California Girls. Susan Mallery

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      “So, um, did he happen to say why he didn’t want to marry me anymore?” she asked, hoping she sounded curious rather than pathetic. “He wasn’t exactly forthcoming in his texts.”

      Daniel shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “I’m sorry, but he didn’t say anything other than it was over for him. I wish I knew more.”

      “I know. And hey, you hit him, so that was nice. I’m sure when things calm down, he and I will talk and I’ll get some answers. Or not.”

      “I’m sure you will. So, I want to help with undoing the wedding.”

      “Thanks, but not necessary.”

      “You shouldn’t have to do it yourself. Give me something easy, say the contract with the photographer. I’ll call them tomorrow and work things out. If I do a good job, you’ll promise to trust me with something more challenging.” His dark gaze seemed sincere. “I mean it. You don’t have to do this all alone.”

      Which sounded really nice, especially when he looked all three-day scruffy with his beard and Sunday-relaxed in jeans and an LA Dodgers T-shirt.

      “Why are you doing this?” she asked. “Brother guilt?”

      “That and because I want to.”

      “Why on earth would you want to help me unplan my wedding?”

      He looked at her and smiled. “Because I like you.” He held out his hand. “Give me that contract and no one will get hurt.”

      He liked her? He liked her? What did that mean? Nothing, of course, she told herself. He meant in an almost sister-in-law way. Daniel was sexy and dangerous with his motocross business and his tattoos and swagger. She was the kind of woman who attracted the sucky Glens of the world. Besides, no and no. He hadn’t meant it any way other than to be nice. He liked her the way people liked cucumbers. They were acceptable and innocuous. She was like a cucumber.

      Okay, that sounded strange, even for her. She sighed. The whole breakup had affected more than her heart, she thought sadly. She was starting to lose her mind.

      “One photographer contract coming up,” she said.

      He glanced at his watch. “I’ll get it later,” he said. “We need to go.”

      “Go where?”

      “The Dodger game. It starts in an hour so we have to hustle. Come on. Do you have a Dodger baseball hat? If you don’t, it’s okay. I have an extra one in the truck.” His smile returned. “We’re on the good side of the stadium—the third base line. The sun will be at our backs, so no squinting to see what’s going on.”

      She stared at him. A Dodger game? She’d never been into baseball but it beat sitting home alone and moping.

      “You’re being really nice to me,” she said, as she grabbed her purse.

      “I know. I’m one of the good guys.”

      He spoke lightly, as if joking, but his words hit her in the heart and the gut. She’d assumed Glen was a good guy. She’d assumed it so much, she’d allowed herself to fall in love with him and plan a future together. Only he’d betrayed her. He’d abandoned her and their future without even bothering to speak to her directly, which made everything worse.

      She tried to shake off the thoughts. No more Glen suffering—at least not today. She’d been offered an afternoon watching baseball, which was an unexpected distraction. She needed to throw herself into the moment.

      As they walked to his truck, she hid her smile. “So baseball. That’s the outdoor one with the bats, right?”

      Daniel looked at her. “You’re kidding, right? Please be kidding. You understand the concept of the game.”

      She smiled as she climbed into the passenger seat. “Of course I’m kidding. I know baseball is the one where they kick the ball.”

      “You’re killing me, Ali.”

      “Then my work here is done.”

      * * *

      Zennie arrived at the park a few minutes early. She used the time to warm up and stretch. She’d been a bit aggressive at yoga yesterday, stretching past her comfort zone, and was paying for it this morning.

      She was also tired. She hadn’t slept well, probably because she’d been thinking about her abbreviated date with Clark. It wasn’t that she was going to miss him as much as the idea that there was something wrong with her. Which there wasn’t.

      Right on time, Bernie pulled up in her sensible sedan. Zennie walked over to meet her.

      Zennie Schmitt and Bernadette Schmahl had been roommates their freshman year at UCLA. Bernie had known she was going to be a teacher while Zennie had been equally determined to become a nurse. They were about the same height and size, they loved to work out and they both thought the old Monty Python TV show was the funniest thing ever. It had been roommate love at first sight for both of them. The only difference between them was their looks. Zennie was a boring blue-eyed blonde while Bernie was “the pretty friend” with high cheekbones and dark tan skin.

      They’d stayed close after college and Zennie had been Bernie’s maid of honor at her wedding to Hayes. The two friends ran together every Sunday morning—sometimes just the two of them, sometimes in a group. The only time they’d had to take a break from running had been three years ago when Bernie had been diagnosed with uterine cancer. She’d endured surgery and chemo and had survived both. Now she was happy, healthy and moving on with her life.

      “I appreciate you showing up,” Bernie said with a grin as they started their run with a slow jog. Their route would take them along the Woodley Park/Lake Balboa loop. It was just over five miles long and relatively flat. Not exactly challenging, but today’s run was about hanging out as much as it was about getting exercise.

      The morning was still cool and the sky was clear. Later it would warm up but right now the low sixties felt really good.

      “Why wouldn’t I show up?” Zennie asked.

      “I saw the surf report. You could be out on the waves right now.”

      “I’d rather be with you.”

      “Aw, that’s so sweet. Thank you. How are things?”

      “Complicated,” Zennie admitted. “Glen dumped Ali.”

      “What? No. He couldn’t. The wedding’s in what, two months? Hayes and I already got our invitation.”

      “She found out on Friday.”

      Zennie filled her in on what had happened. As she spoke, they picked up the pace.

      “Ali is devastated and with Finola out of town...” She grimaced. “I spent Friday night at her place. I should probably call her later, to make sure she’s okay.”

      “I’m sure she’d appreciate that. I’ve never met Glen but now I have to hate him for sure.”

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