“For about thirty seconds, I thought he was there to win me back. After everything, some stupid part of me thought …” She shakes her head. “Anyway, he just wanted to return my grandmother’s ring in front of everyone.”
“Jules—”
“His new fiancée was wearing a necklace I’d bought him to celebrate our second anniversary.” She laughs, but I hear the pain. “So, yeah, that’s my most embarrassing. Nothing beats being reminded very publicly that you’re replaceable.”
“You’re not.”
“Everyone’s replaceable.”
“I don’t believe that.” I set my glass down and turn to her until we’re facing each other. Our legs briefly touch, and I can see the gold flecks in her green eyes. “Some people leave marks on you andmake it impossible to go back to who you were before you knew them.”
She stares up at me. “Do you really believe that?”
“Yeah. You’re unforgettable, Little Red.”
The air between us shifts. Her lips part slightly.
“We’re friends,” she whispers.
“We are friends.”
“Friends don’t look at each other like this.”
“How?” I ask.
“Like …” She sets her wine down and shifts toward me.
We’re too close now.
Neither of us moves.
She sucks in a breath. “Nick, I?—”
The doorbell rings, shattering the moment.
We jump apart like teenagers caught by their parents. Jules smooths her sweater, looking everywhere but at me.
I answer the door to find a woman in her sixties, holding a clear dish.
“Hi! I’m Sheila Galloway. I own the place and rented it to you. Just wanted to come and give you a warm welcome and a fresh pumpkin pie.”
She glances around me and spots Julie on the couch like a typical nosy, small-town neighbor.
“Oh! Julie? I didn’t know you two knew each other,” she says over my shoulder.
“Hi, Mrs. Galloway.” Julie appears beside me, cheeks flushed. “I was actually just leaving.”
“Don’t go on my account, dear. You two continue your date; don’t let me interrupt.”
“It’s not a date,” Jules says.
“We’re just friends,” I add, knowing how rumors start in small towns.
Mrs. Galloway looks between us with knowing eyes. “Well, regardless, enjoy the pie. I plan on winning the pie baking contestwith that very recipe. Hope I can count on your vote.” She leaves with a wink.
The door closes, and Julie groans, pulling her keys from her pocket. “Great! Mrs. Galloway will tell the entire town I was here.”
“And? I can’t let you leave,” I tell her, gently pulling her to me. “You’ve had too much to drink.”
