“I’m doing well. I actually moved in with my”—I clear my throat—“fiancé.”
“Good for you! Glad it worked out. Is he treating you well?”
I remember our weekend scrambled eggs. And how his muscles go taut over his gorgeous frame as he moves around the kitchen. “Very.” My voice is a little hoarse.
“I’m glad. Got time for coffee or something? My machine broke this morning, and I haven’t had anything yet. Of course, it had to break on a Saturday, when the office is closed.”
I gasp with sympathy. “That’s positively criminal.” I gesture in the direction of the café across the street. “Let’s head over there. I can come back for the book later.”
“I don’t mind waiting.”
“No. Coffee is more important.”
“You’re the sweetest.” She smiles winsomely, her blue eyes crinkling. Still, she refuses to leave without me getting the bookfirst, and I can’t say no. There’s something oddly maternal about the way she treats me that tugs at my heart.
Upon arriving at the café, Zoe gets a hot cappuccino and I get an iced Americano, hoping it cools me down more before I drive home. “Want some syrup?” she says, gesturing at the sweeteners.
“Sure.”
She hands me one, and I pour it into the cup.
“This might sound strange, but I could have sworn you had adiamondring,” Zoe says as we sit down and sip our coffee. “I have a nearly photographic memory,” she adds. “But now I’m wondering if I’m just imagining things after the fire…?”
“Oh no, you’re not.” I look down at the sapphire and smile. “It was diamond, but…”
“What happened to the heirloom ring?” She picks up my hand and studies the sapphire ring with keen interest. “I wish my husband had proposed me with something that sentimental. Perhaps then our marriage would’ve lasted.” A wispy regret fleets through her blue eyes.
“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.” My voice softens. “Well…the fact is, that ring was, you know,technicallyan heirloom…but it really wasn’t that special, trust me. This one is much better. And it’ll become much more sentimental, too.” I tilt my hand toward her.
“Very tasteful. I’m sure it will.” She nods with approval, then squeezes my hand before letting go. “It suits you perfectly. Your fiancé must have great taste. You should introduce us one of these days.” She flashes a charming smile.
“He does, and of course, I’d be happy to. You’ll love him. He’s fantastic.”
Her smile broadens. “I’m sure I will. By the way, have you gotten your deposit back?”
“Not yet. You?”
She shakes her head. “They’re taking their time. Probably collecting interest on our money.” Her mouth twists cynically.
“I’m sure they’ll wait the entire twenty-one days.” When she looks at me blankly, I add, “That’s the legally mandated deadline.”
“Ah.” She nods. “I’m in a support group for the fire victims. Are you in it too?”
“No. Didn’t know there was one.”
“It’s on Facebook. I’ll invite you, if you want.”
“Sure. I’d love that!”
She texts me the group invite, then leans forward. “By the way, did you see the news this morning?”
“A little bit of it. Why?”
“They caught the arsonist.”
“Somebody set our building on fireon purpose?”
“Yup. A kid. Only seventeen.”
