Page 36 of Seven Summer Weekends

“And you resigned yourself to dating beneath you ever since?”

“Not consciously, but maybe.”

“Realizing why you do something is the first step to changing a pattern.”

Lisa rarely used modern therapy–speak. She was old school, reluctant to throw around emotional buzzwords likegaslightingandtrauma bondingor labeling every Todd, Drake, and Hunter a narcissist. Lisa spoke plain English, and Addison appreciated it. She bet her patients did too.

Addison pulled out her copy ofOn Fire Islandand handed it to her.

“Read this. I wouldn’t mind your professional opinion.”

“I thought we weren’t obsessing over this guy.”

“I’m not. I stand firmly on dislike in real life. But the guy in the book—he’s a good one.”

“So’s Huckleberry Finn.” She shook the volume like a maraca. “It’s fiction.”

“Read it first. Then comment.”

Chapter Eighteen

Sun-kissed and relaxed, the four friends walked to town for dinner around eight. They ate at a little fish place at the east end, then headed to the bar that Addison had scoped out with Katie and Jessie. This time, she was greeted with open arms. Open ballplayer arms, to be exact.

“Addie the Slugger!” Shep Silver waved them over from across the bar. “Come. Drink with the pros.”

“Addie?” Kizzy asked. “Slugger?” Lisa followed.

They weaved their way to the other side of the bar, where a big group of ballplayers congregated around the dartboard. The women nudged each other down the line till they each registered that Ben Morse was there too, playing darts.

“He’s even taller than I thought,” Pru whispered.

They all knew that was top of Addison’s requirements in a man.

“Yet still an asshole,” Addison responded.

The men made some room for the four ladies at the bar, and Shep ordered them all shots, Ben included, and proposed a toast.

“To our new homeowner with a killer swing!”

A leggy blonde grabbed Ben’s shot from his hand and downed it with a mischievous smile.

Addison tried not to stare, but found it hard to focus on anyone or anything else. She whispered to her posse.

“Why do women find that man attractive? Please explain it to me.”

“He’s got that unattainable air about him. Women like the chase,” Kizzy replied.

“Coat that in pain and loss, and he’s not just a challenge, but a challenge with a cause,” Lisa preached.

“Plus, you’ve read his books—I’m surprised you have to ask,” Pru added.

Ben collected the darts from the board. “Who’s next?” he asked. Catching Addison’s eye, he joked, “Want to pretend you don’t know how to play darts too?”

Addison gave him the death glare, turned, and headed for the bathroom.

“Wow, your friend really hates me,” he vented to Kizzy.

“She’s mad about you taking advantage of her houseguest.”

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