A Man to Believe In

“And I’ve been stalking her,” Peter added, thinking he was being funny.

The group laughed. “Well, that’s not unusual, young man,” Cassie’s grandfather said.

Grandma Mica winked. “I’m sure Cassie doesn’t mind a bit.”

“So, you came all the way from the Left Coast?” The look in Micky’s eyes said he’d love to help Peter out from this awkward moment by changing the subject.

Peter smiled back, grateful. “Glad to be here, too. Montauk is beautiful.”

“Well, we hope you like it here.”

Cassie gestured toward an empty table far enough away to give them some space. “We’re just going to grab a quick bite. I’m exhausted and want to head home.”

Grandma Mica gestured to Cassie’s figure. “Make sure she eats a pile of French toast. She’s been getting too skinny.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Grandma!”

The five said their goodbyes. When she and Peter were seated, Cassie lowered her voice. “Stalking? Really? Did you have to say that?”

Seeing her discomfort, he felt like an idiot. “I thought I was being funny.”

“You don’t know my family. If they even get a whiff of a guy showing interest in me, they start pushing.”

“Why? Are you a charity case or something?”

“You don’t understand.”

“I’m listening anytime you want to fill me in.”

She stared at him a long moment. She might have been miffed, but she sure looked pretty with her hair scooped away from her face exposing the curve of her cheek and those tiny diamonds glistening in her earlobes.

A look of incredulity flashed across her face as something occurred to her. “Are you really stalking me?”

He handed her a menu from the stand on the table. “Nah.” He winced. “Um. Maybe.” He held up a hand. “But I’m not dangerous. Just interested.”

She waved away the menu. “I know what I want.”

He glanced at the choices. “Banana pancakes. Maple syrup. Perfect.”

She was frowning. “You might want to order something without syrup. You’re giving me cavities already, you’re coming on way too sweet.”

He sat back in his chair. “I’m making you uncomfortable.”

“Truthfully? Yes. We’ve only just met. You’ve been flirting with me since you opened your eyes in the E.R.”

He shook his head. “No, I started flirting with you just before I met that deer.”

Gratefully, she laughed, and he noticed her body begin to relax. He released a sigh, leaned closer. “But you’re right. Error is mine on the flirting. I apologize.”

The waitress came by and they gave their orders. When she walked away, Cassie seemed to have relaxed even more at his apology. She smiled, sheepish. “I may have given you the wrong impression, though I have to admit, I had no problem flirting right back with you.”

Wow. Responsible for her actions. He admired that immediately. “I can’t say I didn’t appreciate your attention.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

Peter leaned closer. “Okay then. How about we start over?” He held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Peter Chapman. New hire. How do you do?”

She looked at his outstretched hand before finally grasping it across the table. “Cassie Michaels. A pleasure to meet you.”

He glanced over her shoulder to see Cassie’s mother watching them. Amusement crossed her face. He returned his attention to Cassie. “Let me add that I am delighted to learn that you are one of my new colleagues. My job prospects look brighter.”

She laughed. “And I have no doubt your charming self will do nothing but improve the emergency department.”

“Why thank you.” He paused. “Oh, and did I tell you that you and your mother look identical?”

She smiled. “So we’ve been told.”

“You are beautiful women.”

She pointed at him. “You are flirting again.”

He ducked his head. “Sorry.”

She nodded. “Now, that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s plan for me to pick you up at seven thirty on Monday.”

“I’ll be ready. As for your friend, Brian?”

She pulled out her phone and pressed speed dial.

“Brian, hello.”

The waitress brought their plates. Peter waited while Cassie spoke.

“Hey, the new hire arrived early. He needs a place to live. Is your duplex ready yet?”

She smiled at Peter as she listened. Nodding, she said, “When can I send him by?” She listened more as Brian spoke. “Okay. We’re at the pancake house. Sounds great. Bye.”

She disconnected the call. “He’s in his car now. He’s going to stop in and show you pictures. If you like it, you can take a look. Does that work?”

“Wow. That’s perfect.”

They were halfway through breakfast when Brian appeared. Peter liked him immediately. Brian had a ready smile and a firm handshake. His dark, gray-streaked hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Brian reminded him of a friend he’d known in Los Angeles.

When he sat, Cassie reached over to kiss him on the cheek. “Brian, meet Peter, my new coworker. Peter, meet Brian. We’ve been friends since kindergarten, when I tried to kiss him and he ran away from me.”

Brian laughed. “Cassie has a way with introductions, eh?” He teased, but affection lit his face. He gestured to Peter’s eye. “What happened?”

Cassie interrupted, laughter in her voice. “He met his first deer.”

Brian shook his head. “Sometimes I think deer are not so gentle and play games like ‘chicken’ by running in the street to ambush drivers.”

Laughing, Peter held Cassie’s gaze. “I was definitely distracted by the wildlife.”

Cassie’s eyes narrowed playfully. She didn’t seem to mind that small flirt.

Brian said, “I hear you’re from California. Welcome to Montauk.”

“I’m happy to be here. Great town.”

“You’re looking for a place to live.”

“As soon as possible. I’m anxious to settle in.”

“Well, I own a sweet colonial I’ve renovated as a duplex. The bottom-floor apartment is ready.”

If he didn’t have to search for a place, life would be so much easier. “I’m interested in seeing it.”

Brian pulled out his cell phone. “I have pictures.” He handed Peter his phone. “The home used to belong to the oldest living man in Montauk. I’ve known him since I was a kid cutting his lawn, and I took care of him when he got older. He had no family and left his estate to me.” Brian shrugged. “I was pretty touched since I loved the old guy.”

Cassie added, “The house is in a beautiful area on the way to the lighthouse. Secluded. Quiet.” She laid a hand on the table between them. “You’ll like it, Peter.”

He thumbed through the photos on Brian’s phone, once again not believing his dumb luck. The house exceeded his expectations. Could he afford it? He handed the phone back to Brian. “Nice. How much are you asking for rent?”

Brian grinned at Cassie. “I know how much nurses make. I think you’ll find it reasonable.”

“When can I see it?”

“I’m heading back there in about half an hour. Does that work?”

“Sure. I’ll grab a taxi.”

Cassie scoffed. “No need. I’ll take you.”

“No way. You need your sleep.”

She laughed. “I can sleep when I die. I’d like to see your face when you see this place.”

Brian stood. “This is great. I don’t even have to advertise. Call when you’re on your way.”

After Brian left, Peter picked up his cell phone. “Speaking of phones, can I have your number?”

“So you can stalk me by phone?”

He laughed. “I promise I won’t.”

It didn’t take her long to decide. She picked up her phone. “Okay.”

“Give me your number. I’ll call you so mine will register.”

Once she dictated the number he called her phone. His number lit on her screen and Peter gestured to it. “Answer.”

“No. It’s you.”

“I know. Answer anyway.”

Shaking her head, she picked up her phone. “Hello?”

Peter lowered his voice. “Thank you so much for everything you’re doing for me. It means so much. I hope I can reciprocate someday.”

She stared at him a long moment. He could see uncertainty cross her face. When she broke into a grin, he felt like he could breathe again.

“You’re welcome, Peter. Now hang up the damned phone and let’s talk like real people.”

* * *

WHEN THEY ARRIVED at Brian’s, his BMW was in the driveway. Set back from the road, the white colonial house was complete with a wraparound porch and pillars supporting the overhang, which was decorated with gingerbread trim. Deep green shutters adorned the floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor. Cassie couldn’t wait to see what Brian had done to the inside.

Peter was eyeing the house appreciatively.

“What do you think?” she asked him.

He shook his head. “Looks like nothing I could possibly afford.”

She laid a hand on his arm and didn’t miss the sinewy strength of his biceps. “Brian is not a gouger. He’s a friend.”

Concern creased his brow. “I didn’t mean that. I know I’d have to get a fair market price if I owned a rental.”

She opened her door. “Maybe you can negotiate a lower rent if you sign a longer lease. I’m not worried. Let’s go.”

She knocked on the door and opened it. “Anybody home?”

“Hey, Cassie! In here.”

The scent of fresh paint and hewn wood still hung in the air. Clearly, Brian had been working to update the place. The old wood floors had been waxed to a soft polish and ran from the living room into the small area that looked like a dining room and kitchen opening in the back. An outdated but clean couch sat like a lone island in the empty living room on what looked like an old but plush antique rug.

Brian’s voice came from the kitchen, but within seconds he appeared. “Hey, guys. Come in.” He gestured to the room. “Take a look around.”

Peter let out a soft whistle. “This is really nice. So, the whole first floor is one apartment?”

“Yes. Glad you like it. This house has always been a favorite of mine.”

“Then why didn’t you move in?”

Brian grinned. “Because I like my house with the water view better.”

Cassie hooked arms with Brian and grinned. “Brian is a bit of a real estate mogul.”

“I’m not a mogul. I own two houses.”

“And one of them is on five acres bordering state land. I think you’re doing rather well.”

“This one fell into my lap.”

Peter laughed. “We should all be as lucky.”

Passing the dining room, Cassie pointed to the antique dining table and chairs. “Are those staying?”

Brian nodded. “Sure. Those were in the house, and I don’t have a place for a dining set. I got rid of the old stuff, but I’m glad I left the couch and rug. Peter might need something to sleep on.”

“That will definitely work until I get a bed.”

The kitchen windows looked like they still had the original glass. Outside, the backyard ran a good distance to the woods. Excellent privacy.

“What a great old pantry!” Cassie opened the door. “Look, a window inside and everything. I love old architecture!”

Peter smiled at her. “Me, too. This is a cool house.”

“Let me show you the rest of the place,” Brian said. “Bedrooms and bath are this way.”

The first bedroom was small, and would make a good office or guest room. Brian had renovated the bath. The small, black-and-white floor tiles and stand-alone tub reflected the era of the house. The walls were brilliant white, and a huge mirror hung over a retro counter and sink, brightening the room. A glassed-in shower had been built into what used to be a linen closet.

Brian opened the adjoining door. “And this is the master bedroom.”

The room was freshly painted in a soft yellow with accented white moldings. A ceiling fan slowly turned, and the wood floors gleamed. The house was not only charming, but a sense of relaxation also seemed to emanate from its walls. “What a great sanctuary after a long day at work,” Cassie said. “Do you like it, Peter?”

Peter turned to Brian. “If we can work out a rent I can afford, I’d like to move in tomorrow.”