Page 35 of The Wedding Driver
Tonya found it strange that he seemed so at ease considering the last time she saw him it felt like he couldn’t wait to get away. He hadn’t kissed her hello—or goodbye. Just a squeeze of the biceps, which felt cold and barely caring for someone whom she thought of as her boyfriend.
She didn’t believe that label was too much to ask after allowing him into her bed.
“We’d been wondering how Tiki and Lake were doing on their honeymoon and if they have been able to put work away.” Kudos to Gael for jumping back into the beginning of their discussions.
“Knowing them, I doubt it,” Foster said. “Work is relaxing to them, which I can relate to. I never thought manual labor would be so fun.”
“I can almost relate.” Gael shook his head, laughing.
Foster shrugged. “It helps clear the mind and gives me all the physical workout I need. And it’s giving me some ideas for what I want to do to my place.”
Tonya let out a laugh. She covered her mouth. “Sorry. It’s just that you’ve been saying you’re going to fix that place up for as long as I’ve known you. All you’ve done is build the loft for your bedroom and fix up the boathouse.” She held up her hand when he opened his mouth. “Which, by the way, all look amazing; it’s just that you constantly talk about different things you could do. One day it’s expanding. Next day it’s—”
He pressed his finger over her lips. “I asked Doug to draw up plans today to put on an addition, clear out the waterfront, take out all those trees and brush that make you crazy because you don’t think I let in enough sunlight.”
“Are you serious? You’re actually going to let Doug and Jim renovate?”
“I’m letting them do the plans. We’ll go from there.” He rested his hand on the back of her neck and massaged gently. “They get focused on the value of the property and sometimes that bothers me. I can’t imagine selling it. Or renting it, but they think I could get more than twice what I paid for it.”
Mixed messages.
Her grandfather told her that would happen with a man like Foster. After his arm had been casted, he told her, like he needed to make changes in his lifestyle, she needed to be more assertive in her wants and needs. It was time to tell Foster what her true expectations were.
“Well, well, well,” a familiar female voice grated against her ears. “Twice in one week. It must be fate.”
Tonya twisted in the booth and made eye contact with Kathy. Inwardly, she groaned.
It was actually three times for her, not that she was counting. Her heart dropped. She’d never told Foster she’d seen Kathy. When they talked about her grandfather and his broken arm, it wasn’t about where they had gone, but the treatment and game plan going forward. And frankly, the conversation had been rushed.
Kathy planted one hand on her hip and smiled, only she didn’t look overly happy. “Hello, Foster. Tonya.” She pointed at Tayla. “Do I know you?”
“This is my sister, Tayla. She owns the boutique down the street—”
“Oh, yes. I’ve window-shopped there. Weren’t you a designer in New York or something?” Kathy asked.
What a freaking bitch. Tonya generally didn’t have a mean bone in her body, but this woman grated on her last nerve.
“I’m still a designer,” Tayla said with a beaming smile and pride laced to her words. “I hope you’ll come check out my store sometime.”
“Perhaps.” Kathy smacked her lips. “So, Foster. We keep running into each other. That has to mean something.”
“All it means is that I’ve started getting out more. Now if you don’t mind, we’re in the middle of having a nice dinner before you interrupted.” Foster fiddled with his wineglass, not glancing up.
“Hmm. I take it Tonya didn’t give you my message,” Kathy said.
He shifted his gaze, giving Tonya a sideways glance.
“No. I didn’t.” Tonya squared her shoulders.
“That was rude.” Kathy sighed and shook her head. “You had no business not telling him.”
“This isn’t the time or place,” Foster said under his breath. “I think it’s time for you to go.”
“Fine. But we do need to talk. I’ll be in touch.” Kathy turned on her heel and marched off.
Foster downed half his beverage. “I need to get some fresh air. Will you please excuse me?” He didn’t wait for anyone to respond. He stood, filled his glass, and stormed out the side door toward the docks attached to the restaurant.
“What was that all about?” Tayla asked.
