I drift away, letting them chat, grateful for the change in the Jared topic. Having Carter as a buffer is not so bad.
By the time we reach the ocean-side boardwalk lined with seafood restaurants, I’m overwhelmed by the number of people stopping to talk to us. They’re not only after the hot gossip about me. They’re curious about Carter. It doesn’t surprise me. Heisstriking. A quiet type of sophistication, built on money and power.
“The restaurant over there has the best view of the bay. If the owner walks in after 6pm with his shades on you can bet all your money he’s high as a kite.” He shared more about his personal life than was necessary the summer I worked there as a hostess. “After his divorce, he kept telling anyone who’d listen that marriage disrupted his timeline. He’s going back to his youth to give it another go. Now he’s living the life he should have. Or so he says.”
“You know a lot about these people.”
“I’ve lived here most of my life and when you’re not important, almost invisible, people tend to get loose-tongued.”
A strange shadow flashes over his features. “I’m not sure that’s it,” he says quietly.
“This guide gig is exhausting.” I change the subject. “Let’s visit Quinn, I need a pick-me-up.”
The coffee shop is bustling at this hour with the growing wave of tourists. We’re lucky to find a small table. A murmur of whispers catches my attention after Carter pulls the chair out for me. Women mostly sneak glances and talk in hushed voices. Is this the kind of attention Carter gets back in New York? Does he bask in it? Bringing home different women?
I don’t know why it stirs an unpleasant urge to keep him hidden. I don’t exist in his real life and never will. It doesn’t stop the images forming in my mind until a firm hand slides down my spine, resting on the small of my back.
“It’s coffee for two after all,” Quinn grins, looming over me like a wicked princess doll, with her blonde waves and flowery dress.
I fumble something about being friendly and Carter chuckles.
When she returns with our orders a spark brightens her eyes. I know it means trouble.
“Since you’re not in hiding anymore,” she says casually, “we should have a girls’ night out. It’s time.” Quinn looks pointedly at me. “Maybe meet some guys.”
The shit-stirrer stares directly at Carter and asks sweetly, “Don’t you think so?”
Carter’s hand goes very still on my back.
I’m going to kill her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
CARTER
Eliza is slumped in the chair across from me, tossing around the pieces in her stew.
“Order something else if you can’t eat it.”
The restaurant is not the kind of place I’d go for dinner back home, but the food is delicious. The stops and chats today made me wonder if I could ever live in a small town like Silver Lake Falls. It’s a stupid thought.
The heart attack was a bump in the road. My place is back in New York, without copper-haired women complications.No, Quinn. I don’t think she should be going out and meeting men. She’s been quieter after her friend yanked a promise out of her for Saturday night. Is she considering it’s time to move on from her ex? She’s free to try again. Find her white-picket-fence guy.
Why does that idea taste like charred pickled herring?
“How come you’re not married?”
The question catches me off guard, and my first instinct is to go on the offensive. But the morose air about her tempers my response.
“Want to fix me up with the tarot lady?” I smirk to hide the uncomfortable hold on my insides.
Eliza rolls her eyes and groans. “Forget I asked.”
“What’s this about?” I reach for her hand with the most natural ease.
“Do you believe in real love?”
Her questions trigger my fight-or-flight response, so I do the obvious thing.
