Stray Magic by Jackie Bouchard

Author:Jackie Bouchard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romantic comedy, funny, contemporary fairy tale, comedy books, dogs and women, dog book with happy ending, funny books with dogs
Publisher: Jackie Bouchard

Chapter 13

“This place looks great,” Brendan said, as they settled into their chairs on the patio at The Cottage. It was a lovely morning, sunny and warm, with no sign of the marine layer. The patio was nicely shaded by the umbrellas at each table.

“They make a wicked tuna melt if you ever come for lunch.” Cara reached for her menu.

Brendan chuckled. “Wicked tuna. Isn’t that the name of a TV show?”

“Is it? I don’t know.” Cara looked at the menu. “I don’t watch a lot of TV.” Good God, why did I say that? I watch as much TV as the next person. And if I don’t it’s only because I’m busy working, and then I spend most of the rest of my time doing stuff around the house or painting or driving Winnie around or studying. It’s not like I’m too highbrow for TV.

Why was she so determined to try to make him think highly of her?

She took a sip of her water. “I mean, I’ve just been busy lately. And I have a classic movie addiction, so I mostly watch those.”

“Oh, I love old movies. But I do probably watch too much TV,” Brendan said. “Although it’s mostly sports. You’re not missing anything with most of the current shows. There’s some good stuff to stream, but there’s also a lot of crap out there.”

“Yeah, I know. You should see the junk I find my daughter watching.”

“Tell me about your life for the last twenty-five years. And about your daughter.”

Cara gave Brendan the short and sweet version, covering only her personal life: met Todd in college, got married, had Winnie, got divorced. She mentioned Todd’s work and how she’d been a stay-at-home mom. She didn’t mention how long she’d been out of work or that she hadn’t been able to find a PR job. She wanted him to think she was doing well, had a good career, as he clearly did.

“As for Winnie, she’s a teenager, so, you know, they can generally be a little annoying, but, honestly, she’s mostly really great. She’s a senior—at UC High.”

“Wow, a Centurion. Just like mom.”

“Go, Cents,” Cara said in a monotone. “Really, I do sometimes have bad flashbacks when I go on campus for her track meets and whatnot.” She blinked away the bad memories, and wondered if he remembered that day he’d come to her aid. “Speaking of track, do you still run?” He certainly looked fit, but Cara hoped he wasn’t obsessed like Todd.

“No, I blew out my knee long ago. But I still try to get to the gym; do what I can.”

“I recently started lifting weights myself,” Cara said. What the hell are you saying? The only weights you lift are bags of dog food! Stop trying to impress him! Hmm. I could turn the store into my own gym of sorts... Then I wouldn’t be lying. I’m gonna do that!

The waitress stopped at their table and they both ordered omelets; Brendan’s with bacon and Cara’s with lots of veggies.

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