Page 54 of Sexual Healing
“What are you having?” Dan asked.
“Roast pork.”
“I’ll be back for dinner. Can we start over?” he asked. “My apologies for wearing black jeans to high tea.”
The atmosphere relaxed, the conversation picking up again about Beverly’s conversations with Jack.
“What struck me about him right away was how handsome he was,” she said. “He didn’t seem to know. He was so humble. When we read the obit and how successful he was and philanthropic, it made sense because he certainly didn’t flaunt it. You could see his clothes were impeccable and expensive. But even his watch wasn’t ostentatious until my husband pointed out that it probably cost as much as our car.”
Lisa and Pam looked at each other. “Probably his Daytona Rolex,” Pam said. “He didn’t wear it in town for fear of getting mugged. Here at home, it was safe.”
While the conversation went over her head, she thought of his watches still in the safe in the lower level. They were supposed to be divided up between the two kids, but she hadn’t trusted Brent at the time. Maybe now was the time. She’d think about it. Now there were three children.
They talked for an hour, and soon it was clear there was a lot going on under the surface between Rene and Dan after she returned from the bathroom and lingered by his chair. He looked up at her, smiling while he listened, and soon, he stood to join her. They went by the veranda, she animatedly talking with her hands, and Dan intent on every word.
Fighting it, Pam realized she was jealous. Dan was her fallback guy. And now that Jake had ostensibly walked out of her life, she had hoped to press Dan into service again. She’d still invite him to walk on the beach or, better yet, run. She sure as hell wasn’t getting on the back of a motorcycle with him.
When Hocus started to clear, the guests got the hint that it was time to call it a day. Trying to keep one eye on Dan, as it appeared he was exchanging phone numbers with Rene, Pam made the final small talk with Beverly, Alison and Clarice hitting it off right away, and Ryan and Lisa bringing up the rear.
They amusingly walked to the front door as a unit, and Pam graciously said goodbye as Dan walked them out to the car. Pam quickly closed the door before they could think of anything else to say. Teasing, she dramatically leaned up against the door.
“Hopefully, Dan will get on his motorcycle and drive off,” Lisa said, flaring her nostrils. “I really don’t want to hear what he has to say.”
“Me either,” Pam said.
“Aw, come on, you guys. The guy hit it off with our cousin. Notice I’m not yet recognized as one of you, but that’s okay.”
“Here he comes,” Alison said, opening the door for Dan.
Spontaneously, they clapped for Dan when he stepped over the threshold.
“Stop, you guys,” he said sheepishly.
“You work fast, Kemosabe. Did you make a date?”
“We did. For Friday…”
“Wait! Dancing at the roadhouse,” Pam said.
“How’d you know?”
“Oh, get over it. You’ve taken every date you’ve had there for the past ten years.”
“He never took me there,” Lisa said, laughing.
“Oh crap, don’t remind us of that,” Dan whined. “Ryan won’t let me come over anymore.”
“Ha! I don’t care about that. I’ve had enough socialization for a while, so I’m headed home. Hocus, I’ll take pork too if you have enough.”
“We’re not eating pork for dinner,” Lisa said, pushing her fingers in his back. “Move. I’ll fix something.”
“Order pizza.”
“Do you want to walk on the beach?” Pam asked Dan.
“I’ll go home and change,” Dan said. “Give me ten minutes.”
“I’ll walk home with you,” Alison said.