Page 111 of The Perfect Distraction

“And your hair is a different color.”

“Okay, son. Enough with the observations.”

“Well, it is. Her hair is red.”

Brooke was known for trying out different hair colors and styles. She currently boasted red highlights in her medium-length blonde hair, but next month, it would probably look totally different.

“It’s good to meet you,” Colton said.

“You too. I’ve heard so much about both of you,” Brooke said sweetly.

“So, what are you ladies up to tonight?”

“I thought I’d take Brooke to Stafford’s for dinner, and then we’ll probably walk around town.”

“You’re welcome to join us,” Brooke interjected.

Colton shook his head. “Thanks, but we’re going to let you two spend some time together. How about lunch tomorrow, though? My family’s coming over, and we’ll probably grill out. It’ll be really casual.”

This was the first Beth had heard of his family visiting. In fact, they hadn’t been over to his house at all since she’d been there. Maybe he’d set it up so they could get to know her better. She liked the idea of Brooke being there to serve as a buffer between her and his mom.

“We’d love to,” Brooke answered for them.

“Beth?”

Colton studied her curiously, but she smiled at him and said, “Sounds great.”

After Colton and Joey left, Beth and Brooke moved into the main part of the house, and Brooke said, “Becca was right. He is Dadalicious!”

“Oh no. I was hoping she’d given up the nickname by now.”

“Not a chance. I’m surprised she didn’t call him that to his face.”

“I warned her not to.”

“Joey seems sweet.”

“Even though he called you out on your red hair?” Beth teased.

“I don’t mind. It’ll probably be a different color every time he sees me,” she said, flapping her hand dismissively.

Every time? Whenever there was mention of the future, Beth tensed up. There was still so much uncertainty, but not about her feelings. Those, she was sure of. But what about the logistics? It was all she could think about these days. Luckily, Brooke was there to distract her, and it worked like a charm.

After Brooke freshened up, insisting she had to change clothes before they went out to dinner, they grabbed their handbags and headed out the door and into the pleasant evening.

“I forgot how charming this town is,” Brooke said as they walked up Main Street. She stopped every so often to peer into a shop window even though many of them were already closed.

When they rounded the corner onto Spring Street, Beth pointed out Johan’s Pastry Shop and Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, knowing they would be of interest to Brooke.

“I remember going to Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, but Johan’s must be new.”

“It is, and their pastries are delicious. Maybe we can go there for breakfast tomorrow morning.”

“I’m in!”

Knowing how busy Stafford’s would be on a Friday night, Beth had made a reservation ahead of time. They were shown to a table for two in the middle of the restaurant where they still had a view of the harbor. The place was humming with activity, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh seafood.

The waitress laughed when they both ordered the same thing: fried perch and french fries. Looking between them, she said, “You two are sisters, aren’t you?”