Covering Home (13 page)

“Britt, you’re the investigative journalist. Care to shed some light on this one?” Aaron asked.

“I’m a sportscaster, Aaron.” She managed a smile but shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Where was that waiter, anyway?

“Do you like things spicy?” Ben arched one eyebrow. “I’m asking for a friend.”

“Wow.” Britt fanned her face with her menu. “What’s up with you tonight?”

Ben feigned innocence, shrugging. “I’m merely making conversation. What did you think I meant?”

Edgar arrived with five pints balanced on a large round tray. “Here you go. Everybody ready to order?”

Britt scrambled to make a decision, half-listening as the others questioned Edgar about various dishes on the menu. When he got to Caleb, she paid close attention.

“I’d like something very traditional, Edgar. No surprises. What do you recommend?” Caleb asked.

“You look like a Shio Ramen kind of guy. Rye noodles in chicken broth, topped with slow-roasted pork and a hint of sea salt,” Edgar said.

“Shio Ramen it is. Thanks.” Caleb passed Edgar his menu and turned to Britt, his dark eyes appraising her. She refused to look away.

“For you, miss?” Edgar prompted.

Britt took one last look at her menu. “I’ll have the spicy red chili ramen, please.”

“Good choice.” Edgar scribbled on his notepad and collected their menus. “I’ll have those out for you in a few minutes.”

“Whew. Taking a walk on the wild side, are we?” Ben raised his glass in Britt’s direction. “That’s what I like to see.”

“You only live once, right?” Britt mirrored Ben’s actions, and everyone else raised their glasses.

“Cheers,” Aaron said.

“So. Caleb.” Heather returned her glass to the table. “Are you single?”

“Um, hello, sweetheart? I’m right here.” Aaron rolled his eyes in exaggerated disbelief.

“I’m just asking.” Heather’s cheeks colored, and Aaron dipped his head, planting a kiss near her temple.

Caleb took a long sip of his beer. For a minute, Britt wondered if he might chug the whole thing. He set the glass back on the table. “Yes, I’m single.”

“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Ben winked at Britt. “I hear girls really dig that whole mysterious brooding thing he’s got going on.”

“Is that what you call it? Mysterious?” Britt couldn’t resist a playful jab in Caleb’s ribs with her elbow.

He shot her a look that made her instantly regret her decision to flirt. But a smile played at the corners of his mouth, and he slung his arm around the back of her chair. “I was going for the whole wounded thing, actually. How’s it working?”

Her pulse stammered as a hint of his woodsy cologne enveloped her.
Uh-oh. Could be in a little trouble here.
“I—I, um, I’d say it’s working,” she whispered.

“Maybe you two should go out,” Aaron suggested.

Caleb hesitated, his eyes still locked on hers. Was silence on his part a good or a bad thing? Did he want her to respond first? So awkward. Britt cleared her throat and looked at Aaron. “You know how it is—baseball’s tough on relationships.”

Caleb’s arm disappeared from the back of her chair, and he reached for his beer again.
Oh no. That wasn’t an emphatic no. Not like no, not ever. Just maybe not now.

Shoot. What a mess.

“I don’t know. We’ve survived a few seasons, haven’t we?” Heather squeezed Aaron’s arm. “But I get it. Relationships can be challenging when professional sports are involved. Especially—”

“I think what Heather’s trying to say is that things are definitely easier now that we’re together. Unless I’m traveling, we see each other every day. Right, babe?” Aaron asked.

“Absolutely. I never thought I’d live in Japan, but it’s been great so far. It sure beats relying on FaceTime or watching you play on television.”

Britt didn’t dare look at Caleb. This was probably the last thing he wanted to talk about tonight. If anybody understood the struggles of maintaining a long-distance relationship, it would be the guy who used to date a movie star. Surely Aaron knew about Caleb and Amanda, but maybe Heather didn’t make the connection.

“What did your family think about your decision to move to Japan?” Britt asked.

“They were a little concerned at first.” Heather glanced at her husband. “But I think they also understand this a unique opportunity for Aaron to do what he loves.”

“What’s your family think, Caleb?” Aaron’s gaze flitted between Ben and Caleb.

“About playing ball here?” Caleb shrugged. “It’s like you said. Some concerns—Mom still isn’t real thrilled.”

“But we’re glad you’re playing ball again,” Ben chimed in. “Mom will come around.”

Edgar returned with a large tray balanced on his shoulder. “Here we go.”

Steam wafted from the white bowl he placed in front of Britt. A slow-cooked egg, sliced in half, saluted her with its beautiful golden yolk. Slices of pork garnished the rim of the bowl, while brick red chili powder topped a generous helping of noodles. “Wow. It’s like a work of art.”

“Thank you,” Edgar said. “I couldn’t agree more. Please enjoy.”

“How about another beer?” Ben motioned to his half-full glass.

“Absolutely.” Edgar served Aaron’s order. “Anything else? Maybe a bottle of water?”

“Yes, please.” Britt raised her hand, silently questioning her decision to order a spicy entree. That pile of red pepper was taunting her already.
Here goes nothing.
Chopsticks in hand, she captured a bite of ramen and lifted the twisty noodles to her mouth. The temperature alone was enough to make her protest. She’d heard plenty of stories about how the Japanese liked their noodles scalding hot. Consider that fact officially checked. Then the bite from the red pepper ensued. Eyes watering, she couldn’t grab her beer fast enough. Gulping down the amber liquid, she began to cough. Nothing could quell the fire on her tongue.

“Everything okay?” Caleb studied her, eyes wide.

Britt pressed her napkin to her mouth and nodded quickly.

Edgar was back with several bottles of water. Before he could set them down, Caleb snatched one and twisted the cap free. He pressed the clear plastic into Britt’s hand. “Here, see if this helps.”

Britt tipped the bottle back while the whole table watched. She was past the point of caring. The liquid was cool, and most importantly, bland and flavorless. A bead of sweat had formed on her brow. She set the bottle on the table, then dabbed at her forehead with her napkin.

“Wow,” Heather said. “That must be some ramen you’ve got there. Are you all right?”

Britt nodded. “I-I’m fine. Thank you. Not what I expected, I guess.” She managed a wobbly smile and tried a miniscule bite of pork instead.

The conversation moved on to favorite foods and unusual dishes they’d experienced elsewhere, and then ambled toward preferred restaurants back in the States. Britt chimed in, all the while noticing how Caleb kept a watchful eye on her throughout the meal. She snuck a sidelong glance, admiring his thick, dark lashes for the first time. Did he know what women would do for lashes like that?

“Were you unhappy with your dinner?” Edgar hovered over her shoulder.

“Excuse me?” Britt cringed under his disappointed stare as she realized her bowl was still almost full. Everyone else had slurped to their heart’s content. “Oh. I—I’m out of my league here. I hope I didn’t offend you.”

“Not a problem.” Edgar cleared away the bowls. “I’ll bring you all some of my wife’s homemade pistachio ice cream. I can assure you it’s phenomenal.”

Before Britt could argue, he’d cut a hasty retreat across the dining room.

“I was going to give you a hard time, Britt, but if we’re going to get homemade ice cream out of the deal, I guess I’ll be grateful instead.” Ben winked at her and took a swig of water.

“You’re welcome,” Britt said. “Happy to help.”

“Pistachio ice cream?” Heather grimaced. “I don’t know if I’d thank her just yet.”

“Remember the mint chocolate chip ice cream Mom used to make?” Caleb groaned and closed his eyes. “If I think about it long enough, I can still taste it.”

“It was pretty amazing,” Ben agreed.

“Eight boys and she made her own ice cream.” Britt looked at Heather. “She must be superhuman.”

Heather’s chin dropped. “
Eight
boys?”

“True story. We ate a lot of ice cream, too,” Caleb said.

“I hope she has some great daughters-in-law,” Heather said. “And lots of granddaughters, too.”

There was a beat of silence. Only the slightest hesitation. Caleb stared at the table. Ben spoke up but kept his eyes on his twin. “Two of our brothers are married. No grandkids running around yet.”

What was that all about?

Edgar arrived with five ramekins of pale green ice cream. He served each one with a smile. “Thank you for visiting Edgar Ramen tonight. I hope you’ll come back again.”

“Thank you,” they murmured and reached for the spoons he’d placed in the center of the table. True to his word, the ice cream did not disappoint. Britt savored each bite, the cold, creamy texture a welcome relief after those hot noodles.

“Wow, that was fantastic.” Caleb swiped at his mouth with his napkin.

“I have to admit, that was delicious,” Heather said.

With the help of the currency converter on Ben’s phone, they managed to cobble together the appropriate Yen to cover their meals and a tip.

Aaron scooted his chair away from the table. “We hate to eat and run, but I’m beat. Are you ready to go, sweetheart?”

“Of course.” Heather stood. “So nice to hang out with you all. I’m sure I’ll see you at the game tomorrow.”

“Good night.” Britt waved and watched them go. They were adorable. She stood up and looked at Ben and Caleb. “Are you guys headed back to the hotel?”

“Absolutely. We’re not going to let you go alone,” Caleb said.

“Thank you. Never know who you might run into, right?”

She meant it as a joke but a muscle in Caleb’s jaw clenched, letting her know he didn’t appreciate the reference to the previous night’s events. Britt clamped her mouth shut and headed for the door.

Out on the plaza, the crowd had thinned. Britt noticed a few curious onlookers, but no one appeared interested in speaking to the American trio. Teenagers and young adults stood clustered in small groups, wisps of smoke from their cigarettes curling into the night air while they talked and stared at their phones.

The Ferris wheel rotated slowly above the crowd, the frame lit up in white lights. Britt stopped and watched. She’d always loved Ferris wheels, begging her siblings or her dad to ride with her over and over again at the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Later, she and Lucas had graduated to the bigger adrenaline rushes like the roller coaster. But they always finished the day with one last ride on the Ferris wheel. Allison said it was their mom’s favorite, too.

“Do you want to go for a ride?” Caleb’s deep voice came from behind her.

Britt’s abdomen flip-flopped. “Really?”

“Well, you’ve got this wistful expression on your face. I thought I’d offer.”

“Sure. Do you want to come, Ben?” Britt asked.

“No,” Ben stretched and faked a yawn. “I’m done. You go on, though. I’ll see you later.” He nudged Caleb playfully on the shoulder and flashed a mischievous grin.

Whatever. It’s only a harmless ride. Right?

As Ben walked away, leaving her alone with Caleb, she couldn’t help wondering if maybe it might mean something more.

Chapter Fourteen

Tickets purchased, Caleb slid his wallet into the back pocket of his jeans and battled the conflicting emotions churning within. What was he thinking? An unseasonably warm spring night, the aroma of cherry blossoms floating in the air … the last place he should be was next to a beautiful woman, especially this particular woman.
It’s not a date, it’s not a date,
he reminded himself as he handed Britt her ticket.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.” She took the ticket, her fingertips grazing his. The warm breeze kicked up, blowing a strand of her hair across her cheek. Caleb longed to set it free.
Remember what happened the last time you touched her hair?

Britt turned her face to the night sky. “A roller coaster through the center of a Ferris wheel. Who knew? I’ve got to get Paul out here to shoot some footage.”

“Ben can’t wait to ride it.” Caleb shook his head. “No, thank you.”

Britt smirked. “Not a fan of roller coasters?”

Right on cue, the Thunder Dolphin raced across the track overhead, the screams of its passengers drowning out the rhythmic click of the wheels as it soared through the center of the Ferris wheel. Then it careened around a sharp turn and started a steep climb. Caleb’s stomach twisted just looking at the sharp descent that served as the ride’s finale.

“When was the last time you were on a roller coaster?” Britt asked.

Caleb detected a hint of doubt in her voice.
She thinks you never have any fun. What would it take to prove her wrong? Surprise her.
He scratched his chin. “County fair, a few years back.”

Britt raised an eyebrow. “Was this in Wyoming?”

“Nope. Biloxi, Mississippi. The year I played in the minors.”

The attendant, a spry Asian man wearing a purple uniform, scurried from the turnstile to the first cabin as the wheel slowed to a stop. He released the transparent dome and a young couple appeared, smiling and holding hands. Could this be any more romantic? He peeked at Britt. If she was concerned, she hid it well.

“A county fair in Biloxi, huh?” Britt tapped her finger against her chin. “Something tells me there’s more to the story.”

The boisterous teenagers standing in front of them piled into the vacant cabin. Britt and Caleb moved through the turnstile and waited to be summoned.

“Looks like we might make this ride,” Caleb said.

“Wait. You’re changing the subject. Tell me more about your last and possibly only roller coaster ride. Your manager let you all go to the county fair?”

Caleb smiled. “Not exactly. We snuck out of our hotel and hitched a ride with the groupies loitering in the parking lot.”

Britt’s chin dropped. “Caleb Scott. I’m shocked.”