“Of course.” Mary sounded a little too cynical for Quinn’s liking, but she let it slide. “You have my blessing, though. I like Riley, and I feel like we could be friends.”
“That’s what Lindsey said.”
“Lindsey’s a smart woman.” Mary tasted her pasta, added fresh pepper, then scooped her homemade cacio e pepe into a big bowl. “So, what’s the deal?” she asked, sprinkling some extra pecorino cheese on top. She lowered her voice when Rob left the kitchen. “Any flirtations?”
“There has been some flirting,” Quinn finally admitted. She was more comfortable talking to Mary without her brother around.
“What’s flirting?”
Quinn looked over her shoulder and shared an amused smile with Mary when she saw Lila behind her. “It’s when you like someone, and then you say or do certain things because you want them to like you more,” she said, wincing at her clumsy explanation.
“Flirting.” Lila furrowed her brow, and Quinn scooped her up, snuggling her, while Lila’s little arms wrapped around her neck. “Like this?” Lila placed a peck on Quinn’s cheek.
Quinn laughed and squeezed her. “That’s not quite the right context, sweetheart, but I love your kisses.”
43
RILEY
Riley waited for the baker to pack up her bread. Now that she knew about Quinn and his ex-wife’s affair, it was hard not to think about it, especially since Quinn had been on her mind all day. Martin, the baker, was friendly, outgoing, and he’d already learned her name, which was charming. He was also handsome in an unconventional way, she supposed. Although a little on the short side, he was well built and had a nice smile as he handed her the paper bag.
“Here you go, Riley. Have a great day.” His smile widened when Lindsey walked in. “Lindsey. Let me guess. One whole wheat and three chocolate-chip cookies?”
“Yes, please, Martin. You know me so well.” Lindsey turned to Riley. “Hey, there. Nice to see you. How are you?”
“I’m great.” Riley held up her baguette. “These are addictive.”
“I know. You should try his cookies,” Lindsey said with a wink. “I’m actually on my break. Do you want to have a coffee? Share a cookie?” She gestured to an empty table by the window.
“Sure. Why not?” Grateful for the distraction, Riley ordered a cappuccino, took a seat, and waited for Lindsey to join her with the coffees. She hoped it might stop her from obsessing over Quinn for a while because she’d been checking her phone every few minutes, hoping for a message.
A woman she recognized from the town meeting walked past the window and waved at her, and Riley waved back. She was getting used to living in a small community where people knew her, and there was something comforting about being able to have an impromptu coffee with a new friend.
“So…” Lindsey sat opposite her and lowered her voice as she leaned in. “How was your date?”
“It was…” Riley hid her grin behind her coffee cup. “It was really great. But I’m sure you’ve already heard all about it.”
“I haven’t, actually. Quinn was at her brother’s house last night, so I haven’t seen her or spoken to her. Anyway, she’s been quite secretive in general when it comes to you.” Lindsey shrugged cheerfully. “So I guess you’ll have to fill me in.”
Riley laughed. “Oh, no. You’re not getting anything from me.”
“Come on. At least tell me if you kissed.” Lindsey waved a hand. “Actually, never mind. I can tell from that look on your face that something happened. Something more than a kiss, perhaps?”
Riley shook her head and pointed a finger at Lindsey. “Are you always this nosey?”
“Uh-huh. I don’t have much of a love life myself, so I have to live vicariously through others. Although I have been messaging with this guy I met on a dating app. He seems really nice, and he lives nearby, but Quinn is convinced his profile is fake.”
“Let me see.” Lindsey handed Riley her phone, and she scrolled through his profile. “I agree with Quinn, I’m afraid,” she said, pointing to his picture. “This looks like it’s been ripped from a catalogue and the picture on the beach could be anyone.”
“Damn it.” Lindsey let out a sigh of frustration. “We chatted all of last night and we agreed to meet up soon. But if he’s not who he says he is…”
“Even if he’s not who he says he is, you might still click. Just be careful and make sure you meet somewhere public, and needless to say, don’t tell him where you live.”
“Hmm…” Lindsey sipped her coffee as she contemplated that. “I suppose we could meet for a coffee in the daytime. I could ask Quinn to shadow me, just in case.”
“I don’t mind coming along either,” Riley said. “I’ll keep to myself, and your date won’t know that we know each other.”
“Or you could shadow me together,” Lindsey suggested hopefully. “When are you seeing Quinn again?”
