“Yeah.” I nod because she’s right. “I guess I don’t know how to break the habit. I’ve let them assume things about me for so long, it’s second nature.”
“I understand that.”
I narrow my gaze, needing to lighten the conversation.
“You know what I can’t picture?”
“What’s that?”
“You, smoking a joint.”
She laughs. “Yeah, well, that’s because I never have.”
“Never?” I gasp, exaggerating my shock. “How is that even possible?”
“Do you know me at all?” She narrows her stare.
“Come on. It’s been legal for years. Besides, you had a life before you were a mom and the hottest librarian this town’s ever known.”
“I doubt most people would describe me as ‘hot.’” She rolls her eyes.
“Then they need their vision checked. Seriously, if you wereslinging books when I was a teen, I’d have spent every day after school following you around.”
She frowns.
“Too much?”
“Let’s just say the teacher-student trope is not my favorite. Too predatory.”
“Then I’m glad we didn’t meet until I was grown.”
She narrows her gaze, but her lips tip up with the hint of a smile. “I’m notthatmuch older than you.”
It’s rude, so I won’t ask, but I am curious how old she is. I’d guess she’s somewhere in her thirties.
“I know this is difficult to believe, but I was a bit of a rule follower growing up.”
“You don’t say.” I can’t help but grin.
“I don’t talk about my life before Wilder Valley.” Her gaze sobers.
I know that’s true because Maeve has made a few comments over the years.
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s okay. I mean, I’ve already given you a few secrets. What’s a few more?”
My chest fills with pride, knowing she trusts me enough to share.
“I promise, whatever it is, won’t be worse than the theories the town’s gossip mill came up with.”
“There are theories about me?” Her brows lift.
“This is Wilder Valley. There are rumors abouteveryone.”
She leans forward. “Now, I kinda want to know.”
“How about I tell you in exchange for the truth?”
