I blush, flipping my phone screen-down. “Anyway. He just… lights me up. But it’s wrong. I really shouldn’t see him again, right?”
Daphne leans back in her chair. “Oh, sweetie. I think you already know what you want to do.”
“True,” I sigh. “It just feels… different with him. Like I’m exploring some hidden part of me. It’s not even about sex, exactly. It’s about being seen. But even with everything going on with Keith... I mean, I’m loyal. I know what mybodywants to do, but…”
I trail off, staring down at the photo again. I thought about using it this morning—for… inspiration. But I chickened out.
Daphne watches me for a second, then says softly, “My two cents? I don’t think you’re in love with this Keith guy. I know your family’s all gung-ho about him, but you? I’m not hearing it.”
I bite my lip.
She tilts her head. “You’ve got a long life ahead of you. Do you want to spend it with someone whomakes your family happy—or someone who makesyouhappy?”
I swallow. “I can’t just tell you. That’s something I’ve gotta figure out for myself.”
“I like you,” she says. “But this is one drunken margarita night. You don’t owe me your soul.”
Mary Ann eyes Daphne and narrows her gaze. “Okay… what are you plotting?”
Daphne shrugs. “Nothing. I’m just wondering why Hunter Holloway sentmedown with a job application... specifically for Faith.”
My stomach lurches.
“He did?”
“Yeah.” She studies my face. “Didn’t seem random.”
I try to laugh it off. “Probably just being smug. His restaurant’s hotter right now and he knows it.”
“Faith…” Daphne raises an eyebrow. “You’ve got abackwardsidea of Hunter Holloway, if you don’t mind me sayin’.”
“Really? He’s a dick. He tried to fight my daddy. In church.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that one. Man’s got a temper. But life isn’t black and white. We’re all a little bit good, a little bit bad. Anyone who tells you they’re all one or the other is lying.”
I polish off my drink. “He’s a rich, cocky hot shot who didn’t even hire me in person.”
Daphne goes quiet for a beat. “Hunter’s over ten years younger than me, but I used to babysit him. His momma’s trailer was next door.”
My eyes widen.
“Last summer, after my fiancé passed away… I didn’t know what to do. Mary Ann was still in California, and I was barely scraping by. Next thing I know, Hunter mails me a check. Ten thousand dollars.”
I go still.
Daphne nods. “I thanked the Lord and bought formula and diapers that same day. Then, when he opened this place, I was his first hire.”
I blink, swallowing back a wave of guilt.
“He’s a good man. He just… doesn’t always show it.”
She stands and stretches. “Anyway, I’ve got a tiny human who’s up at dawn. I don’t care what people say about East Vansborough folks. You’re alright, Faith.” She gives me a wink.
“It’s been fun drinking margs with y’all.”
“Oh, and one last thing as your training mentor,” Daphne says with a sly grin. “That drink test? It’s no joke. Thursday after next. Better study your little toosh off.”
I laugh and give her a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”
