They took the same chairs they usually occupied in this small room. This time, though, something new spiked the air. Hostility?
“Emotions were running high last night.” She crossed her legs. “I said and did things I regret. Same for you?”
“Yes.”
He struggled to read her mood. She was saying the usual Finley things but not in the usual Finley way, because hurt lay beneath every word. She wasn’t freezing him out, but hehadpushed her over a line.
“In the past, you tried to explain why it wouldn’t be wise for us to follow through on physical attraction. At this point, I see the wisdom of that, too.”
“Good.” He felt anything but good.
“I think you were right, too, about the fact that God may not have intended for me to go without romantic relationships for the rest of my life. I’m going to attempt to open myself up to romance.”
“Hmm?”
“I’m going to go out with Derek again.”
He imagined connecting a right hook to Derek’s smug, smiling face. “Great.”
“I know. It’s progress!”
They stared at each other like two generals across a battlefield. Buzzing dominated his thoughts. He couldn’t swallow because regret cinched his throat.
“I’m hoping we can move on without any grudges between us,” she said.
Impossible. He was going to hold a grudge against her. Mostly for invading his life and mind. For draining Montana of its power. For taking his advice and using it to start a relationship with Derek.
“Can we do that?” she asked.
“What?”
“Move on without any grudges?”
“Yes.” It was the only answer he could give.
“Wonderful. Thanks, Luke.”
Silence.
“I was really pleased to hear,” she said stiffly, “that you’re working on your sister’s car. I hadn’t realized you were in contact with your family.”
“I communicate with my parents. It’s only lately that I’ve been in contact with Blair. She’ll turn sixteen soon, so she asked me to get her car running.”
“What’s your other sister’s name?”
“Hailey.”
“Everything I know about your family I learned through the town grapevine. I’d love to know more.”
“There’s not much to tell.”
Her mouth tightened. “Isn’t your mom a fitness instructor at the community center?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to email her and invite your family to stop by here so that I can give them a tour.”
“I don’t think they’ll want to come.”
