It was rare for me to feel like the third wheel. And I just tuned out the caterwauling that happened every night after they went to bed.
But with Knox here, I was seeing a new side of Eric. He was tryingsohard to accommodate his new guest, and I got the feeling Knox just needed Eric to take one step back and let him catch his breath.
It was a shame they didn’t seem to be vibing well. Eric had put his whole life savings into this passion project of his. He wasn’t even getting paid to do it. It was just something he felt strongly about.
I did a quick sweep of the kitchen floor while I thought about how to get those two communicating better.
Emerald came back in while I was finishing the floor. “Oh, you already did the dishes? I was going to get those.”
“Knox did them,” I told her as I tucked the broom and dustpan along the edge of the fridge where they lived.
“Huh. I guess that makes sense. They get trained to keep things clean in the military. Eric keeps this place spotless.”
He sure did. I’d never lived anywhere as clean as this before.
“Is he all right?” I asked.
“Yeah, he’s wrapping his head around the fact that this might be harder than he thought.”
I nodded. “Knox might just need a few days to settle in. I think if we all give him a little space, it might help.”
Emerald bit her lip. “Yeah. You’re probably right. I’ll tell Eric that.”
Then her eyes lit up as she changed the subject. “So, about last night.”
I couldn’t help chuckling. “I know what you’re going to say. The answer’sno.”
“But what about Briggs? Or Amos? Amos wasreallyinto you.”
When she saw my face she added, “Or Forest? He’s not the most outgoing guy in the world, and I saw him talking to you, too. That means a lot coming from him.”
“All the guys last night were really nice.”
She went on, “Dawson is a real catch, too. What did you think of—”
Emerald stopped talking when I giggled.
“But?”
“But… I didn’t feel a spark.”
My best friend in the whole world sighed and furrowed her brow.
Taking her hand, I said, “It’sokay, Emerald. I’ll find someone. You’re more worked up about it than I am. I’ve only lived here onRed Oak Mountain for a few months. And I didn’t move here to find a husband.”
She gripped my hand tightly. “I just want to see you as happy as Eric makes me.”
“I’mveryhappy. Some things happen in time. You can’t rush love.”
Emerald said, “But if you would reconsider Dawson. He’s areallygood guy.”
I laughed. “Absolutely not! I don’t thinkanyof the guys at the party are looking for something real. And I don’t need to play anymore. I’ve had enough of that. The next man I sleep with will be the one I marry.”
Emerald said, “It’s not true about all those guys. Briggs has been looking for a wife for a while now. And Amos has a heart of gold hidden under his burly beard. Iknowhe must want to settle down. He can’t be a player forever.”
Shaking my head, I told her, “Briggs is likeallthese military guys. Good for a quick fling and nothing more. Not to say that Eric isn’t more than that. I know he’s the one for you.”
Then I thought about it and added, “But if I were going to play. I think it would be with Knox.”
