to do?”

“I’m not sure. Keep seeing her until I can get her out of my system, I guess.” He reached for his drink. “Do you think she’s ever going to let go of Stuart?”

“In time. She’s healing, but it’s slow going. Sometimes I think Unity hangs on because she doesn’t have anything to let go for. Maybe you can give her that.” She brightened. “Oh, maybe that’s the appeal. You’ve never fought against a ghost before. You’re challenged by the unknown outcome.”

“I’d like to think I’m not that shallow.”

“I would like that for you, as well, but we can’t be sure, can we?”

Despite everything, he chuckled. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet you love me anyway.”

“That I do.”



twelve


Unity waited for the picture to download on her computer, then stared at it in disbelief. There, in full color, was a picture of a slightly red, puffy tattoo.

Ellen had done it. She’d gotten a tattoo!

Unity grabbed her phone and quickly called. Ellen picked up on the first ring.

“Ha!” she said with a laugh. “Take that, skydiving girl.”

“I can’t believe you did it.”

“Me, either, but we both have proof. Even better, tomorrow not only is Cooper having lunch with his dad, but I’m wearing a bathing suit at the beach. A total score. Two more items checked off my list.” Ellen sighed happily. “I think I’m going to get a massage and a facial when you take me to Salish Lodge.”

Unity stood up, then sat down. “I’m so impressed,” she admitted. “Ellen, you’re doing it.”

“I am. It’s really not that hard. I’ll admit your skydiving totally inspired me. I can’t believe you did that.”

“It was fun. I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved it. I’m thinking of trying the real thing one day.”

“You know that makes me question your sanity.”

Unity laughed. “Go ahead. You won’t be the first person.” She shifted the phone to the other ear. “Is Coop noticing?”

“I think so. He was incredibly shocked about the tattoo, so that was kind of fun. He’s also having second thoughts about spending time with his dad. I know it makes me small, but I’m glad about that. Still, I told him to go, even though I know Jeremy’s going to be totally cool and chances are good my feelings will be crushed by the whole thing.”

“But you’re doing what’s right.”

“Yes, and it sucks. So what about you? There’s a guy? How did that happen?”

“Not a guy, exactly.”

“A hermaphrodite?”

Unity laughed. “No. He’s the one I met when it went so badly. He asked me out and I suggested skydiving.”

“That must have made him think twice about calling.”

“Maybe, but he was up for it.”

“Did you like him?”

“I don’t know what that means. I was more comfortable around him this time. We talked and I managed full sentences.” Unity swiveled on the chair in her home office. “He said he wants to go out again. Like a date.”