A Man to Believe In. Kathleen Pickering

Mica, Grandpa Phil, Aunt Judy and Uncle Micky.”

      He shook hands with them all. “I’m Cassie’s newest coworker. I start on Monday.”

      Beth gestured to his eye. “Ah, the man who had the run-in with the deer.”

      “My reputation is preceding me. Don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

      Beth smiled. She even had the same dimple in her right cheek that Cassie had. “All good. Don’t worry.”

      He glanced at Cassie and saw the color rise in her cheeks. Had she been saying good things about him? Damn, she was cute when flustered.

      “I’ve offered to drive Peter around while his truck is being repaired,” she said.

      “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