Mary’s flat look makes Finn release her as she says, “I would never insinuate that.” Her attention shifts back to me. “Truly, I’m so sorry if it sounded like I was judging your work or anything like that. I love Jerry’s and I support you working there until you’re just as old and gray as the woman herself. But I’m also fairly well-connected in town, and I’d love to introduce you to anyone who might be in an industry you’re interested in. I’m just trying to get to know you, and use my resources to help if it’s applicable.”
What must it be like to grow up in a family like this? None of these people are perfect, but my knees practically shake with awareness that I am so out of my depth here.
Is it wrong to accept her help, or rude not to? Is it okay to admit I’m not really sure how long I’ll be at Jerry’s?
“You’re putting her on the spot, Mom. That’s not fair. She just barely got here.” Finn clucks at her, then turns togrin at me. “But seriously though, what are your life goals, plans for the future, and wildest dreams?”
I laugh, and Mary swats Finn’s arm with a small huff.
“Menace,” she whispers, then sends me a wink before she walks away.
“So? Do tell.” He cups his chin like he’s enraptured with what I might say next.
My brain scrambles with thoughts about finishing school, working toward a masters, all the things I’ve been piecing together lately, but I’m not sure where to start, or how to do it without having to explain why I never got a college degree to begin with since I know each of the Ryan kids have at least a bachelor’s degree.
“Can you not leave the woman alone, Finn?”
Grant’s voice causes a visceral reaction in me.
I miss whatever Finn says because Grant is here and Finn’s wandering off, and for the first time in way too long, we’re near each other.
I just have to remember all the reasons I’m not throwing myself at him. Because there are reasons. Because I need to know myself first. Because I’ve been dropped too many times.
And because I’m not yet certain he’d catch me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Grant
It makes no sense, but Sam is even more beautiful than the last time I saw her.
Maybe it’s thanks to settling in even more. Her shoulders aren’t wound as tight as they were those first few weeks, and I noticed last week the donut disappeared and an actual car tire replaced it, so she was feeling secure enough to spend that money.
Never would I imagine not lightly grazing my fingers along someone’s wrist to be a test of will, but here I am, willfully resisting touching her becausefriends don’t caress friends’ skin.
Maybe the rules of friendship should be examined, because what a shame, right?
“How are you?” she asks, her body language welcoming enough.
She’s not shut down, and even though we’ve hardly seen each other, I don’t think she’s avoiding me. It’s simply been a busy time for both of us, and we’ve been ships in the night.
“I’m good. You? How have you been? How’s Mr. Bingley? How’s work?”Too much! Way too much!
A smile flashes, but she reels it back in. “All good. I think I figured out how he was getting out. The screen on one of the windows I like to leave open sometimes has a tear in it he must’ve found.”
“I’ll get that fixed. I can come over tomorrow and take measurements, make sure I get the right thing.” I don’t sound too eager, do I?
“Sure. I actually have tomorrow off so any time works. Or, if you’d rather come when I’m out, I?—”
“I’m good to come whenever you want.” But I’d prefer she be there.
She twists her fingers together. “Then come tomorrow.”
Our gazes connect again and I’m not sure who moves, or if it’s an unseen force urging us into one another, but we’re closer than we were. She sways toward me, almost like she tripped, and my hand settles at her waist to steady her.
“Sorry.” It’s a breathless whisper.
“Never.”
