8
“The woman apparently has money to burn,” Seth lamented to Luke. It was the first chance they’d had to talk since the press conference. Luke had been on the mainland with a patient for much of that time. “I know you saw the size of her donation.”
“With her twenty-five thousand, we’re well on our way to getting that boat,” Luke said slowly. “Why do I sense that you’re not entirely happy about that? You should be ecstatic. I know I am.”
Rationally, Seth knew he ought to be, but his gut still churned when he thought about the reminder of the vast differences between him and Abby. “I don’t know many people who can write a check for that amount without batting an eye.”
“People? Or women you’re interested in?” Luke asked perceptively.
Seth regarded him sourly. “Okay, yes. For about a nanosecond I thought about asking Abby out. I enjoy her company. I’m attracted to her. Now this? Come on. Why would a woman who could buy every one of my assets several times over be interested in spending time with me?”
“Maybe because you’re a decent man with a sense of humor, at least about most things, and a respectable member of the community.” Luke gave him an assessing once-over. “And some women think you’re not bad to look at.”
“Gee, that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.”
“If you want warm and fuzzy, see my wife. Personally I don’t see the whole sexy-as-sin thing she talks about.”
Seth stared at him, startled. “Hannah thinks I’m sexy as sin?”
“She does, and from what I gather, there’s a consensus on this among the female population of Seaview Key. It apparently isn’t limited to any particular age group, either. Grandma Jenny is one of your biggest admirers, along with Kelsey. And we know Kelsey’s baby is completely gaga over you.”
“I don’t think we can really count Isabella,” Seth said, but his mood was improving.
“How about my preteen daughter? Gracie is suddenly far more interested in coming down from Atlanta for a visit. She asks about you every time I talk to her, usually in the same breath with asking me to talk to her mom about letting her wear a bra. Frankly, I don’t think that’s coincidental.”
Seth chuckled at Luke’s discomfort. “A bra, huh? That must rattle you.”
“Scares the daylights out of me,” Luke admitted. “She’s still a baby.”
“No, she’s eleven going on twenty,” Seth corrected. “But that’s not the point. And as thrilled as my ego might be by your pep talk, we were talking about me and Abby. You have to admit it’s an entirely different situation.”
“Okay, then,” Luke said, getting back on topic. “What is the point? That you suddenly don’t think you’re good enough to ask Abby on a date? Do you even know Abby’s background?”
“That she’s from here, that her parents didn’t have a lot, that she worked to pay her way through school? Yeah, she told me about all that.”
“And you don’t think that gives you something in common? Her background’s not much different from yours.”
“Not exactly,” Seth said. His parents hadn’t been working class or even middle class. They’d chased the almighty dollar with a vengeance. Their estate might be modest by some standards, but it was sufficient to have his sisters waging war with each other over their shares right now. He’d seen something crazy in their whole value system and joined the army to get away from it. So, maybe he was a little touchy about financial stuff, but not entirely for the reasons Luke thought.
“Then explain it to me,” Luke said.
“Money changes people, and not always for the better.” He gave Luke an earnest look. “The Abby you knew, she was hardworking, grounded, ambitious, right?”
“Sure.”
“Do you really know her now?”
Luke looked momentarily taken aback. “I suppose not, but she’s already anxious to get involved in the community. That’s what this donation was about.”
“It’s a check, Luke. Apparently one she can easily afford. She’s buying goodwill. She’s admitted as much.”
“And I can’t entirely fault her for that. Why do you? I still say this is your pride talking. Since I’ve never known you to display a lack of confidence around women, I don’t get it.”
Seth knew Luke was right. Abby was the first woman maybe ever who’d thrown him so completely. He’d drawn them in all shapes and sizes and from a whole range of income levels, too.
Luke studied him. “Okay, let’s get to the root of this. What’s with the hang-up about money, anyway? I know you’re not particularly materialistic.”
“I told you I’ve seen the way money affects some people,” Seth said. “It certainly has caused a huge rift between my sisters, and they’re not even battling over a mega-fortune, just the relatively modest inheritance from our folks.”
“Have you seen any evidence that Abby is greedy?” Luke asked.
“No, but she is ambitious,” Seth said. “She started a restaurant from scratch and made it a success. Now she’s tackling this development.”
Luke was starting to look increasingly amused. “Now you’re opposed to ambition, too? What next? Does it bother you that she’s smart? How about beautiful? Any objections to that?”
Seth frowned at his attempt at humor. “You think I’m being ridiculous. I get it.”
“I think you’re scared because you have feelings for her and don’t want to,” Luke corrected. His expression turned serious. “Look, after what happened with Cara, it makes sense that you want to take your time before getting involved with someone new. But don’t start manufacturing excuses to avoid someone who could be the right woman. Not that I’m saying Abby is,” he added hurriedly. “Just as you said, I don’t know her that well anymore. I can’t say if you’re well suited or not. Time will answer that.”
Seth took the advice to heart. Luke
