Page 59 of The Perfect Distraction

Chapter Seventeen

Colton called her that night as promised, but they hadn’t talked for long before they were interrupted by a call from Gretchen.

Remembering Joey’s comment about Beth marrying Colton, she couldn’t help but think that if that happened (and it was a big IF), she’d also have to accept Gretchen into her life. How would that feel to be constantly reminded of his previous love? It was one thing to hear about somebody’s ex, but quite another to interact with that person on a regular basis. She was still pondering it when her phone rang again.

“How’s my girl?” Aunt Jenny said.

“Great,” Beth replied as enthusiastically as she could. For the most part, it was true. She loved the house and the town, and she hadn’t thought about Christopher nearly as much in the past few weeks, however…

“What’s wrong?”

“Wrong? What do you mean?”

“I can hear it in your voice. Something’s wrong.”

“What could possibly be wrong? This place is wonderful. The weather has been nearly perfect, I’m reading a lot, the food is delicious, and…”

“There’s something you’re not telling me.”

Beth sighed. “How come you know me so well?”

Aunt Jenny laughed. “Because you’ve been like a daughter to me. You and your sisters, but you the most. We bonded when you were just an infant. I’ll never forget the first time I held you in my arms, but I digress. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“It’s Colton and Joey.”

“What about them? I thought you were getting along fine.”

“We are. Too fine. That’s the problem!”

“Oh. I see.”

Beth sank down in the chair in the sunroom even though the sun had long since set. “Why did this have to happen now? I’m in no position to be in a relationship, especially since I won’t even be here that long.”

“Sweetheart, we don’t have control over these things. You never know when or where you’ll find that special someone.”

“But this is the worst possible time and place. My life exists two hundred miles south of here. At best, I could come up and visit two or three times a year, assuming they’d even want me to.”

“Is it getting serious?”

“Define serious.”

Aunt Jenny paused for a moment and then said, “Have you kissed him?”

“Aunt Jenny!”

“What? I’m not that old.”

“You’re not old at all. I just wasn’t expecting the question.”

“Well, have you?”

“Yes.”

“And? How was it?”

“It was wonderful.”

“I’d expect so. He’s quite the hunk!”