Had everyone in the room noticed their brief exchange?
“She said she thought you were very sweet.”
Isabel’s smile couldn’t have gotten any wider. “She’s nice, isn’t she, Dad?”
“Yes.”
“I wish we could see her more. Not just at rehearsals.”
“Out of the mouths of babes...” Gramp slid into the passenger seat.
“She’s busy with the show, honey. And she’s also taking care of her sister.” He helped her secure the seat belt.
“Maybe we could give her a tour of the town.”
“She was born here, Isabel. She knows her way around.”
“But she left a long time ago. I bet a lot has changed since she was a little girl.”
“We’ll talk about it later.” Before she could protest, he shut the door.
And as he walked around the car, he shored up his resolve.
Even if Isabel and Gramp ganged up on him, he wasnotgoing to discuss Devyn during the short drive.
Taking a deep breath, he slid behind the wheel and started the car. Pulled out of the parking lot. Pointed the car toward the wharf to check on the ice cream truck.
When no one spoke, he sent Gramp a sidelong glance.
The older man was scrolling through emails on his phone.
He peeked into the rearview mirror.
Isabel was buttoning her sweater and softly humming one of the show tunes.
Why the sudden silence? Had Gramp said something to Isabel while he circled the car that had shut down the discussion?
But why would he do that?
Unknown.
Whatever his motive, however, there was a method to his madness. Gramp was an excellent strategist.
As he tooled down Dockside Drive, Aaron continued to mull over the sudden silence from his companions.
Maybe Gramp had decided that the most effective way to get his recalcitrant grandson to think about Devyn was to leave his mind to its own devices.
If so, his plan was working.
Because instead of being occupied deflecting Gramp’s innuendoes, his brain was free to wander wherever it wanted to go.
And it kept returning to Devyn, with her beautiful blue eyes and the subtle, captivating perfume that swirled around her.
Of course, dwelling on her was a waste of mental energy. No matter what agenda Gramp was pushing, no matter how intriguing Devyn might be, a mill worker getting all hot and bothered about a New York City ballerina was a recipe for disaster.
So he was done going to rehearsals.
From now on, he was playing it safe and keeping his distance.
