"Nah, from what I was able to piece together about her, we might want to warn Barry about her. She's just looking for a good time."
"And what about you?" Navarro asked.
"I need to get out of here. I need to get my head together and figure some stuff out. I'm tired of always being the joker."
"Then come with me to Jersey. You're welcome to stay at the shore house for as long as you'd like, you know that. It's just going to be me and Colton to start so it'll be pretty quiet until everyone else shows up."
As much as I didn't want to leave Canyon Cove, having some time away did sound like a good idea. I could focus on the things I needed to instead of obsessing about Becca. I had to get my life in order.
"When are you leaving?" I asked.
"I was planning on leaving in the morning, but I can wait if you need some time."
"I can be ready in the morning."
"Good, I'll swing by at eight and pick you up."
Chapter Fourteen
Becca
Ididn't know what to think about Gideon tagging along on my blind date. Part of me was happy. I liked that he was jealous, but another part of me dreaded how he would act. The fact that he was bringing one of his bimbos didn't make me feel any better.
The taxi dropped me off in front of La Petite Rose and the hostess sat me at a table for four. It was a great table, right in front of the picture window facing the street. Unfortunately, the street lamps caused a glare, which made it impossible for me to see outside.
Shortly after I was seated, a tall, handsome man made his way towards the table. He had spiked blond hair and the way his suit hung from him, it was obvious he had a great body. He was undeniably gorgeous, but there was something about him that wasn't for me.
Taylor extended his hand as he introduced himself.
"You must be Becca Draven. I'm Taylor Oliver."
"It's great to meet you," I said. "I have to be honest. I've never been on a blind date before, so I wasn't sure what to expect."
He sat across from me and his smile grew, deepening a dimple in his cheek. The way he smiled, it was as if he had known me my entire life, and I felt comfortable with him right away.
"Well, like I tell my patients, you're in good hands," he said before he leaned closer to me. "I'm sorry, but if I don't put it out there that I'm a doctor, my mother gets very mad."
"You've got to be kidding. She's not even here."
"Oh, you never know. I learned when I was young that a mother hears and sees everything."
As I laughed, I glanced towards the door to see if Gideon had arrived yet. I should've known better than to expect him to be on time, but I still held out hope.
"Waiting for someone?" Taylor asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't know if your mother told you, but my friend invited himself along." I shrugged as I tried to make light of it, then looked at my watch.
"Yes, I heard about that. Friends can be funny sometimes. Is he always late? Maybe he texted you."
Grateful to have him mention it since I didn't want to be rude, I pulled my phone out of my purse, checked it, then left it on the table.
"Nothing," I said, smiling as I tried to hide my disappointment.
"Sometimes no text is better than one."
"What do you mean?"
"Let me show you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Without looking at it, he set it on the table and slid it close to me. "Go ahead, check it. I bet you there's already a text from my mother."