“Well, when you do find someone and have spare time again, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
Connor slid her a dark look.
“Don’t you look at me like that.”
“Did you get your oil changed?”
“Yes, I did, and stop trying to change the subject. I only have your best interests at heart.”
“Why does everyone think they know what’s in my best interest?”
“If by ‘everyone’ you mean your loving sisters, it’s because we do.”
“I think I’ll stick to my own devices, thanks just the same.”
“By that, you mean you’ll continue to work long hours and close yourself up like a hermit in the evenings?”
“Finally on the same page.”
“Connor...” She sighed softly, giving him a pitying look.
“Uh-oh, here it comes.”
“It’s been three years...”
“Yep, there it is.” He took a long sip of his coffee, letting the warmth soothe his throat.
“I know you loved Annie, hon, but she’s gone. She wouldn’t want you to live the rest of your life alone.”
“I’m well aware.” He gritted his teeth and tried to keep his frustration from showing. He knew they meant well, but his sisters... They just didn’t get it. And he hoped they never did.
“You’re going to have to jump back into the dating pool at some point. Or at least ease back in, one toe at a time.”
“Are we talking about dating or swimming?”
“You never were the cannonball type, but this is getting a little ridiculous. So...” She gave him a saucy look. “About this woman I want you to meet...”
“No offense, Lexie, but your friends are a little young for me.”
“She’s several years older, actually—thirty-two, to be exact. She’s very kind, very attractive, and very personable.”
“That’s a lot ofverys.”
“Stop being difficult.”
“If she’s so wonderful, why’s she still single?”
“So cynical. She was actually married until last year. She’s divorced now and ready to start dating again.”
“Sounds like a lot of baggage.”
“First of all, Mr. Judgey, she’s a very stable woman, and second of all, her husband was a jerk who cheated on her.”
“And I’m sure there’s no baggage at all fromthat.”
She scowled at him. “Connor, you’re thirty-five. Do you really think you’re going to find a single woman your age without a little baggage? You’re toting around at least a carry-on yourself. We all have issues, you know. That’s just life.”
He stared out to the hazy horizon where the white triangle of a sail was barely visible. He inhaled the air, letting it stretch his lungs before he exhaled it out.
