Page 103 of It's Not PMS, It's You

I gave her a hard time about it because I didn’t want her to use work as an excuse for not coming, but she wouldn’t budge on it. She assured me shewouldbe here, and I had felt better after I had received her text letting me know she was on her way.

And there she is.

Ruth waved from the beach entrance, about forty yards away.

She stepped onto the sand, and immediately kicked off her sandals, letting them dangle from the fingers on one hand as she walked toward me. She carried a very large bag in her other hand, plus a beach bag hanging from one shoulder.

“Who is thatlovelywoman, Nicky?” my mom asked.

My daughter, Lindsey, was also watching Ruth. “Dad, do you have a date?”

I shook my head. “You can both relax. She’sa friend.”

My mom watched Ruth. “A friend? With a look likethaton her face? I seriously doubt that she’sjusta friend.”

Whatlookwas she talking about?

I didn’t see a look.

The only thing I saw was Ruth looking relaxed, which was a refreshing change.

“I agree, Grandma.” Lindsey turned to try to get a read on my face. “Something’s going on. She’s glowing.”

“Nothingis going on.”

What was with it with these two?

Ruth dropped a sandal and stopped to pick it up.

She peeked inside the big bag she was carrying and then stuck her hand inside.

“Dad, if you’re worried I’m going to disown you because you’re going out with a woman that isn’t Mom, get over it. I’m twenty-one, not five. And most marriages end in divorce anyway, so it’s expected that you find someone else to hook-up with.”

“Hook up with? Seriously? You do not have a dad who hooks up.”

“You need to get with the times. Hooking up can mean just getting together or forming a relationship, and there’s nothing wrong or bad about it. What I’m trying to say is I’m glad you’re putting yourself out there again. It’s about time.”

I huffed. “I’m not putting myself out there. I’m right here. And I told you, she’s a friend.”

“Whatever. We’ll get the dirt from her since you’re no help.”

“You two take it easy on her. And don’t tell her any embarrassing stories about me.”

My mom placed her hands on her hips. “That’s half the fun of being a parent! I get to pay you back for all the years you drove me crazy. Now, tell me the truth. What’s going on between you two?”

“Hey, look at me!” I waved goodbye to Lindsey and my mom. “I can’t hear either of you talking.”

“Nicky!”

“Dad!”

I chuckled and decided to meet Ruth halfway, so she wasn’t immediately bombarded and overwhelmed by my mom, my daughter, and the rest of my family.

I had completely forgotten to tell everyone that I was bringing someone. I was not surprised by the sudden interrogation. This was going to be a shock for many people in my family since it would be the first time they had seen me with a woman since my divorce.

Ruth stopped in front of me and dropped in her sandals in the sand. “Hey.”

She wore a flower-patterned summer dress that hung just above her knees. I could see the string from her black bikini tied around her neck.