She texted Charlotte to check on Mary. Her friend responded that Queen Mary remained on her throne and had called for the head of a robin nesting just out of reach under the porch eaves.
Off with her head!Allie texted. Then, because she loved her feathered friends, she added,No, really, be nice to the birdie. She has babies in the nest.
A whine came from the back seat. Walter was now sitting up, staring out the window. Then those big eyes rolled toward her, pleading.
“There’s a pull-off up ahead,” Luke said.
Allie sighed. “You really should have him checked for a bladder infection.”
The turnoff was in a beautiful valley, nestled in the hills and burgeoning with massive pine trees. Allie walked the needle-strewn path beside Luke. (Might as well stretch her legs.) He hadn’t bothered to put Walter on a leash as they were the only ones there, and Walter traveled, more or less, at the pace of a worm.
Allie drew in a lungful of the pine-scented air, perhaps her favorite smell of all time. Well, there was also that spicy cologne Luke wore. Couldn’t forget that.
But no, they were just friends. Even if friends didn’t necessarily notice the way jeans hugged the derriere or the way biceps bulged as they flexed.
They reached a clearing, completely shaded by the towering pines, a picnic table in the center. Somewhere nearby a squirrel nattered and a robin tweeted from a high perch. Luke settled on the table, his feet resting on the bench.
Walter sniffed the ground and pawed at something. He was really kind of okay in his own way with his sad jowls, put-upon expression, and disinterest in ripping her apart and gnawing her bones.
Allie checked her watch.
“You worried about the time?”
She shrugged. “Not really. We’ll make the party in time. I can’t wait to see my grandparents’ faces when they see the Chevy. They’re going to be so surprised.”
“That’ll be awesome. Really nice of your folks to do this for them.”
Allie joined him on the table. “I’m so glad that hail didn’t leave a mark.”
“She’ll look great once we get her cleaned up. I found a car wash about forty-five minutes from your grandparents’ place.”
“Sounds good.”
The long sideways look he gave her made her aware of how close they were sitting. And just like that it was seven years ago. Her pulse raced and her palms grew damp.
“What’s your life like in Atlanta? I know you live in an apartment. Olivia mentioned you’re a teacher’s assistant.”
Her heart gave a tug. Even her mom couldn’t seem to keep up with her jobs. “Yeah, for a kindergarten class at a public school.”
“You were always good with kids.”
“I’m a child at heart, what can I say? They’re really cute at that age. Learning’s still fun and exciting, and they say the darndest things.”
“You’ve been there awhile, haven’t you?”
“For the whole school year. It’s just enough of same and different to keep things interesting.”
“I can see that.”
“This summer I’m working at my friend’s floral shop—Charlotte’s a super-chill boss and I like arranging flowers, so it’s a good fit.”
“I’ll bet you’re great at that, with your creativity.”
“Well, she hasn’t fired me yet. And your business seems to be doing well.”
“It’s growing. Keeps me busy.”
“And you like it, making cabinets?”
