Bryson:
Take a Hike.
I started to type out an apology when I stopped, realizing suddenly?—
Bryson:
That’s the store name. I’m not telling you off.
Silas:
Obviously. I knew that.
Bryson:
It was between that and Pitching a Tent. But knowing people’s dirty minds…
Silas:
Dirty fits right in around here. Haven’t you been to Glazed Holes?
Bryson:
Well, the sign’s not up yet ;) Pretty sure Branson would have a coronary if he got back from his honeymoon to find I’d changed the name. Might be worth it just to see his face.
I laughed, raising my thumbs to tap out a response when a knock on my window startled me. I jerked my head up.
Iola’s forehead was pressed to the window as she peered in at me. “Silas! Hello in there!”
Her voice was muffled, but I heard well enough. I hurriedly tucked away my phone and opened the car door.
“Iola, hello. Can I help you with something?”
“Just checking in, sweetie. You haven’t been returning my calls.”
“Haven’t I?” I asked, trying to project innocence.
She tsked. “It’s my duty as a Matchmaking Mama to follow up on our matches. Bryson is just wonderful, isn’t he?”
“Um…” I couldn’t help feeling as if this were a trap. “Yes, he’s great.”
Iola beamed. “I knew it! I knew if you gave us a chance, we’d find you love.”
“Nobody said anything about love,” I said quickly.
Her smile fell. “Oh, Silas, tell me you didn’t shut him down. He was such a lovely man.”
My heart clenched. He was lovely, wasn’t he? But I wasn’t ready to broadcast that to the whole town.
“Iola, I may have been unfair about the matchmaking business. You know what you’re doing. But, um, I’m taking it slow, okay? I’d appreciate it if you just gave me—and Bryson—some time to decide what we want.” I smiled encouragingly. “Too much pushing might, uh, make everything fall apart. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Ah. Of course, dear. Discretion is my middle name.”
Discretion wasn’t even a word I was convinced she understood. But she seemed willing to play along. “Good. Thanks, Iola.”
“But when it’s official, I want to know! We’ll shout it from the rooftops together.”
I gave a little laugh. “Right. Well, I’m late, so…”
