Starting Over by Michele Shriver

Author:Michele Shriver [Shriver, Michele]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SMC Publishing
Published: 2014-12-08T23:00:00+00:00

***

Frosty. That was the first word that came to Liz’s mind to describe Landon’s reaction to meeting her. Apparently Ben hadn’t bothered to give his son any advance warning, either, that it wouldn’t just be a father-son afternoon at Fenway Park, but rather Dad’s new girlfriend would be along to crash the party.

Girlfriend. If that’s what she was. It didn’t escape Liz’s notice that Ben introduced her merely as his ‘friend,’ though she recognized an attempt to minimize damage when she saw one. That was fine. She hadn’t been anyone’s ‘girlfriend’ in more than twenty years and was still getting used to the word herself. One thing she knew for sure was that dating was a lot more complicated when there were ex-spouses and deceased spouses and children in the mix.

“Sorry about that,” Ben said, interrupting her thoughts. “He usually has better manners.”

Liz glanced at the teenager, who was now listening to his ear buds, a sullen expression on his face, and wanted to believe what his father said was true. Ben was a total gentleman, and from what little Liz knew about Amy, she’d been a delightful woman. She didn’t want to think their son was always rude and insolent. She forced a smile to her face. “That’s okay. I was the parent of a teenager once too. Chelsea and I haven’t always been as close as we are now.”

“It’s not okay. I’ll have a talk with him.” Ben let out a sigh. “Obviously I made a mistake and I should have warned both of you that the other was coming,” he said. “I’ll understand if you want to cancel.”

Liz shook her head. “On the Red Sox? Never.” She got in the car. “I’m still counting on it being a great afternoon.” After all, it was Ben and her beloved baseball team. Liz could put up with a little moodiness from Landon. Besides, maybe Ben was right and Landon would come to like her.

The optimistic mood lasted through the drive to Boston. She and Ben shared small-talk, sports talk and laughter while Landon proceeded to ignore them, instead occupying his time with his music and his tablet. Once, Liz thought about making another attempt at conversation by asking him if he were playing a game, and if so, which one. In the end, she chickened out, afraid such a question might reveal just how uncool she really was.

Things turned south when they arrived at Fenway and Ben attempted to hold Liz’s hand as they walked through the parking lot.

“Can you, like, please not be all grabby with each other all day?” Landon demanded.

So holding hands was now being grabby? Liz bit back the sarcastic remark that was on the tip of her tongue, knowing it wouldn’t endear her to Landon and it might not endear her to Ben, who apparently decided to side with his son, judging from how fast he dropped her hand.

“Not if it makes you uncomfortable, son.”

For the first time, Landon looked at Liz. And smirked.

Landon 1-Liz 0.

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