“Yes, we should.” Rob nodded. “It was really nice to meet both of you.”
They started down the wharf once again, and she swore she could feel her mother’s eyes boring into her as they walked away. So far, this wasn’t turning out exactly as she planned.
Then it got worse when she saw Darren coming out of the trendy Portside Grill with Lacey on his arm. She gritted her teeth as he headed their way. Rob looked at her curiously as she slowed her pace and tension sparked through her.
“Evelyn, what are you doing out?” Darren threw the question at her, his expression filled with surprise.
Why ask that? Because she wasn’t allowed to be out with someone? Annoyed, she put on a deliberately neutral face before she answered him. “Going to Jimmy’s.”
“And who is your date?” Darren eyed Rob, the disapproval clear on his face.
Not bothering to correct him because it was none of his business—and she was really tired of correcting people—she introduced Rob. “This is Rob Bentley. His sister bought Murphy’s Resort. She’s remodeling it and reopening. Rob is here helping her.” Why was she explaining so much to Darren? “Rob, this is Darren… and Lacey.” She could barely force the woman’s name out between her lips.
“I would have thought someone would tear it down, not try to restore it. It’s a dump.” Darren’s eyes held contempt at the very idea.
“My sister is doing an excellent job.” There was a protective edge to Rob’s voice. “It’s going to be a nice little place when she finishes.”
“I guess we’ll see.” Darren’s expression showed he clearly doubted it.
Typical Darren. Opinionated. Critical. And Lacey clung to his arm like he’d disappear in a good breeze.
“We should get going.” Evelyn turned to Rob. “I bet you’re famished.”
“That I am.” He gave a brief, polite smile to the pair. “Nice to meet both of you.”
They started to walk away, but Darren stepped in front of them. “It’s just like you to date a common construction worker. You never could grasp what was expected of you. You never really did fit into my lifestyle.”
“Goodbye, Darren.” She didn’t bother to correct him and explain that Rob was an author. Nor did she care about fitting into his so-called lifestyle. She sidestepped him, and Rob followed. They walked a ways down the wharf and she glanced back, making sure Darren and Lacey were headed away. Then she dropped down on a nearby bench.
Rob settled down beside her, his eyes kind and caring. “Want to talk about it?”
“That was my… ex-husband.”
“I figured that much. I could feel the tension crackling between you two.”
“And Lacey—she’s the woman he left me for.”
“Really? He left you forher?”
She would be forever grateful for the incredulous look in his eyes. “Yes.”
“He’s rather critical about things, isn’t he?”
“He is. Always. Sorry about his ugly remarks about you and the resort.”
“You don’t have to apologize for him.”
She should take those words to heart. She no longer had to apologize for Darren’s nasty remarks. She needed to break the habit. “You’re right.”
“You still okay with going to dinner? We’ve had kind of a rough walk on the wharf tonight.” He chuckled, but his smile was gentle, understanding.
He was always understanding. Patient. A really good guy. And she was annoyed at herself that she let Darren get to her. She rose from the bench. “Yes. Yes, I do still want to go to dinner. I’m craving a grouper sandwich and an ice-cold beer.”
Rob stood. “Perfect. Let’s go, then. And I think I’m ordering the exact same thing. You never steer me wrong when it comes to food.”
Rob leaned back in his chair as he finished his meal. He’d been right to order the grouper. It was delicious. Evelyn seemed to relax as the evening went on, putting their run-in with Darren behind her. He sipped on his wine as Evelyn finished up her meal.
She took her last bite and set down her napkin. “So you were saying that Violet is trying to rename the resort?”
