It's Better This Way(19)

Heath didn’t envy her. “I take it the conversation didn’t go well?”

“It actually ended up being fine, after an uncomfortable start. Naturally, Eddie was hurt that I was the one to tell him. I’d rather stay out of this conflict between my ex and our daughters. The last thing I want is to be caught in the middle. The only reason I called was because I was afraid if word got out, and Eddie heard about the engagement from someone else, it would devastate him.”

Julia’s sensitivity toward her ex-husband’s feelings impressed Heath. “It sounds like your girls haven’t forgiven their father.”

Julia groaned. “That’s putting it mildly.”

She didn’t elaborate, and he didn’t press her with more questions.

“What about your sons? Do they have issues with their new stepdad?”

Quite the opposite, from what Heath could make out. He never wanted to put his boys in a position of having to choose; consequently, he didn’t ask, and they seldom volunteered information. “Apparently not. They don’t mention much about my ex and her husband, and frankly, that’s just as well.”

    “You’re fortunate. My girls took the divorce personally. They don’t seem to understand that while Eddie no longer wants me in his life, he loves our daughters and wants a relationship with them.”

Seeing that Julia was struggling with this situation, Heath sought a way to brighten her day. “Let’s concentrate on the positive. Your daughter is engaged, and you’re pleased.”

“I am,” she said, brightening at the reminder.

“I say this news calls for a celebration. Let me cook you dinner,” he suggested. Since living alone, Heath had become adept in the kitchen. The first year following the divorce, he’d dined on takeout most nights. Within a few months, he was tired of the same menus and the same restaurants, and decided to teach himself to cook. He signed up for an online cooking class, tried out a few basic recipes, and was pleased with the results. It was possible to teach an old dog new tricks! He was eager to show Julia he was a man of many talents.

“When?” she asked, and then playfully narrowed her eyes. “Heath Wilson, are you asking me out on a date?”

“Ah…” He was unsure how to answer. Thinking quickly, he said, “Not a date. A meal between friends.” Then, because he was eager to spend time with her after the long weekend, he added, “How about tonight?”

Her shoulders slumped in disappointment. “I can’t tonight. I’ve signed up for a charity pub crawl.”

That sounded like fun. “How about tomorrow, then?”

“Sure, anytime,” she readily agreed.

He mentally reviewed possible menu choices. He considered three different recipes that were sure to impress her: two with shrimp and another with sole. He had a couple good chicken recipes, along with a few others.

    “Heath?” Julia said, pulling him from his thoughts.

Looking up, Julia had a huge smile. “Come with me,” she said, and then, reading his bewilderment, added, “on the pub crawl. I have a ticket I got for my sister. Amanda intended to go and then this morning she called to say she couldn’t make it because of some quilting class she wants to take. I’d rather not go alone. The event would be much more fun if you were able to join me.”

“You’re on,” he said, grinning. Then he jokingly added, “Remember, this isn’t a date.”

She smiled. “Not a date. It’s two friends enjoying good draft beer and having fun together.”

“Count me in.”

He was in, all right. Nearly over his head when it came to this woman.



* * *



—

The thick line of people around the bar awaiting their beer made it nearly impossible for Heath to maneuver back to Julia. Loud voices echoed off the walls, making conversation difficult.

This was their second stop, and Heath held the flight of beer over his head as he waded through the mass of customers to return to Julia. She was at a high-top that was shared with a young woman who lived at The Heritage. They’d been introduced before the event, but the chatter was too loud to clearly hear her name. It sounded like Kennedy. She had a friend with her. They both taught high school—at least that’s what he thought he heard. Kennedy didn’t look much older than her students would be.

    He set the beer down and claimed his seat. They were lucky to have found a table. At the first pub, they’d been forced to stand at the bar. It was something of a surprise to discover these microbrew beers were to his liking. Heath had never been much of a beer man, preferring fine single-barrel scotch or a dark red wine over canned beer.

He’d already learned the difference between IPA, ale, and lager in a short lecture given by the proprietor of the first pub. The woman had been informative and entertaining.

“You first,” Julia said, motioning toward the flight. It was suggested they start with the pale beer. The color and texture in the flight grew darker and richer as they continued sampling. Julia liked the paler beers, which he’d learned had a more distinctive flavor of hops and were closely aligned with the British ales. The IPA stood for India pale ale, which, he had been informed, was the most popular of the American craft beers.

Heath swallowed the first sip and nodded approvingly. Julia tried it next and agreed. “This is good. I’ve never really appreciated beer before.”