Page 8 of Welcome to Forever
“You know, if you keep cooking for me, I might not go back to Doug when he gets home. I might stay with you,” Val said, pulling her thick, black hair into a ponytail. “The dad is hot, by the way.”
Kat kept her eyes on the food. “Dad?” she asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. She knew exactly who Val was referring to. Her matchmaking best friend always brought up the single, remotely attractive men who graced Seaside. Although, in Micah’s case, attractive was an understatement. He was so hot, he practically had steam rising from his muscled body. His social skills, however, were slightly lacking and, as hot as he was, he could be a bit of a jerk. A well-intentioned jerk, but…
“Yeah. The DILF,” Val continued.
Kat turned the heat down on the stove and served up two bowls of pasta. “Do I even want to know?” she asked, plopping on the stool beside Val’s.
“Dad I’d Like to Fuck. You know. Guys call it MILF, Mom I’d Like to—”
Holding up a hand, Kat shook her head, always surprised at the things that came out of the local preacher’s daughter’s mouth. “Got it. Geez.” Laughing, she stirred her pasta. “On that note, I spoke to Julie last night. She’s coming to town this weekend.”
Val emitted a low grunt as she ate. “Alert the presses.”
Kat looked over, her mouth quirking to one side. “She says she wants to take me out to the bars and nightclubs in search of my rebound guy.”
“Bars and nightclubs? She does remember that this is still Seaside, the place where we were born and raised? Only one bar and zero nightclubs.” Val’s brows hung low. “Besides, I’m your best friend. I’m the one who’s supposed to help you find your rebound guy.”
“You know I’m not looking for a relationship right now. It’ll just be us sitting around and checking out Seaside’s selection. Besides, I was thinking that you could come with us.”
Drawing back, Val’s eyes widened. “Oh, no. I have never been a huge fan of your sister. Hanging with you two would only spell a weeklong migraine for me.”
Kat scooped pasta into her mouth, considering this. “We’ve been out of high school for nine years. Don’t you think it’s time to shake hands and make up? Turn the other cheek, or whatever your dad would advise, per the Good Book.”
Val’s bright blue eyes bore into hers. “She stole my boyfriend right from under my nose. It’s unforgivable. And I don’t like the way she treats you. When was the last time she even called to ask how you were?”
“Before last night? A year ago maybe. We have busy lives.”
Val shook her head, returning her attention to her dinner. “You aren’t too busy for anyone. You’re the most caring, giving person I know. Julie, on the other hand, is a soul sucker. She’s the one who’s too busy to grace her own hometown, even after John was killed.” Val’s expression softened as she realized what she’d said. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s fine. I’m done crying into my SpaghettiOs.” Unless she’d had too much to drink, which she rarely ever did.
“Did you ever make it to that support group? The one at the Veterans’ Center?”
Swallowing thickly, Kat shook her head. “No.”
“Why not? I think it’d be good for you. You could connect with other Marine widows.”
“Except I’m not a widow. John and I were never married, remember? It just wouldn’t feel right. A lot of the people who go to those meetings were married for years. They have kids.” Kat reached for her glass of water, her mouth suddenly as dry as paper.
Val watched her for a moment, and then sighed dramatically, setting her fork down. “Fine. I’llconsiderhanging out with you two.”
“Really? Yay! It’ll be fun, I promise.”
Val’s gaze lowered to the ring on Kat’s left hand. “You might want to put that in your jewelry box while she’s here, though.”
Staring down at the sparkling, oval-cut diamond, she shook her head. “I can’t…yet. But I have started packing up his stuff. That’s progress.”
“Yes, it’s…progress.” There was a playful hint to Val’s tone, lightening the mood for both of them.
“It’s just hard. I hope you never have to go through it.”
Val’s body tensed beside her. “Just because I’m dating a Marine, doesn’t mean he’s going to die.”
Crap!She hadn’t meant to say what she’d been thinking. She just didn’t want her best friend to go through what she had. “I know. I didn’t mean anything by that. I’m sure Doug will come home safe and sound. Most Marines come home safe and sound.” She heard her voice waver as she spoke, those pesky emotions rising to the surface.
Looking up, she offered her best I’m-completely-together-smile, knowing Val wouldn’t buy it the way most did. Kat allowed herself a temporary moment of self-pity—something reserved only for when she was alone or with her best friend—and then she was done. Back to the positive. The future. “He was the one who encouraged me to take this job as principal. He believed I could do it, that I’d make a difference.”
“And you are,” Val said softly.
