Minor Adjustments (5 page)

Leaning back, Devon rested his arm on the chair behind her. “What could I have said that would’ve annoyed you?”

Stella shrugged. How many people had Stella wanted to ignore, how many mouths had she wanted to tape shut? Even the people who’d gone through similar situations hadn’t been able to comfort her. No one could. Only time. “Oh, you know. That things happen for a reason. They’re in a better place. Not to worry because God is looking out for me, and somehow this experience will make me a stronger and better person. You know, words meant to bring peace but that really don’t.”

Devon’s lips formed half a smile. “Well, not to be redundant, but things
do
happen for a reason and they
are
in a better place. And although I don’t know you that well, I’m pretty sure you’re a strong and good person.”

Stella laughed. She couldn’t help it. Devon had restated some of the comments that had once grated, and yet he had somehow managed to turn them into something different, and—well, charming. It was becoming apparent why Lindsay had been so captivated by him. “Thank you. And I know it’s all true; it just wasn’t what I wanted to hear at the time.”

“You don’t seem too annoyed now,” he said. “Should I try again?”

“Do you
want
to annoy me?”

“I don’t know. You’re kind of cute when you’re angry.”

“And when I’m not angry?” Stella didn’t mean to flirt or wheedle compliments, but the words tumbled out without asking permission.

“You’re beautiful.”

Her heart thumped a staccato rhythm. “What?”

“I said when you’re not angry, you’re beautiful.” And then Devon turned and stared out the window.

Just like that.

Subject closed.

Which was good because Stella didn’t know how to respond. She’d expected teasing, joking, maybe even a sarcastic remark. Not sincerity—which was exactly how he’d sounded. Honest. The kind of straightforward, no-nonsense, plain-speaking honesty that seemed so rare these days.

A fluttery sensation spread through her body, filling her. She’d felt it before, when Devon had sat a red-eyed boy on his lap and told him about his angel mother. The memory alone brought tears to Stella’s eyes again. Without realizing it, Devon had reached inside her heart and touched it. Probably exactly what he’d done to Lindsay’s all those years ago.

Since the day she’d watched Lindsay sign the will, Stella had tried to convince herself that her friend had made the right choice, that listing Devon as the guardian hadn’t been a monumental mistake. But it wasn’t until now that Stella finally started to believe it. Devon was a good man, a good person, and—whether or not he realized it—a good father.

The train slowed and a computerized voice announced the name of Stella’s stop. Did Devon plan to walk her all the way to her door?

He stood and started following her off the train.

Should Stella say something? Tell him her flat wasn’t far and that she’d be fine? Warn him that it might be a long wait for the next train?

“Which way?” Devon asked.

Stella pointed north. It was okay to be selfish once in a while, wasn’t it?

“Hey, I wanted to say thanks for coming with us today,” Devon said as he fell into step next to her. “It was really nice having someone along who knows their way around.”

“I had fun.” More fun than she’d had in a long time.

“What can I say? Ryan and I are fun guys.”

“And humble,” Stella teased.

“Just remember that you said it, not me. You’re only humble until you admit it.”

“Are you admitting it?”

“Nope.”

Stella’s laughter floated across the dim, lamp-lit street. A dog barked, a car drove past, and the few other people from the train dispersed and went their own way. It had been a long time since someone had walked Stella to her door. In the past, guys and friends had always met her downtown and said good-bye at the train station.

“Have you lived here long?” Devon asked.

“Three years and counting.”

“It looks like a nice neighborhood—not that I can really tell in the dark.”

“It is nice. The best part is that it’s a short walk to the train station, which makes it close to work, shops, and the beach. I really like living in Sydney. At least for right now.”

“Right now?”

“Having Ryan made me realize a bigger yard and some open space would be nice some day, especially if I ever have kids. But for right now it’s great.” They came around a corner, and Stella pointed at her white, boxy, contemporary flat. “That’s my place.”

Devon followed her up the walk and stopped outside her door. “There. Delivered all safe and sound. My mom would be so proud.”

“If I ever meet her, I’ll let her know she has a chivalrous son.”

He grinned. “Please do. I’m sure she wonders at times.”

“The times when you’re arrogant?”

“I’m never arrogant. Only and always modest.”

Stella smiled. “So you’re admitting you’re humble.”

“No. I’m admitting I’m modest. Humility and modesty are two very different things.”

“Not really.”

“Yes really.”

Stella shook her head.

“I can’t believe you’re giving me a hard time after I went out of my way to walk you home. That’s pretty low, you know.”

“You’re right, and I’m sorry.” Rising to her tiptoes, Stella kissed his cheek. “There. All better.”

Devon grinned. “I actually do feel better. Now I know where to come if I ever get a real injury. Do you kiss those better too?”

“Sure, but one kiss a day is my limit.” Stella smiled as she unlocked her door and let herself inside. “Good night, Devon. And thanks again for walking me home.”

“No problem. See you Saturday.”

Through the crack in her door, Stella admired his even stride and broad shoulders as he walked away. It was no wonder Lindsay had never really gotten over him.

The last Saturday in February marked the end of Australia’s summer. The wind whipped at Devon’s face as the ferry carried them across Sydney Harbor toward Manly Beach. Hilly and lush tropical landscapes, sandy beaches, and high rises dotted the haphazard shoreline. With the bridge, the opera house, and the aqua blue water, every view could have been an image straight from a postcard.

The air was warm and humid, making Devon glad he was in the southern hemisphere. Back in Chicago, sleet and ice covered the ground, cars needed to be defrosted, and the surrounding bodies of water were frozen solid. As much as Devon looked forward to returning to work and his apartment, he didn’t miss the cold.

They arrived at the beach early and claimed a spot near the water. The sun brightened the clear blue sky and highlighted the waves and rivulets in the ocean.

“Nice place,” Devon said, surveying all of the people already there. “I can tell it’s a popular beach.”

“Yeah,” Stella said. “But it wasn’t until the early 1900s that people were allowed to legally swim in the ocean here.”

“Why?”

She dropped the towels and beach bag to the ground. “It’s an interesting story, actually. During the early settlement years, the men got so hot, they used to strip down and swim in the buff, so swimming was banned. Then people disobeyed, and after several arrests, a man named William Gocher told everyone he was going to bathe during the day, despite the law. He started a campaign to have the regulations changed—and it worked.”

“Just like that?”

“It was more of a compromise. People were allowed to swim, so long as they wore clothing from their neck to their ankles. But the clothes became heavy and several people drowned, so they protested again, and before long, Manly Beach became a favorite place to sunbathe and swim.”

“I can see why.” Resorts, hotels, and high-rises surrounded them. Sort of a Honolulu meets Miami. Touristy and busy, but beautiful.

Ryan darted past, heading toward the ocean and carrying an empty bucket.

“Ryan, hold up!” Devon ran after him, grabbing the boy’s hand as a small wave rolled over his feet. “You need an adult to be with you when you play in the water.”

Trying to pull his hand free, Ryan said, “But I need water to build my castle.”

Stella walked up next to them. “Yeah, you definitely need water, Ryan. Go on and fetch some.” Devon started to follow until Stella’s hand on his arm stopped him. “Ryan has spent his entire four and a half years coming to the beach on a regular basis. He knows he’s not allowed to go in past his knees without an adult. Now stop hovering and enjoy the day.”

“How was I supposed to know that?” Devon said, still not trusting Ryan.

“You weren’t, which is why I just told you.”

With water up to his ankles, Ryan stopped and waited for a wave. When it crashed over his legs, he scooped up a bucket of sandy water and trotted past them. The water toppled over the side as he walked, spilling half of its contents before he finally plopped down. He didn’t seem to mind that his bucket was half empty—or was that half filled? Devon smiled, knowing Ryan would probably think the latter.

“See?” Stella said. “Told you so.”

“Know-it-all.”

Devon helped Stella spread out towels and set up the umbrella. The he dropped to his knees next to Ryan. “Can I help?”

Ryan’s eyebrows drew together. “Do you even know how to build a castle?”

“Not as well as you, I’m sure. Why don’t you teach me?”

Ryan nodded. “It needs to have four towers with a wall all the way around. Then we need to make a tall, tall tower in the middle.”

“Is that where the princess lives?”

“No, that’s where the ninjas live,” Ryan said, like Devon should have known that already.

“Oh, right. Ninjas. Sure, why didn’t I think of that?”

“Loads of ninjas.”

“And what do they do?”

Ryan sighed, as though he had to explain something that shouldn’t need to be explained. “They fight the fire dragons and push them into the river that’s full of hot lava.”

Devon bit back a laugh. The kid had an imagination, that’s for sure. “Okay, then. Let’s get this castle built before those dragons show up to fight. I’m thinking we need some more water.”

While Ryan ran for more water, Devon looked over his shoulder to see Stella lying on her stomach, reading a book. Dressed in a white cover up with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, she looked relaxed and beautiful. “Hey, aren’t you going to help?”

Her head swung around and her eyes flickered to his. “My degree is in law, not architecture. I’ll leave the building to the boys.”

Devon pointed to the pile of sand. “But the fire dragons are on their way and if we don’t get this castle built, all the ninjas will be burnt to a crisp. How do you think that will make Ryan feel?”

“I’m sure he’ll survive.”

“Okay, but if things go south, you get to be the one to shut a hysterical four-year-old in the bathroom.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She smiled and returned her attention to the book.

Ryan stumbled back, lugging a bucket of water. He dumped it on the pile of sand, splashing wet sand all over Devon’s board shorts. Looking down at the mess and then at the oblivious Stella, reading calmly in the shade, Devon frowned. Her morning of relaxation was about to change. After all, bringing Ryan to the beach and giving him a bucket had been her idea.

Devon whispered to Ryan, “It’s really hot out here. I think it would be nice of you to pour water on Stella so she won’t be hot.”

Ryan grinned. “Okay.” He raced to the water and refilled his bucket. Then he trotted to Stella and turned it upside down over her head.

Devon laughed. The kid had no fear.

Squealing, Stella rolled over, clutching a soggy book in her hand. “Ryan! Why did you do that?”

“Devon said you were hot.”

The little tattle-tale. Ryan may not fear Stella, but Devon sure did. “I didn’t tell him to pour it on your head. That was all him.”

“Well, I think Devon is hot too,” Stella said.

Devon grinned. “Thanks.”

Stella’s eyes narrowed. “I thought you were never arrogant. Ryan—”

But Ryan was already headed back to the water.

“Oh, no you don’t.” Devon lunged and grabbed Ryan around the legs, tackling him to the sand. After tickling more giggles from him, Devon said, “You can’t get me wet, we’re on the same team. Boys always stick together.”

“Don’t listen to him, Ryan!” Stella called. “You’re on my team.”

“No,” Devon argued. “It’s always boys against girls. Ask anyone.”

Ryan looked uncertain, so Devon decided distraction tactics were in order. “Oh no! I hear the fire-breathing dragons coming. We need to hurry and get the castle built.”

It worked. Ryan ran to his castle and started filling a bucket with sand. “I hear them coming! We have to hurry!”

Devon grinned, loving how easy it had been.

“Here, I’ll help too,” Stella said.

A blob of wet sand landed on Devon’s head. A big blob.

“Oops, I missed. So sorry. I really was trying to help.”

Devon wiped what he could from his hair. “Well, it was nice of you to try and help with something.”

“I’m nice like that.” Stella tried to brush the worst of the sand from the back of her cover-up. When she couldn’t reach all of it, she pulled the knee-length dress to shake it free.

“Oh brother,” Devon said. He stood and swiped his hand down her back, removing the worst of the sand. “In case you couldn’t tell, you’re on a beach, surrounded by sand. Did you really expect to stay clean the entire day?”

She glared at him and moved away from his touch. “You’re making me sound like a wowser, which I’m not.”

“Prove it.”

“Fine.” She plopped down on the sand next to them. “What do you want me to do, Ryan?”

Devon bit back a smile. Mission accomplished.

⇐ ⇑ ⇒

Stella’s eyes drifted to Devon as he stooped to gather another bucket of water. His short, light brown hair had a disheveled, almost spiky look that she loved. With his brown eyes and broad muscular shoulders, she couldn’t help but stare. Was there a girl waiting for him back in the States?

Focus, Stella, focus.
The last thing she should be worried about was some hopeless attraction. In another week Devon would be gone, hopefully with Ryan in tow. And in order for that to happen, the boys needed to bond. And not just any bond—a strong and lasting one, like epoxy. Stella needed Devon to feel the same way about Ryan that she did.

“I think the dragons are getting closer,” Stella said as she worked on the moat.

“I know. We have to hurry.” Ryan’s digging became frantic.

“Would it help if I put a powerful force field around the castle?”

The shovel stilled in Ryan’s hand. “What’s a force field?”

Stella moved her fingers like she was playing the piano and circled her hands over the castle. “A force field is like an invisible wall or shield, one that can block out dragons and fire, and keep the ninjas safe. In fact, I’ll bet it will hold while we go take a dip in the ocean. What do you think?”

Ryan looked unconvinced. “Will the ninjas really be safe?”

“I promise. Come on, I’ll race you to the water.”

Devon was walking toward them, so Stella and Ryan grabbed his hands and tugged him back to the ocean. They played, splashed, threw a ball around, ate lunch, and finally finished the castle. Ryan wanted to add seashells to make the walls stronger, in case the force field stopped working, so Devon and Stella gratefully dropped to their towels, ready to soak up the warmth and sunshine.

Stretching his arms behind his head, Devon closed his eyes. “I could definitely get used to this.”

Stella wanted to ask what “this” included, but she didn’t dare. She could only hope Ryan was part of it. “Working eighty hours a week doesn’t leave you much time for play, does it?”

“Nope.”

A handful of warm sand streamed through her fingers. “When was the last time you took a real vacation?”

“A real vacation?” he asked. “Hmm . . . that would be in high school. Our family spent two weeks in Florida after I graduated. Ten years ago.”

“Wow. I don’t even know what to say to that.”

“Pathetic, I know,” he said. “But I’ve been busy and haven’t had the time.”

“Haven’t
made
the time, you mean.”

Devon’s eyes opened and he rolled to his side, facing her. “No. I mean I haven’t had time. Do you have any idea how much work it takes to start a company?”

“No. But I know you’ve managed to put your life on hold for two weeks to stay in Australia.”

Brown eyes stared at her before he finally said, “You’re right. The company’s more established now, so I could probably take some time off. And Brady’s more than capable of handling things while I’m gone. It’s just that I like what I do. My company means everything to me and it’s hard for me to let other people take control, even for a little while.”

Stella picked up another handful of sand. “What do you mean, it means everything to you? Don’t you have a life outside of work?”

“Sure. I have friends and a small social life, but my job always comes first. I started the company from scratch and built it to what it is today. You can’t do that and not have it consume your life.”

“What about your family? Lindsay mentioned you came from a close family.”

“I am close to my family. But they’re still in Oregon, where I grew up. I live in Chicago and only go home for Christmas. We text and call each other a lot, though.”

Stella felt a heavy, disturbing weight settle in her stomach. For some reason, she’d assumed he lived near his family. It was one of the reasons Lindsay had chosen him—a big reason.

Stella’s fingers clenched around the sand. Why hadn’t Lindsay called Devon before her death? Why hadn’t she gathered more information? Why? Flipping onto her back, she squinted against the afternoon sun.
Did you really know what you were doing, Linds? Did you? Or is this some horrible punch line of an old teenage crush?

Stella honestly didn’t know what to think anymore.

No wonder Devon was hesitant to take Ryan. Who would look after him while Devon worked? Some day care center? The idea made her ill.

Unfortunately, it was still better than the alternative.

Lindsay, why couldn’t you have picked me? I could have made it work. Somehow, I would have made it work.
But Stella could no longer plead her case. Lindsay was gone, placing Ryan and his future on an unknown, undefined course—one that Stella could only hope and pray would end up like the sky that day, sunny and bright.

Shoving her worries aside, Stella forced her mind to other things. “So what does this company of yours sell?”

“It’s an internet security site. Basically we help to protect people against viruses, hackers, or scams. We also offer filters that people can download for free to keep most of the crap on the internet off their screens. So when I say that the company is established, I mean that we no longer have to worry about paying our employees. But we still have to worry about keeping our products updated and recent. It’s a constant battle, and we have a lot of competition. For right now, we’re on top, but it’s going to take a lot of work to stay there.”

“Impressive.”

“Thanks.”

Stella’s arm shaded her eyes from the sun as she studied Devon. He seemed like a take-charge sort of person, not one to bury himself behind a computer, writing code. “I would have never pegged you for a computer nerd.”

He chuckled. “Guilty—although not so much anymore. I started off as a programmer with the dream of owning my own company. I wanted the flexibility to pick my hours and be my own boss, but I’ve had some rude awakenings since then. Ironically, I’ve put in twice the number of hours as most of my employees, and I don’t remember the last time I took a day off just because I wanted to. And as for being my own boss—yeah right. The board of directors and stakeholders are really the boss.”

Ryan continued to plaster the sides of his castles with broken bits of seashells. What would he be like as an adult? Still happy and laid-back? Or would life change him as it did so many people? “Wouldn’t it be great if life turned out the way we dreamed it would as kids?”