“Not everybody sees that first. They see that he’s different andthey judge. Immediately.”
Rebecca cocked her head and raised her eyebrows.
“My brother is intellectually disabled.”
“Ah,” Rebecca said with a nod. That explained why Spencer hadnever been put off by Bobby. “I didn’t know that.”
“I have looked out for him all my life.”
“That can be hard on a kid. He older or younger?”
“Younger.”
“Well, he’s lucky to have you for a big sister.” She smiled as thegirl behind the counter slid a smoothie in front of Spencer, noticed the color.“Blueberry this time?”
“If I had known you would be this close to me, I’d have orderedsomething with less staining power. Vanilla, probably.”
“Oh, you’re hilarious.” But Rebecca couldn’t keep the smile fromher face. This was good. It felt…easier to be around Spencer since they talked.Friends. Who knew?“Okay, I’ve got to run.” She reached out a hand, gave Spencer’s shoulder asqueeze. “See you Wednesday.”
“Have a good one.”
Rebecca headed out the doors and to her car, the smile stillthere, her mind still a jumble of thoughts, but a different mix than the pastcouple of days. This was the right thing. Friends was the right thing. Much asshe’d flashed back to their time in her house, as often as she thought abouthow amazing it was to kiss Spencer, to hold Spencer’s warm, soft breast in herhand, she knew this was the right path. She’d let herself get sucked in, as hadSpencer, and the best thing to do now was to step back. She had thoughts aboutthe state of Spencer’s relationship—so many thoughts!—but it wasn’t her placeto voice them. And really, what did she actuallyknow? Like, for a fact? Only things sheassumed, and assuming was never good.
She gave her head a literal shake as she slid into the driver’sseat.
Forward. That was the only way to go.
Shifting into gear, Rebecca headed home.
Chapter Fifteen
The cool weather was probably the reason Turtle’s was so busy thatSunday afternoon. The cool weather and football. While not a new bar by anystretch of the imagination, it was new to Lucy’s fiancé, Ethan.
“He wants to check out the football-watching scene,” Lucy had toldSpencer on the phone that morning. “I need a friend to sit with because he’sgoing to be glued to the TVs and I’ll be bored inside of ten minutes.”
Spencer laughed. “I don’t know, Luce. My Sunday was going to bevery exciting, what with the cleaning of the bathroom and the washing of mysheets. Not sure you can measure up.”
“Ha ha. Very funny. Please. I’m begging you.”
“I know better than to turn away a woman who’s begging me, and Iactually enjoy football. What time?”
It was after two by the time Spencer entered Turtle’s, and shestopped inside to let her eyes adjust. It was sunny out, but also the end ofSeptember, so the temperatures were starting to cool down. When she couldfinally see, Lucy’s hand was waving back and forth like she was at a concert.Spencer headed toward the small table.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Lucy said as she stood and wrappedSpencer in a hug. “This is my fiancé, Ethan. Honey, this is Spencer.”
“Ah, the infamous Spencer.” Ethan was of average height andaverage appearance, but his dark eyes were inviting and friendly and his sandyhair made Spencer clench her fist to keep from ruffling it. He justseemed…warm. She expected nothing less from the man who’d landed Lucy Schubert.“It’s so nice to finally have a face to go with the name. Lucy talks about youall the time.” He held out his hand, shook Spencer’s with a firm grip, thenindicated the empty chair. “Sit. Can I get you something?”
“The waitress is a bit overwhelmed,” Lucy told her. “So we’ve beengoing to the bar to get drinks.”
“I’d love a beer,” Spencer said. “Anything light is fine.”
“You got it.” Ethan waved off Spencer’s offer of money and sidledup to the bar.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Lucy practically squealed again,closing her hand over Spencer’s. “Thank you!”
“Hey, don’t thank me until I’m sure this is more exciting thanwiping out the inside of my microwave. Jury’s still out.”
“Where’s Marti today?”
